bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epithelial ovarian cancer survival by race and ethnicity in an equal-access healthcare population
Authors: Arter Zhaohui L. , Desmond Daniel , Berenberg Jeffrey L. , Killeen Jeffrey L. , Bunch Kristen , Merritt Melissa A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Previous studies in the general population observed that compared with non-Hispanic White women, Pacific Islander and Black women have higher age-adjusted mortality rates from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), while Asian American patients have lower mortality. We investigated whether race and ethnicity is associated with differences in EOC survival in a United States Military population where patients have equal access to healthcare.

Methods

This retrospective study included women diagnosed with EOC between 2001 and 2018 among Department of Defense beneficiaries. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusting for age and year of diagnosis, histology and stage.

Results

In our study population of 1230 invasive EOC cases (558 non-Hispanic White, 74 non-Hispanic Black, 73 Asian, 30 Pacific Islander and 36 Hispanic cases), 63% of the women died (all-cause death) after a mean = 4.8 years (SD = 4.1) of follow-up following diagnosis. Compared with non-Hispanic White cases, Asian cases had better overall survival, HR = 0.76 (95% CI = 0.58–0.98), whereas there were no differences in survival for other racial and ethnic groups.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need to investigate how differences in access to healthcare may influence observed racial and ethnic disparities for EOC.
PLK1 and its substrate MISP facilitate intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression by promoting lymphatic invasion and impairing E-cadherin adherens junctions
Authors: Pan Yi-Ru , Lai Joseph Chieh-Yu , Huang Wen-Kuan , Peng Pei-Hua , Jung Shih-Ming , Lin Sheng-Hsuan , Chen Chiao-Ping , Wu Chiao-En , Hung Tsai-Hsien , Yu Alice L. , Wu Kou-Juey , Yeh Chun-Nan
Published: December 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a subtype of CCA and has a high mortality rate and a relatively poor prognosis. However, studies focusing on increased cell motility and loss of epithelial integrity during iCCA progression remain relatively scarce. We collected seven fresh tumor samples from four patients to perform RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) to determine the transcriptome profile and chromatin accessibility of iCCA. The increased expression of cell cycle regulators, including PLK1 and its substrate MISP, was identified. Ninety-one iCCA patients were used to validate the clinical significance of PLK1 and MISP. The upregulation of PLK1 and MISP was determined in iCCA tissues. Increased expression of PLK1 and MISP was significantly correlated with tumor number, N stage, and lymphatic invasion in an iCCA cohort. Knockdown of PLK1 or MISP reduced trans-lymphatic endothelial migration and wound healing and affected focal adhesions in vitro. In cell‒cell junctions, MISP localized to adherens junctions and suppressed E-cadherin dimerization. PLK1 disrupted adherens junctions in a myosin-dependent manner. Furthermore, PLK1 and MISP promoted cell proliferation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. In iCCA, PLK1 and MISP promote aggressiveness by increasing lymphatic invasion, tumor growth, and motility through the repression of E-cadherin adherens junctions.
Co-targeting HSP90 alpha and CDK7 overcomes resistance against HSP90 inhibitors in BCR-ABL1+ leukemia cells
Authors: Vogt Melina , Dienstbier Niklas , Schliehe-Diecks Julian , Scharov Katerina , Tu Jia-Wey , Gebing Philip , Hogenkamp Julian , Bilen Berna-Selin , Furlan Silke , Picard Daniel , Remke Marc , Yasin Layal , Bickel David , Kalia Munishikha , Iacoangeli Alfredo , Lenz Thomas , Stühler Kai , Pandyra Aleksandra A. , Hauer Julia , Fischer Ute , Wagener Rabea , Borkhardt Arndt , Bhatia Sanil
Published: December 2023

HSP90 has emerged as an appealing anti-cancer target. However, HSP90 inhibitors (HSP90i) are characterized by limited clinical utility, primarily due to the resistance acquisition via heat shock response (HSR) induction. Understanding the roles of abundantly expressed cytosolic HSP90 isoforms (α and β) in sustaining malignant cells’ growth and the mechanisms of resistance to HSP90i is crucial for exploiting their clinical potential. Utilizing multi-omics approaches, we identified that ablation of the HSP90β isoform induces the overexpression of HSP90α and extracellular-secreted HSP90α (eHSP90α). Notably, we found that the absence of HSP90α causes downregulation of PTPRC (or CD45) expression and restricts in vivo growth of BCR-ABL1+ leukemia cells. Subsequently, chronic long-term exposure to the clinically advanced HSP90i PU-H71 (Zelavespib) led to copy number gain and mutation (p.S164F) of the HSP90AA1 gene, and HSP90α overexpression. In contrast, acquired resistance toward other tested HSP90i (Tanespimycin and Coumermycin A1) was attained by MDR1 efflux pump overexpression. Remarkably, combined CDK7 and HSP90 inhibition display synergistic activity against therapy-resistant BCR-ABL1+ patient leukemia cells via blocking pro-survival HSR and HSP90α overexpression, providing a novel strategy to avoid the emergence of resistance against treatment with HSP90i alone.
Inhibiting stromal Class I HDACs curbs pancreatic cancer progression
Authors: Liang Gaoyang , Oh Tae Gyu , Hah Nasun , Tiriac Hervé , Shi Yu , Truitt Morgan L. , Antal Corina E. , Atkins Annette R. , Li Yuwenbin , Fraser Cory , Ng Serina , Pinto Antonio F. M. , Nelson Dylan C. , Estepa Gabriela , Bashi Senada , Banayo Ester , Dai Yang , Liddle Christopher , Yu Ruth T. , Hunter Tony , Engle Dannielle D. , Han Haiyong , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Downes Michael , Evans Ronald M.
Published: December 2023

