bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoas muscle gauge and adverse clinical outcomes in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Yajima Takahiro , Arao Maiko
Published: January 2025

Background

The relationship between the psoas muscle gauge (PMG), a combined sarcopenia indicator obtained from psoas muscle index (PMI) and psoas muscle density (PMD), and adverse clinical outcomes in patients on hemodialysis remains unclear. We examined whether psoas muscle gauge could predict all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular events more accurately than psoas muscle index in these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively included 217 hemodialysis patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography. We calculated the psoas muscle gauge (arbitrary unit [AU]) at the fourth lumbar vertebra level as follows: PMI (cm2/m2) × PMD (Hounsfield units). We categorized the patients into higher and lower psoas muscle gauge groups based on sex-specific cutoffs obtained from the young Asian population. The outcomes were death and new cardiovascular events.

Results

The psoas muscle gauge cutoffs were set at 231.1 and 328.8 AU in women and men, respectively. Eighty-five deaths and 95 new cardiovascular events occurred during the follow-up period of 4.4 (2.4–7.3) years. The 5-year survival rates were 59.2% and 94.9% in the lower and higher psoas muscle gauge groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Moreover, after adjusting for sex and age, history of cardiovascular disease, C-reactive protein, modified creatinine index, and geriatric nutritional risk index, lower psoas muscle gauge was independently associated with increased all-cause death and new cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 7.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.37–24.66 and aHR 2.98; 95% CI 1.54–5.75, respectively). The concordance index (C-index) for predicting all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular events significantly improved when either psoas muscle index or psoas muscle gauge were added to the baseline risk model. Additionally, the C-index of the psoas muscle gauge-added model was significantly higher than that of the psoas muscle index-added model (0.815 vs. 0.784, p = 0.026) only when predicting all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Psoas muscle gauge accurately predicted the risk of all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular events in patients undergoing hemodialysis. For predicting all-cause mortality, psoas muscle gauge may be recommended compared to psoas muscle index.

Graphical abstract
Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (CLV-100) Infusion in Healthy Subjects: a 5-Year Follow-up Study on Safety and Immunomodulatory Effect
Authors: Chin Sze Piaw , Ng Wan-Chiew , Tai Lihui , Mohd Muzaida Aminah , Then Kong Yong , Cheong Soon Keng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have garnered significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine, specifically in inflammation-related diseases. Our team has previously demonstrated that a single infusion of allogeneic UCMSCs by Cytopeutics® (CLV-100), at both low dose (65 million cells) and high dose (130 million cells), in 11 healthy volunteers was safe up to 6 months with a dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect. In this present follow-up study, we investigated the medium-term safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of CLV-100 in the same healthy subjects.

Methods

All 11 subjects were enrolled in this 5-year follow-up, and none dropped out (NMRR-13–1152-17400, 28/09/2016). Clinicians conducted consultations to assess overall health indicators. Blood samples and serum were collected for laboratory testing and biomarker analysis, respectively.

Results

Five years after the CLV-100 infusion, all subjects remained healthy, with no reported side effects or major health conditions. Levels of cancer markers also remained within normal ranges. The anti-inflammatory effect of CLV-100 remained statistically significant in the high-dose group. Notably, major organ health parameters, including those subjects aged over 60 years, remained stable even after 5 years.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrated the medium-term safety of a single CLV-100 infusion and persistent dose-dependent immunomodulatory effects. CLV-100 may also confer protection against age- and inflammation-related frailty.

Lay Summary

The current follow-up study provides insight into the safety and immunomodulatory effects of a single infusion of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CLV-100) for up to 5 years in healthy subjects. The effects on the inflammatory cytokines CLV-100 were more pronounced in the high-dose group. In addition, other biomarker levels were comparable between the older and younger age groups. CLV-100 is therefore safe over the medium-term with sustained anti-inflammatory effect in a dose-dependent manner.
Reactions to disclosed biofeedback information on skin DNA damage in individuals after a beach holiday: a mixed methods intervention study
Authors: Frederiksen Nynne Johanne Sahl , Thorsteinsson Ida Schwarz , Lerche Catharina Margrethe , Granborg Jonatan Riber , Hædersdal Merete , Dalum Peter , Køster Brian
Published: January 2025

Background

The incidence of skin cancer among Danes is one of the highest in the world. Most skin cancers are, however, avoidable with sun protection and reduction of exposure. One way to increase awareness could be through personal biofeedback information about skin DNA damage.

Objective

This study investigates the influence of biofeedback information about skin DNA damage on Danish beach holiday travelers' perception of risk of developing skin cancer and motivations for behaviour change.

Methods

The intervention experiment included 20 participants aged 36-56 years, travelling to destinations with a high UV-index in February/March 2023. A new technology for detecting skin DNA damage in urine was used. Each participant was required to provide urine samples before and after travelling on holiday and participate in an interview about risk perceptions. The interviews were semi-structured and included the disclosure of DNA damage obtained during the holiday. Risk perceptions were assessed using a scale before and after the disclosure of biofeedback information.

