bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous monitoring of physiological data using the patient vital status fusion score in septic critical care patients
Authors: Ohland Philipp L. S. , Jack Thomas , Mast Marcel , Melk Anette , Bleich André , Talbot Steven R.
Published: March 2024

Accurate and standardized methods for assessing the vital status of patients are crucial for patient care and scientific research. This study introduces the Patient Vital Status (PVS), which quantifies and contextualizes a patient's physical status based on continuous variables such as vital signs and deviations from age-dependent normative values. The vital signs, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and temperature were selected as input to the PVS pipeline. The method was applied to 70 pediatric patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), and its efficacy was evaluated by matching high values with septic events at different time points in patient care. Septic events included systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and suspected or proven sepsis. The comparison of maximum PVS values between the presence and absence of a septic event showed significant differences (SIRS/No SIRS: p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.54; Suspected Sepsis/No Suspected Sepsis: p = 0.00047, η2 = 0.43; Proven Sepsis/No Proven Sepsis: p = 0.0055, η2 = 0.34). A further comparison between the most severe PVS in septic patients with the PVS at ICU discharge showed even higher effect sizes (SIRS: p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.8; Suspected Sepsis: p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.8; Proven Sepsis: p = 0.002, η2 = 0.84). The PVS is emerging as a data-driven tool with the potential to assess a patient's vital status in the ICU objectively. Despite real-world data challenges and potential annotation biases, it shows promise for monitoring disease progression and treatment responses. Its adaptability to different disease markers and reliance on age-dependent reference values further broaden its application possibilities. Real-time implementation of PVS in personalized patient monitoring may be a promising way to improve critical care. However, PVS requires further research and external validation to realize its true potential.
The prevalence and risk factors of pressure ulcers among residents of long-term care institutions: a case study of Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhetmekova Zhuldyz , Kassym Laura , Kussainova Assiya , Akhmetova Almira , Everink Irma , Orazalina Ainash , Zhanaspayeva Galiya , Botabayeva Ainur , Kozhakhmetova Dana , Olzhayeva Rauza , Semenova Yuliya
Published: March 2024

Limited information is available regarding the prevalence of pressure ulcers (PUs) in residential homes in Central Asia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence rates and risk factors associated with PUs among residents of long-term care medical institutions in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This cross-sectional study was conducted in four long-term care institutions in Kazakhstan. The study sample consisted of 640 patients who were assessed for the presence of PUs and associated risk factors. The evaluation was performed using the International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality (Landelijke Prevalentiemeting Zorgkwaliteit, LPZ), the Braden scale, and the Care Dependency Score (CDS). The overall prevalence of PUs, classified as categories I–IV, was found to be 37%. When excluding category I PUs, the prevalence decreased to 35.6%. The odds ratios (ORs) for presenting with PUs were as follows: history of stroke (OR 5.22), diseases of the digestive system (OR 10.01), presence of spinal cord lesions/paraplegia (OR 20.50), recent reported confusion within the last 7 days (OR 184.00), and limited extent dependency according to the CDS (OR 4.44; 95%CI 1.31–16.1). It is imperative to establish specialized training programs aimed at equipping medical personnel, relatives, and patients themselves with the necessary skills to provide optimal care for individuals affected by PUs.
The role of local non-tetragonal polar displacements in the temperature- and pressure-induced phase transitions in PbTiO3-BiMeO3 ferroelectrics
Authors: Margaritescu Irina , Liu Zenghui , Ye Zuo-Guang , Mihailova Boriana
Published: March 2024

In situ high-pressure/high-temperature Raman-scattering analyses on PbTiO$$_3$$

3

, 0.92PbTiO$$_3-$$

3

-

0.08Bi(Zn$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

Ti$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

)O$$_3$$

3

and 0.83PbTiO$$_3-$$

3

-

0.17Bi(Mg$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

Ti$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

)O$$_3$$

3

single crystals reveal an intensity transfer between the fine-structure components of the A$$_1$$

1

(TO) soft mode. The enhancement of the lowest-energy subpeak, which stems from intrinsic local non-tetragonal polar distortions, along with the suppression of the tetragonal A$$_1$$

1

(1TO) fundamental mode with increasing pressure and temperature indicates the key role of the local polarization fluctuations in transformation processes and emphasizes the significance of the order-disorder phenomena in both the pressure- and temperature-induced phase transitions of pure PbTiO$$_3$$

3

and its solid solutions with complex perovskites. Moreover, the temperature and pressure evolution of the fraction of the local non-tetragonal polar distortions is highly sensitive to the type of B-site substituent.
Ultra-low-dose computed tomography and chest X-ray in follow-up of high-grade soft tissue sarcoma—a prospective comparative study
Authors: Salminen Samuli , Jäämaa Sari , Nevala Riikka , Sormaala Markus J. , Koivikko Mika , Tukiainen Erkki , Repo Jussi , Blomqvist Carl , Sampo Mika
Published: March 2024

Ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) may combine the high sensitivity of conventional computed tomography (CT) in detecting sarcoma pulmonary metastasis, with a radiation dose in the same magnitude as chest X-ray (CXR). Fifty patients with non-metastatic high-grade soft tissue sarcoma treated with curative intention were recruited. Their follow-up involved both CXR and ULD-CT to evaluate their different sensitivity. Suspected findings were confirmed by conventional CT if necessary. Patients with isolated pulmonary metastases were treated with surgery or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with curative intent if possible. The median effective dose from a single ULD-CT study was 0.27 mSv (range 0.12 to 0.89 mSv). Nine patients were diagnosed with asymptomatic lung metastases during the follow-up. Only three of them were visible in CXR and all nine in ULD-CT. CXR had therefore only a 33% sensitivity compared to ULD-CT. Four patients were operated, and one had SBRT to all pulmonary lesions. Eight of them, however, died of the disease. Two patients developed symptomatic metastatic recurrence involving extrapulmonary sites+/−the lungs between two imaging rounds. ULD-CT has higher sensitivity for the detection of sarcoma pulmonary metastasis than CXR, with a radiation dose considerably lower than conventional CT.