Oncogenic lesions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) hijack the epigenetic machinery in stromal components to establish a desmoplastic and therapeutic resistant tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we identify Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) as key epigenetic factors facilitating the induction of pro-desmoplastic and pro-tumorigenic transcriptional programs in pancreatic stromal fibroblasts. Mechanistically, HDAC-mediated changes in chromatin architecture enable the activation of pro-desmoplastic programs directed by serum response factor (SRF) and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1). HDACs also coordinate fibroblast pro-inflammatory programs inducing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression, supporting paracrine pro-tumorigenic crosstalk. HDAC depletion in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and treatment with the HDAC inhibitor entinostat (Ent) in PDAC mouse models reduce stromal activation and curb tumor progression. Notably, HDAC inhibition (HDACi) enriches a lipogenic fibroblast subpopulation, a potential precursor for myofibroblasts in the PDAC stroma. Overall, our study reveals the stromal targeting potential of HDACi, highlighting the utility of this epigenetic modulating approach in PDAC therapeutics.
Selective synthesis of tightly- and loosely-twisted metallomacrocycle isomers towards precise control of helicity inversion motion
Authors: Nakajima Tomoki , Tashiro Shohei , Ehara Masahiro , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: December 2023

Molecular twist is a characteristic component of molecular machines. Selectively synthesising isomers with different modes of twisting and controlling their motion such as helicity inversion is an essential challenge for achieving more advanced molecular systems. Here we report a strategy to control the inversion kinetics: the kinetically selective synthesis of tightly- and loosely-twisted isomers of a trinuclear PdII-macrocycle and their markedly different molecular behaviours. The loosely-twisted isomers smoothly invert between (P)- and (M)-helicity at a rate of 3.31 s–1, while the helicity inversion of the tightly-twisted isomers is undetectable but rather relaxes to the loosely-twisted isomers. This critical difference between these two isomers is explained by the presence or absence of an absolute configuration inversion of the nitrogen atoms of the macrocyclic amine ligand. Strategies to control the helicity inversion and structural loosening motions by the mode of twisting offer future possibilities for the design of molecular machines.
Discovery of type II polyketide synthase-like enzymes for the biosynthesis of cispentacin
Authors: Hibi Genki , Shiraishi Taro , Umemura Tatsuki , Nemoto Kenji , Ogura Yusuke , Nishiyama Makoto , Kuzuyama Tomohisa
Published: December 2023

Type II polyketide synthases (PKSs) normally synthesize polycyclic aromatic compounds in nature, and the potential to elaborate further diverse skeletons was recently revealed by the discovery of a polyene subgroup. Here, we show a type II PKS machinery for the biosynthesis of a five-membered nonaromatic skeleton contained in the nonproteinogenic amino acid cispentacin and the plant toxin coronatine. We successfully produce cispentacin in a heterologous host and reconstruct its biosynthesis using seven recombinant proteins in vitro. Biochemical analyses of each protein reveal the unique enzymatic reactions, indicating that a heterodimer of type II PKS-like enzymes (AmcF–AmcG) catalyzes a single C2 elongation as well as a subsequent cyclization on the acyl carrier protein (AmcB) to form a key intermediate with a five-membered ring. The subsequent reactions, which are catalyzed by a collection of type II PKS-like enzymes, are also peculiar. This work further expands the definition of type II PKS and illuminates an unexplored genetic resource for natural products.
Mosaic chromosomal alterations in peripheral blood leukocytes of children in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Zhou Weiyin , Fischer Anja , Ogwang Martin D. , Luo Wen , Kerchan Patrick , Reynolds Steven J. , Tenge Constance N. , Were Pamela A. , Kuremu Robert T. , Wekesa Walter N. , Masalu Nestory , Kawira Esther , Kinyera Tobias , Otim Isaac , Legason Ismail D. , Nabalende Hadijah , Ayers Leona W. , Bhatia Kishor , Goedert James J. , Gouveia Mateus H. , Cole Nathan , Hicks Belynda , Jones Kristine , Hummel Michael , Schlesner Mathias , Chagaluka George , Mutalima Nora , Borgstein Eric , Liomba George N. , Kamiza Steve , Mkandawire Nyengo , Mitambo Collins , Molyneux Elizabeth M. , Newton Robert , Glaser Selina , Kretzmer Helene , Manning Michelle , Hutchinson Amy , Hsing Ann W. , Tettey Yao , Adjei Andrew A. , Chanock Stephen J. , Siebert Reiner , Yeager Meredith , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila , Machiela Mitchell J. , Mbulaiteye Sam M.
Published: December 2023