Results

We identified key elements affecting perceived susceptibility of skin cancer as well as central barriers for behaviour change. The intervention increased risk perceptions for 35% of participants, and 30% expressed intentions to adopt more sun protective practices. However, most participants’ perceived susceptibility to skin cancer did not change significantly, as the DNA damage still appeared too abstract.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that biofeedback information can increase risk perceptions related to skin cancer and initiate intended behaviour change for some. Larger scale studies are needed and should include quantification of the individual DNA damage thereby making the assessed risk more relatable and personally relevant.

Graphical Abstract
A roadmap for governing AI: technology governance and power-sharing liberalism
Authors: Allen Danielle , Hubbard Sarah , Lim Woojin , Stanger Allison , Wagman Shlomit , Zalesne Kinney , Omoakhalen Omoaholo
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to provide a roadmap for governing AI. In contrast to the reigning paradigms, we argue that AI governance should be not merely a reactive, punitive, status-quo-defending enterprise, but rather the expression of an expansive, proactive vision for technology—to advance human flourishing. Advancing human flourishing in turn requires democratic/political stability and economic empowerment. To accomplish this, we build on a new normative framework that will give humanity its best chance to reap the full benefits, while avoiding the dangers, of AI. This new framework of “Power-Sharing Liberalism” is a philosophy that restores protections of positive liberties to liberalism. As we deploy it here, it helps shape a more comprehensive (and we would contend, more accurate) understanding of both risk and opportunity introduced by AI. To lay out how Power-Sharing Liberalism can be applied to AI governance, we take four steps. First, we define central concepts in the field of AI governance, disambiguating between forms of technological harms and risks. Second, we review current normative frameworks around the globe and argue that Power-Sharing Liberalism is a better fit for governing AI. Third, we walk through the six governance tasks that should be accomplished by any governance framework and analyze them through the Power-Sharing Liberalism framework. Based on that analysis, we make 17 recommendations for the governance of AI—including transformative investments in public goods, personnel, and the sustainability of democracy itself. Finally, we discuss concrete proposals for implementing those recommendations.
Development of a Circumallergenic Guayule Latex Endotracheal Tube Cuff
Authors: Herkins Ashley , Davis Sarah , Cornish Katrina
Published: January 2025

Endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs made from soft, hypoallergenic guayule latex placed outside existing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cuffs were previously developed as an alternative to PVC cuffs alone. Although these outer cuffs do not cross-react with Type I latex allergy, they were made using conventional vulcanization chemicals which can cause adverse contact reactions. New outer cuffs have been made with guayule latex using a xanthate-based accelerant system designed to avoid contact reactions and create a perfect seal with the patient’s trachea. A standard formula was used for compounding, and concentrations of all components remained constant except for two hypoallergenic accelerants: diisopropyl xanthogen polysulphide (DIXP), added in concentrations of either 2.0 or 2.2 parts per hundred rubber (phr), and zinc diisononyl dithiocarbamate (ZDNC), added in concentrations of 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0 phr. Samples were dipped at dwell times of 5 or 15 s for thickness variation. Cured samples underwent tensile testing 14 days after creation. Benchtop leak tests were conducted using a standard PVC cuff with three simulated trachea sizes. Additional leak tests were performed using the guayule latex cuffs and a 20 mm inner diameter tube. A combination of 2.0 phr DIXP and 0.6 phr ZDNC resulted in the highest tensile strength in both thin and thick cuffs. The lowest modulus values occurred at 2.0 phr DIXP and 0.8 ZDNC for thinner samples and 2.2 phr DIXP and 1.0 phr ZDNC for thicker samples. The two-way ANOVA for the double cuff leak test revealed no significant effect of accelerant concentration on leakage rate (P = 0.5783). Finally, varying the size of the simulated trachea for the PVC cuffs revealed that larger tracheas had lower average leak rates. All guayule latex double cuffs prevented leakage consistently. The samples made using a combination of 2.0 phr DIXP and 0.6 phr ZDNC had the most ideal mechanical properties (softness, stretchiness, and strength) for the creation of a guayule latex ETT balloon cuff. The decreased leakage rate of the PVC cuff in the larger simulated tracheas was due to the increased room for cuff expansion, reducing the number of longitudinal folds.
A bibliometric analysis of the marine fishing landscape in Africa and its implications for sustainable coastal communities’ resilience and governance to the increasing human-environmental risks
Authors: Etta Linda A. , Matovu Baker , Lukambagire Isaac
Published: January 2025

