bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interior Route and Seasonal Dynamics of the Meridional Current in the Eastern Indian Ocean Tropical Gyre
Authors: Zhao Zhangzhe , Wu Wei , Xia Yifan , Du Yan
Published: September 2023

The eastern boundary current of the tropical Indian Ocean (IO) connects the equatorial/south tropical IO, contributing to the meridional heat and salinity exchange. As a part of the IO tropical gyre, the meridional current in the eastern IO tropical gyre (East Sumatra Current, ESC) flows southward in the mean state. However, the route of this current varies with months. Drifter trajectories display an exceptional route that turns southeastward before reaching Sumatra in the austral winter and spring, considered the interior ESC. This study uses observations and reanalysis data sets to investigate the seasonal structure and forcing mechanisms behind the interior ESC. The velocity is decomposed into geostrophic and wind‐driven components. The results suggest that the geostrophic component plays a dominant role in the ESC recirculating early from April to June. The southward geostrophic currents are mainly caused by positive zonal temperature gradients, which are induced by both the cold anomaly of the Chagos Dome and the warm water carried by the Indonesian Throughflow, particularly in April and May. Meanwhile, the annual Rossby wave contributes to the temperature anomaly of the Chagos Dome. During the monsoon that prevails after July, the wind‐driven component increases and becomes the primary forcing, accompanying the slowdown of geostrophic velocity. Therefore, the local wind stress, wave propagation, and water mass transport account for the formation of the seasonal interior ESC.
Humic acid-dependent respiratory growth of Methanosarcina acetivorans involves pyrroloquinoline quinone
Authors: Song Yuanxu , Huang Rui , Li Ling , Du Kaifeng , Zhu Fanping , Song Chao , Yuan Xianzheng , Wang Mingyu , Wang Shuguang , Ferry James G , Zhou Shungui , Yan Zhen
Published: September 2023

Although microbial humus respiration plays a critical role in organic matter decomposition and biogeochemical cycling of elements in diverse anoxic environments, the role of methane-producing species (methanogens) is not well defined. Here we report that a major fraction of humus, humic acid reduction enhanced the growth of Methanosarcina acetivorans above that attributed to methanogenesis when utilizing the energy sources methanol or acetate, results which showed both respiratory and fermentative modes of energy conservation. Growth characteristics with methanol were the same for an identically cultured mutant deleted for the gene encoding a multi-heme cytochrome c (MmcA), results indicating MmcA is not essential for respiratory electron transport to humic acid. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that growth with humic acid promoted the upregulation of genes annotated as cell surface pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-binding proteins. Furthermore, PQQ isolated from the membrane fraction was more abundant in humic acid-respiring cells, and the addition of PQQ improved efficiency of the extracellular electron transport. Given that the PQQ-binding proteins are widely distributed in methanogens, the findings extend current understanding of microbial humus respiration in the context of global methane dynamics.
Evaluation of a custom-made mandibular repositioning device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Flouris Lampros , Millar Brian
Published: September 2023

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common, chronic condition that affects breathing during sleep. The gold standard for treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) which is often not well-tolerated. Mandibular repositioning appliances (MRDs) are an alternative that dentists may be requested to provide.

The purpose of this audit is to evaluate the effectiveness of an MRD in improving the Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A total of 52 patients diagnosed with OSA in an NHS hospital respiratory clinic were fitted with an MRD. Analysis of the digitally recorded oximeter signals was recorded among other treatment outcomes before and 6-8 weeks after the fit of the appliance.

The meta-analysis of the audit data showed supportive evidence for MRD treatment in OSA patients. There was a statistically significant reduction in ODI and ESS. The audit population consisted of 138 patients (91 men, 47 women; mean age: 49.49 ± 11.93 years). The ODI outcomes improved significantly, from 10.68 to 6.58 (p <0.02). The ESS improved significantly from 9.46 to 6.02 (p <0.01).

This audit demonstrates that MRDs are effective and should be considered as an alternative to CPAP in some specific OSA phenotypes.
A new scaffold-free tumoroid model provides a robust preclinical tool to investigate invasion and drug response in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Séraudie Irinka , Pillet Catherine , Cesana Beatrice , Bazelle Pauline , Jeanneret Florian , Evrard Bertrand , Chalmel Frédéric , Bouzit Assilah , Battail Christophe , Long Jean-Alexandre , Descotes Jean Luc , Cochet Claude , Filhol Odile
Published: September 2023

Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most prevalent kidney cancers, which is often asymptomatic and thus discovered at a metastatic state (mRCC). mRCC are highly heterogeneous tumors composed of subclonal populations that lead to poor treatment response rate. Several recent works explored the potential of ccRCC tumoroids culture derived from patients. However, these models were produced following a scaffold-based method using collagen I or Matrigel that exhibit lot variability and whose complexity could induce treatment response modifications and phenotypic alterations. Following the observation that ccRCC tumoroids can create their own niche by secreting extracellular matrix components, we developed the first scaffold-free tumoroid model of ccRCC tumors. Tumoroids from mice as well as from human tumors were generated with high success rate (≥90%) using a magnetic suspension method and standard culture media. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed their self-organization capacities to maintain multiple tumor-resident cell types, including endothelial progenitor cells. Transcriptomic analysis showed the reproducibility of the method highlighting that the majority of gene expression patterns was conserved in tumoroids compared to their matching tumor tissue. Moreover, this model enables to evaluate drug effects and invasiveness of renal cancer cells in a 3D context, providing a robust preclinical tool for drug screening and biomarker assessment in line with alternative ex vivo methods like tumor tissue slice culture or in vivo xenograft models.
C9orf72-ALS human iPSC microglia are pro-inflammatory and toxic to co-cultured motor neurons via MMP9
Authors: Vahsen Björn F. , Nalluru Sumedha , Morgan Georgia R. , Farrimond Lucy , Carroll Emily , Xu Yinyan , Cramb Kaitlyn M. L. , Amein Benazir , Scaber Jakub , Katsikoudi Antigoni , Candalija Ana , Carcolé Mireia , Dafinca Ruxandra , Isaacs Adrian M. , Wade-Martins Richard , Gray Elizabeth , Turner Martin R. , Cowley Sally A. , Talbot Kevin
Published: September 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss, with additional pathophysiological involvement of non-neuronal cells such as microglia. The commonest ALS-associated genetic variant is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) mutation in C9orf72. Here, we study its consequences for microglial function using human iPSC-derived microglia. By RNA-sequencing, we identify enrichment of pathways associated with immune cell activation and cyto-/chemokines in C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia versus healthy controls, most prominently after LPS priming. Specifically, LPS-primed C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia show consistently increased expression and release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). LPS-primed C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia are toxic to co-cultured healthy motor neurons, which is ameliorated by concomitant application of an MMP9 inhibitor. Finally, we identify release of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) as a marker for MMP9-dependent microglial dysregulation in co-culture. These results demonstrate cellular dysfunction of C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia, and a non-cell-autonomous role in driving C9orf72-ALS pathophysiology in motor neurons through MMP9 signaling.
Acetylation discriminates disease-specific tau deposition
Authors: Chakraborty Pijush , Rivière Gwladys , Hebestreit Alina , de Opakua Alain Ibáñez , Vorberg Ina M. , Andreas Loren B. , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: September 2023

Pathogenic aggregation of the protein tau is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and several other tauopathies. Tauopathies are characterized by the deposition of specific tau isoforms as disease-related tau filament structures. The molecular processes that determine isoform-specific deposition of tau are however enigmatic. Here we show that acetylation of tau discriminates its isoform-specific aggregation. We reveal that acetylation strongly attenuates aggregation of four-repeat tau protein, but promotes amyloid formation of three-repeat tau. We further identify acetylation of lysine 298 as a hot spot for isoform-specific tau aggregation. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy demonstrates that amyloid fibrils formed by unmodified and acetylated three-repeat tau differ in structure indicating that site-specific acetylation modulates tau structure. The results implicate acetylation as a critical regulator that guides the selective aggregation of three-repeat tau and the development of tau isoform-specific neurodegenerative diseases.
Multi-view emotional expressions dataset using 2D pose estimation
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Zhou Yanan , Xu Xinye , Ren Ziwei , Zhang Yihan , Liu Shenglan , Luo Wenbo
Published: September 2023

Human body expressions convey emotional shifts and intentions of action and, in some cases, are even more effective than other emotion models. Despite many datasets of body expressions incorporating motion capture available, there is a lack of more widely distributed datasets regarding naturalized body expressions based on the 2D video. In this paper, therefore, we report the multi-view emotional expressions dataset (MEED) using 2D pose estimation. Twenty-two actors presented six emotional (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise) and neutral body movements from three viewpoints (left, front, right). A total of 4102 videos were captured. The MEED consists of the corresponding pose estimation results (i.e., 397,809 PNG files and 397,809 JSON files). The size of MEED exceeds 150 GB. We believe this dataset will benefit the research in various fields, including affective computing, human-computer interaction, social neuroscience, and psychiatry.
Meta-analysis of the responses of tree and herb to elevated CO2 in Brazil
Authors: da Silva Fortirer Janaina , Grandis Adriana , Pagliuso Débora , de Toledo Castanho Camila , Buckeridge Marcos Silveira
Published: September 2023

The CO2 concentration has increased in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and land-use changes. Brazil represents one of the primary sources of food on the planet and is also the world's largest tropical rainforest, one of the hot spots of biodiversity in the world. In this work, a meta-analysis was conducted to compare several CO2 Brazilian experiments displaying the diversity of plant responses according to life habits, such as trees (79% natives and 21% cultivated) and herbs (33% natives and 67% cultivated). We found that trees and herbs display different responses. The young trees tend to allocate carbon from increased photosynthetic rates and lower respiration in the dark—to organ development, increasing leaves, roots, and stem biomasses. In addition, more starch is accumulated in the young trees, denoting a fine control of carbon metabolism through carbohydrate storage. Herbs increased drastically in water use efficiency, controlled by stomatal conductance, with more soluble sugars, probably with a transient accumulation of carbon primarily stored in seeds as a response to elevated CO2.
Driving risk cognition of passengers in highly automated driving based on the prefrontal cortex activity via fNIRS
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhang Xiaofei , Li Jun , Li Bowen , Gao Xiaorong , Hao Zhenmao , Fu Junwen , Zhou Ziyuan , Atia Mohamed
Published: September 2023

