bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What lies beneath: White matter microstructure in pediatric myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome using diffusion MRI
Authors: Josev Elisha K. , Chen Jian , Seal Marc , Scheinberg Adam , Cole Rebecca C. , Rowe Katherine , Lubitz Lionel , Knight Sarah J.
Published: June 2023

Recent studies in adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) suggest that changes in brain white matter microstructural organization may correlate with core ME/CFS symptoms, and represent a potential biomarker of disease. However, this has yet to be investigated in the pediatric ME/CFS population. We examined group differences in macrostructural and microstructural white matter properties, and their relationship with clinical measures, between adolescents recently diagnosed with ME/CFS and healthy controls. Forty‐eight adolescents (25 ME/CFS, 23 controls, mean age 16 years) underwent brain diffusion MRI, and a robust multi‐analytic approach was used to evaluate white and gray matter volume, regional brain volume, cortical thickness, fractional anisotropy, mean/axial/radial diffusivity, neurite dispersion and density, fiber density, and fiber cross section. From a clinical perspective, adolescents with ME/CFS showed greater fatigue and pain, poorer sleep quality, and poorer performance on cognitive measures of processing speed and sustained attention compared with controls. However, no significant group differences in white matter properties were observed, with the exception of greater white matter fiber cross section of the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus in the ME/CFS group compared with controls, which did not survive correction for intracranial volume. Overall, our findings suggest that white matter abnormalities may not be predominant in pediatric ME/CFS in the early stages following diagnosis. The discrepancy between our null findings and white matter abnormalities identified in the adult ME/CFS literature could suggest that older age and/or longer illness duration influence changes in brain structure and brain–behavior relationships that are not yet established in adolescence.
Revisiting the dependence of retention factor on the content of organic component in the mobile phase in reversed‐phase HPLC
Authors: Moldoveanu Serban C. , Bacalum Elena , Galaon Toma , David Victor
Published: June 2023

In high‐performance liquid chromatography, the dependence of retention factor k on volumetric fraction ϕ of organic phase is expressed by log k = F(ϕ) with F(ϕ) obtained by measuring log k at different ϕ values. From F(ϕ), a value kw is calculated by taking ϕ = 0. The equation log k = F(ϕ) is applied for predicting k, and kw is a descriptor of hydrophobic character of solutes and stationary phases. Calculated kw should not depend on the nature of organic component of mobile phase but extrapolation procedure leads to different kw for different organic components. The present study shows that the expression of F(ϕ) changes depending on the range of ϕ and the same function F(ϕ) cannot be used for the full range of ϕ from 0 to 1. Consequently, kw obtained by extrapolation of ϕ to zero is not correct because the expression of F(ϕ) was generated by fitting the data using ϕ with higher values. The present study shows the proper way to obtain the value of kw.
Early onset horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis due to a noncanonical splicing‐site variant and a missense variant in the ROBO3 gene
Authors: Yi Sheng , Qin Zailong , Zhou Xunzhao , Chen Junjie , Yi Shang , Chen Qiuli , Huang Limei , Zhang Qinle , Chen Biyan , Luo Jingsi
Published: June 2023

Background

Homozygous or compound heterozygous ROBO3 gene mutations cause horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS). This is an autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by congenital absence or severe restriction of horizontal gaze and progressive scoliosis. To date, almost 100 patients with HGPPS have been reported and 55 ROBO3 mutations have been identified.

Methods

We described an HGPPS patient and performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) to identify the causative gene.

Results

We identified a missense variant and a splice‐site variant in the ROBO3 gene in the proband. Sanger sequencing of cDNA revealed the presence of an aberrant transcript with retention of 700 bp from intron 17, which was caused by a variation in the noncanonical splicing site. We identified five additional ROBO3 variants, which were likely pathogenic, and estimated the overall allele frequency in the southern Chinese population to be 9.44 × 10−4, by a review of our in‐house database.

Conclusion

This study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the ROBO3 gene and has expanded our knowledge of variants in noncanonical splicing sites. The results could help to provide more accurate genetic counseling to affected families and prospective couples. We suggest that the ROBO3 gene should be included in the local screening strategy.
Mutations obstructing ATP's emplacement in KIF2A nucleotide‐binding pocket causes parenchymal malformations, motor developmental delay, with intellectual disability
Authors: Zhao Xiuying , Chen Tao , Fu Binsha , Fu Zhifu , Xu Kaishou , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2023

Background

KIF2A‐related tubulinopathy (MIM: #615411) is a very rare disorder that was clinically characterized as microcephaly, epilepsy, motor developmental disorder (MDD), and various malformations of cortical development, but intellectual disability (ID) or global developmental delay (GDD) was rarely reported in the patients.

Methods

Quad whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband, the older brother, and their parents. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the candidate gene variant.

Results

The proband, a 23‐month‐old boy, was previously diagnosed with GDD, and his brother, aged nine years, had ID; both were born to a healthy couple. Quad‐WES detected a novel heterozygous KIF2A variant, c.1318G>A (p.G440R), in both the brothers but not in the parents. In‐silico analysis revealed that the variants G440R and G318R (which were previously reported in the only reported patient with GDD) lead to markedly enlarged side chains and hinder ATP's emplacement in the NBD pocket.

