bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persons with first episode psychosis have distinct profiles of social cognition and metacognition
Authors: Ferrer-Quintero M. , Fernández D. , López-Carrilero R. , Birulés I. , Barajas A. , Lorente-Rovira E. , Díaz-Cutraro L. , Verdaguer M. , García-Mieres H. , Sevilla-Llewellyn-Jones J. , Gutiérrez-Zotes A. , Grasa E. , Pousa E. , Huerta-Ramos E. , Pélaez T. , Barrigón M. L. , González-Higueras F. , Ruiz-Delgado I. , Cid J. , Moritz S. ,   Spanish Metacognition Group, Ochoa S.
Published: December 2021

Subjects with first-episode psychosis experience substantial deficits in social cognition and metacognition. Although previous studies have investigated the role of profiles of individuals in social cognition and metacognition in chronic schizophrenia, profiling subjects with first-episode psychosis in both domains remains to be investigated. We used latent profile analysis to derive profiles of the abilities in 174 persons with first-episode psychosis using the Beck’s Cognitive Insight Scale, the Faces Test, the Hinting Task, the Internal, Personal and Situational Attributions Questionnaire, and the Beads Task. Participants received a clinical assessment and a neuropsychological assessment. The best-fitting model was selected according to the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). We assessed the importance of the variables via a classification tree (CART). We derived three clusters with distinct profiles. The first profile (33.3%) comprised individuals with low social cognition. The second profile (60.9%) comprised individuals that had more proneness to present jumping to conclusions. The third profile (5.7%) presented a heterogeneous profile of metacognitive deficits. Persons with lower social cognition presented worse clinical and neuropsychological features than cluster 2 and cluster 3. Cluster 3 presented significantly worst functioning. Our results suggest that individuals with FEP present distinct profiles that concur with specific clinical, neuropsychological, and functional challenges. Each subgroup may benefit from different interventions.
Dynamic contextual influences on social motivation and behavior in schizophrenia: a case-control network analysis
Authors: Badal Varsha D. , Parrish Emma M. , Holden Jason L. , Depp Colin A. , Granholm Eric
Published: December 2021

Contextual influences on social behavior and affective dynamics are not well understood in schizophrenia. We examined the role of social context on emotions, and the motivation to interact in the future, using dynamic network analysis of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data. Participants included 105 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (SZ) and 76 healthy comparators (HC) who completed 7 days, 7 times a day of EMA. Dynamic networks were constructed using EMA data to visualize causal interactions between emotional states, motivation, and context (e.g., location, social interactions). Models were extended to include the type and frequency of interactions and the motivation to interact in the near future. Results indicated SZ networks were generally similar to HC but that contextual influences on emotion and social motivation were more evident in SZ. Further, feedback loops in HC were likely adaptive (e.g., positive emotions leading to social motivation), but most were likely maladaptive in SZ (e.g., sadness leading to reduced happiness leading to increased sadness). Overall, these findings indicate that network analyses may be useful in specifying emotion regulation problems in SZ and that instability related to contextual influences may be a central aspect of aberrant regulation.
Forward osmosis (FO)-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process incorporated with hollow fiber FO
Authors: Im S.-J. , Jeong S. , Jang A.
Published: December 2021

Currently, desalination is limited by high energy consumption and high operational and maintenance costs. In this study, a new concept of a hollow fiber forward osmosis (HFFO)-based infinity desalination process with minor environmental impacts (free-energy intake and no pretreatment or brine discharge) is suggested. To evaluate the concept, an element-scale HFFO was conducted in both conventional FO and pressure-assisted FO modes, simulating a submerged HFFO operation. In the HFFO test, the impacts of several operating conditions on the performance of the HFFO were investigated to select the best case. Based on these results, the energy costs were calculated and compared with those of a hybrid FO–seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) process. The HFFO showed a high dilution rate of the draw solution (up to approximately 400%), allowing the downstream SWRO process to operate at 25 bar with the same permeate volume production (recovery rate of 60%). Consequently, the HFFO-based infinity desalination process has an annual energy revenue of 183.83 million USD, compared with a stand-alone two-stage RO process based on a 100,000 m3/day plant.
Supermeres are functional extracellular nanoparticles replete with disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets
Authors: Zhang Qin , Jeppesen Dennis K. , Higginbotham James N. , Graves-Deal Ramona , Trinh Vincent Q. , Ramirez Marisol A. , Sohn Yoojin , Neininger Abigail C. , Taneja Nilay , McKinley Eliot T. , Niitsu Hiroaki , Cao Zheng , Evans Rachel , Glass Sarah E. , Ray Kevin C. , Fissell William H. , Hill Salisha , Rose Kristie Lindsey , Huh Won Jae , Washington Mary Kay , Ayers Gregory Daniel , Burnette Dylan T. , Sharma Shivani , Rome Leonard H. , Franklin Jeffrey L. , Lee Youngmin A. , Liu Qi , Coffey Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Extracellular vesicles and exomere nanoparticles are under intense investigation as sources of clinically relevant cargo. Here we report the discovery of a distinct extracellular nanoparticle, termed supermere. Supermeres are morphologically distinct from exomeres and display a markedly greater uptake in vivo compared with small extracellular vesicles and exomeres. The protein and RNA composition of supermeres differs from small extracellular vesicles and exomeres. Supermeres are highly enriched with cargo involved in multiple cancers (glycolytic enzymes, TGFBI, miR-1246, MET, GPC1 and AGO2), Alzheimer’s disease (APP) and cardiovascular disease (ACE2, ACE and PCSK9). The majority of extracellular RNA is associated with supermeres rather than small extracellular vesicles and exomeres. Cancer-derived supermeres increase lactate secretion, transfer cetuximab resistance and decrease hepatic lipids and glycogen in vivo. This study identifies a distinct functional nanoparticle replete with potential circulating biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a host of human diseases.
Broad spectrum of CRISPR-induced edits in an embryonic lethal gene
Authors: Fuselier Kayla T. B. , Salbaum J. Michael , Kappen Claudia
Published: December 2021