For high-level automated vehicles, the human being acts as the passenger instead of the driver and does not need to operate vehicles, it makes the brain–computer interface system of high-level automated vehicles depend on the brain state of passengers rather than that of drivers. Particularly when confronting challenging driving situations, how to implement the mental states of passengers into safe driving is a vital choice in the future. Quantifying the cognition of the driving risk of the passenger is a basic step in achieving this goal. In this paper, the passengers’ mental activities in low-risk episode and high-risk episode were compared, the influences on passengers’ mental activities caused by driving scenario risk was first explored via fNIRS. The results showed that the mental activities of passengers caused by driving scenario risk in the Brodmann area 10 are very active, which was verified by examining the real-driving data collected in corresponding challenging experiments, and there is a positive correlation between the cerebral oxygen and the driving risk field. This initial finding provides a possible solution to design a human-centred intelligent system to promise safe driving for high-level automated vehicles using passengers’ driving risk cognition.
Estimating 225Ac yield in thorium metal targets
Authors: Rahmani M. , Martinez D. M.
Published: September 2023

In this work we estimate the yield of the radioisotope $$^{225}Ac$$

225

A
c

in a thorium metal target geometry similar to that described by Roberston et al.. We do so in three different yet complimentary studies. In the first study, we pose a three-way coupled time-dependent model describing beam position, temperature field, and local growth of the activity of the radioisotope and solve this numerically. In the second study, we present an analytical solution of the model equations for a generalized solid target in the “beam-thin” limit, i.e. where only a small fraction of the incoming energy of the proton beam is deposited into the thorium material. In the third study, we use the insight gained from the analytical solution and describe an operating strategy to maximize yield by modulating the beam flux temporally.
Measuring ancient technological complexity and its cognitive implications using Petri nets
Authors: Fajardo Sebastian , Kozowyk Paul R. B. , Langejans Geeske H. J.
Published: September 2023

We implement a method from computer sciences to address a challenge in Paleolithic archaeology: how to infer cognition differences from material culture. Archaeological material culture is linked to cognition, and more complex ancient technologies are assumed to have required complex cognition. We present an application of Petri net analysis to compare Neanderthal tar production technologies and tie the results to cognitive requirements. We applied three complexity metrics, each relying on their own unique definitions of complexity, to the modeled production processes. Based on the results, we propose that Neanderthal technical cognition may have been analogous to that of contemporary modern humans. This method also enables us to distinguish the high-order cognitive functions combining traits like planning, inhibitory control, and learning that were likely required by different ancient technological processes. The Petri net approach can contribute to our understanding of technology and cognitive evolution as it can be used on different materials and technologies, across time and species.
Neonatal outcomes of elective labor induction in low-risk term pregnancies
Authors: Bengtsson Frida , Ekéus Cecilia , Hagelroth Amelie , Ahlsson Fredrik
Published: September 2023

The rate of labor induction has increased in recent years. The results of previously conducted studies examining associations between elective induction of labor (IOL) and neonatal outcomes have been contradictory. The aim of this study was to examine the intrinsic neonatal risks following IOL. We conducted a population-based cohort study, including all women with recorded low-risk singleton pregnancies at a gestational age between 37 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks in Sweden from 1999 to 2017. Data were collected from the Swedish Medical Birth register. Two study groups were compared—the elective induction group with the spontaneous labor onset group. The results showed that the rate of elective IOL increased from 7.2% in 1999 to 16.4% in 2017. Elective IOL was associated with a higher OR for chorioamnionitis, bacterial sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, assisted ventilation, hyperbilirubinemia, APGAR < 7 at 5 min, and neonatal seizures compared to deliveries with spontaneous labor onset. Regarding mortality outcomes, no significant differences were shown between the groups for either early term or full-term deliveries. We conclude that IOL is associated with neonatal complications, although causality could not be established in this observational study. It is important to be aware of the increased risk and perform IOL with caution.
Life expectancy of Anopheles funestus is double that of Anopheles arabiensis in southeast Tanzania based on mark-release-recapture method
Authors: Ntabaliba Watson , Vavassori Laura , Stica Caleb , Makungwa Noel , Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Swai Johnson Kyeba , Lekundayo Ruth , Moore Sarah
Published: September 2023

Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus sensu stricto mosquitoes are major East African malaria vectors. Understanding their dispersal and population structure is critical for developing effective malaria control tools. Three mark-release-recapture (MRR) experiments were conducted for 51 nights to assess daily survival and flight range of An. arabiensis and An. funestus mosquitoes in south-eastern, Tanzania. Mosquitoes were marked with a fluorescent dye as they emerged from breeding sites via a self-marking device. Mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using human landing catches (HLC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps (CDC-LT). In total, 4210 An. arabiensis and An. funestus were collected with 316 (7.5%) marked and recaptured (MR). Daily mean MR was 6.8, standard deviation (SD ± 7.6) for An. arabiensis and 8.9 (SD ± 8.3) for An. funestus. Probability of daily survival was 0.76 for An. arabiensis and 0.86 for An. funestus translating into average life expectancy of 3.6 days for An. arabiensis and 6.5 days for An. funestus. Dispersal distance was 654 m for An. arabiensis and 510 m for An. funestus. An. funestus life expectancy was substantially longer than that of An. arabiensis. The MRR method described here could be routinely utilized when evaluating the impact of new vector control tools on mosquito survival.
Febrile infants risk score at triage (FIRST) for the early identification of serious bacterial infections
Authors: Chong Shu-Ling , Niu Chenglin , Ong Gene Yong-Kwang , Piragasam Rupini , Khoo Zi Xean , Koh Zhi Xiong , Guo Dagang , Lee Jan Hau , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Liu Nan
Published: September 2023