Conclusions

The type of KIF2A variants that sterically hinder ATP emplacing in KIF2A NBD pocket may be associated with the intellectual disability phenotype; however, further studies are needed. Findings in this case also suggest a rare parental germline mosaicism of KIF2A G440R.
A novel variant in the QRICH1 gene was identified in a patient with severe developmental delay
Authors: Wang Dong , Wu Jin
Published: June 2023

Background

QRICH1 encodes the glutamine‐rich protein 1, which contains one caspase activation recruitment domain and is likely to be involved in apoptosis and inflammation. However, the function of the QRICH1 gene was largely unknown. Recently, several studies have reported de novo variants in QRICH1, and the variants have been associated with Ververi‐Brady syndrome characterized by developmental delay, nonspecific facial dysmorphism, and hypotonia.

Materials and Methods

Whole exome sequencing, clinical examinations, and functional experiments were performed to identify the etiology of our patient.

Results

Here, we added another patient with severe growth retardation, atrial septal defect, and slurred speech. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel truncation variant in the QRICH1 gene (MN_017730.3: c.1788dupC, p.Tyr597Leufs*9). Furthermore, the functional experiments confirmed the effect of genetic variation.

Conclusion

Our findings expand the QRICH1 variant spectrum in developmental disorders and provide evidence for the application of whole exome sequencing in Ververi‐Brady syndrome.
Association between balance recovery during inpatient rehabilitation and gait without physical assistance in severe subacute post‐stroke patients
Authors: CF Gath , MG Gianella , L Bonamico , MJ Russo
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Studies that analyze gait without physical assistance recovery post‐stroke are scarce. There are few of the studies that analyze longitudinally the recovery of balance during the subacute post‐stroke inpatient rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between balance recovery during subacute stroke inpatient rehabilitation and gait without physical assistance achievement. Secondarily, to analyze the association between balance at admission of inpatient rehabilitation and gait without physical assistance achievement.

Methods

An observational, longitudinal, and retrospective cohort study was conducted. Subacute stroke subjects with an admission Berg Balance Scale below or equal to 4 points were included (n = 164). Two logistic regression models were developed. Model 1 analyzes the association between balance recovery during inpatient rehabilitation and gait without physical assistance at discharge. Model 2 analyzes the association between balance at the admission and gait without physical assistance at discharge.

Results

Of 164 severe post‐stroke patients, 60 (36.5%) achieved gait without physical assistance. Although the two models developed a statistically significant association (p < 0.001), Model 1 evinced better discrimination performance (Model 1: area below the curve was of 0.987 ‐CI 95%: 0.975–0.998‐ vs. Model 2: area below the curve 2 was of 0.705 ‐CI 95%: 0.789–0.601‐).

Discussion

Balance recovery during rehabilitation was strongly associated with gait without physical assistance achievement at the time of discharge in severe subacute post‐stroke patients.

Implications for Physiotherapy Practice

The longitudinal analysis of motor recovery in severe subacute post‐stroke patients may be helpful in the decision making process during inpatient rehabilitation.
Interfacial Mo‐S‐C Bond with High Reversibility for Advanced Alkali‐Ion Capacitors: Strategies for High‐Throughput Production
Authors: Deng Xinglan , Zheng Renji , Deng Wentao , Hou Hongshuai , Zou Guoqiang , Ji Xiaobo
Published: June 2023

The high‐throughput scalable production of low‐cost and high‐performance electrode materials that work well under high power densities required in industrial application is full of challenges for the large‐scale implementation of electrochemical technologies. Here, motivated by theoretical calculation that Mo‐S‐C heterojunction and sulfur vacancies can reduce the energy band gap, decrease the migration energy barrier, and improve the mechanical stability of MoS2, the scalable preparation of inexpensive MoS2‐x@CN is contrived by employing natural molybdenite as precursor, which is characteristic of high efficiency in synthesis process and energy conservation and the calculated costs are four orders of magnitude lower than MoS2/C in previous work. More importantly, MoS2‐x@CN electrode is endowed with impressive rate capability even at 5 A g−1, and ultrastable cycling stability during almost 5000 cycles, which far outperform chemosynthesis MoS2 materials. Obtaining the full SIC cell assembled by MoS2‐x@CN anode and carbon cathode, the energy/power output is high up to 265.3 W h kg−1 at 250 W kg−1. These advantages indicate the huge potentials of the designed MoS2‐x@CN and of mineral‐based cost‐effective and abundant resources as anode materials in high‐performance AICs.
High‐Throughput Exploration of Triple‐Cation Perovskites via All‐in‐One Compositionally‐Graded Films
Authors: Moradi Shahram , Kundu Soumya , Awais Muhammad , Haruta Yuki , Nguyen Hai‐Dang , Zhang Dongyang , Tan Furui , Saidaminov Makhsud I.
Published: June 2023