Mendelian genetics poses practical limitations on the number of mutant genes that can be investigated simultaneously for their roles in embryonic development in the mouse. While CRISPR-based gene editing of multiple genes at once offers an attractive alternative strategy, subsequent breeding or establishment of permanent mouse lines will rapidly segregate the different mutant loci again. Direct phenotypic analysis of genomic edits in an embryonic lethal gene in F0 generation mice, or F0 mouse embryos, circumvents the need for breeding or establishment of mutant mouse lines. In the course of genotyping a large cohort of F0 CRISPants, where the embryonic lethal gene T/brachyury was targeted, we noted the presence of multiple CRISPR-induced modifications in individual embryos. Using long-read single-molecule Nanopore sequencing, we identified a wide variety of deletions, ranging up to 3 kb, that would not have been detected or scored as wildtype with commonly used genotyping methods that rely on subcloning and short-read or Sanger sequencing. Long-read sequencing results were crucial for accurate genotype–phenotype correlation in our F0 CRISPants. We thus demonstrate feasibility of screening manipulated F0 embryos for mid-gestation phenotypic consequences of CRISPR-induced mutations without requiring derivation of permanent mouse lines.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of Oxycarenus laetus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) from two geographically distinct regions of India
Authors: Sureshan Shruthi Chalil , Tanavade Ruchi Vivekanand , Ghosh Sewali , Ghosh Saswati , Sella Raja Natesan , Mohideen Habeeb Shaik
Published: December 2021

Oxycarenus laetus is a seed-sap sucking pest affecting a variety of crops, including cotton plants. Rising incidence and pesticide resistance by O. laetus have been reported from India and neighbouring countries. In this study, O. laetus samples were collected from Bhatinda and Coimbatore (India). Pure mtDNA was isolated and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Both the samples were found to be identical species (99.9%), and the complete genome was circular (15,672 bp), consisting of 13 PCGs, 2 rRNA, 23 tRNA genes, and a 962 bp control region. The mitogenome is 74.1% AT-rich, 0.11 AT, and − 0.19 GC skewed. All the genes had ATN as the start codon except cox1 (TTG), and an additional trnT was predicted. Nearly all tRNAs folded into the clover-leaf structure, except trnS1 and trnV. The intergenic space between trnH and nad4, considered as a synapomorphy of Lygaeoidea, was displaced. Two 5 bp motifs AATGA and ACCTA, two tandem repeats, and a few microsatellite sequences, were also found. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using 36 mitogenomes from 7 super-families of Hemiptera by employing rigorous bootstrapping and ML. Ours is the first study to sequence the complete mitogenome of O. laetus or any Oxycarenus species. The findings from this study would further help in the evolutionary studies of Lygaeidae.
Contextual modulation of preferred social distance during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Fini Chiara , Tummolini Luca , Borghi A. M.
Published: December 2021

Social distancing during a pandemic might be influenced by different attitudes: people may decide to reduce the risk and protect themselves from viral contagion, or they can opt to maintain their habits and be more exposed to the infection. To better understand the underlying motivating attitudes, we asked participants to indicate in an online platform the interpersonal distance from different social targets with professional/social behaviors considered more or less exposed to the virus. We selected five different social targets: a cohabitant, a friend working in a hospital, a friend landed from an international flight, a friend who is back from a cycling ride, or a stranger. In order to measure the realistic and the symbolic perceived threat, we administered the Brief 10-item COVID-19 threat scale. Moreover, in order to measure the risk attitude in different domains, the participants were also asked to fill in the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking DOSPERT scale. Results reveal a general preference for an increased distance from a stranger and the friends who are considered to be more exposed to the virus: the friend working in a hospital or landed from an international flight. Moreover, the interpersonal distance from friends is influenced by the perception of Realistic Threat measured through the Integrated Covid Threat Scale and the Health/Safety Risk Perception/Assumption as measured by the DOSPERT scale. Our results show the flexible and context-dependent nature of our representation of other people: as the social categories are not unchangeable fixed entities, the bodily (e.g., spatial) attitudes towards them are an object of continuous attunement.
The integrity of synthetic magnesium silicate in charged compounds
Authors: House Krystal L. , Hao Zhigang , Liu Yuxin , Pan Long , O’Carroll Deirdre M. , Xu Shiyou
Published: December 2021