We aimed to derive the Febrile Infants Risk Score at Triage (FIRST) to quantify risk for serious bacterial infections (SBIs), defined as bacteremia, meningitis and urinary tract infections. We performed a prospective observational study on febrile infants < 3 months old at a tertiary hospital in Singapore between 2018 and 2021. We utilized machine learning and logistic regression to derive 2 models: FIRST, based on patient demographics, vital signs and history, and FIRST + , adding laboratory results to the same variables. SBIs were diagnosed in 224/1002 (22.4%) infants. Among 994 children with complete data, age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.01 95%CI 1.01–1.02,p < 0.001), high temperature (aOR 2.22 95%CI 1.69–2.91, p < 0.001), male sex (aOR 2.62 95%CI 1.86–3.70, p < 0.001) and fever of ≥ 2 days (aOR 1.79 95%CI 1.18–2.74,p = 0.007) were independently associated with SBIs. For FIRST + , abnormal urine leukocyte esterase (aOR 16.46 95%CI 10.00–27.11,p < 0.001) and procalcitonin (aOR 1.05 95%CI 1.01–1.09,p = 0.009) were further identified. A FIRST + threshold of ≥ 15% predicted risk had a sensitivity of 81.8% (95%CI 70.5–91.0%) and specificity of 65.6% (95%CI 57.8–72.7%). In the testing dataset, FIRST + had an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 (95%CI 0.81–0.94). These scores can potentially guide triage and prioritization of febrile infants.
Pichia pastoris growth—coupled heme biosynthesis analysis using metabolic modelling
Authors: Pentjuss Agris , Bolmanis Emils , Suleiko Anastasija , Didrihsone Elina , Suleiko Arturs , Dubencovs Konstantins , Liepins Janis , Kazaks Andris , Vanags Juris
Published: September 2023

Soy leghemoglobin is one of the most important and key ingredients in plant-based meat substitutes that can imitate the colour and flavour of the meat. To improve the high-yield production of leghemoglobin protein and its main component—heme in the yeast Pichia pastoris, glycerol and methanol cultivation conditions were studied. Additionally, in-silico metabolic modelling analysis of growth-coupled enzyme quantity, suggests metabolic gene up/down-regulation strategies for heme production. First, cultivations and metabolic modelling analysis of P. pastoris were performed on glycerol and methanol in different growth media. Glycerol cultivation uptake and production rates can be increased by 50% according to metabolic modelling results, but methanol cultivation—is near the theoretical maximum. Growth-coupled metabolic optimisation results revealed the best feasible upregulation (33 reactions) (1.47% of total reactions) and 66 downregulation/deletion (2.98% of total) reaction suggestions. Finally, we describe reaction regulation suggestions with the highest potential to increase heme production yields.
Identification of mouse soleus muscle proteins altered in response to changes in gravity loading
Authors: Ino Yoko , Ohira Takashi , Kumagai Ken , Nakai Yusuke , Akiyama Tomoko , Moriyama Kayano , Takeda Yuriko , Saito Tomoyuki , Ryo Akihide , Inaba Yutaka , Hirano Hisashi , Kimura Yayoi
Published: September 2023

Gravity-dependent physical processes strongly affect the ability of elderly people to maintain musculoskeletal health by reducing muscle atrophy and increasing bone mineral density, thereby increasing quality of life. A need therefore exists to identify molecules in the musculoskeletal system that are responsive to gravitational loading and to establish an objective indicator for the maintenance of healthy musculoskeletal systems. Here, we performed an integrated assessment of the results of soleus muscle proteomic analyses in three model mouse experiments under different gravity environments (hypergravity, hindlimb unloading, and spaceflight). Myl6b, Gpd1, Fbp2, Pvalb, and Actn3 were shown to be gravity-responsive muscle proteins, and alterations in the levels of these proteins indicated changes in muscle fiber type to slow-twitch type due to gravity loading. In addition, immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed that Pvalb levels in the sera of hindlimb-unloaded mice and osteoporosis patients were higher than in control subjects, suggesting that Pvalb levels might be useful to objectively evaluate soleus muscle atrophy and bone loss.
Identification of transcriptional level variations in microRNA-221 and microRNA-222 as alternate players in the thyroid cancer tumor microenvironment
Authors: Khan Rashida , Riaz Aayesha , Abbasi Samina Asghar , Sadaf Tanzeela , Baig Ruqia Mehmood , Mansoor Qaisar
Published: September 2023