In high-income countries, mosaic chromosomal alterations in peripheral blood leukocytes are associated with an elevated risk of adverse health outcomes, including hematologic malignancies. We investigate mosaic chromosomal alterations in sub-Saharan Africa among 931 children with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive lymphoma commonly characterized by immunoglobulin-MYC chromosomal rearrangements, 3822 Burkitt lymphoma-free children, and 674 cancer-free men from Ghana. We find autosomal and X chromosome mosaic chromosomal alterations in 3.4% and 1.7% of Burkitt lymphoma-free children, and 8.4% and 3.7% of children with Burkitt lymphoma (P-values = 5.7×10−11 and 3.74×10−2, respectively). Autosomal mosaic chromosomal alterations are detected in 14.0% of Ghanaian men and increase with age. Mosaic chromosomal alterations in Burkitt lymphoma cases include gains on chromosomes 1q and 8, the latter spanning MYC, while mosaic chromosomal alterations in Burkitt lymphoma-free children include copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 10, 14, and 16. Our results highlight mosaic chromosomal alterations in sub-Saharan African populations as a promising area of research.
Effects of whole-body vibration or resistive-vibration exercise on blood clotting and related biomarkers: a systematic review
Authors: Zuccarelli Lucrezia , Baldassarre Giovanni , Winnard Andrew , Harris Katie M. , Weber Tobias , Green David A. , Petersen Lonnie G. , Kamine Tovy Haber , Roberts Lara , Kim David S. , Greaves Danielle K. , Arya Roopen , Laws Jonathan M. , Elias Antoine , Rittweger Jörn , Grassi Bruno , Goswami Nandu
Published: December 2023

Whole-body vibration (WBV) and resistive vibration exercise (RVE) are utilized as countermeasures against bone loss, muscle wasting, and physical deconditioning. The safety of the interventions, in terms of the risk of inducing undesired blood clotting and venous thrombosis, is not clear. We therefore performed the present systematic review of the available scientific literature on the issue. The review was conducted following the guidelines by the Space Biomedicine Systematic Review Group, based on Cochrane review guidelines. The relevant context or environment of the studies was “ground-based environment”; space analogs or diseased conditions were not included. The search retrieved 801 studies; 77 articles were selected for further consideration after an initial screening. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. The main variables related to blood markers involved angiogenic and endothelial factors, fibrinolysis and coagulation markers, cytokine levels, inflammatory and plasma oxidative stress markers. Functional and hemodynamic markers involved blood pressure measurements, systemic vascular resistance, blood flow and microvascular and endothelial functions. The available evidence suggests neutral or potentially positive effects of short- and long-term interventions with WBV and RVE on variables related to blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammatory status, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, microvascular and endothelial functions. No significant warning signs towards an increased risk of undesired clotting and venous thrombosis were identified. If confirmed by further studies, WBV and RVE could be part of the countermeasures aimed at preventing or attenuating the muscular and cardiovascular deconditioning associated with spaceflights, permanence on planetary habitats and ground-based simulations of microgravity.
Cell-based, cell-cultured, cell-cultivated, cultured, or cultivated. What is the best name for meat, poultry, and seafood made directly from the cells of animals?
Authors: Hallman William K. , Hallman William K. , Hallman Eileen E.
Published: December 2023

To be sold in the United States, meat, poultry, and seafood products made from cultured cells must be labeled with a “common or usual name” to help consumers understand what they are purchasing. The terms “Cultured,” “Cultivated,” “Cell-Cultured,” “Cell-Cultivated,” “Cell-Based” and a control (without a common or usual name) were tested using an online experiment. Two regulatory criteria were assessed: that the term distinguishes the novel products from conventional products, and appropriately signals allergenicity. Three consumer acceptance criteria were assessed: that the term is seen as appropriate, does not disparage the novel or conventional products, nor elicit perceptions that the products are unsafe, unhealthy, or not nutritious. Each term was shown on packages of frozen Beef Filets, Beef Burgers, Chicken Breasts, Chicken Burgers, Atlantic Salmon Fillets, and Salmon Burgers. A representative sample of 4385 Americans (18 + ) were randomly assigned to view a single product with a single term or the control. Consumers’ ability to distinguish tested terms from conventional products differed by product category. “Cultured” and “Cultivated” failed to adequately differentiate the novel products from “Wild-Caught and Farm-Raised” salmon products. “Cultivated” failed to differentiate the novel Beef Filet product from “Grass-Fed” Beef Filets. “Cell-Cultured,” “Cell-Cultivated,” and “Cell-Based” each signaled that the products were different from conventional products across the proteins, and signaled allergenicity, meeting the two key regulatory criteria. They were not significantly different on most consumer perception measures. However, “Cell-Cultured” may have slightly better consumer acceptance across the novel beef, chicken, and salmon products, recommending its universal adoption.
Self-assembled photonic cavities with atomic-scale confinement
Authors: Babar Ali Nawaz , Weis Thor August Schimmell , Tsoukalas Konstantinos , Kadkhodazadeh Shima , Arregui Guillermo , Vosoughi Lahijani Babak , Stobbe Søren
Published: December 2023