Marine fishing is critical for coastal livelihoods, sustainability transitions, and the attainment of sustainable development goals. With a long coastline and unique marine fish species, marine fishing could drive sustainable development in Africa. However, with increasing human-environmental challenges in tropical fishing zones, the projected sustainability benefits from Africa’s fisheries resources are threatened. This is worsened by the limited research to understand how these challenges have persisted or could be realigned to suit blue transformations in the marine fisheries sector. We sourced 1066 documents from Scopus, which were analyzed using bibliometrics to (i) analyze research trends and (ii) understand intricate networks and critical themes in research and policy regarding marine fisheries. Findings on research trends reveal a decline in research on marine fishing, domination of research by non-African authors, and institutions, and limited publications in reputable journals. Complex networks persist, worsened by the limited funding of transdisciplinary research. Most researchers and research institutions in Africa prefer marine fisheries science research. Limited marine sociological research has been conducted. Key themes are not prioritizing current governance pathways, and there is limited collaboration among coastal African countries, authors, and institutions in research. To build a new aura for sustainability, a Priority Action Pathway (PAP) has been developed that includes six (6) priority actions to drive sustainable transformations. With increased collaborations, focus on transdisciplinary marine fishing research and a shift in fisheries policy research emphasis to focus on the understanding of socioecological complexities, possibilities for identifying and promoting sustainability transformations (including in sustainable financing) in the sector are possible. This can be through an increased focus on collecting and integrating marine social science with marine fisheries science research. This can help identify/create novel perspectives from tropical coastal communities needed to co-design sustainable priority actions and mechanisms in coastal fishing zones.
Introduction: law in a changing climate
Authors: Sterett Susan M. , Dias Vitor Martins , Marshall Anna-Maria
Published: January 2025

As societies grapple with mitigating or adapting to climate change, law plays a prominent role in the social relations that constitute a response. In this essay, we briefly review of the many different perspectives on law and climate change offered by the authors in this special issue of Law and Society Review. From transnational human rights activism to constitutional litigation to local practices and all around the globe, both the powerful and the marginalized draw on legal institutions and actors in multiple arenas and at multiple scales to address the consequences of climate change. Together, these articles show that law is not confined to courtrooms or judicial systems or regulations; rather, law offers both limitations and opportunities in the ongoing struggle over climate change.
Efficacy of Congressional Oversight
Authors: BAN PAMELA , HILL SETH J.
Published: January 2025

Oversight, scholars argue, allows Congress to control the executive agents it empowers to implement law. Yet the tools of oversight are rather limited and debate continues as to how much influence oversight provides. How well can members of Congress motivate bureaucratic performance? To measure the efficacy of oversight, we create a new dataset matching oversight efforts to a bureaucratic deficiency Congress has sought to reduce since the early 2000s: improperly made payments to contractors and clients. We estimate the effect of congressional hearings, one of the most important tools of congressional oversight, as well as correspondence, appropriation committee reports, statutes, and executive action. We find that hearings lead to subsequent declines in improper payments. The magnitude of the effect, however, is small relative to the scope of the problem, suggesting strong limits on the efficacy of oversight. Our findings imply that America’s elected officials struggle to effectively manage implementation of policy.
Programming Britishness: The Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company’s 1937 Tour of South Africa
Authors: Gerber Melissa
Published: January 2025

This article provides a snapshot of the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company’s ‘Coronation’ tour in 1937, focusing particularly on the company’s time in Johannesburg. It considers the Carl Rosa’s tour as a ‘cultural colonisation’ endeavour on the part of the British Empire, aimed at reinforcing identity politics at a time when loyalty to the Empire was waning. The article examines the significance of the Carl Rosa’s tour within the broader context of British colonial relations and the Coronation celebrations of George VI in the Union. Central to its argument is the analysis of the tour’s commemorative programme, published by African Consolidated Theatres (ACT), which serves as a lens to understand the articulation of Dominion South Africanism amongst English-speaking audiences. Through an examination of primary sources and historical context, this article sheds light on the complexities of imperial encounters and the role of cultural exchange in perpetuating colonial power dynamics.
Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic pseudosyncope in children
Authors: Huang Zifeng , Xu Yi , Wang Shuo , Wang Yuwen , Cai Hong , Zou Runmei , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2025

Psychogenic pseudosyncope is one of the primary causes of transient loss of consciousness in children and adolescents, essentially classified as a conversion disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Clinically, psychogenic pseudosyncope shares certain similarities with vasovagal syncope in terms of pre-syncope symptoms and triggers, making it sometimes difficult to differentiate and easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, placing emphasis upon the characteristics of psychogenic pseudosyncope is crucial for early identification and treatment, which holds significant importance for the mental and psychological health of children and adolescents. In the present review, we aimed to address psychogenic pseudosyncope with clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.
Prevalence, predictors, and mortality of Super-Fontan patients in a single-centre nationwide cohort
Authors: Illinger Vojtěch , Slabý Kryštof , Radvanský Jiří , Jičínská Denisa , Materna Ondřej
Published: January 2025

Aims:

To evaluate the prevalence, long-term mortality, and clinical characteristics in total cavopulmonary connection patients with excellent functional outcomes.

Methods and results:

A retrospective study of cardiopulmonary exercise test results in 288 patients after total cavopulmonary connection from a single-centre nationwide database. A subgroup of 88 (30.6%) patients (45 women; 51.1%), at a median age 13.0 [interquartile range 11.0; 18.0] years achieved ≥80% of predicted VO2peak value (Super-Fontan phenotype). Survival free from death or heart transplantation 20 years after surgery was 100.0% in the Super-Fontan group versus 94.0% in the rest of the cohort (p = 0.04). Super-Fontan patients were younger, had lower body mass index, lower regurgitant fraction on atrioventricular valve, and larger preoperative McGoon ratio than the rest of the cohort (p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.04, respectively). Females and tricuspid atresia patients were significantly more prevalent in the Super-Fontan group than in the rest of the cohort (p = 0.02 for both). There was no difference regarding systemic ventricle morphology, fenestration presence, or ejection fraction of systemic ventricle between the Super-Fontan group and the rest of the total cavopulmonary connection cohort (p = 0.06, p = 0.09, and p = 0.64, respectively).

