bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-terminal α-amino SUMOylation of cofilin-1 is critical for its regulation of actin depolymerization
Authors: Weng Weiji , Gu Xiaokun , Yang Yang , Zhang Qiao , Deng Qi , Zhou Jie , Cheng Jinke , Zhu Michael X. , Feng Junfeng , Huang Ou , Li Yong
Published: September 2023

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) typically conjugates to target proteins through isopeptide linkage to the ε-amino group of lysine residues. This posttranslational modification (PTM) plays pivotal roles in modulating protein function. Cofilins are key regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and are well-known to undergo several different PTMs. Here, we show that cofilin-1 is conjugated by SUMO1 both in vitro and in vivo. Using mass spectrometry and biochemical and genetic approaches, we identify the N-terminal α-amino group as the SUMO-conjugation site of cofilin-1. Common to conventional SUMOylation is that the N-α-SUMOylation of cofilin-1 is also mediated by SUMO activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligating (E3) enzymes and reversed by the SUMO deconjugating enzyme, SENP1. Specific to the N-α-SUMOylation is the physical association of the E1 enzyme to the substrate, cofilin-1. Using F-actin co-sedimentation and actin depolymerization assays in vitro and fluorescence staining of actin filaments in cells, we show that the N-α-SUMOylation promotes cofilin-1 binding to F-actin and cofilin-induced actin depolymerization. This covalent conjugation by SUMO at the N-α amino group of cofilin-1, rather than at an internal lysine(s), serves as an essential PTM to tune cofilin-1 function during regulation of actin dynamics.
DNA methylation profiles in individuals with rare, atypical 7q11.23 CNVs correlate with GTF2I and GTF2IRD1 copy number
Authors: Strong Emma , Mervis Carolyn B. , Tam Elaine , Morris Colleen A. , Klein-Tasman Bonita P. , Velleman Shelley L. , Osborne Lucy R.
Published: September 2023

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) and 7q11.23 duplication syndrome (Dup7) are rare neurodevelopmental disorders caused by deletion and duplication of a 1.5 Mb region that includes at least five genes with a known role in epigenetic regulation. We have shown that CNV of this chromosome segment causes dose-dependent, genome-wide changes in DNA methylation, but the specific genes driving these changes are unknown. We measured genome-wide whole blood DNA methylation in six participants with atypical CNV of 7q11.23 (three with deletions and three with duplications) using the Illumina HumanMethylation450k array and compared their profiles with those from groups of individuals with classic WBS or classic Dup7 and with typically developing (TD) controls. Across the top 1000 most variable positions we found that only the atypical rearrangements that changed the copy number of GTF2IRD1 and/or GTF2I (coding for the TFII-IRD1 and TFII-I proteins) clustered with their respective syndromic cohorts. This finding was supported by results from hierarchical clustering across a selection of differentially methylated CpGs, in addition to pyrosequencing validation. These findings suggest that CNV of the GTF2I genes at the telomeric end of the 7q11.23 interval is a key contributor to the large changes in DNA methylation that are seen in blood DNA from our WBS and Dup7 cohorts, compared to TD controls. Our findings suggest that members of the TFII-I protein family are involved in epigenetic processes that alter DNA methylation on a genome-wide level.
A pseudoproxy emulation of the PAGES 2k database using a hierarchy of proxy system models
Authors: Zhu Feng , Emile-Geay Julien , Anchukaitis Kevin J. , McKay Nicholas P. , Stevenson Samantha , Meng Zilu
Published: September 2023