Magnesium silicate is an inorganic compound used as an ingredient in product formulations for many different purposes. Since its compatibility with other components is critical for product quality and stability, it is essential to characterize the integrity of magnesium silicate in different solutions used for formulations. In this paper, we have determined the magnitude of dissociation of synthetic magnesium silicate in solution with positively charged, neutral, and negatively charged compounds using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The EDS results were verified through Monte Carlo simulations of electron-sample interactions. The compounds chosen for this study were positively charged cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), neutral lauryl glucoside, and negatively charged sodium cocoyl glutamate and sodium cocoyl glycinate since these are common compounds used in personal care and oral care formulations. Negatively charged compounds significantly impacted magnesium silicate dissociation, resulting in physio-chemical separation between magnesium and silicate ions. In contrast, the positively charged compound had a minor effect on dissociation due to ion competition, and the neutral compound did not have such an impact on magnesium silicate dissociation. Further, when the magnesium ions are dissociated from the synthetic magnesium silicate, the morphology is changed accordingly, and the structural integrity of the synthetic magnesium silicate is damaged. The results provide scientific confidence and guidance for product development using synthetic magnesium silicate.
Screening of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers: a pilot study
Authors: Huhtakangas Justiina , Numminen Jussi , Pekkola Johanna , Niemelä Mika , Korja Miikka
Published: December 2021

The prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is around 2–3% in the general population. We hypothesized that the prevalence of small UIAs is higher among 50 to 60-year-old female smokers, since the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is exceptionally high in 60 to 70-year-old female smokers. Ethics approval for this pilot study of 50 women was obtained from the hospital ethics committee. In order to minimize recruitment bias, preliminary invitation letters were sent to 50 to 60-year-old women who were known to be active smokers. Those interested in participating were further informed about the study rationale and protocol. Following written consent, participants filled a detailed questionnaire and underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) analysis. All abnormalities were recorded. Of the 158 preliminary invitation letters, 70 potential participants initially replied. Of these, 50 returned questionnaires and written consents, 43 of which underwent CTA analysis. Most (39; 91%) were postmenopausal, and 9 (21%) were hypertensive. Two reported a family history (≥ 1 first-degree members) of intracranial aneurysms. UIAs (maximum sizes of 2, 2, 3, 3 and 7 mm) were found in five (12%) female smokers. One woman was operated on, and the remaining four were treated with non-invasive preventive actions (smoking cessation and follow-ups). Small UIAs, which may be best suited for non-invasive preventive actions, may be relatively common in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers. Whether this kind of targeted screening leads to improved health in female smokers requires further investigation.
Prevalence of anencephaly in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oumer Mohammed , Kibret Anteneh Ayelign , Girma Amanuel , Tazebew Ashenafi , Silamsaw Mezgebu
Published: December 2021

Anencephaly is a severe anomaly of the brain that results from the failure of the cephalic part of the neural tube to close during the fourth week. It occurs at least in one per thousand births and is the major cause of fetal loss and disabilities in newborns. The objective of this review is to determine the birth prevalence of anencephaly in Africa. We identified relevant studies via a search of databases like PubMed Central, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Joanna Briggs Institute, African Journals Online, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. After examining the heterogeneity of studies via the Cochran Q test and I2 test (and Forest plot for visual inspection), the prevalence of anencephaly was estimated using the random-effect meta-analysis model. Consequently, we carried out subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression, trim and fill, time-trend, and meta-cumulative analyses. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the twenty-four studies reported a total of 4,963,266 births. The pooled birth prevalence of anencephaly in Africa was 0.14% (95% CI: 0.12, 0.15%). Higher burden of anencephaly was detected in Ethiopia (0.37%, CI: 0.15, 0.58%), Algeria (0.24%, CI: 0.24, 0.25%), and Eritrea (0.19%, CI: 0.19, 0.19%). The higher pooled prevalence of anencephaly was observed in the studies that included both live births and stillbirths (0.16%) and in studies done after the year 2010 (0.25%) whereas, the lower burden was detected among countries that had a mandatory folic acid fortification (0.05%). High birth prevalence of anencephaly was detected in Africa. Strong prevention and control measures should be the priority because of an increment in the magnitude of anencephaly. Helping in prevention programs, which should be the ultimate contribution of this study to the field.
NF-Y subunits overexpression in gastric adenocarcinomas (STAD)
Authors: Gallo Alberto , Ronzio Mirko , Bezzecchi Eugenia , Mantovani Roberto , Dolfini Diletta
Published: December 2021