Despite tremendous progress in research on self-assembled nanotechnological building blocks, such as macromolecules1, nanowires2 and two-dimensional materials3, synthetic self-assembly methods that bridge the nanoscopic to macroscopic dimensions remain unscalable and inferior to biological self-assembly. By contrast, planar semiconductor technology has had an immense technological impact, owing to its inherent scalability, yet it seems unable to reach the atomic dimensions enabled by self-assembly. Here, we use surface forces, including Casimir–van der Waals interactions4, to deterministically self-assemble and self-align suspended silicon nanostructures with void features well below the length scales possible with conventional lithography and etching5, despite using only conventional lithography and etching. The method is remarkably robust and the threshold for self-assembly depends monotonically on all the governing parameters across thousands of measured devices. We illustrate the potential of these concepts by fabricating nanostructures that are impossible to make with any other known method: waveguide-coupled high-Q silicon photonic cavities6,7 that confine telecom photons to 2 nm air gaps with an aspect ratio of 100, corresponding to mode volumes more than 100 times below the diffraction limit. Scanning transmission electron microscopy measurements confirm the ability to build devices with sub-nanometre dimensions. Our work constitutes the first steps towards a new generation of fabrication technology that combines the atomic dimensions enabled by self-assembly with the scalability of planar semiconductors.
Biological carbon pump estimate based on multidecadal hydrographic data
Authors: Wang Wei-Lei , Fu Weiwei , Le Moigne Frédéric A. C. , Letscher Robert T. , Liu Yi , Tang Jin-Ming , Primeau François W.
Published: December 2023

The transfer of photosynthetically produced organic carbon from surface to mesopelagic waters draws carbon dioxide from the atmosphere1. However, current observation-based estimates disagree on the strength of this biological carbon pump (BCP)2. Earth system models (ESMs) also exhibit a large spread of BCP estimates, indicating limited representations of the known carbon export pathways3. Here we use several decades of hydrographic observations to produce a top-down estimate of the strength of the BCP with an inverse biogeochemical model that implicitly accounts for all known export pathways. Our estimate of total organic carbon (TOC) export at 73.4 m (model euphotic zone depth) is 15.00 ± 1.12 Pg C year−1, with only two-thirds reaching 100 m depth owing to rapid remineralization of organic matter in the upper water column. Partitioned by sequestration time below the euphotic zone, τ, the globally integrated organic carbon production rate with τ > 3 months is 11.09 ± 1.02 Pg C year−1, dropping to 8.25 ± 0.30 Pg C year−1 for τ > 1 year, with 81% contributed by the non-advective-diffusive vertical flux owing to sinking particles and vertically migrating zooplankton. Nevertheless, export of organic carbon by mixing and other fluid transport of dissolved matter and suspended particles remains regionally important for meeting the respiratory carbon demand. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of the sequestration efficiency inferred from our inversion suggests that future global warming may intensify the recycling of organic matter in the upper ocean, potentially weakening the BCP.
High-resolution electric power load data of an industrial park with multiple types of buildings in China
Authors: Zhou Kaile , Hu Dingding , Hu Rong , Zhou Jiong
Published: December 2023

Considering the growing demand for electricity in industrial parks, understanding their electric power load patterns is critical for improving energy efficiency and ensuring the rational utilization of energy resources. However, the detailed electric power load data of various buildings in industrial parks are rarely available and accessible, which hinders the related studies. In this context, we present the electric power load data of 6 years (from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021) for various types of buildings in an industrial park in Suzhou, China. The data are obtained from smart meters and have various time resolutions (i.e., 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour). This work describes the data collection, processing process, and different imputation methods. The high-resolution electric power load data can be used for various research tasks, including load prediction, load pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and demand response strategy development.
The diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in liver diseases from a curated gene panel
Authors: Kong Xiao-Fei , Bogyo Kelsie , Kapoor Sheena , Shea Patrick R. , Groopman Emily E. , Thomas-Wilson Amanda , Cocchi Enrico , Milo Rasouly Hila , Zheng Beishi , Sun Siming , Zhang Junying , Martinez Mercedes , Vittorio Jennifer M. , Dove Lorna M. , Marasa Maddalena , Wang Timothy C. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Worman Howard J. , Gharavi Ali G. , Goldstein David B. , Wattacheril Julia
Published: December 2023

Exome sequencing (ES) has been used in a variety of clinical settings but there are limited data on its utility for diagnosis and/or prediction of monogenic liver diseases. We developed a curated list of 502 genes for monogenic disorders associated with liver phenotypes and analyzed ES data for these genes in 758 patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD). For comparison, we examined ES data in 7856 self-declared healthy controls (HC), and 2187 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Candidate pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants were initially identified in 19.9% of participants, most of which were attributable to previously reported pathogenic variants with implausibly high allele frequencies. After variant annotation and filtering based on population minor allele frequency (MAF ≤ 10–4 for dominant disorders and MAF ≤ 10–3 for recessive disorders), we detected a significant enrichment of P/LP variants in the CLD cohort compared to the HC cohort (X2 test OR 5.00, 95% CI 3.06–8.18, p value = 4.5e−12). A second-level manual annotation was necessary to capture true pathogenic variants that were removed by stringent allele frequency and quality filters. After these sequential steps, the diagnostic rate of monogenic disorders was 5.7% in the CLD cohort, attributable to P/LP variants in 25 genes. We also identified concordant liver disease phenotypes for 15/22 kidney disease patients with P/LP variants in liver genes, mostly associated with cystic liver disease phenotypes. Sequencing results had many implications for clinical management, including familial testing for early diagnosis and management, preventative screening for associated comorbidities, and in some cases for therapy. Exome sequencing provided a 5.7% diagnostic rate in CLD patients and required multiple rounds of review to reduce both false positive and false negative findings. The identification of concordant phenotypes in many patients with P/LP variants and no known liver disease also indicates a potential for predictive testing for selected monogenic liver disorders.
The role of carotid artery stenosis in predicting stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting in a Chinese cohort study
Authors: Chen Shanghao , Mi Chuanxiao , Zhang Shijie , Li Yi , Yun Yan , Zhang Xiangxi , Chen Jianguang , Li Yang , Zhang Haizhou , Gao Tian , Zou Chengwei , Ma Xiaochun
Published: December 2023