Paleoclimate reconstructions are now integral to climate assessments, yet the consequences of using different methodologies and proxy data require rigorous benchmarking. Pseudoproxy experiments (PPEs) provide a tractable and transparent test bed for evaluating climate reconstruction methods and their sensitivity to aspects of real-world proxy networks. Here we develop a dataset that leverages proxy system models (PSMs) for this purpose, which emulates the essential physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that translate climate signals into proxy records, making these synthetic proxies more relevant to the real world. We apply a suite of PSMs to emulate the widely-used PAGES 2k dataset, including realistic spatiotemporal sampling and error structure. A hierarchical approach allows us to produce many variants of this base dataset, isolating the impact of sampling bias in time and space, representation error, sampling error, and other assumptions. Combining these various experiments produces a rich dataset (“pseudoPAGES2k”) for many applications. As an illustration, we show how to conduct a PPE with this dataset based on emerging climate field reconstruction techniques.
Spatiotemporal trends of carbon stock in wood and bamboo products in China during 1987–2020
Authors: Zhang Luyang , Zhang Shuaikun , Chen Dongdong , Li Tianrun , Wang Shiyi , Xu Zhiyuan , Wang Yuchao , Liu Zhihua , Zhang Shaoliang
Published: September 2023

Harvested wood/bamboo products (HWP/HBP) constitute a large global carbon stock. However, the contribution of HBP to carbon stocks has been neglected in mixed wood and bamboo data, especially in China. Therefore, the production approach and the first-order decay method were used to estimate the spatiotemporal carbon stock change in HWP/HBP based on provincial production data from the China Forestry Statistical Yearbooks for 1987–2020. The results showed that China’s total carbon stocks of HWP and HBP were 328.7 teragram carbon (TgC) and 129.7 TgC between 1987 and 2020. Of this, the HWP carbon stock was mainly sourced from three provinces across the north and south: Guangxi (60.8 TgC), Heilongjiang (37.2 TgC), and Fujian (24.2 TgC), and HBP carbon stock was mainly sourced from three southern provinces: Fujian (33.4 TgC), Guangxi (20.3 TgC), and Zhejiang (13.7 TgC). The proportion of the HBP carbon stock in the total carbon stock increased from 20% in 2010 to 28% in 2020, indicating that bamboo products play an important role in the accumulation of carbon stocks in China. The differences in contributions to spatiotemporal trends between the provinces provide more specific information to make precise decisions about forest management and carbon sequestration.
Quantum computation at the edge of a disordered Kitaev honeycomb lattice
Authors: Timoshuk Igor , Tikhonov Konstantin , Makhlin Yuriy
Published: September 2023

We analyze propagation of quantum information along chiral Majorana edge states in two-dimensional topological materials. The use of edge states may facilitate the braiding operation, an important ingredient in topological quantum computations. For the edge of the Kitaev honeycomb model in a topological phase, we discuss how the edge states can participate in quantum-information processing, and consider a two-qubit logic gate between distant external qubits coupled to the edge. Here we analyze the influence of disorder and noise on properties of the edge states and quantum-gate fidelity. We find that realistically weak disorder does not prevent one from implementation of a high-fidelity operation via the edge.
A novel nomogram predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in portal hypertension patients
Authors: Liao Yong , Zhang Lin , Wang Ji-tao , Yue Zhen-dong , Fan Zhen-hua , Wu Yi-fan , Zhang Yu , Dong Cheng-bin , Wang Xiu-qi , Cui Ting , Meng Ming-ming , Bao Li , Chen Shu-bo , Liu Fu-quan , Wang Lei
Published: September 2023