Conclusions:

The subgroup of Super-Fontan patients has unique clinical characteristics when compared to the rest of the total cavopulmonary connection nationwide cohort. Besides superior VO2peak results, Super-Fontan patients tend to have lower long-term mortality, body mass index, and atrioventricular valve, greater preoperative pulmonary dimensions, and a higher prevalence of females and tricuspid atresia patients. There was no variance in morphology of the systemic ventricle, or presence of fenestration.
A 3-D printed X-band spherical waveguide filter based on the hybrid BSCT and CT topology
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Qiao Hongliang , Rao Jiayu , Wu Xilong , Zhao Enhui
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a novel dual-mode spherical resonator is proposed. By rotating the coupling irises, perturbations are generated to split the degenerate modes. The proposed filter is cascaded by a dual-mode resonator and two single-mode resonators, which are placed in a rotary way. Four poles appear in three resonators by only changing the rotation angle (φ) without any additional design. It forms the BSCT, generating a transmission zero (TZ) at the upper stopband. Furthermore, by adjusting φ further, the CT coupling topology can be obtained, resulting in a TZ at the lower stopband. Finally, slots are etched on the surface of the resonators for spurious response suppression. With the above methods, the out-of-band selectivity and suppression are greatly improved. For the fast validation, the filter is 3-D printed and measured. As a result, the measured results match well with the simulated ones.
Evolving Dunes Under Flow Reversals: From an Initial Heap Toward an Inverted Dune
Authors: Assis W. R. , Franklin E. M. , Vriend N. M.
Published: January 2025

Sand dunes are ubiquitous in nature, and are found in abundance on Earth and other planetary environments. One of the most common types are crescent‐shaped dunes known as barchans, whose mid‐line could be assumed to behave as 2D dunes. In this work, we (a) compare the morphology of the mid‐line of 3D barchans with 2D dunes; and (b) track the evolution of 3D barchans and 2D dunes while reversing flow conditions. We performed experiments on 2D dunes in a 2D flume and Euler‐Lagrange simulations of 3D bedforms. In all reversal experiments and simulations, the initial condition starts with a conical heap being deformed into a steady‐state dune, which is then perturbed by reversing the flow, resulting in an inverted dune. We show that during the reversal the grains on the lee side immediately climb back onto the dune while its internal part and toe remain static, forming a new lee face of varying angle on the previous stoss slope. We show that (a) the characteristic time for the development of 2D dunes scales with that for 3D barchans, (b) that the time for dune reversal is twice the time necessary to develop an initial triangular or conical heap to steady‐state, and (c) that a considerable part of grains remain static during the entire process. Our findings reveal the dynamics for dune reversal, and highlight that numerical computations of barchans based on 2D slices, which are more feasible in geophysical scales, predict realistic outcomes for the relevant time‐scales.
Application of SuperDARN Interferometry for Improved Estimates of Doppler Velocity and Echo Geolocation
Authors: Ponomarenko P. , Ghalamkarian Nejad M. , Koustov A. V.
Published: January 2025

It has been previously established that the Doppler velocities of F‐region ionospheric echoes observed by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) at high frequencies (HF, 8–20 MHz) are persistently lower than those measured by other instruments at the same locations. This was attributed to the ionospheric refractive index for HF radio waves being noticeably smaller than one. The refractive index values can be obtained in two ways: based on electron density estimates from a co‐located instrument or a model, or by deriving them from SuperDARN elevation angle data. To compare these methods, we considered line‐of‐sight Doppler velocity observations by the Rankin Inlet (RKN) SuperDARN radar and the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars (RISR). The velocity data were supplemented by electron density measurements from RISR. The elevation angle data were also used for accurate determination of SuperDARN echo geolocation because the actual ground range to the echo location may significantly differ from that obtained with the conventional SuperDARN models. The RISR Doppler velocity values were used as a reference to the RKN observations via 0.5‐hop and 1.5‐hop propagation paths. Correction by the index of refraction based on both maximum electron density from the RISR and elevation angle data from RKN brought 0.5‐hop data close to the RISR velocity values, with the latter representing a self‐contained approach. However, for 1.5‐hop echoes from the polar cap, the uncorrected SuperDARN velocities exceeded those from RISR. We discuss potential causes of this apparent anomaly.
Synaptotagmin-1 attenuates myocardial programmed necrosis and ischemia/reperfusion injury through the mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Sun Teng , Li Jialei , Wang Shuang , Han Yu , Tao Xiangyu , Yuan Min , Jing Zhijie , Liu Ting , Qi Yuehong , Liu Siqi , Feng Yanlin , Chang Jiasong , Zhou Lan , Gao Lijuan , Shi Jianyun , Ning Ruihong , Cao Jimin
Published: January 2025