Current guidelines give priority to surgical treatment of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), especially in symptomatic patients. Carotid artery stenting is an alternative treatment for narrowing of the carotid arteries. This study sought to demonstrate the role of severe CAS in predicting stroke after CABG and assess the efficacy of carotid artery stenting in preventing postoperative stroke in a Chinese cohort. From 2015 to 2021, 1799 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery were retrospectively recruited in a Chinese cohort. The predictive value of severe CAS in postoperative stroke and carotid stenting in preventing postoperative stroke was statistically analyzed. The incidence of postoperative stroke was 1.67%. The incidence of CAS with stenosis ≥ 50% and ≥ 70% was 19.2% and 6.9%. After propensity matching, the incidence of stroke was 8.0% in the severe CAS group and 0% in the non-severe CAS group. We successfully established an optimal predictive nomogram for predicting severe CAS in patients undergoing CABG. Carotid artery stenting was found ineffective in preventing postoperative stroke. The present study provides the incidence of CAS and postoperative stroke in a Chinese cohort, identifies severe CAS as an independent risk factor for postoperative stroke after CABG, constructs a nomogram predicting the incidence of severe CAS, and evaluates the effectiveness of carotid artery stenting in preventing postoperative stroke after CABG.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae-associated community-acquired pneumonia in paediatric patients of a tertiary care hospital in Mexico: molecular diagnostic and clinical insights
Authors: Merida Vieyra Jocelin , De Colsa Ranero Agustín , Palacios Reyes Deborah , Murata Chiharu , Aquino Andrade Alejandra
Published: December 2023

Chlamydophila pneumoniae is a cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and responsible for 1–2% of cases in paediatric patients. In Mexico, information on this microorganism is limited. The aim of this study was to detect C. pneumoniae using two genomic targets in a real-time PCR and IgM/IgG serology assays in paediatric patients with CAP at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City and to describe their clinical characteristics, radiological features, and outcomes. A total of 154 hospitalized patients with diagnosis of CAP were included. Detection of C. pneumoniae was performed by real-time PCR of the pst and arg genes. Complete blood cell count, C-reactive protein measurement and IgM and IgG detection were performed. Clinical-epidemiological and radiological data from the patients were collected. C. pneumoniae was detected in 25 patients (16%), of whom 88% had underlying disease (P = 0.014). Forty-eight percent of the cases occurred in spring, 36% in girls, and 40% in children older than 6 years. All patients had cough, and 88% had fever. Interstitial pattern on chest-X-ray was the most frequent (68%), consolidation was observed in 32% (P = 0.002). IgM was positive in 7% and IgG in 28.6%. Thirty-six percent presented complications. Four percent died. A high proportion showed co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (64%). This is the first clinical report of C. pneumoniae as a cause of CAP in Mexican paediatric patients, using two genomic target strategy and serology. We found a frequency of 16.2% with predominance in children under 6 years of age. In addition; cough and fever were the most common symptoms. Early detection of this pathogen allows timely initiation of specific antimicrobial therapy to reduce development of complications. This study is one of the few to describe the presence of C. pneumoniae in patients with underlying diseases.
Fatty acid binding protein type 7 deficiency preserves auditory function in noise-exposed mice
Authors: Suzuki Jun , Hemmi Tomotaka , Maekawa Masamitsu , Watanabe Masahiro , Inada Hitoshi , Ikushima Hiroyuki , Oishi Tetsuya , Ikeda Ryoukichi , Honkura Yohei , Kagawa Yoshiteru , Kawase Tetsuaki , Mano Nariyasu , Owada Yuji , Osumi Noriko , Katori Yukio
Published: December 2023

Fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) is vital for uptake and trafficking of fatty acids in the nervous system. To investigate the involvement of FABP7 in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) pathogenesis, we used Fabp7 knockout (KO) mice generated via CRISPR/Cas9 in the C57BL/6 background. Initial auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements were conducted at 9 weeks, followed by noise exposure at 10 weeks. Subsequent ABRs were performed 24 h later, with final measurements at 12 weeks. Inner ears were harvested 24 h after noise exposure for RNA sequencing and metabolic analyses. We found no significant differences in initial ABR measurements, but Fabp7 KO mice showed significantly lower thresholds in the final ABR measurements. Hair cell survival was also enhanced in Fabp7 KO mice. RNA sequencing revealed that genes associated with the electron transport chain were upregulated or less impaired in Fabp7 KO mice. Metabolomic analysis revealed various alterations, including decreased glutamate and aspartate in Fabp7 KO mice. In conclusion, FABP7 deficiency mitigates cochlear damage following noise exposure. This protective effect was supported by the changes in gene expression of the electron transport chain, and in several metabolites, including excitotoxic neurotransmitters. Our study highlights the potential therapeutic significance of targeting FABP7 in NIHL.
Characterizing neurological status in individuals with tetraplegia using transcutaneous spinal stimulation
Authors: Oh Jeonghoon , Scheffler Michelle S. , Martin Catherine A. , Dinh Jenny , Sheynin Jony , Steele Alexander G. , Sayenko Dimitry G.
Published: December 2023

Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) is emerging as a valuable tool for electrophysiological and clinical assessment. This study had the objective of examining the recruitment patterns of upper limb (UL) motor pools through the delivery of TSS above and below a spinal lesion. It also aimed to explore the connection between the recruitment pattern of UL motor pools and the neurological and functional status following spinal cord injury (SCI). In eight participants with tetraplegia due to cervical SCI, TSS was delivered to the cervical spinal cord between the spinous processes of C3–C4 and C7–T1 vertebrae, and spinally evoked motor potentials in UL muscles were characterized. We found that responses observed in UL muscles innervated by motor pools below the level of injury demonstrated relatively reduced sensitivity to TSS compared to those above the lesion, were asymmetrical in the majority of muscles, and were dependent on the level, extent, and side of SCI. Overall, our findings indicate that electrophysiological data acquired through TSS can offer insights into the extent of UL functional asymmetry, disruptions in neural pathways, and changes in motor control following SCI. This study suggests that such electrophysiological data can supplement clinical and functional assessment and provide further insight regarding residual motor function in individuals with SCI.
Synergistic antibacterial effects of exopolysaccharides/nickel-nanoparticles composites against multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Garza-Cervantes Javier A. , Mendiola-Garza Gricelda , León-Buitimea Angel , Morones-Ramírez José Rubén
Published: December 2023

The need for an alternative treatment to fight infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing. A possible way to overcome bacterial resistance to antibiotics is by reintroducing commonly used antibiotics with a sensitizer capable of enhancing their antimicrobial effect in resistant bacteria. Here, we use a composite composed of exopolysaccharide capped-NiO NPs, with antimicrobial effects against antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It potentiated the antimicrobial effects of four different antibiotics (ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin) at lower concentrations than their minimal inhibitory concentrations. We observed that the Ni-composite synergistically enhanced, fourfold, the antibacterial effect of kanamycin and chloramphenicol against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as ampicillin against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and ciprofloxacin against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa by eightfold. We also found that Ni-composite could not inhibit biofilm synthesis on the tested bacterial strains. Our results demonstrated the possibility of using metal nanoparticles, like NiO, as a sensitizer to overcome bacterial antibiotic resistance.
A temperature sensor based on Si/PS/SiO2 photonic crystals
Authors: Aly Arafa H. , Mohamed B. A. , Al-Dossari M. , Mohamed D.
Published: December 2023

The present research deals with the extremely sensitive temperature-sensing capabilities of defective one-dimensional photonic crystal structures (Si/PS/SiO2). The proposed structure is realized by putting a defective layer of material silicon Dioxide (SiO2) in the middle of a structure consisting of alternating layers of silicon (Si) and porous silica (PS). The transfer matrix method has been employed to examine the transmission characteristics of the proposed defective one-dimensional photonic crystal in addition to MATLAB software. The transmission spectra of the proposed structure in the visible light domain are computed throughout a temperature range of 25–900 °C, and we study the thermal properties related to the defective mode. Additionally, the impacts of changing the defect layer's thickness are examined. Due to the effects of thermal expansion and the thermo-optical coefficient, the defect mode varies significantly as the temperature increases. Our investigation shows that the proposed structure considerably impacts the transmission intensity of the defective mode. The theoretically obtained numeric values of the quality factor and sensitivity are 2216.6 and 0.085 nm/°C, respectively. The challenges presented by conventional temperature sensors could be overcome by the suggested defective photonic crystal sensor. These results are enough to support our claim that the present design can be used as an ultra-sensitive temperature sensor.
The effect of different depth planes during a manual tracking task in three-dimensional virtual reality space
Authors: Kim Hyeonseok , Koike Yasuharu , Choi Woong , Lee Jongho
Published: December 2023

Unlike ballistic arm movements such as reaching, the contribution of depth information to the performance of manual tracking movements is unclear. Thus, to understand how the brain handles information, we investigated how a required movement along the depth axis would affect behavioral tracking performance, postulating that it would be affected by the amount of depth movement. We designed a visually guided planar tracking task that requires movement on three planes with different depths: a fronto-parallel plane called ROT (0), a sagittal plane called ROT (90), and a plane rotated by 45° with respect to the sagittal plane called ROT (45). Fifteen participants performed a circular manual tracking task under binocular and monocular visions in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality space. As a result, under binocular vision, ROT (90), which required the largest depth movement among the tasks, showed the greatest error in 3D. Similarly, the errors (deviation from the target path) on the depth axis revealed significant differences among the tasks. Under monocular vision, significant differences in errors were observed only on the lateral axis. Moreover, we observed that the errors in the lateral and depth axes were proportional to the required movement on these axes under binocular vision and confirmed that the required depth movement under binocular vision determined depth error independent of the other axes. This finding implies that the brain may independently process binocular vision information on each axis. Meanwhile, the required depth movement under monocular vision was independent of performance along the depth axis, indicating an intractable behavior. Our findings highlight the importance of handling depth movement, especially when a virtual reality situation, involving tracking tasks, is generated.
Long-range and high-precision localization method for underwater bionic positioning system based on joint active–passive electrolocation
Authors: Hou Meijiang , Wu Hailong , Peng Jiegang , Li Ke
Published: December 2023