We aim to develop a nomogram to predict overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with portal hypertension, according to demographic/clinical indicators such as age, creatinine, blood ammonia, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15) and percentage of Portal pressure gradient (PPG) decline. In this retrospective study, 296 patients with portal hypertension who received elective TIPS in Beijing Shijitan Hospital from June 2018 to June 2020 were included. These patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 207) and a validation cohort (n = 89). According to the occurrence of OHE, patients were assigned to OHE group and non-OHE group. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent variables for predicting OHE after TIPS. Accordingly, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to compare the accuracy and superiority of a novel model with conventional Child–Pugh and MELD scoring model. Age (OR 1.036, 95% CI 1.002–1.070, p = 0.037), Creatinine (OR 1.011, 95% CI 1.003–1.019, p = 0.009), Blood ammonia (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.006–1.044, p = 0.011), ICG-R15 (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.009–1.052, p = 0.004) and Percentage decline in PPG (OR 1.068, 95% CI 1.029–1.109, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for OHE after TIPS using multifactorial analysis. A nomogram was constructed using a well-fit calibration curve for each of these five covariates. When compared to Child–Pugh and MELD score, this new nomogram has a better predictive value (C-index = 0.828, 95% CI 0.761–0.896). Consistently, this finding was reproduceable in validation cohort and confirmed with DCA. A unique nomogram was developed to predict OHE after TIPS in patients with PHT, with a high prediction sensitivity and specificity performance than commonly applied scoring systems.
Telemedicine retinopathy of prematurity severity score (TeleROP-SS) versus modified activity score (mROP-ActS) retrospective comparison in SUNDROP cohort
Authors: Xu Christine L. , Adu-Brimpong Joel , Moshfeghi Henry P. , Rosenblatt Tatiana R. , Yu Michael D. , Ji Marco H. , Wang Sean K. , Zaidi Moosa , Ghoraba Hashem , Michalak Suzanne , Callaway Natalia F. , Kumm Jochen , Nudleman Eric , Wood Edward H. , Patel Nimesh A. , Stahl Andreas , Lepore Domenico , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: September 2023

Identifying and planning treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using telemedicine is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, necessitating a grading system to help caretakers of at-risk infants gauge disease severity. The modified ROP Activity Scale (mROP-ActS) factors zone, stage, and plus disease into its scoring system, addressing the need for assessing ROP’s totality of binocular burden via indirect ophthalmoscopy. However, there is an unmet need for an alternative score which could facilitate ROP identification and gauge disease improvement or deterioration specifically on photographic telemedicine exams. Here, we propose such a system (Telemedicine ROP Severity Score [TeleROP-SS]), which we have compared against the mROP-ActS. In our statistical analysis of 1568 exams, we saw that TeleROP-SS was able to return a score in all instances based on the gradings available from the retrospective SUNDROP cohort, while mROP-ActS obtained a score of 80.8% in right eyes and 81.1% in left eyes. For treatment-warranted ROP (TW-ROP), TeleROP-SS obtained a score of 100% and 95% in the right and left eyes respectively, while mROP-ActS obtained a score of 70% and 63% respectively. The TeleROP-SS score can identify disease improvement or deterioration on telemedicine exams, distinguish timepoints at which treatments can be given, and it has the adaptability to be modified as needed.
Selective separation of chlorophyll-a using recyclable hybrids based on Zn-MOF@cellulosic fibers
Authors: Emam Hossam E. , Ahmed Hanan B. , El-Shahat Mahmoud , Abdel-Gawad Hassan , Abdelhameed Reda M.
Published: September 2023