Clinical trial registration: NCT05813808. 04-14-2023.
Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation to explore the mechanism of kaempferol in the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Dong Qi , Ren Guoxia , Li Yanzhao , Hao Dingjun
Published: March 2024

Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent global disease characterized by bone mass loss and microstructural destruction, resulting in increased bone fragility and fracture susceptibility. Our study aims to investigate the potential of kaempferol in preventing and treating OP through a combination of network pharmacology and molecular experiments. Kaempferol and OP-related targets were retrieved from the public database. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of common targets was constructed using the STRING database and visualized with Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Enrichment analyses for GO and KEGG of potential therapeutic targets were conducted using the Hiplot platform. Molecular docking was performed using Molecular operating environment (MOE) software, and cell experiments were conducted to validate the mechanism of kaempferol in treating OP. Network pharmacology analysis identified 54 overlapping targets between kaempferol and OP, with 10 core targets identified. The primarily enriched pathways included atherosclerosis-related signaling pathways, the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, and the TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicated stable binding of kaempferol and two target proteins, AKT1 and MMP9. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated significant upregulation of AKT1 expression in MC3T3-E1 cells (p < 0.001) with kaempferol treatment, along with downregulation of MMP9 expression (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. This study predicted the core targets and pathways of kaempferol in OP treatment using network pharmacology, and validated these findings through in vitro experiments, suggesting a promising avenue for future clinical treatment of OP.
Plate augmentation and hybrid bone grafting are effective treatments for atrophic nonunion of the femur with the original intramedullary nail retained in situ
Authors: Qiang Huang , Congming Zhang , Teng Ma , Kun Zhang , Chaofeng Wang
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of plate augmentation and hybrid bone grafting for treating atrophic nonunion of the femur with original intramedullary nail retained in situ.In this study, 36 patients with atrophic nonunion of the femur who underwent surgery using the technique of plate augmentation and a hybrid bone grafting while retaining the original intramedullary nail in situ in Xi’an Honghui Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled. 28 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were ultimately included in the study. These 28 patients, consisting of 20 males and 8 females with a mean age of 38 years, were evaluated based on factors such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the average hospitalization days. Additionally, the results and function of these patients were evaluated by union time, Wu’s scores of limb function and incidence of serious complications.All 28 patients achieved bone union at the 12 month follow-up, with an average follow-up time of 14.6 ± 4.2 months.The average operation time was 68.3 ± 11.2 min, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 140 ± 22.6 ml. Patients were hospitalized for an average of 5.8 ± 1.1 days. Full clinical and radiological bone union was achieved on average at 5.1 ± 1.9 months. The mean value of Wu's scores at the 12 month follow-up was significantly higher than before the operation. Limb function was excellent in 27 patients and good in one patient at the 12 month follow-up. However, five patients experienced the lower limb vein thrombosis, including one deep vein thrombosis and four lower limb intermuscular vein thromboses. One patient had a superficial infections of the surgical incision site, while three patients reported pain and numbness where their iliac bone graft was extracted at the 12 month follow-up. The technique of plate augmentation and hybrid bone grafting, combined with retaining the original intramedullary nail in situ has been shown to be a safe, effective, simply and standardizable practice for treating atrophic femoral nonunion with an intact original IMN fixation.
ATP releasing channels and the ameliorative effects of high intensity interval training on diabetic heart: a multifaceted analysis
Authors: Joukar Siyavash , Rajizadeh Mohammad Amin , Bejeshk Mohammad Abbas , Alavi Samaneh Sadat , Bagheri Fatemeh , Rami Mohammad , Khoramipour Kayvan
Published: March 2024

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can cause severe cardiac complications at functional, histologic and molecular levels. These pathological complications could be mediated by ATP-releasing channels such as Panx1 and ATP receptors, in particular P2X7. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on T2D-induced cardiac complications at the functional, histopathological and molecular levels, with a particular focus on ATP-releasing channels. 48 male Wistar rats at the age of 8 weeks were randomly allocated into four groups: control (Con), Diabetes (T2D), Training (TR), and Diabetes + Training (T2D + TR). T2D was induced by a high-fat diet plus a low dose (35 mg/kg) of STZ administration. Rats in the TR and T2D + TR groups underwent an 8-weeks training program involving intervals ranging from 80 to 100% of their maximum running speed (Vmax), with 4–10 intervals per session. Protein expression of Interleukin 1β (IL1β), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), Pannexin 1 (Panx1), P2X7R (purinergic P2X receptor 7), NLRP1 (NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 1), BAX, and Bcl2 were measured in the heart tissue. Additionally, we assessed heart function, histopathological changes, as well as insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In contrast to the T2D group, HIIT led to increased protein expression of Bcl2 and IL-10 in the heart. It also resulted in improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, ± dp/dt (maximum and minimum changes in left ventricular pressure), while reducing protein expression of IL-1β, Panx1, P2X7R, NLRP1, and BAX levels in the heart. Furthermore, left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP) was reduced (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, heart lesion scores increased with T2D but decreased with HIIT, along with a reduction in fibrosis percentage (P ≤ 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the cardioprotective effects of HIIT on the diabetic heart may be mediated by the modulation of ATP-releasing channels. This modulation may lead to a reduction in inflammation and apoptosis, improve cardiac function, and attenuate cardiac injury and fibrosis.
Correlation of shear-wave elastography stiffness and apparent diffusion coefficient values with tumor characteristics in breast cancer
Authors: Kwon Mi-ri , Youn Inyoung , Ko Eun Sook , Choi Seon-Hyeong
Published: March 2024