Active electrolocation organ of weakly electric fish act as a proximity detection system with high accuracy in recognizing object parameters such as size and shape. In contrast, some fish with passive electrolocation organ are able to detect objects at a greater range. This paper proposes a joint active–passive electrolocation algorithm for long-range and high-precision underwater localization, inspired by the active and passive electroreceptive organs of fish. The study begins by designing a large experimental platform for the underwater localization system to investigate the response of underwater objects to active and passive electric fields. Based on the response, the paper proposes separate underwater active and passive electrolocation algorithms, which are then combined to form a joint algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves high localization accuracy and long detection distance. The joint active–passive electrolocation algorithm has potential applications in submarine resource exploration, underwater robotics, and maritime military projects, while also providing new ideas for future research on long-range underwater object detection and identification based on electrolocation.
Direct production of molecular oxygen from carbon dioxide and helium ion collisions
Authors: Zhi Yaya , Guo Qiang , Xie Jingchen , Hu Jie , Tian Shan Xi
Published: December 2023

The prebiotic mechanism to produce molecular oxygen (O2) in carbon dioxide (CO2)-rich planetary atmospheres is of great importance in understanding astrochemical reactions and is potentially relevant to the origin of life on Earth. Here, we demonstrate that, aside from the direct productions of O2 by photodissociation and dissociative electron attachment, the low-energy ion-molecule reaction between cationic helium in solar winds and molecular CO2 is a noticeable mechanism. Branching ratios of the reaction channels are determined, and their absolute cross-sections are estimated accordingly. The present findings represent a further, indispensable step towards fully understanding the origins of atmospheric O2.
Divergent data-driven estimates of global soil respiration
Authors: Hashimoto Shoji , Ito Akihiko , Nishina Kazuya
Published: December 2023

The release of carbon dioxide from the soil to the atmosphere, known as soil respiration, is the second largest terrestrial carbon flux after photosynthesis, but the convergence of the data-driven estimates is unclear. Here we collate all historical data-driven estimates of global soil respiration to analyze convergence and uncertainty in the estimates. Despite the development of a dataset and advanced scaling techniques in the last two decades, we find that inter-model variability has increased. Reducing inter-model variability of global soil respiration is not an easy task, but when the puzzle pieces of the carbon cycle fit together perfectly, climate change prediction will be more reliable.
Water resources in Saudi Arabia: trends in rainfall, water consumption, and analysis of agricultural water footprint
Authors: Odnoletkova Natalia , Patzek Tadeusz W.
Published: December 2023

Saudi Arabia is one of the most arid countries in the world. Thus, freshwater availability and consumption are of crucial importance for the fast-growing population subjected to an escalating heat stress from climate change. We provide an overarching view of water resources in Saudi Arabia, in terms of supply, demand, vulnerabilities, and the associated implications on food supply and security. To estimate the effects of climate change on natural water supply, we use ERA5 for the reliable and complete statistics of the long term-precipitation (1950-2021) trends across the Kingdom’s territory. ERA5 is the latest generation of the reanalysis of global climate from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The average annual precipitation is about 50 mm/year and does not satisfy the freshwater needs of the country. Energy-intensive desalination, driven by fossil fuels, meets two thirds of municipal freshwater requirements, while non-renewable “fossil” groundwater addresses most of agricultural consumption needs. Total freshwater use has decreased in recent years due to a significant reduction of water use by agricultural sector. Nevertheless, this sector still accounts for 67% of the total freshwater consumption and provides a third of the country’s food supply. To understand efficiency of freshwater use in the agricultural sector, we have developed a novel methodology that allowed us to estimate the country-scale water consumption associated with crop production. Results indicate that water requirements for crop cultivation in Saudi Arabia are up to three times the global average. Date and cereal production consumes almost two thirds of the total freshwater supply, while mass production is dominated by forage crops.
Simultaneous determination of methyltestosterone and its metabolite in fish by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Liufeng , Sun Juan , Ding Yinmeng , Li Li , Liu Jing
Published: December 2023

Methyltestosterone is one of the banned drugs in aquaculture, and it should be monitored in food-producing animals.
A simple fluorescence pyrocatechol–polyethyleneimine detection method for 3-MCPD
Authors: Xu Ting , Fu Qing , Qingru Zeng , Wang Zhaojie , Liu Xin , Xiao Shensheng , Jiang Xiaoming , Lu Yuepeng , Gong Zhiyong , Wu Yongning , Fang Min
Published: December 2023

A rapid fluorescence detection method was established for 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD).
9,9′-Bis-o-carboranes: synthesis and exploration of properties
Authors: Chen Feijing , Guo Wenjing , Ma Yan-Na , Chen Xuenian
Published: December 2023

9,9′-Bis(carborane)s were prepared by Pd-catalyzed B(9)–H/B(9)–H oxidative dehydrogenation coupling of carboranes. Further transformation of the 9,9′-bis-o-carborane provided diverse bis-o-carborane derivatives.
Infrared light dual excitation of Ni-phytate-sensitized ZnIn2S4 with sulfur vacancies for enhanced NIR-driven photocatalysis
Authors: Yang Hong , Huang Yuanyong , Luo Bifu , Xie Zhongkai , Li Di , Xu Dongbo , Lei Yong , Shi Weidong
Published: December 2023

A molecular semiconductor photocatalytic system consisting of ZnIn2S4−x and phytic acid nickel achieved a hydrogen evolution reaction of 119.85 μmol h−1 g−1 under λ > 800 nm light due to its dual excitation mechanism.
A multi-cycle signal amplification-mediated single quantum dot nanosensor for PIWI-interacting RNA detection
Authors: Ge Qi-qin , Han Qian , Han Yun , Ma Fei , Li Chen-zhong , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: December 2023