Chlorophyll-a as pigments, exist in the green organelles for plants that act in photosynthesis. Different studies were considered with demonstration of an effective separation technique of Chlorophyll-a without decomposition; however, the reported methods were disadvantageous with expensiveness and low quantum yield. The current work uniquely represents an investigative method for the separation of Chlorophyll-a from spinach extract using cellulosic hybrids based on ZIF-8@cellulosic fibers (Zn-zeolitic imidazolate frameworks@cellulosic fibers) as a cost effective and recyclable absorbents. To obtain hybrids, ZIF-8 was in-situ prepared over the cellulosic fibers (bamboo, modal and cotton). The untreated and treated fibers were well characterized via FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, in order to approve the successive impregnation of ZIF-8. Whereas, the microscopic images showed that, microcrystalline ZIF-8 rods with length of 1.3–4.4 µm were grown over the cellulosic fibers. The obtained hybrids and the untreated fibers were exploited in the separation of Chlorophyll-a via the adsorption/desorption process. The chlorophyll-adsorption was followed Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order model. The Langmuir maximum capacities of Chlorophyll-a onto hybrids were followed the order of ZIF-8@cotton (583.6 mg/g) > ZIF-8@modal (561.3 mg/g) > ZIF-8@bamboo (528.7 mg/g). After incorporation of ZIF-8, the maximum adsorption capacities of cellulosic fibers were enhanced by 1.4–1.9 times. Adsorption of chlorophyll onto the applied hybrids was lowered by 27–28%, after five repetitive washing cycles. The data summarized that; chlorophyll was effectively separated by the synthesized ZIF-8@cellulosic fibers hybrids, whereas, the prepared hybrids showed good reusability for application on wider scaled purposes.
A survey on the awareness, current management, and barriers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among the general Korean population
Authors: Lee Jun-Hyuk , Jung Jang Han , Park Huiyul , Oh Joo Hyun , Ahn Sang Bong , Yoon Eileen Laurel , Jun Dae Won
Published: September 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often diagnosed incidentally during medical evaluation for diseases other than liver disease or during health checkups. This study aimed to investigate the awareness, current status, and barriers to the management of NAFLD in the general population. This cross-sectional study used an online survey, which consisted of 3-domain and 18-item questionnaires. The content validity index for each item of the questionnaire was rated above 0.80. Most respondents (72.8%) reported having heard of the term ‘NAFLD’, and a large proportion of the general population (85.7%) recognized the possibility of developing fatty liver without consuming alcohol. Awareness of the terminology of NAFLD and that NAFLD is a disease that needs to be managed is relatively high. However, the knowledge that NAFLD can progress to end-stage liver disease and new cardiovascular diseases is lacking. Only 25.7% of the general population is aware that NAFLD increases the incidence of heart and cerebrovascular diseases. Only 44.7% of those who were incidentally diagnosed during a health check-up were provided with any specific guidance on NAFLD, and more than half (55.3%) were not provided with education or guidance on NAFLD or did not remember it. Only 40.2% of people diagnosed with NAFLD incidentally visited a clinic. The reason for not visiting a clinic for the evaluation of NAFLD varied greatly depending on sex and age group. Only 40.2% of patients visited the clinic after being diagnosed with NAFLD. The reasons for not visiting the clinic after NAFLD diagnosis differed significantly according to sex and age.
Impact of inclusion of post-spermatic ejaculate fraction in boar seminal doses on sperm metabolism, quality, and interaction with uterine fluid
Authors: Luongo Chiara , Llamas-López Pedro José , Garrappa Gabriela , Rodríguez-Tobón Ernesto , Grudzinska Paulina , García-Vázquez Francisco Alberto
Published: September 2023

Boar ejaculate is composed of sperm cells and seminal plasma (SP) and is emitted in different fractions (pre-sperm fraction; spermatic-rich fraction; intermediate fraction; post-spermatic fraction), with different composition of SP and volume, which could influence the sperm quality during seminal doses preparation, conservation, and interaction with the female reproductive tract. In artificial insemination (AI) centers, seminal doses are usually prepared with the spermatic-rich and intermediate fractions, but the inclusion of other ejaculate fractions, although controversial, is beginning to be applied. The objective was to evaluate the synergic effect of accumulative ejaculated fractions on sperm functionality during seminal doses preparation, throughout storage and after incubation with uterine fluid (UF). For this purpose, a total of 57 ejaculates were collected, and the following experimental groups were prepared (n = 19 per group): (F1) spermatic-rich fraction; (F2) F1 plus intermediate fraction; (F3) F2 plus post-spermatic fraction. Each group was stored for 5 days at ∼16 °C, and the following parameters were evaluated: sperm metabolism of pure and diluted semen (day 1), sperm quality parameters (days 1, 3, 5), thermal-resistance test (TRT) and incubation with uterine fluid (UF) (day 5). Sperm metabolic rates between accumulative ejaculate fractions from pure and diluted semen did not show differences. Also, sperm quality parameters were not affected by the ejaculate fraction during storage. However, sperm subjected to TRT showed similar results except for progressive motility, which was better in F2 and F3 than F1. When sperm were incubated with UF, the quality decreased in each group, but sperm from F2 and F3 were less affected than those from F1. In conclusion, the post-spermatic fraction can be included in seminal doses for their use in AI-centers, with functionality of sperm of different SP origins not being impaired throughout the storage, and responding better to thermal and UF stress. However, further research in AI-centers is necessary to test the sperm behaviour under presented conditions.
Honokiol affects the composition of gut microbiota and the metabolism of lipid and bile acid in methionine-choline deficiency diet-induced NASH mice
Authors: Zhai Ting , Wang Junjun , Chen Yong
Published: September 2023