Thyroid cancer (TC) is caused by genetic factors and or their cross talk with lifestyle and environment. An important role of miRNA involvement has been identified in different human diseases alongside the cancer. The growing cloud of miRNA discoveries narrates miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 as key elements of ready arsenal in the cancer micro-niches. The aim of present study was to identify the variations of miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 expression in TC tissues and their likely association with TC. miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 were investigated for their expressional alterations in TC tissue samples and healthy thyroid tissue. Expression of miRNA-221 and -222 was analyzed through real time PCR. The relative gene expression of both the miRNA was quantified and statistically evaluated. miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 were found to be highly over expressed when compared with samples of multinodular goiter (MNG) and normal controls. Interestingly, it was also noted that miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 expression is working in a cluster in thyroid cancer patients. So, it can be concluded that the expressional alterations of miRNA-221 and -222 are playing their potential role in the development of thyroid cancer.
The effect of mobile-based logotherapy on depression, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness in patients with major depressive disorder: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Shaygan Maryam , Hosseini Fahimeh Alsadat , Shemiran Marzieh , Hedayati Arvin
Published: September 2023

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the world. It is essential to study and use effective, available, and affordable psychotherapy methods along with drug therapy to manage the symptoms of this disease. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the effect of mobile phone-based logotherapy on depression, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness in patients with major depressive disorder by using a mixed-methods approach. In the first phase of this mixed-methods study, 70 patients completed the quantitative phase (control group = 35, intervention group = 35). The intervention group received an 8-week mobile-based logotherapy program via WhatsApp (one 180-min module per week) combined with sertraline, while the control group received just sertraline plus education about pharmacotherapy. Data was collected before, immediately after the intervention, and 3 months later using the Beck depression inventory short form items (BDI-13), the Beck hopelessness scale (BHS), and the Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSSI). Then, a qualitative study on the intervention group was conducted to explain the findings of the quantitative phase. The repeated measure MANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect of time and group on the set of dependent variables (F(6,63) = 25.218, P < 0.001). Qualitative analysis confirmed the efficacy of sertraline plus mobile-based logotherapy on depression, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness in the intervention group. Three key themes extracted from the participants’ experiences of mobile-based logotherapy were “efficient instruction”, “user-friendly intervention” and “constructive change”. Mobile-based logotherapy through WhatsApp was an effective psychotherapy method for decreasing depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder. It is suggested that educational, institutional, and technological infrastructure for providing and using mobile-based logotheapy for patients with major depressive disorder be considered in the mental health care system.
Association between BNT162b2 vaccination and health-related quality of life up to 18 months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection in Israel
Authors: Kuodi Paul , Gorelik Yanay , Zayyad Hiba , Wertheim Ofir , Beiruti Wiegler Karine , Abu Jabal Kamal , Dror Amiel A. , Elsinga Jelte , Nazzal Saleh , Glikman Daniel , Edelstein Michael
Published: September 2023

We determined whether COVID-19 vaccination was associated with Quality of Life (QoL) changes among individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Israel. Using a validated questionnaire, we collected information about socio-demographics, SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination and QoL (using the EQ-5D-5L tool) 3–18 months post-infection among adults tested for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction in Northern Israel between March 2020–June 2022. We compared post-COVID QoL between those vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of infection and those not, using an adjusted linear regression model, stratified by time elapsed since infection. Of 951 participants, mean EQ-5D Utility Index (EQ-5D UI) was 0.82 (SD = 0.26) and 0.83 (SD = 0.25) among the 227 double and 250 triple vaccinated respectively, compared to 0.76 (SD = 0.33) among those who received 0 dose (n = 243). The size of the effect of vaccination was small (Cohen’s d = 0.2). In the adjusted model, previously infected individuals vaccinated with two or more doses reported a QoL score post- infection 0.05 points higher (CI = 0.01–0.10, p = 0.02) compared with those unvaccinated when infected. No association between vaccination and QoL was detected beyond 12 months post-infection. Vaccination with two or more doses of COVID19 vaccine, or at least the BNT162b2 vaccine, may modestly mitigate QoL losses associated with post-acute COVID-19 symptoms, at least in the first 12 months post-infection.
A mobile car monitoring system as a supplementary tool for air quality monitoring in urban and rural environments: the case study from Poland
Authors: Maslouski Mikita , Jarosz-Krzemińska Elżbieta , Jagoda Paweł , Adamiec Ewa
Published: September 2023

Living in healthy environment should be regarded as a primary human right and not a privilege rendered to chosen ones. For that reason, a national air monitoring grid should be as extensive as possible. Unfortunately, small towns and villages, which are also exposed to air pollution episodes are not commonly covered by monitoring grid. Fixed air monitoring systems have their limitations, which can be overcome by e.g., properly validated, reliable but cheaper mobile monitoring systems. The aim of this study was to assess the use of a car mobile PM10 monitoring system to study ambient air quality in rural communities surrounding Kraków, not covered by fixed monitoring grid. A monitoring dataset was collected during 6 winter car campaigns conducted between December 2021 and March 2022. Except for providing multiple monitoring data, the main goal pertain to methodological aspect of the mobile system, including its validation, indicating its advantages, limitations as well as providing recommendations for the future mobile studies. Our car mobile monitoring system was useful in identifying a local hot-spots with good spatial and temporal resolution, thus giving the local government decision-making tool for taking appropriate action in places not included in national monitoring grid.
Acute kidney injury in children: incidence, awareness and outcome—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chisavu Flavia , Gafencu Mihai , Stroescu Ramona , Motofelea Alexandru , Chisavu Lazar , Schiller Adalbert
Published: September 2023