We aimed to investigate the correlation between shear-wave elastography (SWE) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in breast cancer and to identify the associated characteristics. We included 91 breast cancer patients who underwent SWE and breast MRI prior to surgery between January 2016 and November 2017. We measured the lesion’s mean (Emean) and maximum (Emax) elasticities of SWE and ADC values. We evaluated the correlation between SWE, ADC values and tumor size. The mean SWE and ADC values were compared for categorical variable of the pathological/imaging characteristics. ADC values showed negative correlation with Emean (r =  − 0.315, p = 0.002) and Emax (r =  − 0.326, p = 0.002). SWE was positively correlated with tumor size (r = 0.343–0.366, p < 0.001). A higher SWE value indicated a tendency towards a higher T stage (p < 0.001). Triple-negative breast cancer showed the highest SWE values (p = 0.02). SWE were significantly higher in breast cancers with posterior enhancement, vascularity, and washout kinetics (p < 0.02). SWE stiffness and ADC values were negatively correlated in breast cancer. SWE values correlated significantly with tumor size, and were higher in triple-negative subtype and aggressive imaging characteristics.
Serial mediating effects of childhood trauma and conduct behaviors on the impact of family history among patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Han Min Jeong , Kim Shin Tae , Park Chun Il , Hwang Syung Shick , Kim Hae Won , Kang Jee In , Kim Se Joo
Published: March 2024

Family history (FH) of alcoholism increases the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, the contribution of childhood trauma (CT) in this respect remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between FH and AUD-related clinical characteristics (social onset, antisocial tendency, and severity of problematic alcohol consumption) through the mediating effects of childhood trauma (CT) and conduct behaviors (CB) in a Korean male population with AUD. A total of 304 patients hospitalized for AUD at 16 psychiatric hospitals completed standardized questionnaires, including self-rated scales. Mediation analyses were performed using the SPSS macro PROCESS. Individuals with positive FH (133, 44%) had greater CT and CB and more severe AUD-related clinical characteristics than those without FH (171, 56%). In the present serial mediation model, FH had significant direct and indirect effects on AUD-related clinical characteristics through CT and CB. Indirect effects were 21.3% for social onset, 46.3%, antisocial tendency, and 37.9% for problematic drinking. FH directly contributed to AUD-related clinical characteristics, and CT and CB played mediating roles. This highlights the importance of careful intervention and surveillance of adverse childhood experiences and conduct disorder to prevent and mitigate alcohol-related problems in individuals with FH of AUD.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) and phylogenetic relationships within the Yponomeutoidea superfamily
Authors: Pereira dos Santos Mateus , Zotta Mota Ana Paula , Coiti Togawa Roberto , Florencio Martins Natalia , Fabricio de Melo Bellard do Nascime Eliza , Lucena Vivian Santos , Castellani Maria Aparecida , Saliba Albuquerque Erika Valéria , Hilliou Frédérique
Published: March 2024

The coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella) is one of the major pests of coffee crops in the neotropical regions, and causes major economic losses. Few molecular data are available to identify this pest and advances in the knowledge of the genome of L. coffeella will contribute to improving pest identification and also clarify taxonomy of this microlepidoptera. L. coffeella DNA was extracted and sequenced using PacBio HiFi technology. Here we report the complete L. coffeella circular mitochondrial genome (16,407 bp) assembled using Aladin software. We found a total of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and an A + T rich-region and a D-loop. The L. coffeella mitochondrial gene organization is highly conserved with similarities to lepidopteran mitochondrial gene rearrangements (trnM-trnI-trnQ). We concatenated the 13 PCG to construct a phylogenetic tree and inferred the relationship between L. coffeella and other lepidopteran species. L. coffeella is found in the Lyonetiidae clade together with L. malifoliella and Lyonetia clerkella, both leaf miners. Interestingly, this clade is assigned in the Yponomeutoidea superfamily together with Gracillariidae, and both superfamilies displayed species with leaf-mining feeding habits.
Fully connected-convolutional (FC-CNN) neural network based on hyperspectral images for rapid identification of P. ginseng growth years
Authors: Chen Xingfeng , Du Hejuan , Liu Yun , Shi Tingting , Li Jiaguo , Liu Jun , Zhao Limin , Liu Shu
Published: March 2024