Honokiol (HNK), one of the main active components of Magnolia officinalis, has a positive effect on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the effects of HNK on the composition of serum lipids and bile acids (BAs) and gut microbiota (GM) of NASH mice are still unknown.C57BL/6 mice were fed with methionine-choline deficiency (MCD) diet and gavaged with HNK (20 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks, then the serum lipids and BAs were detected by LC–MS, the composition of ileum microflora and the mRNA expression of hepatic BAs homeostasis related genes were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and RT-qPCR, respectively. HNK treatment decreased the degree of hepatic lipid drops, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. Meantime, the serum levels of 34 lipids and 4 BAs in MCD mice were significantly altered by HNK treatment, as well as the increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Caulobacteraceae and Brevundimonas, and the decreased abundance of Firmicutes and Dubosiella. Besides, HNK treatment increased the hepatic mRNA expression of Oatp1b2 in MCD mice. The ameliorating effect of HNK on NASH may be partly related to its correction on the disorders of GM, serum lipids and BAs of MCD mice.
The efficacy and safety of anamorelin for patients with cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taniguchi Jumpei , Mikura Sunao , da Silva Lopes Katharina
Published: September 2023

Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome (CACS) is characterized by anorexia and loss of body weight. Evidence is insufficient to strongly endorse any pharmacologic agent for the treatment of CACS. In this systematic review, we assessed the efficacy of oral anamorelin treatment for patients with CACS. On July 6, 2022, we systematically searched the following databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with CACS comparing oral anamorelin versus placebo: CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, and ICHUSHI. The primary outcomes were total body weight (TBW), patient-reported quality of life (QOL), and adverse events (AEs). Secondary outcomes included lean body mass (LBM), overall survival (OS), non-dominant hand grip strength (HGS), and appetite. We included seven RCTs with a total of 1944 CACS patients. Anamorelin significantly increased TBW (mean difference (MD) 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–2.13, p < 0.00001), LBM (MD 1.06, 95% CI 0.30–1.81, p = 0.006), and QOL (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.16, 95% CI 0.04–0.27, p = 0.006) compared with placebo without a significant difference in all AEs, severe AEs, OS, HGS or appetite. Anamorelin may be an effective treatment for CACS patients; however, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this drug.
Thermal ages of the Huatung Basin determined from seismic waveform modeling: insights into Southeast Asia’s evolution
Authors: Ko Justin Yen-Ting , Kuo Ban-Yuan , Lin Shu-Chuan , Hung Yu-Sheng
Published: September 2023