Programmed necrosis/necroptosis greatly contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiac disorders including myocardial infarction, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and heart failure. However, the fundamental mechanism underlying myocardial necroptosis, especially the mitochondria-dependent death pathway, is poorly understood. Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1), a Ca2+ sensor, is originally identified in nervous system and mediates synchronous neurotransmitter release. The later findings of Syt1 expressions in many non-neuronal tissues including muscles suggest that Syt1 may exert important functions beyond regulation of neurotransmitter release. Syt1 is highly expressed in cardiomyocytes and has been used as an extracellular molecular probe for SPECT imaging of cardiac cell death in acute myocardial infarction. However, whether Syt1 functions in the pathogenesis of cardiac disorders and what is the molecular etiology have not yet been clarified. We showed here that Syt1 expression was significantly down-regulated in mice I/R injured heart tissues, H2O2-challenged cardiomyocytes and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-damaged cardiomyocytes. Enforced expression of Syt1 significantly inhibited myocardial necrotic cell death and interstitial fibrosis, and improved cardiac function in mice subjected to I/R operation. In exploring the underlying mechanisms, we found that Syt1 interacted with Parkin and promoted Parkin-catalyzed CypD ubiquitination, thus inhibited mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and ultimately suppressed cardiomyocyte necrosis. We further found that Syt1 expression was negatively regulated by miR-193b-3p. MiR-193b-3p regulated cardiomyocyte necrosis and mPTP opening by targeting Syt1. Our present work revealed a novel regulatory model of myocardial necrosis composed of miR-193b-3p, Syt1, Parkin, and CypD, which may provide potential therapeutic targets and strategies for heart protection.
p53-loss induced prostatic epithelial cell plasticity and invasion is driven by a crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Yanushko Darya , German Falcon Beatriz , El Bizri Rana , Pervizou Despoina , Dolgos Robin , Keime Céline , Ye Tao , Thibault-Carpentier Christelle , Le Magnen Clementine , Henri Sandrine , Laverny Gilles , Metzger Daniel
Published: January 2025

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with a slow progression and a highly variable clinical outcome. The tumor suppressor genes PTEN and TP53 are frequently mutated in prostate cancer and are predictive of early metastatic dissemination and unfavorable patient outcomes. The progression of solid tumors to metastasis is often associated with increased cell plasticity, but the complex events underlying TP53-loss-induced disease aggressiveness remain incompletely understood. Using genetically engineered mice, we show that Trp53 deficiency in Pten-null prostatic epithelial cells (PECs) does not impact early cell proliferation and neoplasia formation, nor growth arrest and senescence entry at a later time. However, Trp53-deficiency enhances invasive adenocarcinoma development and promotes metastatic cell dissemination. Importantly, our single-cell transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility analyses combined with histological examinations uncovered an epithelial cell population characterized by an induction of Jak/Stat3 signaling and displaying mesenchymal features. Moreover, we show that the transcriptomic signature of this cell population is prominent in tumors of patients with high-risk prostate cancer or metastatic disease. In addition, our in vivo and organoid-based experiments provide evidence that PEC plasticity occurs through bi-directional communication with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Thus, our study demonstrates that p53 loss induces a protumorigenic crosstalk between PECs and CAFs, and identifies new vulnerabilities that might be targeted to limit cancer progression.
SAA3 deficiency exacerbates intestinal fibrosis in DSS-induced IBD mouse model
Authors: Zou Xiaodong , Wu Tong , Lin Jianjiao , Su Tao , Xiao Hui , Ni Chuyan , Hu Lijuan , Lin Wenchu , Chen Weilin , Ye Richard D. , Xiang Li
Published: January 2025