Many devices heavily rely on combinatorial material optimization. However, new material alloys are classically developed by studying only a fraction of giant chemical space, while many intermediate compositions remain unmade in light of the lack of methods to synthesize gapless material libraries. Here report a high‐throughput all‐in‐one material platform to obtain and study compositionally‐tunable alloys from solution is reported. This strategy is applied to make all CsxMAyFAzPbI3 perovskite alloys (MA and FA stand for methylammonium and formamidinium, respectively), in less than 10 min, on a single film, on which 520 unique alloys are then studied. Through stability mapping of all these alloys in air supersaturated with moisture, a range of targeted perovskites are found, which are then chosen to make efficient and stable solar cells in relaxed fabrication conditions, in ambient air. This all‐in‐one platform provides access to an unprecedented library of compositional space with no unmade alloys, and hence aids in a comprehensive accelerated discovery of efficient energy materials.
Tetrahedral Bonding Structure (Ni3‐Se) Induced by Lattice‐Distortion of Ni to Achieve High Catalytic Activity in Na–Se Battery
Authors: Li Jiayin , Qian Cheng , Hu Yunfei , Huang Jianfeng , Chen Guanjun , Cao Liyun , Wang Fangmin , Kajiyoshi Koji , Zhao Yong , Liu Yijun , Li Zhenjiang , Yang Hong , Xu Zhanwei
Published: June 2023

Fabrication of transition‐metal catalytic materials is regarded as a promising strategy for developing high‐performance sodium–selenium (Na–Se) batteries. However, more systematic explorations are further demanded to find out how their bonding interactions and electronic structures can affect the Na storage process. This study finds that lattice‐distorted nickel (Ni) structure can form different bonding structures with Na2Se4, providing high activity to catalyze the electrochemical reactions in Na–Se batteries. Using this Ni structure to prepare electrode (Se@NiSe2/Ni/CTs) can realize rapid charge transfer and high cycle stability of the battery. The electrode exhibits high storage performance of Na+; i.e., 345 mAh g⁻1 at 1 C after 400 cycles, and 286.4 mAh g⁻1 at 10 C in rate performance test. Further results reveal the existence of a regulated electronic structure with upshifts of the d‐band center in the distorted Ni structure. This regulation changes the interaction between Ni and Na2Se4 to form a Ni3–Se tetrahedral bonding structure. This bonding structure can provide higher adsorption energy of Ni to Na2Se4 to facilitate the redox reaction of Na2Se4 during the electrochemical process. This study can inspire the design of bonding structure with high performance in conversion‐reaction‐based batteries.
Design of a Synthetic Strategy to Achieve Enhanced Fluorescent Carbon Dots with Sulfur and Nitrogen Codoping and Its Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Wu Mengyi , Li Jiurong , Wu Yongzhong , Gong Xiao , Wu Min
Published: June 2023

Here, a rational strategy to achieve multifunctional N, S codoped carbon dots (N, S‐CDs) is reported, aiming to improve the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of the CDs. The synthesized N, S‐CDs have excellent stability and emission properties independent of excitation wavelength. Through the introduction of S element doping, the fluorescence emission of CDs is red‐shifted from 430 to 545 nm, and the corresponding PLQYs can be greatly enhanced from 11.2% to 65.1%. It is found that the doping of S elements causes an increase in the size of CDs and an elevated graphite N content, which may be the key factors to cause the redshift of fluorescence emission. Furthermore, the introduction of S element also serves to suppress the nonradiative transitions, which may be responsible for the elevated PLQYs. Besides, the synthesized N, S‐CDs have certain solvent effect and can be applied to detect water content in organic solvents, and have strong sensitivity to alkaline environment. More importantly, the N, S‐CDs can be used to achieve an “on–off–on” dual detection mode between Zr4+ and NO2−. In addition, N, S‐CDs combinedwith polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can also be utilized as fluorescent inks for anti‐counterfeiting applications.
Porous and Partially Dehydrogenated Fe2+‐Containing Iron Oxyhydroxide Nanosheets for Efficient Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (ENRR)
Authors: Jia Lulu , Xue Hairong , Xian Fang , Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Sakai Nobuyuki , Nan Jingbo , Yamauchi Yusuke , Sasaki Takayoshi , Ma Renzhi
Published: June 2023

The design and development of efficient catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) under ambient conditions are critical for the alternative ammonia (NH3) synthesis from N2 and H2O, wherein iron‐based electrocatalysts exhibit outstanding NH3 formation rate and Faradaic efficiency (FE). Here, the synthesis of porous and positively charged iron oxyhydroxide nanosheets by using layered ferrous hydroxide as a starting precursor, which undergoes topochemical oxidation, partial dehydrogenated reaction, and final delamination, is reported. As the electrocatalyst of ENRR, the obtained nanosheets with a monolayer thickness and 10‐nm mesopores display exceptional NH3 yield rate (28.5 µg h−1 mgcat.−1) and FE (13.2%) at a potential of −0.4 V versus RHE in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) electrolyte. The values are much higher than those of the undelaminated bulk iron oxyhydroxide. The larger specific surface area and positive charge of the nanosheets are beneficial for providing more exposed reactive sites as well as retarding hydrogen evolution reaction. This study highlights the rational control on the electronic structure and morphology of porous iron oxyhydroxide nanosheets, expanding the scope of developing non‐precious iron‐based highly efficient ENRR electrocatalysts.
Biogenetic Vesicle‐Based Cancer Vaccines with Tunable Surface Potential and Immune Potency
Authors: Qin Hao , Li Hejia , Zhu Jin , Qin Yuting , Li Nan , Shi Jian , Nie Guangjun , Zhao Ruifang
Published: June 2023