The Huatung Basin (HB), situated on the leading part of the Philippine Sea Plate, is directly involved in oblique subduction and mountain building in the Taiwan region. However, previous studies have reported a wide range of ages for the HB, from 30 to 130 Ma, making it difficult to properly constrain regional tectonics. We analyzed teleseismic waveforms recorded on Taiwan that traveled through the slab associated with the HB. By waveform matching, we have constrained the slab dimensions to approximately 400 km in length and 150 km in width, accompanied by an enhanced P-wave velocity of 6% within the slab core and an apparent dip angle of 55°. We used age-dependent subduction zone thermal models to estimate the thermal ages or the ages since the last thermal event of the HB. The best-fit thermal model indicates thermal ages ranging from 20 to 50 Ma, which is consistent with a suite of geophysical observations and the age inferred from geomagnetic anomaly data. However, our results differ considerably from the ages obtained through radiometric dating of rocks dredged from the seafloor. The discrepancy in age may be attributed to either thermal rejuvenation of the plate or dating of allochthonous samples dredged from the border of the basin.
Exposure to the COVID-19 news on social media and consequent psychological distress and potential behavioral change
Authors: Montazeri Ali , Mohammadi Samira , M.Hesari Parisa , Yarmohammadi Hossein , Bahabadi Mehdi Rafiei , Naghizadeh Moghari Fatemeh , Maftoon Farzaneh , Tavousi Mahmoud , Riazi Hedyeh
Published: September 2023

Exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) news pandemic is inevitable. This study aimed to explore the association between exposure to COVID-19 news on social media and feeling of anxiety, fear, and potential opportunities for behavioral change among Iranians. A telephone-based survey was carried out in 2020. Adults aged 18 years and above were randomly selected. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to collect information on demographic variables and questions to address exposure to news and psychological and behavioral responses regarding COVID-19. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between anxiety, fear, behavioral responses, and independent variables, including exposure to news. In all, 1563 adults participated in the study. The mean age of respondents was 39.17 ± 13.5 years. Almost 55% of participants reported moderate to high-level anxiety, while fear of being affected by COVID-19 was reported 54.1%. Overall 88% reported that they had changed their behaviors to some extent. Exposure to the COVID-19 news on social media was the most influencing variable on anxiety (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.62–3.04; P < 0.0001), fear (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.49–2.56; P < 0.0001), and change in health behaviors (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.28–3.19; P = 0.003) in the regression model. The fear of being infected by the COVID19 was associated with the female gender and some socioeconomic characteristics. Although exposure to the COVID-19 news on social media seemed to be associated with excess anxiety and fear, it also, to some extent, had positively changed people’s health behaviors towards preventive measures.
Effects of the energy balance transition on bone mass and strength
Authors: Wallace Ian J. , Toya Christopher , Peña Muñoz Mario Antonio , Meyer Jana Valesca , Busby Taylor , Reynolds Adam Z. , Martinez Jordan , Thompson Travis Torres , Miller-Moore Marcus , Harris Alexandra R. , Rios Roberto , Martinez Alexis , Jashashvili Tea , Ruff Christopher B.
Published: September 2023

Chronic positive energy balance has surged among societies worldwide due to increasing dietary energy intake and decreasing physical activity, a phenomenon called the energy balance transition. Here, we investigate the effects of this transition on bone mass and strength. We focus on the Indigenous peoples of New Mexico in the United States, a rare case of a group for which data can be compared between individuals living before and after the start of the transition. We show that since the transition began, bone strength in the leg has markedly decreased, even though bone mass has apparently increased. Decreased bone strength, coupled with a high prevalence of obesity, has resulted in many people today having weaker bones that must sustain excessively heavy loads, potentially heightening their risk of a bone fracture. These findings may provide insight into more widespread upward trends in bone fragility and fracture risk among societies undergoing the energy balance transition.
Influence of gelatin type on physicochemical properties of electrospun nanofibers
Authors: de Farias Bruna Silva , Rizzi Francisca Zuchoski , Ribeiro Eduardo Silveira , Diaz Patrícia Silva , Sant’Anna Cadaval Junior Tito Roberto , Dotto Guilherme Luiz , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Manoharadas Salim , de Almeida Pinto Luiz Antonio , dos Reis Glaydson Simões
Published: September 2023