Intestinal fibrosis, as a late-stage complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leads to bowel obstruction and requires surgical intervention, significantly lowering the quality of life of affected patients. SAA3, a highly conserved member of the serum amyloid A (SAA) apolipoprotein family in mice, is synthesized primarily as an acute phase reactant in response to infection, inflammation and trauma. An increasing number of evidence suggests that SAA3 exerts a vital role in the fibrotic process, even though the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully comprehended. This study utilized dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to establish an IBD mouse model and observed that the SAA3-deficient mice exhibited more severe intestinal fibrosis. Our results further indicated that SAA3 genetic disruption in fibroblasts enhanced cell activation to myofibroblasts through HSPB1/NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smads signaling cascade, exacerbating the pathological phenotype of intestinal fibrosis. Collectively, our results shed novel lights on regulating SAA3 in intestinal fibrosis and indicate the potential to develop therapeutic strategies for IBD patients.
Conversion of placental hemogenic endothelial cells to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Liang Guixian , Liu Shicheng , Zhou Chunyu , Liu Mengyao , Zhang Yifan , Ma Dongyuan , Wang Lu , Han Jing-Dong J. , Liu Feng
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are critical for the treatment of blood diseases in clinic. However, the limited source of HSPCs severely hinders their clinical application. In the embryo, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) arise from hemogenic endothelial (HE) cells lining the major arteries in vivo. In this work, by engineering vascular niche endothelial cells (VN-ECs), we generated functional HSPCs in vitro from ECs at various sites, including the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region and the placenta. Firstly, we converted mouse embryonic HE cells from the AGM region (aHE) into induced HSPCs (iHSPCs), which have the abilities for multilineage differentiation and self-renewal. Mechanistically, we found that VN-ECs can promote the generation of iHSPCs via secretion of CX3CL1 and IL1A. Next, through VN-EC co-culture, we showed that placental HE (pHE) cells, a type of extra-embryonic HE cells, were successfully converted into iHSPCs (pHE-iHSPCs), which have multilineage differentiation capacity, but exhibit limited self-renewal ability. Furthermore, comparative transcriptome analysis of aHE-iHSPCs and pHE-iHSPCs showed that aHE-iHSPCs highly expressed HSC-specific and self-renewal-related genes. Moreover, experimental validation showed that retinoic acid (RA) treatment promoted the transformation of pHE cells into iHSPCs that have self-renewal ability. Collectively, our results suggested that pHE cells possess the potential to transform into self-renewing iHSPCs through RA treatment, which will facilitate the clinical application of placental endothelial cells in hematopoietic cell generation.
Tubulin tyrosination/detyrosination regulate the affinity and sorting of intraflagellar transport trains on axonemal microtubule doublets
Authors: Chhatre Aditya , Stepanek Ludek , Nievergelt Adrian Pascal , Alvarez Viar Gonzalo , Diez Stefan , Pigino Gaia
Published: January 2025

Cilia assembly and function rely on the bidirectional transport of components between the cell body and ciliary tip via Intraflagellar Transport (IFT) trains. Anterograde and retrograde IFT trains travel along the B- and A-tubules of microtubule doublets, respectively, ensuring smooth traffic flow. However, the mechanism underlying this segregation remains unclear. Here, we test whether tubulin detyrosination (enriched on B-tubules) and tyrosination (enriched on A-tubules) have a role in IFT logistics. We report that knockout of tubulin detyrosinase VashL in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii causes frequent IFT train stoppages and impaired ciliary growth. By reconstituting IFT train motility on de-membranated axonemes and synthetic microtubules, we show that anterograde and retrograde trains preferentially associate with detyrosinated and tyrosinated microtubules, respectively. We propose that tubulin tyrosination/detyrosination is crucial for spatial segregation and collision-free IFT train motion, highlighting the significance of the tubulin code in ciliary transport.
Highly efficient construction of monkey blastoid capsules from aged somatic cells
Authors: Wu Junmo , Shao Tianao , Tang Zengli , Liu Gaojing , Li Zhuoyao , Shi Yuxi , Kang Yu , Zuo Jiawei , Zhao Bo , Hu Guangyu , Liu Jiaqi , Ji Weizhi , Zhang Lei , Niu Yuyu
Published: January 2025

Blastoids—blastocyst-like structures created in vitro—emerge as a valuable model for early embryonic development research. Non-human primates stem cell-derived blastoids are an ethically viable alternative to human counterparts, yet the low formation efficiency of monkey blastoid cavities, typically below 30%, has limited their utility. Prior research has predominantly utilized embryonic stem cells. In this work, we demonstrate the efficient generation of blastoids from induced pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells derived from aged monkeys, achieving an 80% formation efficiency. We also introduce a hydrogel-based microfluidics platform for the scalable and reproducible production of size-adjustable, biodegradable blastoid capsules, providing a stable 3D structure and mechanical protection. This advancement in the high-efficiency, scalable production of monkey blastoid capsules from reprogrammed aged somatic cells significantly enhances the study of embryonic development and holds promise for regenerative medicine.
The global Multidimensional Poverty Index: Harmonised level estimates and their changes over time
Authors: Suppa Nicolai , Kanagaratnam Usha
Published: January 2025