Cancer vaccines are designed to motivate antigen‐specific immune responses and facilitate tumor regression with minimal side effects. To fully exert the potential of vaccines, rationally designed formulations that effectively deliver antigens and trigger potent immune reactions are urgently needed. This study demonstrates a simple and controllable vaccine‐developing strategy that assembles tumor antigens into bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), natural delivery vehicles with intrinsic immune adjuvant properties, via electrostatic interaction. This OMV‐delivered vaccine (OMVax) stimulated both innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to enhanced metastasis inhibition and prolonged survival of tumor‐bearing mice. Moreover, the influence of different surface charged OMVax on antitumor immunity activation is investigated and declined immune response activation occurred with increased positive surface charge. Together, these findings suggest a simple vaccine formulation that can be enhanced by optimizing the surface charges of vaccine formulations.
Detachable MOF‐Based Core/Shell Nanoreactor for Cancer Dual‐Starvation Therapy With Reversing Glucose and Glutamine Metabolisms
Authors: Du Huiping , Meng Siyu , Geng Meijuan , Zhao Pan , Gong Liyang , Zheng Xinmin , Li Xiang , Yuan Zhang , Yang Hui , Zhao Yanli , Dai Liangliang
Published: June 2023

Tumor‐dependent glucose and glutamine metabolisms are essential for maintaining survival, while the accordingly metabolic suppressive therapy is limited by the compensatory metabolism and inefficient delivery efficiency. Herein, a functional metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based nanosystem composed of the weakly acidic tumor microenvironment‐activated detachable shell and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive disassembled MOF nanoreactor core is designed to co‐load glycolysis and glutamine metabolism inhibitors glucose oxidase (GOD) and bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetmido‐1,2,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) ethyl sulfide (BPTES) for tumor dual‐starvation therapy. The nanosystem excitingly improves tumor penetration and cellular uptake efficiency via integrating the pH‐responsive size reduction and charge reversal and ROS‐sensitive MOF disintegration and drug release strategy. Furthermore, the degradation of MOF and cargoes release can be self‐amplified via additional self‐generation H2O2 mediated by GOD. Last, the released GOD and BPTES collaboratively cut off the energy supply of tumors and induce significant mitochondrial damage and cell cycle arrest via simultaneous restriction of glycolysis and compensatory glutamine metabolism pathways, consequently realizing the remarkable triple negative breast cancer killing effect in vivo with good biosafety via the dual starvation therapy.
Pd‐Doped Co3O4 Nanoarray for Efficient Eight‐Electron Nitrate Electrocatalytic Reduction to Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Fan Xiaoya , Liu Chaozhen , Li Zixiao , Cai Zhengwei , Ouyang Ling , Li Zerong , He Xun , Luo Yongsong , Zheng Dongdong , Sun Shengjun , Wang Yan , Ying Binwu , Liu Qian , Farouk Asmaa , Hamdy Mohamed S. , Gong Feng , Sun Xuping , Zheng Yinyuan
Published: June 2023

Ammonia (NH3) is an indispensable feedstock for fertilizer production and one of the most ideal green hydrogen rich fuel. Electrochemical nitrate (NO3−) reduction reaction (NO3−RR) is being explored as a promising strategy for green to synthesize industrial‐scale NH3, which has nonetheless involved complex multi‐reaction process. This work presents a Pd‐doped Co3O4 nanoarray on titanium mesh (Pd‐Co3O4/TM) electrode for highly efficient and selective electrocatalytic NO3−RR to NH3 at low onset potential. The well‐designed Pd‐Co3O4/TM delivers a large NH3 yield of 745.6 µmol h−1 cm−2 and an extremely high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 98.7% at −0.3 V with strong stability. These calculations further indicate that the doping Co3O4 with Pd improves the adsorption characteristic of Pd‐Co3O4 and optimizes the free energies for intermediates, thereby facilitating the kinetics of the reaction. Furthermore, assembling this catalyst in a Zn‐NO3− battery realizes a power density of 3.9 mW cm−2 and an excellent FE of 98.8% for NH3.
Establishing Transition Metal Phosphides as Effective Sulfur Hosts in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries through the Triple Effect of “Confinement–Adsorption–Catalysis”
Authors: Wang Fangzheng , Han Yuying , Xu Rui , Li Ang , Feng Xin , Lv Shengyao , Wang Tao , Song LeLe , Li Jing , Wei Zidong
Published: June 2023