NF-Y is a pioneer transcription factor—TF—formed by the Histone-like NF-YB/NF-YC subunits and the regulatory NF-YA. It binds to the CCAAT box, an element enriched in promoters of genes overexpressed in many types of cancer. NF-YA is present in two major isoforms—NF-YAs and NF-YAl—due to alternative splicing, overexpressed in epithelial tumors. Here we analyzed NF-Y expression in stomach adenocarcinomas (STAD). We completed the partitioning of all TCGA tumor samples (450) according to molecular subtypes proposed by TCGA and ACRG, using the deep learning tool DeepCC. We analyzed differentially expressed genes—DEG—for enriched pathways and TFs binding sites in promoters. CCAAT is the predominant element only in the core group of genes upregulated in all subtypes, with cell-cycle gene signatures. NF-Y subunits are overexpressed, particularly NF-YA. NF-YAs is predominant in CIN, MSI and EBV TCGA subtypes, NF-YAl is higher in GS and in the ACRG EMT subtypes. Moreover, NF-YAlhightumors correlate with a discrete Claudinlowcohort. Elevated NF-YB levels are protective in MSS;TP53+patients, whereas high NF-YAl/NF-YAs ratios correlate with worse prognosis. We conclude that NF-Y isoforms are associated to clinically relevant features of gastric cancer.
Evolution of cooperation and consistent personalities in public goods games
Authors: Salahshour Mohammad
Published: December 2021

The evolution of cooperation has remained an important problem in evolutionary theory and social sciences. In this regard, a curious question is why consistent cooperative and defective personalities exist and if they serve a role in the evolution of cooperation? To shed light on these questions, here, I consider a population of individuals who possibly play two consecutive rounds of public goods game, with different enhancement factors. Importantly, individuals have independent strategies in the two rounds. However, their strategy in the first round affects the game they play in the second round. I consider two different scenarios where either only first-round cooperators play a second public goods game, or both first-round cooperators and first-round defectors play a second public goods game, but in different groups. The first scenario can be considered a reward dilemma, and the second can be considered an assortative public goods game but with independent strategies of the individuals in the two rounds. Both models show cooperators can survive either in a fixed point or through different periodic orbits. Interestingly, due to the emergence of a correlation between the strategies of the individuals in the two rounds, individuals develop consistent personalities during the evolution. This, in turn, helps cooperation to flourish. These findings shed new light on the evolution of cooperation and show how consistent cooperative and defective personalities can evolve and play a positive role in solving social dilemmas.
Machine learning prediction of UV–Vis spectra features of organic compounds related to photoreactive potential
Authors: Mamede Rafael , Pereira Florbela , Aires-de-Sousa João
Published: December 2021

Machine learning (ML) algorithms were explored for the classification of the UV–Vis absorption spectrum of organic molecules based on molecular descriptors and fingerprints generated from 2D chemical structures. Training and test data (~ 75 k molecules and associated UV–Vis data) were assembled from a database with lists of experimental absorption maxima. They were labeled with positive class (related to photoreactive potential) if an absorption maximum is reported in the range between 290 and 700 nm (UV/Vis) with molar extinction coefficient (MEC) above 1000 Lmol−1 cm−1, and as negative if no such a peak is in the list. Random forests were selected among several algorithms. The models were validated with two external test sets comprising 998 organic molecules, obtaining a global accuracy up to 0.89, sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.88. The ML output (UV–Vis spectrum class) was explored as a predictor of the 3T3 NRU phototoxicity in vitro assay for a set of 43 molecules. Comparable results were observed with the classification directly based on experimental UV–Vis data in the same format.
A prospective interventional trial on the effect of periodontal treatment on Fusobacterium nucleatum abundance in patients with colorectal tumours
Authors: Yoshihara Tsutomu , Kioi Mitomu , Baba Junichi , Usuda Haruki , Kessoku Takaomi , Iwaki Michihiro , Takatsu Tomohiro , Misawa Noboru , Ashikari Keiichi , Matsuura Tetsuya , Fuyuki Akiko , Ohkubo Hidenori , Matsumoto Mitsuharu , Wada Koichiro , Nakajima Atsushi , Higurashi Takuma
Published: December 2021

Fusobacterium nucleatum is associated with the progression of colorectal cancer. Thus, the possibility of preventing colorectal cancer or its progression by targeting F. nucleatum has been explored. As F. nucleatum is associated with periodontitis, we analysed whether treating periodontitis could influence F. nucleatum abundance in the colon. Patients with colorectal tumours who underwent colonoscopy were recruited. Patients diagnosed with periodontitis by a dentist were treated for approximately 3 months. Endoscopic resection of colorectal tumours was performed after periodontitis treatment, and resected tumours were pathologically classified as high-(HGD) or low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Saliva and stool samples were collected before and after the treatment. Of the 58 patients with colorectal tumours, 31 were included in the study, 16 showed improvement in periodontitis, and 11 showed no improvement. Stool F. nucleatum levels before treatment were significantly lower in the LGD group than in the HGD group. A significant decrease in faecal F. nucleatum levels was observed in patients who underwent successful treatment but not in those whose treatment failed. Salivary F. nucleatum levels were not altered in patients despite periodontal treatment. Thus, successful periodontitis treatment reduces stool F. nucleatum levels and may aid research on periodontitis and suppression of colorectal cancer development.
Globalized parametric optimization of microwave components by means of response features and inverse metamodels
Authors: Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna , Koziel Slawomir
Published: December 2021