P. ginseng is a precious traditional Chinese functional food, which is used for both medicinal and food purposes, and has various effects such as immunomodulation, anti-tumor and anti-oxidation. The growth year of P. ginseng has an important impact on its medicinal and economic values. Fast and nondestructive identification of the growth year of P. ginseng is crucial for its quality evaluation. In this paper, we propose a FC-CNN network that incorporates spectral and spatial features of hyperspectral images to characterize P. ginseng from different growth years. The importance ranking of the spectra was obtained using the random forest method for optimal band selection. Based on the hyperspectral reflectance data of P. ginseng after radiometric calibration and the images of the best five VNIR bands and five SWIR bands selected, the year-by-year identification of P. ginseng age and its identification experiments for food and medicinal purposes were conducted, and the FC-CNN network and its FCNN and CNN branch networks were tested and compared in terms of their effectiveness in the identification of P. ginseng growth years. It has been experimentally verified that the best year-by-year recognition was achieved by utilizing images from five visible and near-infrared important bands and all spectral curves, and the recognition accuracy of food and medicinal use reached 100%. The FC-CNN network is significantly better than its branching model in the effect of edible and medicinal identification. The results show that for P. ginseng growth year identification, VNIR images have much more useful information than SWIR images. Meanwhile, the FC-CNN network utilizing the spectral and spatial features of hyperspectral images is an effective method for the identification of P. ginseng growth year.
Empowering women in sustainable agriculture
Authors: Fertő Imre , Bojnec Štefan
Published: March 2024

The agricultural and rural development policy seeks to facilitate the transition towards environmentally sustainable and climate-neutral agricultural practices, with a focus on human capital, knowledge, and innovation. Gender equality can play a significant role in promoting environmentally sustainable practices in the agricultural sector, particularly through the adoption and implementation of agri-environment-climate schemes (AECS) in the context of farm, agricultural, and rural development. We examine the presence of gender bias in the adoption intensity of AECS by utilising farm-level data from Slovenia. We find that women on Slovenian farms engage in the adoption of AECS and receive subsidies, despite the presence of a gender gap in various agricultural factor endowment variables that typically favour men. The results of this study provide evidence in favour of promoting greater involvement and empowerment of women in the fields of green technology applications and green entrepreneurship, particularly with AECS practices.
Effects of non-landslide sampling strategies on machine learning models in landslide susceptibility mapping
Authors: Gu Tengfei , Duan Ping , Wang Mingguo , Li Jia , Zhang Yanke
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore the effects of different non-landslide sampling strategies on machine learning models in landslide susceptibility mapping. Non-landslide samples are inherently uncertain, and the selection of non-landslide samples may suffer from issues such as noisy or insufficient regional representations, which can affect the accuracy of the results. In this study, a positive-unlabeled (PU) bagging semi-supervised learning method was introduced for non-landslide sample selection. In addition, buffer control sampling (BCS) and K-means (KM) clustering were applied for comparative analysis. Based on landslide data from Qiaojia County, Yunnan Province, China, collected in 2014, three machine learning models, namely, random forest, support vector machine, and CatBoost, were used for landslide susceptibility mapping. The results show that the quality of samples selected using different non-landslide sampling strategies varies significantly. Overall, the quality of non-landslide samples selected using the PU bagging method is superior, and this method performs best when combined with CatBoost for predicting (AUC = 0.897) landslides in very high and high susceptibility zones (82.14%). Additionally, the KM results indicated overfitting, displaying high accuracy for validation but poor statistical outcomes for zoning. The BCS results were the worst.
A warming climate will make Australian soil a net emitter of atmospheric CO2
Authors: Viscarra Rossel R. A. , Zhang M. , Behrens T. , Webster R.
Published: March 2024

Understanding the change in soil organic carbon (C) stock in a warmer climate and the effect of current land management on that stock is critical for soil and environmental conservation and climate policy. By simulation modeling, we predicted changes in Australia’s soil organic C stock from 2010 to 2100. These vary from losses of 0.014–0.077 t C ha−1 year−1 between 2020 and 2045 and 0.013–0.047 t C ha−1 year−1 between 2070 and 2100, under increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and temperature. Thus, Australian soil will be a net emitter of CO2. Depending on the future socio-economic conditions, we predict that croplands will accrue as much as 0.19 t C ha−1 year−1 between 2020 and 2045 due to their management, but accrual will decrease with warming and increased emissions by 2070–2100. The gains will be too small to counteract the losses of C from the larger areas of rangelands and coastal regions that are more sensitive to a warmer climate. In principle, prudent management of the rangelands, for example, improving grazing management and regenerating biodiverse, endemic native plant communities, could sequester more C and mitigate the loss; in practice, it may be more difficult, requiring innovation, interdisciplinary science, cultural awareness and effective policies.
A remote digital memory composite to detect cognitive impairment in memory clinic samples in unsupervised settings using mobile devices
Authors: Berron David , Glanz Wenzel , Clark Lindsay , Basche Kristin , Grande Xenia , Güsten Jeremie , Billette Ornella V. , Hempen Ina , Naveed Muhammad Hashim , Diersch Nadine , Butryn Michaela , Spottke Annika , Buerger Katharina , Perneczky Robert , Schneider Anja , Teipel Stefan , Wiltfang Jens , Johnson Sterling , Wagner Michael , Jessen Frank , Düzel Emrah
Published: March 2024