Structurally optimized transition metal phosphides are identified as a promising avenue for the commercialization of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In this study, a CoP nanoparticle‐doped hollow ordered mesoporous carbon sphere (CoP‐OMCS) is developed as a S host with a “Confinement–Adsorption–Catalysis” triple effect for Li–S batteries. The Li‐S batteries with CoP‐OMCS/S cathode demonstrate excellent performance, delivering a discharge capacity of 1148 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and good cycling stability with a low long‐cycle capacity decay rate of 0.059% per cycle. Even at a high current density of 2 C after 200 cycles, a high specific discharge capacity of 524 mAh g−1 is maintained. Moreover, a reversible areal capacity of 6.56 mAh cm−2 is achieved after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, despite a high S loading of 6.8 mg cm−2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that CoP exhibits enhanced adsorption capacity for sulfur‐containing substances. Additionally, the optimized electronic structure of CoP significantly reduces the energy barrier during the conversion of Li2S4 (L) to Li2S2 (S). In summary, this work provides a promising approach to optimize transition metal phosphide materials structurally and design cathodes for Li–S batteries.
Modified Diacetylmonoxime‐Thiosemicarbazide Detection Protocol for Accurate Quantification of Urea
Authors: Chen Sibo , Lin Shuting , Ding Liang‐Xin , Wang Haihui
Published: June 2023

Renewable photo‐/electrocatalytic coreduction of CO2 and nitrate to urea is a promising method for high‐value utilization of CO2. However, because of the low yields of the urea synthesis by photo‐/electrocatalysis process, the accurate quantification of low concentration urea is challenging. The traditional diacetylmonoxime‐thiosemicarbazide (DAMO‐TSC) method for urea detection has a high limit of quantification and accuracy, but it is easily affected by NO2− in the solution, which limits its application scope. Thus, the DAMO‐TSC method urgently requires a more rigorous design to eliminate the effects of NO2− and accurately quantify urea in nitrate systems. Herein, a modified DAMO‐TSC method is reported, which consumes NO2− in solution through a nitrogen release reaction; hence, the remaining products do not affect the accuracy of urea detection. The results of detecting urea solutions with different NO2− concentrations (within 30 ppm) show that the improved method can effectively control the error of urea detection within 3%.
Identify the Clinicopathological Characteristics of Lung Carcinoma Patients Being False Negative in Folate Receptor Based Circulating Tumor Cell Detection
Authors: Jiang Siming , Wang Hao , Zhu Junjie , Xu Xinnan , Chen Linsong , Wang Bo , Zhou Bin , Zhu Yuming , Zhang Zhemin , Ma Benting , Du Bin , Yang Yang
Published: June 2023

In lung cancer diagnosis, folate receptor (FR)–based circulating tumor cell (CTC) has shown its ability to distinguish malignancy from benign disease to some extent. However, there are still some patients that cannot be identified by FR‐based CTC detection. And studies comparing the characteristics between true positive (TP) and false negative (FN) patients are few. Thus, the study comprehensively analyzes the clinicopathological characteristics of FN and TP patients in the current study. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3420 patients are enrolled. Combining the pathological diagnosis with CTC results, patients are divided into FN and TP groups, and clinicopathological characteristics are compared between two groups. Compared with TP patients, FN patients have smaller tumor, early T stage, early pathological stage, and without lymph node metastasis. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status is different between FN and TP group. And this result is also demonstrated in lung adenocarcinoma subgroup but not in lung squamous cell carcinoma subgroup. Tumor size, T stage, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and EGFR mutation status may influence the accuracy of FR‐based CTC detection in lung cancer. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings.
High‐Performance Optoelectronic Gas Sensing Based on All‐Inorganic Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals with Halide Engineering
Authors: Kim Jiyun , John Alishba T. , Li Hanchen , Huang Chien‐Yu , Chi Yuan , Anandan Pradeep Raja , Murugappan Krishnan , Tang Jianbo , Lin Chun‐Ho , Hu Long , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Tricoli Antonio , Chu Dewei , Wu Tom
Published: June 2023

Gas sensors are of great interest to portable and miniaturized sensing technologies with applications ranging from air quality monitoring to explosive detection and medical diagnostics, but the existing chemiresistive NO2 sensors still suffer from issues such as poor sensitivity, high operating temperature, and slow recovery. Herein, a high‐performance NO2 sensors based on all‐inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) is reported, achieving room temperature operation with ultra‐fast response and recovery time. After tailoring the halide composition, superior sensitivity of ≈67 at 8 ppm NO2 is obtained in CsPbI2Br PNC sensors with a detection level down to 2 ppb, which outperforms other nanomaterial‐based NO2 sensors. Furthermore, the remarkable optoelectronic properties of such PNCs enable dual‐mode operation, i.e., chemiresistive and chemioptical sensing, presenting a new and versatile platform for advancing high‐performance, point‐of‐care NO2 detection technologies.
Perineal urethrostomy in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo) to treat iatrogenic urethral stricture after orchiectomy
Authors: Kokkinos Panagiotis , Calvo Carasco Daniel , Shimizu Naomi
Published: June 2023

A 5‐month‐old ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with a recent history of stranguria, distended urinary bladder, post‐renal azotaemia and a severed urethra following orchiectomy at the referring practice 4 weeks previously. At presentation, an indwelling urinary catheter was present, and the general examination was unremarkable. Blood analyses showed increased serum urea levels. An abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities. Contrast cystourethrography revealed a urethral stricture at the level of the castration site. Perineal urethrostomy was performed proximal to the stenosis, caudal to the pubis bone. Examination of the stoma 3 weeks postoperatively showed good healing and no stenosis. No recurrence of signs was reported at regular follow‐up phone communication with the owner up to 11 months postoperatively. Urethral stricture is a possible complication following orchiectomy in ferrets, and a perineal urethrostomy can be performed.
Climate change on Twitter: Implications for climate governance research
Authors: Dellmuth Lisa , Shyrokykh Karina
Published: June 2023