This paper describes the database The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Harmonised level estimates and their changes over time. The global MPI is an international poverty measure based on ten deprivation indicators in three dimensions: health, education, and living standards. The database contains estimates for the MPI itself (the adjusted headcount ratio); related partial indices such as headcount ratio, intensity, indicator-specific indices, and several auxiliary statistics; and changes over time for most quantities. For this database, all deprivation indicators have been harmonised over time. Our database covers estimates for 84 countries and 814 subnational regions for up to four points of observation. The estimates are based on 211 individual survey datasets, provided primarily by the Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). Combining information about different dimensions of human wellbeing, the global MPI inherently invites interdisciplinary research.
Influence of elevated temperature exposure on the residual compressive strength and radiation shielding efficiency of ordinary concrete incorporating granodiorite and ceramic powders
Authors: Mahmoud Alaa A. , El-Sayed Alaa A. , Aboraya Ayman M. , Fathy Islam N. , Abouelnour Mohamed A. , Elfakharany Maged E. , Fattouh Mohy S. , Alahmer Abdelmoniem E. , Nabil Islam M.
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the potential of utilizing types of construction waste as partial cement replacements within concrete formulations. Notably, granodiorite and ceramic powders were introduced at varying substitution ratios. The impact of these waste materials on the compressive strength and radiation shielding effectiveness of traditional concrete was evaluated under both ambient and elevated temperature conditions. Additionally, several microstructural tests like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were conducted to assess the influence of using the optimal replacement ratios of the investigated waste powders on the studied properties of concrete. Results revealed a substantial improvement in the investigated properties of the concrete. Remarkably, a 7% substitution with waste granodiorite powder (WGDP) yielded the optimal mix for compressive strength, exhibiting increases of 24.7%, 26.1%, 22%, and 28% at room temperature, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, respectively. Likewise, a 7% replacement with waste ceramic powder (WCP) exhibited quantifiable improvements in compressive strength, with approximately 23.1%, 23.5%, 25.6%, and 32.6% at room temperature, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, respectively. For microstructure analysis, XRD analysis confirmed enhanced pozzolanic activity with reduced portlandite and increased calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) formation for the optimal WGDP and WCP mixes compared to the control mix. TGA analysis revealed higher CSH decomposition in modified mixes, indicating greater pozzolanic reaction. Furthermore, density and EDX analyses showed denser microstructures in waste powders-incorporated mixes due to finer particle packing and secondary hydration effect. The radiation shielding investigation show that the optimum WCP mix (C7) enhances the attenuation capability of concrete. The optimum WGP mix (GD7) also contributes positively to attenuation, though to a lesser extent than C7. Ordinary concrete (CO) exhibits the lowest
$$\it \:\text{C}\text{M}$$

LAC, indicating its baseline performance in linear attenuation. Thus, the studied CM-concrete samples provide the best protection against fast neutrons which pave the way for the utilization of industrial waste, especially ceramic and granodiorite waste, in enhancing the properties of concrete towards radiation shielding against gamma rays and neutrons.
Digital transformation project risks assessment using hybrid picture fuzzy distance measure-based additive ratio assessment method
Authors: Rani Pratibha , Mishra Arunodaya Raj , Alrasheedi Adel Fahad , Pamucar Dragan , Marinkovic Dragan
Published: January 2025

Digital transformation (DT) has become vital for companies trying to remain competitive in the recent ever-changing technological environment. DT is the integration of digital technologies into all disciplines of business from regular activities to strategic decision making. Risk management planning requires projects to assess possible risks that may negatively or positively affect a DT project. The purpose of the study is to introduce a hybridized decision support system (DSS) by combining the distance measure, ranking comparison (RANCOM) model and additive ratio assessment (ARAS) approach in the context of a picture fuzzy set (PFS). In this framework, the decision experts’ significance values are computed using a picture fuzzy score function-based formula. With the combination of objective weight using distance measure and subjective weight through the RANCOM model, a combined weight-determining approach is developed to determine the significance values of considered DT risks under picture fuzzy environment, while a hybrid ARAS model is developed to evaluate and rank DT projects from the risks perspective. To exhibit the feasibility of the introduced framework, a case study of a DT projects assessment problem is discussed in the context of picture fuzzy sets. A sensitivity study is also discussed over different values of the strategy coefficient, which confirms the strength of the proposed model. Further, a comparison with the existing picture fuzzy information-based methods is presented to prove the robustness of the developed decision-making framework.
Utilizing hydrophobic sand to construct an air permeable aquiclude to enhance rice yields
Authors: Wu Jing , Ma Xiaoyan , Su Yuming , Qin Shengyi , Pilla Francesco
Published: January 2025

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the ecological restoration of abandoned open-pit mines, increasing the area of cultivated land, and ensuring food security. Soil reconstruction is a crucial step in ecological restoration of abandoned open-pit mines. This study investigated the utilization of hydrophobic sand to create an Air-Permeable Aquiclude (APAC) under the plant root zones, thereby minimizing water infiltration and enhancing soil aeration. Field plot experiments for 2 years have been conducted, with control groups, Clay Aquitard (CAT), and Plastic Aquiclude (PAC), to evaluate the effects of APAC on rice yield, nitrogen utilization, and water efficiency. The findings revealed that utilizing APAC resulted in a significant rise in rice yield, ranging from 8.09 t/hm² to 9.27 t/hm², which were 7.67–27.16% higher than the control groups. Moreover, the APAC led to a remarkable reduction in irrigation water usage by 37.08%, alongside a substantial boost in Irrigation Water Productivity (IWP) efficiency by 28.64–71.12%. Notably, Nitrogen Partial Factor Productivity (NPFP) exhibited a substantial increase of 7.69–27.06%. These outcomes underscore the APAC’s positive role in water and nutrient conservation and enhanced yields.
A cross sectional investigation of the development of rhythmic preferences with motor and perceptual tests
Authors: Rioux Pier-Alexandre , Grondin Simon
Published: January 2025