Remote monitoring of cognition holds the promise to facilitate case-finding in clinical care and the individual detection of cognitive impairment in clinical and research settings. In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, this is particularly relevant for patients who seek medical advice due to memory problems. Here, we develop a remote digital memory composite (RDMC) score from an unsupervised remote cognitive assessment battery focused on episodic memory and long-term recall and assess its construct validity, retest reliability, and diagnostic accuracy when predicting MCI-grade impairment in a memory clinic sample and healthy controls. A total of 199 participants were recruited from three cohorts and included as healthy controls (n = 97), individuals with subjective cognitive decline (n = 59), or patients with mild cognitive impairment (n = 43). Participants performed cognitive assessments in a fully remote and unsupervised setting via a smartphone app. The derived RDMC score is significantly correlated with the PACC5 score across participants and demonstrates good retest reliability. Diagnostic accuracy for discriminating memory impairment from no impairment is high (cross-validated AUC = 0.83, 95% CI [0.66, 0.99]) with a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.72. Thus, unsupervised remote cognitive assessments implemented in the neotiv digital platform show good discrimination between cognitively impaired and unimpaired individuals, further demonstrating that it is feasible to complement the neuropsychological assessment of episodic memory with unsupervised and remote assessments on mobile devices. This contributes to recent efforts to implement remote assessment of episodic memory for case-finding and monitoring in large research studies and clinical care.
Bacterial vitamin B6 is required for post-embryonic development in C. elegans
Authors: Feng Min , Gao Baizhen , Ruiz Daniela , Garcia Luis Rene , Sun Qing
Published: March 2024

Nutritional intake influences animal growth, reproductive capacity, and survival of animals. Under nutrition deficiency, animal developmental arrest occurs as an adaptive strategy to survive. However, the nutritional basis and the underlying nutrient sensing mechanism essential for animal regrowth after developmental arrest remain to be explored. In Caenorhabditis elegans, larvae undergo early developmental arrest are stress resistant, and they require certain nutrients to recover postembryonic development. Here, we investigated the developmental arrest in C. elegans feeding on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and the rescue of the diapause state with trace supplementation of Escherichia coli. We performed a genome-wide screen using 3983 individual gene deletion E. coli mutants and identified E. coli genes that are indispensable for C. elegans larval growth on originally not nutritionally sufficient bacteria L. plantarum. Among these crucial genes, we confirmed E. coli pdxH, and the downstream metabolite pyridoxal 5-P (PLP, Vitamin B6) as important nutritional factors for C. elegans postembryonic development. Transcriptome results suggest that bacterial pdxH affects host development by coordinating host metabolic processes and PLP binding. Additionally, the developmental arrest induced by the L. plantarum diet in worm does not depend on the activation of FoxO/DAF-16. Altogether, these results highlight the role of microbial metabolite PLP as a crucial cofactor to restore postembryonic development in C. elegans.
Brief and intensive volcanic emissions from Ontong Java Nui heralded Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a
Authors: Matsumoto Hironao , Goto Kosuke T. , Shimoda Gen , Watanabe Yasuto , Shirai Kotaro , Tejada Maria Luisa G. , Ishikawa Akira , Ando Atsushi , Sano Takashi , Kuroda Junichiro , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: March 2024

The volcanic episode that formed Ontong Java Nui (OJN) in the western Pacific ~ 120 million-year-ago is thought to have triggered Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 1a, yet the cause-effect relationship remains insufficiently understood. Here, we present a Pb-Os-C isotope dataset for tracking OJN volcanism across a sedimentary sequence containing OAE1a record in the central Pacific. Lead isotopic evidence strongly supports the deposition of OJN-sourced volcanic ash layers at this site after a paired seawater δ13Ccarb–187Os/188Os shift and before the onset of OAE1a. The δ13Ccarb–187Os/188Os shift is attributable to the signature of the initial submarine OJN eruption. The subsequent unradiogenic Pb isotope shifts could represent ash fallout from the brief, explosive subaerial/shallow-marine eruption phase accompanied by intensive volcanic degassing and emissions. The apparent time lag between explosive OJN volcanism and OAE1a is intriguing, which can be accounted for by the delayed increase in the productivity after gas emissions.
Australian human-induced native forest regeneration carbon offset projects have limited impact on changes in woody vegetation cover and carbon removals
Authors: Macintosh Andrew , Butler Don , Larraondo Pablo , Evans Megan C. , Ansell Dean , Waschka Marie , Fensham Rod , Eldridge David , Lindenmayer David , Gibbons Philip , Summerfield Paul
Published: March 2024

Carbon offsets are a widely used climate policy instrument that can reduce mitigation costs and generate important environmental and social co-benefits. However, they can increase emissions if they lack integrity. We analysed the performance of one of the world’s largest nature-based offset types: human-induced regeneration projects under Australia’s carbon offset scheme. The projects are supposed to involve the human-induced regeneration of permanent even-aged native forests through changes in land management. We analysed 182 projects and found limited evidence of regeneration in credited areas. Changes in woody vegetation cover within the areas that have been credited also largely mirror changes in adjacent comparison areas, outside the projects, suggesting the observable changes are predominantly attributable to factors other than the project activities. The results add to the growing literature highlighting the practical limitations of offsets and the potential for offset schemes to credit abatement that is non-existent, non-additional and potentially impermanent.
A CD25-biased interleukin-2 for autoimmune therapy engineered via a semi-synthetic organism
Authors: Ptacin Jerod L. , Ma Lina , Caffaro Carolina E. , Acuff Nicole V. , Germar Kristine , Severy Peter , Qu Yanyan , Vela Jose-Luis , Cai Xinming , San Jose Kristine M. , Aerni Hans R. , Chen David B. , Esche Ean , Ismaili Taylor K. , Herman Rob , Pavlova Yelena , Pena Michael J. , Nguyen Jasmine , Koriazova Lilia K. , Shawver Laura K. , Joseph Ingrid B. , Mooney Jill , Peakman Mark , Milla Marcos E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Natural cytokines are poorly suited as therapeutics for systemic administration due to suboptimal pharmacological and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) has shown promise for treatment of autoimmune (AI) disorders yet exhibits short systemic half-life and opposing immune responses that negate an appropriate therapeutic index.