There is increasing public debate about the governance of climate change and its repercussions for nature and human livelihoods. In today's digitalized communication landscape, both public and private actors involved in climate change governance use social media to provide information and to interact with stakeholders and the broader public. This Focus Article discusses two main aspects of debates about climate change and climate governance on Twitter, which previous theories suggest to shape climate governance across domestic and global levels: non‐state climate action and public opinion formation on the social media. We see significant advancement in the environmental social sciences studying these two areas. Yet, we also see the need for a better understanding of how public and private actors in the climate governance complex interact on Twitter, and how these actors shape, and are shaped by, experiences, values, and positions. This understanding will help to advance climate governance theories. This article proceeds in three steps. We first discuss previous social media research on non‐state climate action and public opinion formation related to climate change and its governance. Then we sketch avenues for future research, elaborating how Twitter data might be used to investigate how non‐state climate action and public opinion formation on social media are linked to and influence climate governance. We conclude by making the case for drawing together Twitter data and climate governance research into a more coherent research agenda.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Private Governance of Climate Change

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
The Notch-mediated circuitry in the evolution and generation of new cell lineages: the tooth model
Authors: Mitsiadis Thimios A. , Pagella Pierfrancesco , Capellini Terence D. , Smith Moya Meredith
Published: June 2023

The Notch pathway is an ancient, evolutionary conserved intercellular signaling mechanism that is involved in cell fate specification and proper embryonic development. The Jagged2 gene, which encodes a ligand for the Notch family of receptors, is expressed from the earliest stages of odontogenesis in epithelial cells that will later generate the enamel-producing ameloblasts. Homozygous Jagged2 mutant mice exhibit abnormal tooth morphology and impaired enamel deposition. Enamel composition and structure in mammals are tightly linked to the enamel organ that represents an evolutionary unit formed by distinct dental epithelial cell types. The physical cooperativity between Notch ligands and receptors suggests that Jagged2 deletion could alter the expression profile of Notch receptors, thus modifying the whole Notch signaling cascade in cells within the enamel organ. Indeed, both Notch1 and Notch2 expression are severely disturbed in the enamel organ of Jagged2 mutant teeth. It appears that the deregulation of the Notch signaling cascade reverts the evolutionary path generating dental structures more reminiscent of the enameloid of fishes rather than of mammalian enamel. Loss of interactions between Notch and Jagged proteins may initiate the suppression of complementary dental epithelial cell fates acquired during evolution. We propose that the increased number of Notch homologues in metazoa enabled incipient sister cell types to form and maintain distinctive cell fates within organs and tissues along evolution.
Biological intra‐articular augmentation for osteotomy in knee osteoarthritis: strategies and results
Authors: Reale Davide , Feltri Pietro , Franceschini Marco , de Girolamo Laura , Laver Lior , Magalon Jeremy , Sanchez Mikel , Tischer Thomas , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To assess whether there is evidence supporting the use of augmentation strategies, either cartilage surgical procedures or injective orthobiologic options, to improve the results of osteotomies in knees with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane databases in January 2023 on osteotomies around the knee associated with augmentation strategies (either cartilage surgical procedures or injective orthobiologic options), reporting clinical, radiological, or second‐look/histological outcomes at any follow‐up. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Coleman Methodology Score (CMS).

Results

Out of the 7650 records identified from the databases, 42 articles were included for a total of 3580 patients and 3609 knees treated; 33 articles focused on surgical treatments and 9 on injective treatments performed in association with knee osteotomy. Out of the 17 comparative studies with surgical augmentation, only 1 showed a significant clinical benefit of an augmentation procedure with a regenerative approach. Overall, other studies showed no differences with reparative techniques and even detrimental outcomes with microfractures. Regarding injective procedures, viscosupplementation showed no improvement, while the use of platelet‐rich plasma or cell‐based products derived from both bone marrow and adipose tissue showed overall positive tissue changes which translated into a clinical benefit. The mean modified CMS score was 60.0 ± 12.1.

Conclusion

There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of cartilage surgical treatments combined with osteotomies in terms of pain relief and functional recovery of patients affected by OA in misaligned joints. Orthobiologic injective treatments targeting the whole joint environment showed promising findings. However, overall the available literature presents a limited quality with only few heterogeneous studies investigating each treatment option. This ORBIT systematic analysis will help surgeons to choose their therapeutic strategy according to the available evidence, and to plan further and better studies to optimize biologic intra‐articular osteotomy augmentation.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Weak-type maximal function estimates on the infinite-dimensional torus
Authors: Kosz Dariusz , Rey Guillermo , Roncal Luz
Published: June 2023