The primary objective was to determine the epidemiologic influence of AKI awareness among physicians in a mixt paediatric population, including neonates. This single-centre, multiyear, observational retrospective study included all admitted patients between first of July 2014 and 31 December 2021. AKI was identified in 2194 patients out of the 128,036 hospital admissions with 129,936 serum creatinine measurements. Matching comparisons were used between AKI aware and AKI non-aware patients. The overall incidence of AKI was 1.65%. Stage 1 was identified in 24.24% of the AKI cases, stage 2 in 31.03% and stage 3 in 44.71%. The most prevalent cause of AKI was represented by prerenal AKI in 85.64% of the cases, followed by 12.16% renal causes respectively 2.18% postrenal causes. Exposure to sepsis, critical illness, hypovolemic shock and mechanical ventilation increased mortality by 2.09, 4.69, 4.64- and 4.93-times (p = 0.001). Cancer and heart failure increased mortality by 4.22 (p < 0.001) respectively 2.17 times (p = 0.001). The presence of AKI increased mortality by 79.11 times while only half of the AKI associated deaths were recognized by physicians. AKI increased hospitalization more than 4 times the average stay. AKI awareness was dependent of lower age and severity. Also, awareness increased mortality and prolonged hospitalization. 1 in 3 neonates and 1 in 4 children were AKI aware. The physician’s awareness of AKI diagnosis is in general low due to lack of appliance of current guidelines in exploring exposures and susceptibilities for AKI screening.
Changes in salivary microbiota due to gastric cancer resection and its relation to gastric fluid microbiota
Authors: Komori Eri , Kato-Kogoe Nahoko , Imai Yoshiro , Sakaguchi Shoichi , Taniguchi Kohei , Omori Michi , Ohmichi Mayu , Nakamura Shota , Nakano Takashi , Lee Sang-Woong , Ueno Takaaki
Published: September 2023

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and resections are performed to cure the disease. We have previously reported the changes in the gastric microbiota after gastric cancer resection, which may be associated with the oral microbiota; however, the changes in the oral microbiota remain uncharacterized. This study aimed to characterize the changes in the salivary microbiota caused by gastric cancer resection and to evaluate their association with the gastric fluid microbiota. Saliva and gastric fluid samples were collected from 63 patients who underwent gastrectomy before and after surgery, and a 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed to compare the microbiota composition. The number of bacterial species in the salivary microbiota decreased, and the bacterial composition changed after the resection of gastric cancer. In addition, we identified several bacterial genera that varied significantly in the salivary microbiota, some of which also showed similar changes in the gastric fluid microbiota. These findings indicate that changes in the gastric environment affect the oral microbiota, emphasizing the close association between the oral and gastric fluid microbiota. Our study signifies the importance of focusing on the oral microbiota in the perioperative period of gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.
Treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization for triple negative breast cancer in the Brazilian private healthcare system: a database study
Authors: Carlos Souto Maior Borba Maria Amelia , de Mendonça Batista Paula , Falcão Almeida Milena , do Carmo Rego Maria Aparecida , Brandão Serra Fernando , Barbour Oliveira Julio Cesar , Nakajima Karina , Silva Julian Guilherme , Amorim Gilberto
Published: September 2023

In Brazil, data on the management of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) as well as the burden of the disease in terms of health care resources utilization (HCRU) are scarce. To characterize the treatment patterns and HCRU associated with the management of Brazilian TNBC patients from the perspective of the private healthcare setting. Patients with at least one claim related to ICD-10 C50 from January 2012 until December 2017, and at least one claim for breast cancer treatment were assessed from a private claims database and classified as early and locally advanced, or metastatic. All patients with hormone and/or targeted therapy were excluded. Three thousand and four patients were identified, of which 82.8% were diagnosed in early and locally advanced stages. For early and locally advanced TNBC patients, 75.3% were treated in an adjuvant setting, mainly with anthracycline regimes. For mTNBC patients, bevacizumab regimens were the main treatment prescribed. More than 48% of mTNBC patients were switched to a second line of treatment. HCRU was higher for mTNBC patients when compared to early and locally advanced patients, with higher costs for metastatic disease management. The treatment setting has little influence on the HCRU pattern or the cost of disease management. The highest burden of disease was observed for metastatic management.
Sodium nitroprusside improved the quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae through constructed physiological response under ecological stress
Authors: Song Xiao-Wen , Yao Yao , Yu Peng-Cheng , Zhang Wei , Liu Wen-Fei , Wang Li-Yang , Zhao Kai , Lu Jin-Cai , Meng Xiang-Cai
Published: September 2023