Simulation-based optimization of geometry parameters is an inherent and important stage of microwave design process. To ensure reliability, the optimization process is normally carried out using full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools, which entails significant computational overhead. This becomes a serious bottleneck especially if global search is required (e.g., design of miniaturized structures, dimension scaling over broad ranges of operating frequencies, multi-modal problems, etc.). In pursuit of mitigating the high-cost issue, this paper proposes a novel algorithmic approach to rapid EM-driven global optimization of microwave components. Our methodology incorporates a response feature technology and inverse regression metamodels to enable fast identification of the promising parameter space regions, as well as to yield a good quality initial design, which only needs to be tuned using local routines. The presented technique is illustrated using three microstrip circuits optimized under challenging scenarios, and demonstrated to exhibit global search capability while maintaining low computational cost of the optimization process of only about one hundred of EM simulations of the structure at hand on the average. The performance is shown to be superior in terms of efficacy over both local algorithms and nature-inspired global methods.
Early non-excisional debridement of paediatric burns under general anaesthesia reduces time to re-epithelialisation and risk of skin graft
Authors: Griffin Bronwyn , Bairagi Anjana , Jones Lee , Dettrick Zoe , Holbert Maleea , Kimble Roy
Published: December 2021

Reported advantages of early excision for larger burn injuries include reduced morbidity, mortality, and hospital length of stay for adult burn patients. However, a paucity of evidence supports the best option for paediatric burns and the advantages of non-excisional (mechanical) debridement. Procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department is a popular alternative to debridement in operating theatres under general anaesthesia. This study aims to evaluate the association between early (< 24 h post-injury) non-excisional debridement under general anaesthesia with burn wound re-epithelialisation time and skin graft requirements. Cohort study of children younger than 17 years who presented with burns of five percent total body surface area or greater. Data from January 2013 to December 2019 were extracted from a prospectively collected state-wide paediatric burns’ registry. Time to re-epithelialisation was tested using survival analysis, and binary logistic regression for odds of skin graft requirementto analyse effects of early non-excisional debridement in the operating theatre. Overall, 292 children met eligibility (males 55.5%). Early non-excisional debridement under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre, significantly reduced the time to re-epithelialisation (14 days versus 21 days, p = 0.029)) and the odds of requiring a skin graft in comparison to paediatric patients debrided in the emergency department under Ketamine sedation (OR: 6.97 (2.14–22.67), p < 0.001. This study is the first to demonstrate that early non-excisional debridement under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre significantly reduces wound re-epithelialisation time and subsequent need for a skin graft in paediatric burn patients. Analysis suggests that ketamine procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department used for burn wound debridement is not an effective substitute for debridement in the operating theatre.
Prevalence of ocular findings regardless of visual acuity status in older adults from the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Fernandes Arthur G. , Berezovsky Adriana , Watanabe Sung E. S. , Mitsuhiro Márcia R. K. H. , Cypel Marcela C. , Ferraz Nívea N. , Furtado João M. , Sacai Paula Y. , Muñoz Sergio , Cunha Cristina C. , Vasconcelos Galton C. , Morales Paulo H. A. , Cohen Marcos J. , Cohen Jacob M. , Campos Mauro , Belfort Rubens , Salomão Solange R.
Published: December 2021

Recently, it has been recommended that population-based studies report not only frequencies of vision impairment and blindness but also any ocular abnormalities that might lead an individual to seek for eyecare services. The current study aimed to determine prevalence of ocular findings regardless of visual acuity (VA) status in older adults from the Brazilian Amazon Region. Disturbances were grouped into: Eyelids; Anterior Segment; Posterior Segment; Increased intraocular pressure; and Overall Globe. The presence of an ocular finding was considered positive when any abnormality was noted, regardless of VA. Refractive errors were not considered. A total 2384 eligible persons were enumerated and 2041 (85.6%) examined. The prevalence of ocular disturbances in either eye was 87.0% and was associated with male gender, older age, lower education, and rural residence. Overall, main findings were pterygium, cataract, and pinguecula, occurring in 58.8%, 45.4% and 17.4%, respectively. Among individuals with 20/20 VA in both eyes, the most frequent findings were pterygium, pinguecula, and glaucoma cupping, occurring in 47.4%, 31.2% and 6.5%, respectively. The high prevalence of ocular findings observed in this population reinforces that different conditions might not immediately decrease VA but can indicate risk and/or discomfort symptoms and should be considered when planning public health ophthalmic services.
The deleterious effects induced by an acute exposure of human skin to common air pollutants are prevented by extracts of Deschampsia antarctica
Authors: Fernández-Martos Sandra , Calvo-Sánchez María I. , Lobo-Aldezabal Ana , Sánchez-Adrada Ana Isabel , Moreno Carmen , Vitale María , Espada Jesús
Published: December 2021