We prove necessary and sufficient conditions for the weak-$$L^p$$

L
p

boundedness, for $$p \in (1,\infty )$$

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

, of a maximal operator on the infinite-dimensional torus. In the endpoint case $$p=1$$

p
=
1

we obtain the same weak-type inequality enjoyed by the strong maximal function in dimension two. Our results are quantitatively sharp.
Effect of lactic acid fermentation of red beetroot juice on volatile compounds profile and content
Authors: Foss Kamil , Starowicz Małgorzata , Kłębukowska Lucyna , Sawicki Tomasz
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of lactic acid fermentation on the profile and content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in red beetroot juice. Red beetroot juice was fermented by three different amounts (1%, 2%, and 2.5%) of three various Lactobacillus strains (L. acidophilus ATCC 8014, L. brevis Lbbr 12A, L. plantarum ATCC 3543) for 24 h. The head-space micro-extraction (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was implemented to qualify and quantify the VOCs presence in samples: fresh juice, two controls incubated at 30 and 37 °C, and nine fermented juice samples. A total number of 100 volatiles were identified in the analyzed juice samples, which were classified into 18 chemical groups. Fermented juice samples were characterized by a greater variety of VOCs than unfermented juice samples. In fermented juice samples, 17 to 38 compounds were identified, while in unfermented juice samples, it was 13–15 compounds. The highest number of VOCs was found in juice fermented by L. plantarum (33–38 volatiles) and the lowest in fresh juice (13 volatiles). Total relative content of VOCs ranged from 84.00 (fresh juice) to 881.31 µg/mL (control, 30 °C). On the other hand, the highest relative content of VOCs among fermented juice samples was noticed in the juice fermented by a 1% addition of L. plantarum. According to this study, it can be said that 24-h lactic acid fermentation of red beet juice allows forming a significant amount of volatilized molecules. Therefore, the relatively high content of volatiles can increase potentially the aroma attractiveness of red beetroot juice.
Actual and standard crop coefficients for semi-natural and planted grasslands and grasses: a review aimed at supporting water management to improve production and ecosystem services
Authors: Pereira Luis S. , Paredes Paula , Espírito-Santo Dalila , Salman Maher
Published: June 2023

Natural and planted grasslands play a very important role in agriculture as source of various ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity, and are responsible for a large fraction of agricultural water use in rainfed and irrigated fields. It is, therefore, relevant to precisely know their water use and vegetation requirements with consideration of relevant climate, from extremely cold, dry, with long winter seasons, to tropical humid and hot climates, thus with a large variability of vegetation. Semi-natural grasslands are basically used for grazing and mainly refer to highland pastures and meadows, steppes, savannas, pampas, and mixed forest systems. The FAO method to compute crop (vegetation) evapotranspiration (ETc) through the product of a crop coefficient (Kc) by the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is adopted. The selected papers were those where actual ETc (ETc act) was derived from field observations and ETo was computed with the FAO56 definition, or with another method that could be referred to the former. Field derived ETc act methods included soil water balance, Bowen ratio and eddy covariance measurements, as well as remote sensing vegetation indices or surface energy balance models, thus reviewed Kc act (ETc act/ETo) values were obtained from field data. These Kc act refer to initial, mid-season and end season (Kc act ini, Kc act mid, Kc act end) when reported values were daily or monthly; otherwise, only average values (Kc act avg) were collected. For cases relative to cold or freezing winters, data refer to the warm season only. For grasses cut for hay, Kc act ini, Kc act mid, and Kc act end refer to a cut cycle. Kc act values rarely exceeded 1.25, thus indicating that field measurements reported did respect the available energy for evaporation. Overall, Kc act mid for semi-natural grasslands in cold climates were lower than those in hot climates except when available water was high, with Kc act mid for meadows and mountain pastures generally high. Steppes have Kc act mid values lower than savannas. Grasses commonly planted for hay and for landscape generally showed high Kc act mid values, while a larger variability was observed with grasses for grazing. The collected Kc act values were used to define standard Kc values for all grassland and grasses. Nevertheless, the tabulated Kc act are indicative values of Kc to be used for actual water management purposes and/or irrigation scheduling of planted grasslands. It is expected that a better knowledge of the standard and/or indicative Kc values for a wide variety of grasslands and grasses will support better management aimed to improve grass productivity and ecosystem services, including biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Relationship between perceived stress, stress coping strategies, and clinical status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wróbel Aldona , Barańska Ilona , Szklarczyk Joanna , Majda Anna , Jaworek Jolanta
Published: June 2023

Coping with a chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves significant changes in life and promotes stressful situations. The inability to cope with stress can contribute to the lack of effectiveness of therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between perceived stress, coping strategies, and the clinical status of RA patients determined by C-reactive protein (CRP) and Disease Activity Score (DAS28). 165 subjects were studied, 84 of them had RA and the rest were controls. Standardised questionnaires were used: the Inventory for the Measurement of Coping Strategies (Mini-COPE) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data. The blood levels of protein CRP and cortisol were determined. DAS28 was obtained from medical records. The study was cross-sectional. The mean severity of perceived stress PSS-10 was not significantly different between the control and study groups. RA patients most often used coping strategies such as active coping, planning, and acceptance. Compared to the control group, they used the strategy of turning to religion significantly more often (1.8 vs 1.4; p = 0.012). Women with RA who had higher cortisol levels were more likely to use positive reevaluation, seeking emotional support and instrumental support, as well as the denial strategy. In men with RA, high stress was associated with twice as high CRP levels compared to patients with low stress (p = 0.038). As the levels of CRP protein levels (p = 0.009) and the DAS28 index (p = 0.005) increased, patients were more likely to use a denial strategy.
Fusion of experimental and synthetic data for reliable prediction of steel connection behaviour using machine learning
Authors: Cabrera Manuela , Ninic Jelena , Tizani Walid
Published: June 2023