Methods

A semi-synthetic microbial technology platform was used to engineer a site-specifically pegylated form of rhIL-2 with enhanced PK, specificity for induction of immune-suppressive regulatory CD4 + T cells (Tregs), and reduced stimulation of off-target effector T and NK cells. A library of rhIL-2 molecules was constructed with single site-specific, biorthogonal chemistry-compatible non-canonical amino acids installed near the interface where IL-2 engages its cognate receptor βγ (IL-2Rβγ) signaling complex. Biorthogonal site-specific pegylation and functional screening identified variants that retained engagement of the IL-2Rα chain with attenuated potency at the IL-2Rβγ complex.

Results

Phenotypic screening in mouse identifies SAR444336 (SAR’336; formerly known as THOR-809), rhIL-2 pegylated at H16, as a potential development candidate that specifically expands peripheral CD4+ Tregs with upregulation of markers that correlate with their suppressive function including FoxP3, ICOS and Helios, yet minimally expands CD8 + T or NK cells. In non-human primate, administration of SAR’336 also induces dose-dependent expansion of Tregs and upregulated suppressive markers without significant expansion of CD8 + T or NK cells. SAR’336 administration reduces inflammation in a delayed-type hypersensitivity mouse model, potently suppressing CD4+ and CD8 + T cell proliferation.

Conclusion

SAR’336 is a specific Treg activator, supporting its further development for the treatment of AI diseases.
Liver ChREBP deficiency inhibits fructose-induced insulin resistance in pregnant mice and female offspring
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Zhang Shuang , Sun Yuyao , Li Jian , Feng Zian , Li Huaxin , Zhang Mengxue , Yan Tengteng , Han Jihong , Duan Yajun
Published: March 2024

High fructose intake during pregnancy increases insulin resistance (IR) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. IR during pregnancy primarily results from elevated hormone levels. We aim to determine the role of liver carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) in insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in pregnant mice and their offspring. Pregnant C57BL/6J wild-type mice and hepatocyte-specific ChREBP-deficient mice were fed with a high-fructose diet (HFrD) or normal chow diet (NC) pre-delivery. We found that the combination of HFrD with pregnancy excessively activates hepatic ChREBP, stimulating progesterone synthesis by increasing MTTP expression, which exacerbates IR. Increased progesterone levels upregulated hepatic ChREBP via the progesterone-PPARγ axis. Placental progesterone activated the progesterone-ChREBP loop in female offspring, contributing to IR and lipid accumulation. In normal dietary conditions, hepatic ChREBP modestly affected progesterone production and influenced IR during pregnancy. Our findings reveal the role of hepatic ChREBP in regulating insulin sensitivity and lipid homeostasis in both pregnant mice consuming an HFrD and female offspring, and suggest it as a potential target for managing gestational metabolic disorders, including GDM.
Microalgae as a potential natural source for the green synthesis of nanoparticles
Authors: Arteaga-Castrejón Ariana A. , Agarwal Vivechana , Khandual Sanghamitra
Published: March 2024

The simple biofabrication of microalgae-assisted nanomaterials offers a versatile option with far-reaching implications, effectively addressing sustainability challenges, environmental pollution, biomedical and dynamic needs of the society.
Metal to semiconductor switching in the AgTe monolayer via decoration with alkali metal and alkaline earth metal atoms: a first-principles perspective
Authors: Bafekry A. , Fadlallah M. M. , Faraji M. , Khan S. Hasan , Jappor H. R. , Shokri Babak , Ghergherehchi M. , Chang Gap Soo
Published: March 2024

In this work, employing first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the atomic structure and electronic and optical properties of the AgTe monolayer, as well as the impact of alkali metal (Li, Na, K) and alkaline earth metal (Be, Mg, Ca) atoms decoration.
Kinetic pathways of sub-bandgap induced electron transfer in Ag/TiO2 and the effect on isopropanol dehydrogenation under gaseous conditions
Authors: Wen Liping , Liu Baoshun
Published: March 2024

Ag nanoparticles mainly play the cocatalytic role of the relaxation of the electrons generated in TiO2 from the valance band to the conduction band under subbandgap light illuminations.
Catalytic role of the enol ether intermediate in the intramolecular Stetter reaction: a computational perspective
Authors: Huang Gou-Tao , Yu Jen-Shiang K.
Published: March 2024

Kinetic simulations of the NHC-catalyzed intramolecular Stetter reaction, where the enol ether intermediate plays a key role in the catalytic cycle.
A novel two-dimensional Janus TiSiGeN4 monolayer with N vacancies for efficient photocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Sun Zhe , Guan Rongfeng , Li Huimin , Feng Shilong , Ma Lin , Shen Qianqian , Ling Lixia , Jia Husheng , Xue Jinbo
Published: March 2024

A 2D Janus structure facilitates photogenerated carrier separation and transport, and N vacancies promote the adsorption and activation of N2 molecules. These two synergistically achieve efficient photocatalytic nitrogen reduction.
Valence-to-core X-ray emission spectroscopy to resolve the size-dependent valence electronic structure of Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Dean David P. , Deshmukh Gaurav S. , Russell Christopher K. , Zhu Kuixin , Li Christina W. , Greeley Jeffrey P. , Leshchev Denis , Stavitski Eli , Miller Jeffrey T.
Published: March 2024