The homeostatic and regenerative potential of the skin is critically impaired by an increasing accumulation of air pollutants in human ecosystems. These toxic compounds are frequently implicated in pathological processes such as premature cutaneous ageing, altered pigmentation and cancer. In this scenario, innovative strategies are required to tackle the effects of severe air pollution on skin function. Here we have used a Human Skin Organotypic Culture (HSOC) model to characterize the deleterious effects of an acute topic exposure of human skin to moderately high concentrations of common ambient pollutants, including As, Cd, Cr, dioxins and tobacco smoke. All these toxic compunds inflict severe damage in the tissue, activating the AHR-mediated response to xenobiotics. We have further evaluated the potential of an aqueous leaf extract of the polyextremophile plant Deschampsia antarctica (Edafence) to protect human skin against the acute exposure to toxic pollutants. Our results indicate that pre-treatment of HSOC samples with this aqueous extract conuterbalances the deleterious effects of the exposure to toxic comunds and triggers the activation of key genes invoved in the redox system and in the pro-inflammatory/wound healing response in the skin, suggesting that this natural compound might be effectively used in vivo to protect human skin routinely in different daily conditions.
The potential of COVID-19 patients’ sera to cause antibody-dependent enhancement of infection and IL-6 production
Authors: Shimizu Jun , Sasaki Tadahiro , Yamanaka Atsushi , Ichihara Yoko , Koketsu Ritsuko , Samune Yoshihiro , Cruz Pedro , Sato Kei , Tanga Naomi , Yoshimura Yuka , Murakami Ami , Yamada Misuzu , Itoi Kiyoe , Nakayama Emi E. , Miyazaki Kazuo , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: December 2021

Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), many vaccine trials have been initiated. An important goal of vaccination is the development of neutralizing antibody (Ab) against SARS-CoV-2. However, the possible induction of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, which is known for other coronaviruses and dengue virus infections, is a particular concern in vaccine development. Here, we demonstrated that human iPS cell-derived, immortalized, and ACE2- and TMPRSS2-expressing myeloid cell lines are useful as host cells for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The established cell lines were cloned and screened based on their function in terms of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2-infection or IL-6 productivity. Using the resulting K-ML2 (AT) clone 35 for SARS-CoV-2-infection or its subclone 35–40 for IL-6 productivity, it was possible to evaluate the potential of sera from severe COVID-19 patients to cause ADE and to stimulate IL-6 production upon infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Intracellular thermometry uncovers spontaneous thermogenesis and associated thermal signaling
Authors: Okabe Kohki , Uchiyama Seiichi
Published: December 2021

Conventional thermal biology has elucidated the physiological function of temperature homeostasis through spontaneous thermogenesis and responses to variations in environmental temperature in organisms. In addition to research on individual physiological phenomena, the molecular mechanisms of fever and physiological events such as temperature-dependent sex determination have been intensively addressed. Thermosensitive biomacromolecules such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels were systematically identified, and their sophisticated functions were clarified. Complementarily, recent progress in intracellular thermometry has opened new research fields in thermal biology. High-resolution intracellular temperature mapping has uncovered thermogenic organelles, and the thermogenic functions of brown adipocytes were ascertained by the combination of intracellular thermometry and classic molecular biology. In addition, intracellular thermometry has introduced a new concept, “thermal signaling”, in which temperature variation within biological cells acts as a signal in a cascade of intriguing biological events.
Emergent $${{{{{{{\mathcal{PT}}}}}}}}$$-symmetry breaking of collective modes with topological critical phenomena
Authors: Pan Jian-Song , Yi Wei , Gong Jiangbin
Published: December 2021

The spontaneous breaking of parity-time ($${{{{{{{\mathcal{PT}}}}}}}}$$
PT
) symmetry yields rich critical behavior in non-Hermitian systems, and has stimulated much interest, albeit most previous studies were performed within the single-particle or mean-field framework. Here, by studying the collective excitations of a Fermi superfluid with $${{{{{{{\mathcal{PT}}}}}}}}$$
PT
-symmetric spin-orbit coupling, we uncover an emergent $${{{{{{{\mathcal{PT}}}}}}}}$$
PT
-symmetry breaking in the Anderson-Bogoliubov (AB) collective modes, even as the superfluid ground state retains an unbroken $${{{{{{{\mathcal{PT}}}}}}}}$$
PT
symmetry. The critical point of the transition is marked by a non-analytic kink in the speed of sound, which derives from the coalescence and annihilation of the AB mode and its hole partner, reminiscent of the particle-antiparticle annihilation. The system consequently becomes immune to low-frequency external perturbations at the critical point, a phenomenon associated with the spectral topology of the complex quasiparticle dispersion. This critical phenomenon offers a fascinating route toward perturbation-free quantum states.
Geological evidence of an unreported historical Chilean tsunami reveals more frequent inundation
Authors: Hocking Emma P. , Garrett Ed , Aedo Diego , Carvajal Matías , Melnick Daniel
Published: December 2021

Assessing tsunami hazards commonly relies on historical accounts of past inundations, but such chronicles may be biased by temporal gaps due to historical circumstances. As a possible example, the lack of reports of tsunami inundation from the 1737 south-central Chile earthquake has been attributed to either civil unrest or a small tsunami due to deep fault slip below land. Here we conduct sedimentological and diatom analyses of tidal marsh sediments within the 1737 rupture area and find evidence for a locally-sourced tsunami consistent in age with this event. The evidence is a laterally-extensive sand sheet coincident with abrupt, decimetric subsidence. Coupled dislocation-tsunami models place the causative fault slip mostly offshore rather than below land. Whether associated or not with the 1737 earthquake, our findings reduce the average recurrence interval of tsunami inundation derived from historical records alone, highlighting the importance of combining geological and historical records in tsunami hazard assessment.
Simultaneous separation of 12 different classes of antibiotics under the condition of complete protonation by capillary electrophoresis-coupled contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Zhou Jianjing , Xu Zhongqi
Published: December 2021