The development of robust prediction tools based on machine learning (ML) techniques requires the availability of complete, consistent, accurate, and numerous datasets. The application of ML in structural engineering has been limited since, although real size experiments provide complete and accurate data, they are time-consuming and expensive. On the other hand, validated finite element (FE) models provide consistent and numerous synthetic data. Depending on the complexity of the problem, they might require large computational time and cost, and could be subjected to uncertainties and limitation in prediction capability given they are approximations of real-world problems. Hybrid approaches to combine experimental and synthetic datasets have emerged as an alternative to improve the reliability of ML model predictions. In this paper, we explore two hybrid methods to propose a robust approach for the prediction of the extended hollo-bolt (EHB) connection strength, stiffness, and column face displacement: (1) supervised ML methods with data fusion (DF) where learning is optimized with particle swarm optimization (PSO), and (2) artificial neural networks (ANN) based method with model fusion (MF). Based on the analysis of a dataset that combines 22 tensile experimental results with 2000 synthetic datapoints based on FE models, we concluded that using the first method (ML with DF and PSO) is the most suitable method for the prediction of the connection behavior. The ANN-based method with MF shows to be a promising method for the characterization of the EHB connection, however, more extensive experimental data is required for its implementation. Finally, a graphical user interface application was developed and shared in a public repository for the implementation of the proposed hybrid model.
Effects of muscle fatigue on exercise-induced hamstring muscle damage: a three-armed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schwiete Carsten , Roth Christian , Skutschik Christoph , Möck Sebastian , Rettenmaier Lukas , Happ Kevin , Broich Holger , Behringer Michael
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Hamstring injuries in soccer reportedly increase towards the end of the matches’ halves as well as with increased match frequency in combination with short rest periods, possibly due to acute or residual fatigue. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of acute and residual muscle fatigue on exercise-induced hamstring muscle damage.

Methods

A three-armed randomized-controlled trial, including 24 resistance-trained males, was performed allocating subjects to either a training group with acute muscle fatigue + eccentric exercise (AF/ECC); residual muscle fatigue + eccentric exercise (RF/ECC) or a control group with only eccentric exercise (ECC). Muscle stiffness, thickness, contractility, peak torque, range of motion, pain perception, and creatine kinase were assessed as muscle damage markers pre, post, 1 h post, and on the consecutive three days.

Results

Significant group × time interactions were revealed for muscle thickness (p = 0.02) and muscle contractility parameters radial displacement (Dm) and contraction velocity (Vc) (both p = 0.01), with larger changes in the ECC group (partial η2 = 0.4). Peak torque dropped by an average of 22% in all groups; stiffness only changed in the RF/ECC group (p = 0.04). Muscle work during the damage protocol was lower for AF/ECC than for ECC and RF/ECC (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Hamstring muscle damage was comparable between the three groups. However, the AF/ECC group resulted in the same amount of muscle damage while accumulating significantly less muscle work during the protocol of the damage exercise.

Trial registration

This study was preregistered in the international trial registration platform (WHO; registration number: DRKS00025243).
Legume effects in a native community invaded by alien Asteraceae in a multi-species comparison
Authors: Ferenc Viktoria , Brendel Marco R. , Sheppard Christine S.
Published: June 2023

Facilitation has been a long-neglected type of interaction but received more attention recently. Legumes are commonly involved in facilitative interactions due to their nitrogen fixation. Facilitative interactions are so far underappreciated yet potentially important for biological invasions, especially given increasing numbers of alien species. In a common garden experiment using 30 annual Asteraceae species (neophytes, archaeophytes, plus some natives), grown in communities with or without legume presence, we measured functional traits and fitness in focal Asteraceae, as well as nitrogen characteristics of Asteraceae and two native community phytometer species. We investigated how legume presence affects relationships between trait and nitrogen concentration and Asteraceae fitness; and whether mechanisms of facilitation in legume presence and its effects on aboveground performance differ among native phytometer, neophyte, and archaeophyte Asteraceae using the δ15N natural abundance method. Lower specific leaf area was associated with higher aboveground biomass and seed production, with a stronger effect in legume absence. Nitrogen concentration had a positive relationship with biomass, but did not generally increase seed production. Our results hint at N facilitation for the native grass phytometer Festuca rupicola when growing in legume presence, whereas the forb Potentilla argentea and 27 alien Asteraceae species did not indicate facilitative effects. Intriguingly, direct legume facilitation in native phytometer species was only detected when growing with archaeophytes neighbors, not with neophytes. This hints at varied mechanisms of competition for nitrogen between natives and alien species of different residence time and deepens the understanding of altered facilitative leguminous effects in alien species presence.