The ecological significance of secondary metabolites is to improve the adaptive ability of plants. Secondary metabolites, usually medicinal ingredients, are triggered by unsuitable environment, thus the quality of medicinal materials under adversity being better. The quality of the cultivated was heavily declined due to its good conditions. Radix Saposhnikoviae, the dried root of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk., is one of the most common botanicals in Asian countries, now basically comes from cultivation, resulting in the market price being only 1/10 to 1/3 of its wild counterpart, so improving the quality of cultivated Radix Saposhnikoviae is of urgency. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in generating reactive oxygen species and modifying the secondary metabolism of plants. This study aims to enhance the quality of cultivated Radix Saposhnikoviae by supplementing exogenous NO. To achieve this, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was utilized as an NO provider and applied to fresh roots of S. divaricata at concentrations of 0.03, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mmol/L. This study measured parameters including the activities of antioxidant enzymes, secondary metabolite synthesis enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), and chalcone synthase (CHS), as well as the contents of NO, superoxide radicals (O2·−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and four secondary metabolites. The quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae was evaluated with antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammatory factors. As a result, the NO contents in the fresh roots were significantly increased under SNP, which led to a significant increase of O2·−, H2O2, and MDA. The activities of important antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), were found to increase as well, with their peak levels observed on the 2nd and 3rd days. PAL, ACC, and CHS activities were also significantly enhanced, resulting in the increased secondary metabolite contents of Radix saposhnikoviae in all groups, especially the 0.5 mmol/L SNP. The four active ingredients, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 4′-O-β-d-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol, increased by 88.3%,325.0%, 55.4%, and 283.8%, respectively, on the 3rd day. The pharmaceutical effects of Radix Saposhnikoviae under 0.5 mmol/L SNP were significantly enhanced. Exogenous SNP can induce the physiological response of S. divaricata under adverse conditions and significantly improve the quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae.
Comprehensive health risk analysis of heavy metal pollution using water quality indices and Monte Carlo simulation in R software
Authors: Badeenezhad Ahmad , Soleimani Hamed , Shahsavani Samaneh , Parseh Iman , Mohammadpour Amin , Azadbakht Omid , Javanmardi Parviz , Faraji Hossein , Babakrpur Nalosi Kamal
Published: September 2023

Rapid urbanization, population growth, agricultural practices, and industrial activities have led to widespread groundwater contamination. This study evaluated heavy metal contamination in residential drinking water in Shiraz, Iran (2021). The analysis involved 80 groundwater samples collected across wet and dry seasons. Water quality was comprehensively assessed using several indices, including the heavy metals evaluation index (HEI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), contamination degree (CD), and metal index (MI). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments were conducted using deterministic and probabilistic approaches for exposed populations. In the non-carcinogenic risk assessment, the chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) are employed. The precision of risk assessment was bolstered through the utilization of Monte Carlo simulation, executed using the R software platform. Based on the results, in both wet and dry seasons, Zinc (Zn) consistently demonstrates the highest mean concentration, followed by Manganese (Mn) and Chromium (Cr). During the wet and dry seasons, 25% and 40% of the regions exhibited high CD, respectively. According to non-carcinogenic risk assessment, Cr presents the highest CDI and HQ in children and adults, followed by Mn, As and HI values, indicating elevated risk for children. The highest carcinogenic risk was for Cr in adults, while the lowest was for Cd in children. The sensitivity analysis found that heavy metal concentration and ingestion rate significantly impact both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. These findings provide critical insights for shaping policy and allocating resources towards effectively managing heavy metal contamination in residential drinking water.
Background free in vivo29Si MR imaging with hyperpolarized PEGylated silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Seung-Hyun , Kim Jiwon , Lee Tae Geol , Park Mirae , Son Hye Young , Joo Chan Gyu , Shim Jeong Hyun , Lee Youngbok , Huh Yong-Min
Published: September 2023

This research highlights in vivo significance of 50 nm PEGylated Si NPs, which were confirmed by obtaining satisfactory hyperpolarized 29Si MR images.
Magnetic solid-phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water samples using magnetic carbon nanofiber/MIL-101(Cr) nanocomposites
Authors: Bodaghabadi Faezeh , Amiri Amirhassan , Mirzaei Masoud
Published: September 2023

Magnetic carbon nanofibers modified with MIL-101(Cr) (Fe3O4@CNF@MIL-101) were used as sorbents for the extraction of PAHs from real water samples.
How advances in theoretical chemistry meet industrial expectations in electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Gracia Jose , Biz Chiara , Fianchini Mauro , Amthor Sebastian
Published: September 2023

In electrolysers about 10–15% of CAPEX per kg_H2 h−1 is possible via optimizing spin-potentials: a seed from quantum correlations.
Enhancing supercapacitor performance using nanosheet-covered nanotube structures Co3S4/Ni0.96S@CNTs with carbon nanotubes as conductive substrates
Authors: Wang Yanmin , Liu Songtao , Sun Xuejiao , He Wenxiu , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: September 2023

Transition metal sulfides have broad application prospects as supercapacitor electrode materials.
Tailoring the hydrophobicity and zincophilicity of poly(ionic liquid) solid–electrolyte interphases for ultra-stable aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Su Long , Lu Fei , Tian Ye , Xie Fengjin , Liang Liping , Zheng Liqiang , Gao Xinpei
Published: September 2023