The preferred period hypothesis posits a slowing down of motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences with age, both reflecting an increase in the common internal oscillation period. This study further investigates the preferred period hypothesis by improving the measurement of perceptual rhythmic preferences through two tasks, tempo adjustment and tempo judgment, conducted in auditory and visual modalities. The study was conducted with three groups of children (5–6, 8–9, and 11–12 years old), and a group of young adults (21 to 30 years old) during the same time of the day. Correlational analyses show that the relationship between motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences strengthens between childhood and adulthood. Multilevel analyses reveal a general slowing down of motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences, contingent on the task and modality, with distinct trajectories for males and females. Our study indicate that the range of preferred rhythms narrows with age, becoming less variable in young adulthood, at the expense of a single and consistent, default rhythm. In brief, the preferred period appears only in young adults, with no support for the idea of a slowing down of an internal oscillation that would be reflected by both motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences.
A phenotype-based AI pipeline outperforms human experts in differentially diagnosing rare diseases using EHRs
Authors: Mao Xiaohao , Huang Yu , Jin Ye , Wang Lun , Chen Xuanzhong , Liu Honghong , Yang Xinglin , Xu Haopeng , Luan Xiaodong , Xiao Ying , Feng Siqin , Zhu Jiahao , Zhang Xuegong , Jiang Rui , Zhang Shuyang , Chen Ting
Published: January 2025

Rare diseases, affecting ~350 million people worldwide, pose significant challenges in clinical diagnosis due to the lack of experienced physicians and the complexity of differentiating between numerous rare diseases. To address these challenges, we introduce PhenoBrain, a fully automated artificial intelligence pipeline. PhenoBrain utilizes a BERT-based natural language processing model to extract phenotypes from clinical texts in EHRs and employs five new diagnostic models for differential diagnoses of rare diseases. The AI system was developed and evaluated on diverse, multi-country rare disease datasets, comprising 2271 cases with 431 rare diseases. In 1936 test cases, PhenoBrain achieved an average predicted top-3 recall of 0.513 and a top-10 recall of 0.654, surpassing 13 leading prediction methods. In a human-computer study with 75 cases, PhenoBrain exhibited exceptional performance with a top-3 recall of 0.613 and a top-10 recall of 0.813, surpassing the performance of 50 specialist physicians and large language models like ChatGPT and GPT-4. Combining PhenoBrain’s predictions with specialists increased the top-3 recall to 0.768, demonstrating its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy in clinical workflows.
Dose and strain dependent lethality of Usutu virus in an Ifnar−/− mouse model
Authors: Duyvestyn Johanna M. , Marshall Eleanor M. , Bredenbeek Peter J. , Rockx Barry , van Hemert Martijn J. , Kikkert Marjolein
Published: January 2025

Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus with a geographic range that has expanded over recent years. Maintained in a transmission cycle between mosquito vectors and avian reservoirs the virus can cause large seasonal outbreaks in bird populations, but spillover into mammalian hosts has also been reported. While usually mild or asymptomatic in humans, neurological disorders are increasingly observed, which has boosted interest and the need for better understanding of the pathogenesis of various USUV lineages. In this study we inoculated interferon α/β receptor knockout (Ifnar−/−) mice with decreasing doses of USUV, monitoring symptoms and survival to determine a less lethal dose, and we directly compared isolates from three different viral lineages. We found that a Dutch isolate of USUV Africa-3 lineage is lethal at a dose of 20 pfu per mouse, which is considerably lower than what was anticipated based upon the literature. A Europe-2 strain showed an even higher virulence in this mouse model, compared to strains from Africa-3 and Europe-3 lineages—though this was not reflected in in vitro studies. These results enhance our understanding of the pathogenicity of different USUV strains and provide guidance for the use of low doses for inoculation in an Ifnar−/− animal model.
The golden goal of entatic state model design: lowering the internal reorganization energy leads to exponential increase in electron transfer rate
Authors: Seitz Tobias , Karabulut Aylin , Suzuki Rafael Mugi , Hoffmann Alexander , Heck Joshua , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: January 2025

We report a novel guanidine quinolinyl entatic state model system with an electron transfer rate on the order of 105 M−1 s−1 and remarkably little internal reorganization.
Interactive toxicity effects of metronidazole, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and differently functionalized nanoplastics on marine algae Chlorella sp.
Authors: Rex M Camil , Poddar Bikram , Mandal Sanmitra , Das Soupam , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: January 2025

A graphical illustration of the pristine toxicity of PSNPs and the combined toxicity of PSNPs with PPs on Chlorella variabilis.
Bromine-mediated electrochemical refinery towards tartaric acid
Authors: Liang Chenglin , Wen Zhaoyu , Yan Yuchen , Mao Zhenghao , Han Na , Li Yanguang
Published: January 2025

A bromine-mediated electrochemical approach is proposed for the transformation of maleic acid into higher value tartaric acid with a high yield.
2D Ni-BDC-stabilized Pickering emulsion for enabling friction-reducing application
Authors: Xu Yi-yan , Song Chao , Fan Lei , Cheng Zhi-lin
Published: January 2025

The issue of poor dispersion stability of 2D nanomaterials in lubricants has always constrained their practical applications.
Cooperative iridium and organocatalysis: a new frontier in asymmetric chemistry
Authors: Chaudhary Divakar , Saunthwal Rakesh K.
Published: January 2025

Cooperative iridium-organocatalysis has emerged as a valuable tool for producing biologically active chiral molecules from easily accessible starting materials by activating inert coupling partners in separate catalytic cycles.