A novel capillary electrophoresis – capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D) method for separation of 12 antibiotics, including 4 types of aminoglycosides, 3 types of fluoroquinolones, 2 types of tetracyclines and 3 types of macrolides, was developed.
Exosome-based rare earth nanoparticles for targetedin situand metastatic tumor imaging with chemo-assisted immunotherapy
Authors: Lin Bi , Wang Yanxing , Zhao Kun , Lü Wei-Dong , Hui Xin , Ma Yaqun , Lv Ruichan
Published: December 2021

In this research, a tumor exosome system DOX/2DG@E-RENPs with good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and a high targeting effect was proposed for theranostics with high chemo-/starvation/immunotherapy efficiency.
Pillararene-containing polymers with tunable fluorescence properties based on host–guest interactions
Authors: Wu Yue , Qin Hongyu , Shen Jun , Li Hequn , Shan Xiaotao , Xie Meiran , Liao Xiaojuan
Published: December 2021

Linear polymers containing pillar[5]arenes as the pendant groups were designed and synthesized via a ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Such polymers could exhibit tunable fluorescence properties based on the host–guest interactions.
Influence of doping with selected organic molecules on the magnetic and electronic properties of bare, surface terminated and defect patterned Ti2C MXene monolayers
Authors: Gorkan T. , Arkin H. , Aktürk E.
Published: December 2021

In this study, based on the density functional theory, we examine the interaction between the bare, F-, OH-terminated as well as defect patterned Ti2C and selected neurotransmitter (NT) and amino acids (AA) such as dopamine, glutamate, glycine and serine.
Compartmentalisation of molecular catalysts for nonorthogonal tandem catalysis
Authors: Qu Peiyuan , Cleveland Jacob W. , Ahmed Eman , Liu Fangbei , Dubrawski Sage , Jones Christopher W. , Weck Marcus
Published: December 2021

The development of nonorthogonal tandem catalysis enables the use of a combination of arbitrary catalysts to rapidly synthesize complex products in a sustainable, efficient, and timely manner.
Crystallization kinetics modulation and defect suppression of all-inorganic CsPbX3 perovskite films
Authors: Ma Junjie , Qin Minchao , Li Pengwei , Han Liyuan , Zhang Yiqiang , Song Yanlin
Published: December 2021

The recent research progress in film quality optimization strategies and the investigations of the film formation mechanism in all-inorganic CsPbX3 perovskite solar cells are systematically reviewed.
Emerging investigator series: modeling of wastewater treatment bioprocesses: current development and future opportunities
Authors: Yao Shiyun , Zhang Cheng , Yuan Heyang
Published: December 2021

Potential modeling framework of integrating mechanistic and data-driven models to address the microbiological composition and functions that are currently underrepresented in standalone models.
New insight into lignin aggregation guiding efficient synthesis and functionalization of a lignin nanosphere with excellent performance
Authors: Chen Liheng , Luo Si-Man , Huo Cong-Min , Shi Yun-Feng , Feng Jun , Zhu Jing-Yi , Xue Wei , Qiu Xueqing
Published: December 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanism of lignin nanoparticle (LNP) formation will precisely instruct its functionalization, which is of importance for biomass valorization.
Insertion free energy of PAP[5] water channels into block copolymer membranes
Authors: Kali Ritwick , Milner Scott T.
Published: December 2021

Morphing simulations can be used to quantify thermodynamic stability of water channels in copolymer membranes.
Peculiar anharmonicity of Ruddlesden Popper metal halides: temperature-dependent phonon dephasing
Authors: Rojas-Gatjens Esteban , Silva-Acuña Carlos , Kandada Ajay Ram Srimath
Published: December 2021

The anharmonicity of the Ruddlesden Popper metal-halide lattice, and its consequences for their electronic and optical properties, are paramount in their basic semiconductor physics.
Investigation of enhanced electro-catalytic HER/OER performances of copper tungsten oxide@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites in alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Ahmed Jahangeer , Alhokbany Norah , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we investigate the electro-catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of synthesized copper tungsten oxide@reduced graphene oxide (CuWO4@rGO) nanocomposites.
Thermodynamics of pillararene·guest complexation: blinded dataset for the SAMPL9 challenge
Authors: Deng Chun-Lin , Cheng Ming , Zavalij Peter Y. , Isaacs Lyle
Published: December 2021

We determined the thermodynamic parameters for a series of WP6·guest complexes as a blinded dataset for the SAMPL9 challenge.
Large dielectric switch effects induced by an order–disorder transformation in cyclopropylamine perchlorate crystals
Authors: Gao Zhangran , Wu Yuying , Jiao Shulin , Tang Zheng , Sun Xiaofan , Li Dong , Cai Hong-Ling , Wu X. S.
Published: December 2021

A large dielectric switch effect up to 103 caused by an order–disorder structural phase transition is found in cyclopropylamine perchlorate (CPA-ClO4) crystals at around 230 K (Tc) and 220 K (T′c).
Role of the microridges on cactus spines
Authors: Guo Lin , Kumar Satish , Yang Mingyang , Tang Guihua , Liu Zhigang
Published: December 2021