X-ray characterization of catalyst materials using synchrotron radiation has become more widely available to the scientific community in recent decades.
Palladium nanoparticle deposition on spherical carbon supports for heterogeneous catalysis in continuous flow
Authors: Boyall Sarah L. , Berman Phoebe , Griffiths Anthony , Massey Alexander , Dixon Thomas , Shaw Thomas , Miller Joanna , White Jonathan P. , Menzel Robert , Leslie Kevin , Clemens Graeme , Muller Frans L. , Bourne Richard A. , Chamberlain Thomas W.
Published: March 2024

Pd/C spherical bead catalysts were synthesised and evaluated in small-scale screenings via a recirculating batch platform (20 mg). The applicability of the catalysts was subsequently demonstrated over a two-day operating period on a larger scale.
A bis(PCN) palladium pincer complex with a remarkably planar 2,5-diarylpyrazine core
Authors: Leong Derek W. , Shao Yanwu , Ni Zhen , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: March 2024

A bimetallic Pd complex of a bis(pincer) with a diarylpyrazine core has been prepared.
β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) leads to phospholipase D2 (PLD2) activation and alters circadian rhythms in myotubes
Authors: Cohen-Or Meytal , Chapnik Nava , Froy Oren
Published: March 2024

HMB leads to the activation of PLD2 leading to the phosphorylation of P70S6K and S6, independent of AKT and mTOR. This, in turn, leads to a phase advance and high amplitude rhythms in clock gene and protein expression.
CdS-carbon black hybrid nanocomposite buffer layer for antimony sulfide solar cells
Authors: Castellanos-Pineda Ronal Edgardo , Baron-Jaimes Agustin , Millán-Franco Mario Alejandro , Rincón Marina Elizabeth , Jaramillo-Quintero Oscar Andrés
Published: March 2024

A novel hybrid nanocomposite based on CdS and carbon nanoparticles used as a buffer layer in Sb2S3 solar cells improved the charge transfer and interfacial quality junction, which enhances the photovoltaic performance.
Iron phthalocyanine integrated with boron-doped reduced graphene oxide for highly selective four-electron oxygen reduction: an experimental study
Authors: Rathour Vikram , Singh Smita , Singh Varsha , Singh Devesh Kumar , Yadav Mamta , Tiwari Ananya , Ganesan Vellaichamy
Published: March 2024

Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) has been integrated on boron-doped reduced graphene oxide (B-RGO) resulting in the composite, FePc@B-RGO which shows a highly selective four-electron oxygen reduction reaction.
Implementation of multiomic mass spectrometry approaches for the evaluation of human health following environmental exposure
Authors: Ferreira Christina R. , Lima Gomes Paulo Clairmont F. de , Robison‡ Kiley Marie , Cooper‡ Bruce R. , Shannahan Jonathan H.
Published: March 2024

This review introduces advancements in multiomic mass spectrometry which revolutionized our knowledge of complex biological processes across scientific disciplines, exposure scenarios, and diseases, benefiting diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Fe3O4@SiO2@SBA-3@CPTMS@Arg-Cu: preparation, characterization, and catalytic performance in the conversion of nitriles to amides and the synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles
Authors: Heidarnezhad Zahra , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Taherinia Zahra
Published: March 2024

A novel, efficient, and recyclable mesoporous Fe3O4@SiO2@SBA-3@CPTMS@Arg-Cu nanocatalyst was synthesized by grafting l-arginine (with the ability to coordinate with Cu) onto a mixed phase of a magnetic mesoporous SBA-3 support.
Nanopolyhedral Zn/Fe-NC derived from bimetallic zeolitic imidazole frameworks as an efficient catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in an air-cathode microbial fuel cell
Authors: Wang Qianwu , Lu Jingzhao , Liu Songlin , Yu Boqu , Liang Bolong
Published: March 2024

The synergistic effect of Zn, N and moderate Fe doping enhances the ORR performance. The maximum power density of the Zn/Fe-NC-0.5 MFC is 1954 ± 20 mW m−2.
Sunflower pollen-derived microcapsules adsorb light and bacteria for enhanced antimicrobial photothermal therapy
Authors: Yang Yao , Wang Bin , Liu Qian , Wei Zhenghua , Mou Ziye , Li Quan , Chen Chunfa , You Zaichun , Li Bang Lin , Wang Guansong , Xu Zhi , Qian Hang
Published: March 2024

In this study, we report that natural sunflower sporopollenin-based microcapsules (HSECs) and curdlan suspension capture bacteria locally and form hydrogels on wounds upon NIR light stimulation, showing superior wound healing results in both in vitro and in vivo.
Effects of weak intramolecular interactions and distortions from trigonal prismatic coordination on the magnetic properties of zero-field Co(ii) single-ion magnets
Authors: Zhang Ben , Zhou Yang , Huang Hao-Yi , Zhang Xiao-Le , Xiang Yi , Shi Yanbo , Zhang Chennan , Yuan Aihua , Cai Xingwei , Chen Lei , Zhang Yi-Quan , Hu Zhao-Bo
Published: March 2024