This work presents a novel design strategy that focuses on balancing the hydrophobicity and zincophilicity of poly(ionic liquid) solid–electrolyte interphases to enhance the performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries.
A single-stage anion exchange separation method for Cd isotopic analysis in geological and environmental samples by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Zhong Qiao-Hui , Yin Lu , Li Jie , Feng Yue-Xing , Shen Neng-Ping , Peng Bing-Yu , Wang Zhao-Yang
Published: September 2023

A single-stage column separation method based on an anion exchange resin column is developed to purify Cd from geological and environmental materials for high-precision determination of Cd isotopes by double spike MC-ICP-MS.
Pulsed laser welding of macroscopic 3D graphene materials
Authors: Yu Wenjie , Zhao Weiwei , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: September 2023

A laser welding technique that allows for rapidly joining macroscopic 3D graphene materials together under ambient conditions is theoretically proposed and experimentally realized.
Gold(i) complexes with redox active BIAN and MIAN ligands: synthesis, structure and electrochemistry
Authors: Bardina Elena E. , Shmelev Nikita Y. , Albrekht Yana N. , Koon Winnie Ka Yiu , Abramov Pavel A. , Mirzaeva Irina V. , Sheven’ Dmitriy G. , Makotchenko Evgeniya V. , Fomenko Iakov S. , Lukoyanov Anton N. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Babak Maria V. , Gushchin Artem L.
Published: September 2023

This article reports on the synthesis and structure of novel cationic gold(i) complexes with BIAN/MIAN ligands, displaying redox activity and the antichelate effect.
Rationally designed rare earth elements functionalized MoS2 nanosheets towards reducing fire hazards of epoxy resin
Authors: Wang Changhao , Gong Kaili , Luo Jianjian , Yin Lian , Zhou Keqing
Published: September 2023

A composite with novel synergistic flame retardancy is fabricated with rare earth elements-functionalized MoS2 nanosheets.
Reliable, standardized measurements for cell mechanical properties
Authors: Pérez-Domínguez Sandra , Kulkarni Shruti G. , Pabijan Joanna , Gnanachandran Kajangi , Holuigue Hatice , Eroles Mar , Lorenc Ewelina , Berardi Massimiliano , Antonovaite Nelda , Marini Maria Luisa , Lopez Alonso Javier , Redonto-Morata Lorena , Dupres Vincent , Janel Sebastien , Acharya Sovon , Otero Jorge , Navajas Daniel , Bielawski Kevin , Schillers Hermann , Lafont Frank , Rico Felix , Podestà Alessandro , Radmacher Manfred , Lekka Małgorzata
Published: September 2023

The standardized approach in nanoindentation measurements provides a reproducible mechanical characterization of cancer cells.
A rapid total bacterial count method using gold nanoparticles conjugated with an aptamer for water quality assessment
Authors: Sutarlie Laura , Chee Heng Li , Ow Sian Yang , Aabdin Zainul , Tjiu Weng Weei , Su Xiaodi
Published: September 2023

Gold nanoparticles conjugated with an aptamer are used to stain bacteria cells captured on a filter membrane for total bacterial count measurement.
Impact of thermal annealing and laser treatment on the morphology and optical responses of mono- and bi-metallic plasmonic honeycomb lattice
Authors: Chen Yi-Ju , Schmidl Gabriele , Dellith Andrea , Gawlik Annett , Jia Guobin , Bocklitz Thomas , Wu Xiaofei , Plentz Jonathan , Huang Jer-Shing
Published: September 2023

This work investigates the refinement effect of thermal annealing or ns-pulsed laser treatment methods on the morphology and optical responses of mono- and bi-metallic plasmonic honeycomb lattice prepared by nanosphere lithography.
Catalase-like pleated niobium carbide MXene loaded with polythiophene for oxygenated sonodynamic therapy in solid tumor
Authors: Pang E , Li Baoling , Zhou Chuanling , Zhao Shaojing , Tang Yu , Tan Qiuxia , Yao Chaoyi , Wang Benhua , Han Kai , Song Xiangzhi , Hu Zheyu , Ouyang Quchang , Jin Shiguang , Lan Minhuan
Published: September 2023

Nb2C-PVP-PT2 NSs were used for fluorescence imaging-guided enhanced sonodynamic treatment of hypoxic solid tumors by catalytic H2O2.
The role of organic spacers in 2D/3D hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zou Yu , Gao Yuping , Liu Yongsheng
Published: September 2023

This review highlights the crucial role of organic spacers in the fabrication process and formation mechanism of different types of 2D/3D perovskites for PSCs including the bulk incorporation model, surface treatment model, and the coexisting model.
Conjugated figure-of-eight macrocycles derived from the anthracene photodimer: synthetic execution through intramolecular cyclization and topological manipulation through ring expansion
Authors: Zhan Lijie , Xiao Hongyan , Gao Jia-Nan , Cong Huan
Published: September 2023

Employing the anthracene photodimer core, conjugated figure-of-eight macrocycles are facilely prepared via intramolecular cyclizations followed by ring expansion.
Neem plant extract-assisted synthesis of CeO2nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of piroxicam and naproxen
Authors: Quddus Farah , Shah Afzal , Nisar Jan , Zia Muhammad Abid , Munir Shamsa
Published: September 2023

Photocatalytic degradation of piroxicam using CeO2nanoparticles.