Microridges on cacti are numerically explored by constructing pyramidal cross sections. Droplet on the designed tri-concave conical fibers moves faster due to the enlarged Laplace pressure difference and decreased contact area.
Dialysis-derived urchin-like supramolecular assembly of tannic acid and paclitaxel with high porosity
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Choi Chanuk , Hong Seonki
Published: December 2021

We report an unprecedented urchin-like microstructure of paclitaxel and tannic acid that showed high porosity derived by dialysis. The porosity was essential for rapid remodeling with serum proteins for high therapeutic efficacy.
GlyConnect-Ugi: site-selective, multi-component glycoprotein conjugations through GlycoDelete expressed glycans
Authors: Thooft Karel , Van Breedam Wander , Santens Francis , Wyseure Elise , Vanmarcke Sandrine , Devos Simon , Callewaert Nico , Madder Annemieke
Published: December 2021

GlycoDelete proteins can be conveniently and site-selectively labeled upon oxidation of their unique glycan structure and their subsequent participation as aldehyde partner in a versatile multicomponent Ugi reaction.
Electrochromic properties of pyrene conductive polymers modified by chemical polymerization
Authors: Li Rui , Xu Haoran , Zhang Yuhang , Chang Lijing , Ma Yang , Hou Yanjun , Miao Shoulei , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2021

Pyrene is composed of four benzene rings and has a unique planar melting ring structure.
Fluorescent supramolecular polymers of barbiturate dyes with thiophene-cored twisted π-systems
Authors: Kawaura Maika , Aizawa Takumi , Takahashi Sho , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Sotome Hikaru , Yagai Shiki
Published: December 2021

Two barbiturate dyes with regioisomeric thiophene-cored twisted π-systems show strongly enhanced emission through supramolecular polymerization. The supramolecular polymers thus formed exhibit distinct emission colors and degree of agglomeration.
Facet-engineered TiO2 nanomaterials reveal the role of water–oxide interactions in surface protonic conduction
Authors: Kang Xiaolan , Chatzitakis Athanasios , Aarholt Thomas , Sun Xinwei , Negri Chiara , Norby Truls
Published: December 2021

Water adsorption and surface protonic conduction on nanocrystalline TiO2 hydrothermally grown to predominance of different crystal facets.
Strain engineering in the oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction catalyzed by Pt-doped Ti2CF2
Authors: Ma Ninggui , Li Na , Wang Tairan , Ma Xinyao , Fan Jun
Published: December 2021

Strain engineering can regulate the electronic structure of the catalyst and then boosts the catalytic activity of Pt-doped Ti2CF2(Pt-VF-Ti2CF2).
Tuning Na3Hf2Si2PO12 electrolyte surfaces by metal coating for high-rate and long cycle life solid-state sodium ion batteries
Authors: Cai Shen , Tian Haoqing , Liu Jiahui , Liu Shan , Dai Lei , Xu Junjie , Kong Lingxin , Wang Ling
Published: December 2021

In this work, owing to the formed interphase between sodium and lead with good wettability and fast charge conductivity, the lead decorated Na3Hf2Si2PO12 (NHSP) exhibits superior interface stability.
Nanostructured ternary perovskite oxides as photoconversion efficiency enhancers for DSSC
Authors: Reddy Nandarapu Purushotham , Santhosh Rompivalasa , Thogiti Suresh , Muniramaiah Reddivari , Joseph D. Paul , Murali Banavoth
Published: December 2021

The morphology manipulation of nanostructured La-doped BaSnO3 using a facile cost-effective peroxide route, enhanced the overall charge transfer process.
Life orthogonal
Authors: Handal-Marquez Paola , Pinheiro Vitor B.
Published: December 2021

It is surprisingly common for us to think that we are the apex of evolution. Similarly, it is easy to convince ourselves that after nearly 3bn years, life on Earth has tried everything: every possible chemical reaction, every possible solution and every possible arrangement. Fortunately, both statements are wrong. We now know that the DNA (and RNA) life on Earth is one solution, of many, on how chemistry can turn towards life. As we discover new ways to code genetic information, in what is an interdisciplinary basic science endeavour, we develop many of the technologies that will establish significant biotechnological and life-saving applications. Welcome to life orthogonal.
Alpha-to-beta cell trans-differentiation for treatment of diabetes
Authors: Saleh Mohamed , Gittes George K. , Prasadan Krishna
Published: December 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. According to the CDC, in 2017, ∼34.2 million of the American population had diabetes. Also, in 2017, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death and has become the number one biomedical financial burden in the United States. Insulin replacement therapy and medications that increase insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity are the main therapies used to treat diabetes. Unfortunately, there is currently no radical cure for the different types of diabetes. Loss of β cell mass is the end result that leads to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In the past decade, there has been an increased effort to develop therapeutic strategies to replace the lost β cell mass and restore insulin secretion. α cells have recently become an attractive target for replacing the lost β cell mass, which could eventually be a potential strategy to cure diabetes. This review highlights the advantages of using α cells as a source for generating new β cells, the various investigative approaches to convert α cells into insulin-producing cells, and the future prospects and problems of this promising diabetes therapeutic strategy.