The change of counter anions significantly affects the environment around Co(ii) ions, leading to two zero-field single-ion magnets possessing different uniaxial anisotropies and dynamic magnetic properties.
In situ imaging of mRNA transcripts based on split-aptamer and split protein in living cells
Authors: Peng Yan , Li Mengqi , Gong Fuyu , Liu Xiaofei , Xiong Jirou , Wang Keran
Published: March 2024

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is an essential component of cell development and growth.
Radiation polymerization for the preparation of universal coatings: remarkable anti-fogging and frost-resisting performance
Authors: Wang Wenrui , Liu Qi , Sun Ying , Li Danyi , Xu Siyi , Lin Lin , Wang Fangzheng , Li Linfan , Li Jihao
Published: March 2024

A versatile polymer coating, simply prepared by radiation-induced polymerization, provides excellent anti-fogging and anti-frosting properties, along with outstanding wetting capabilities.
Synthesis of Os@ZIF-8 nanocomposites with enhanced peroxidase-like activity for detection of Hg2+
Authors: Wei Zijie , Jiang Cuifeng , Wang Jinshan , Chen Yue
Published: March 2024

Preparation of Os@ZIF-8 NCs and detection of Hg2+ concentration.
Efficient aqueous-phase hydrogenation of m-xylylenediamine to 1,3-cyclohexandimethylamine over a highly active and stable ruthenium catalyst
Authors: Guo Jing , Shao Heng , Gao Le , Ma Wancheng , Zhang Wei , Huang Long , Chu Haibin
Published: March 2024

The strong interaction between Ru and –NH2 in Ru/NH2–Al2O3 led to the formation of highly dispersed Ru and modification of its electronic properties, and consequently greatly enhanced its performance and stability.
Combinatorial discovery of antibacterials via a feature-fusion based machine learning workflow
Authors: Wang Cong , Wu Yuhui , Xue Yunfan , Zou Lingyun , Huang Yue , Zhang Peng , Ji Jian
Published: March 2024

A combinatorial library of 111 720 candidates was constructed based on Ugi reaction. A latent space constraint neural network model was integrated into the screening workflow to discover antibacterial leads against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with alleviated drug resistance.
Flexible resistive tactile pressure sensors
Authors: Shu Qianhe , Pang Yuncong , Li Qiqi , Gu Yuzhe , Liu Zhiwei , Liu Baoguang , Li Jianmin , Li Yang
Published: March 2024

This review covers recent advancements in flexible resistive tactile pressure sensors, including operational principles, performance metrics, material choices, structural design, and applications, as well as future challenges.
Deciphering the morphology of transition metal carbonate cathode precursors
Authors: Barai Pallab , Wang Xiaoping , Wolfman Mark , Chen Jiajun , Gutierrez Arturo , Garcia Juan C. , Wen Jianguo , Kinnibrugh Tiffany , Fister Timothy T. , Iddir Hakim H. , Srinivasan Venkat
Published: March 2024

Minimization of bulk and surface free energy acts as the driving force for precipitation of transition metal carbonates. Thermodynamically dominated precipitates form single crystals, and kinetically controlled deposits show spherical morphology.
Core–shell Si3N4@WS2 porous ceramics with improved electromagnetic wave absorption performance
Authors: Bai Jialin , Huang Shijie , Yao Xiumin , Liu Xuejian , Huang Zhengren
Published: March 2024

Core–shell Si3N4@WS2 porous ceramics with the wave-transmitting phase Si3N4 as the core and the wave-loss phase WS2 as the shell were constructed to realize excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance.
Quadruple-well ferroelectricity and topological domain structures in strained Bi2O2Se
Authors: Zhu Ziye , Hu Jiaming , Yao Xiaoping , Zhao Shu
Published: March 2024

We demonstrate that biaxially strained Bi2O2Se holds unusual quadruple-well dipole orders, a two-step 90° ferroelectric switching and various types of spontaneous topological domain structures.
Luminescent and time-resolved determination of gemifloxacin mesylate in pharmaceutical formulations and spiked blood plasma samples using a lanthanide complex as a probe
Authors: Khairy Gasser M. , Goda Rania M. , Anwar Zeinab M. , Aboelnga Mohamed M. , Duerkop Axel
Published: March 2024

A new luminescent europium probe for the determination of the antibiotic gemifloxacin is presented. Time-resolved luminescence enables its quantitation in pharmaceutical formulations and blood samples.
Synthesis and optical properties of antimony(v) complexes of a trianionic N2O2-type tetradentate dipyrrin ligand
Authors: Agou Tomohiro , Kuroiwa Shunsuke , Fukumoto Hiroki , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: March 2024

An Sb(v) complex of a trianionic N2O2-type tetradentate dipyrrin ligand was obtained by a photochemical reaction between SbCl3 and the ligand in an O2 atmosphere. Replacing the axial Cl ligands with OH ligands resulted in substantial fluorescence enhancement.
Easy conversion perovskite fluorides KCo1−xFexF3 for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Du Yilei , Hao Genyan , Zhao Tao , Li Dandan , Liu Guang , Zhong Dazhong , Li Jinping , Zhao Qiang
Published: March 2024

Co–Fe perovskite fluoride, which is easily oxidized to highly active (Co3+Fe3+)OOH, was prepared as an efficient catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction.
Directional dependence of the electronic and transport properties of biphenylene under strain conditions
Authors: Kuritza Danilo P. , Miwa Roberto H. , Padilha José Eduardo
Published: March 2024

The study explores biphenylene's properties and strain effects, revealing anisotropic behavior, tunable transport, and potential for nanoelectronics, advancing 2D materials research.