We report a catalytic single QD nanosensor for simple, selective, and highly sensitive quantification of piRNA.
Unidirectional growth of epitaxial tantalum disulfide triangle crystals grown on sapphire by chemical vapour deposition with a separate-flow system
Authors: Yanase Takashi , Ebashi Miu , Takamure Kotaro , Ise Wataru , Waizumi Hiroki , Chikamatsu Akira , Hirose Yasushi , Shimada Toshihiro
Published: December 2023

Tantalum disulfide has been attracting considerable attention due to its rich phase diagram that includes polytypes and charge density waves, thus having potential for electrical device applications.
Growth mechanism prediction for nanoparticles via structure matching polymerization
Authors: Liu Yi-Rong , Jiang Yan
Published: December 2023

Exploring structural and component evolution remains a challenging scientific problem for nanoscience.
Two-dimensional SPdAZ2 (A = Si, Ge; Z = N, P, As) monolayers with an intrinsic electric field for high-performance photocatalysis
Authors: Gao Zhen , He Yao , Xiong Kai
Published: December 2023

Two-dimensional SPdAZ2 monolayers exhibit excellent photocatalytic water splitting.
Automatic mechanism generation involving kinetics of surface reactions with bidentate adsorbates
Authors: Kreitz Bjarne , Blöndal Katrín , Badger Kirk , West Richard H. , Goldsmith C. Franklin
Published: December 2023

RMG was expanded with multidentate functionalities, which enables the automated discovery of mechanisms for the complex non-oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane.
Accelerated chemical science with AI
Authors: Back Seoin , Aspuru-Guzik Alán , Ceriotti Michele , Gryn'ova Ganna , Grzybowski Bartosz , Gu Geun Ho , Hein Jason , Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Hormázabal Rodrigo , Jung Yousung , Kim Seonah , Kim Woo Youn , Moosavi Seyed Mohamad , Noh Juhwan , Park Changyoung , Schrier Joshua , Schwaller Philippe , Tsuda Koji , Vegge Tejs , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole , Walsh Aron
Published: December 2023

The ASLLA Symposium focused on accelerating chemical science with AI. Discussions on data, new applications, algorithms, and education were summarized. Recommendations for researchers, educators, and academic bodies were provided.
Isoquercitrin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal mucosal barrier damage in mice by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and intestinal flora
Authors: Tang Enhui , Hu Tong , Jiang Zhaokang , Shen Xiaojun , Lin Huan , Xian Haiyan , Wu Xinlan
Published: December 2023

Isoquercitrin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal mucosal barrier damage in mice.
Recent advances in ambient electrochemical methane conversion to oxygenates using metal oxide electrocatalysts
Authors: Liu Fengli , Yan Yong , Chen Ge , Wang Dong
Published: December 2023

In this review, the recent developments in the electrocatalytic conversion of methane under ambient conditions, with focus on metal oxide catalysts, are examined. The commonly employed strategies are systematically reviewed.
Engineering chitosan into a recyclable and flame-resistant gel electrolyte via a dual cross-linking strategy for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Mingwei , Yue Wang , Zhang Lihua , Chen Kui , Li Shizhao , Xu Yongzhen , Xu Qinqin , Huang Jun , Xie Haibo
Published: December 2023

A dual cross-linking strategy was developed using LA and sodium borate to engineer chitosan into flame-resistant and recyclable GPEs with satisfactory mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity for application in flexible SCs.
Multi-objective optimization strategy for green solvent design via a deep generative model learned from pre-set molecule pairs
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Qin , Wen Huaqiang , Gerbaud Vincent , Jin Saimeng , Shen Weifeng
Published: December 2023

Green solvent design is usually a multi-objective optimization problem that requires identification of a set of solvent molecules to balance multiple, often trade-off, properties.
Taking a deeper look into the roles of amines in atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Aller A. J. , Pereira F. J.
Published: December 2023

This work provides an in-depth critical evaluation of the uses of amines in FAAS/ETAAS. It covers the effects of amines in metal atomisation, their behaviour as complexing agents and their likely direct/indirect determination by AAS.
Cell chip device for real-time monitoring of drug release from drug-laden microparticles
Authors: Choi Hye Jin , Shin Min Chul , Han Ji Hwan , Kim Gyu Man
Published: December 2023

A cell chip for real-time monitoring of drug release from drug carriers is developed, which integrates three core functions: cell culture, real-time analysis, and drug delivery tests.
Single transition atom-doped antimonene as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction: a DFT study
Authors: Shen Xiaopeng , Liu Chao , Zhang Qinfang
Published: December 2023

The synthesis of ammonia (NH3) through the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) at ambient temperature and pressure provides a green low-carbon synthetic route for ammonia production.
Constructing magnetic/dielectric dual loss and phonon/electron thermal carriers γ-Al2O3-based yolk–shell microspheres to collaboratively advance microwave absorption and heat conduction
Authors: Fu Kang , Yao Qibin , Xu Lingling , Zhou Wanyi , Wang Zijian , Yang Yujia , Tong Guoxiu , Wang Xiaojuan , Wu Wenhua
Published: December 2023

The severe electromagnetic (EM) interference and overheating issues in 5G/6G electric devices increasingly heighten the need for developing multifunctional materials with large heat conduction (HC) and high EM wave (EMW) absorption.