This study explores the fabrication of nanofibers using different types of gelatins, including bovine, porcine, and fish gelatins. The gelatins exhibited distinct molecular weights and apparent viscosity values, leading to different entanglement behavior and nanofiber production. The electrospinning technique produced nanofibers with diameters from 47 to 274 nm. The electrospinning process induced conformational changes, reducing the overall crystallinity of the gelatin samples. However, porcine gelatin nanofibers exhibited enhanced molecular ordering. These findings highlight the potential of different gelatin types to produce nanofibers with distinct physicochemical properties. Overall, this study sheds light on the relationship between gelatin properties, electrospinning process conditions, and the resulting nanofiber characteristics, providing insights for tailored applications in various fields.
Comparative performance evaluation of QIAreach QuantiFERON-TB and tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in Viet Nam
Authors: Vo Luan Nguyen Quang , Tran Thi Thu Phuong , Pham Hai Quang , Nguyen Han Thi , Doan Ha Thu , Truong Huyen Thanh , Nguyen Hoa Binh , Nguyen Hung Van , Pham Hai Thanh , Dong Thuy Thi Thu , Codlin Andrew , Forse Rachel , Mac Tuan Huy , Nguyen Nhung Viet
Published: September 2023

Current WHO-recommended diagnostic tools for tuberculosis infection (TBI) have well-known limitations and viable alternatives are urgently needed. We compared the diagnostic performance and accuracy of the novel QIAreach QuantiFERON-TB assay (QIAreach; index) to the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assay (QFT-Plus; reference). The sample included 261 adults (≥ 18 years) recruited at community-based TB case finding events. Of these, 226 underwent Tuberculin Skin Tests and 200 returned for interpretation (TST; comparator). QIAreach processing and TST reading were completed at lower-level healthcare facilities. We conducted matched-pair comparisons for QIAreach and TST with QFT-Plus, calculated sensitivity, specificity and area under a receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), and analyzed concordant-/discordant-pair interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels. QIAreach sensitivity and specificity were 98.5% and 72.3%, respectively, for an AUC of 0.85. TST sensitivity (53.2%) at a 5 mm induration threshold was significantly below QIAreach, while specificity (82.4%) was statistically equivalent. The corrected mean IFN-γ level of 0.08 IU/ml and corresponding empirical threshold (0.05) of false-positive QIAreach results were significantly lower than the manufacturer-recommended QFT-Plus threshold (≥ 0.35 IU/ml). Despite QIAreach’s higher sensitivity at equivalent specificity to TST, the high number of false positive results and low specificity limit its utility and highlight the continued need to expand the diagnostic toolkit for TBI.
Neural and behavioral signatures of the multidimensionality of manipulable object processing
Authors: Almeida Jorge , Fracasso Alessio , Kristensen Stephanie , Valério Daniela , Bergström Fredrik , Chakravarthi Ramakrishna , Tal Zohar , Walbrin Jonathan
Published: September 2023

Understanding how we recognize objects requires unravelling the variables that govern the way we think about objects and the neural organization of object representations. A tenable hypothesis is that the organization of object knowledge follows key object-related dimensions. Here, we explored, behaviorally and neurally, the multidimensionality of object processing. We focused on within-domain object information as a proxy for the decisions we typically engage in our daily lives – e.g., identifying a hammer in the context of other tools. We extracted object-related dimensions from subjective human judgments on a set of manipulable objects. We show that the extracted dimensions are cognitively interpretable and relevant – i.e., participants are able to consistently label them, and these dimensions can guide object categorization; and are important for the neural organization of knowledge – i.e., they predict neural signals elicited by manipulable objects. This shows that multidimensionality is a hallmark of the organization of manipulable object knowledge.
Cu nanoparticles confined in siliceous MFI zeolite for methanol steam reforming
Authors: Hong Yang , Zheng Yijun , Yan Nana , Liu Xiaona , Guo Peng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: September 2023

The Cu@S-1 catalyst synthesized by the ligand-stabilized strategy shows high stability and activity in the methanol steam reforming (MSR) reaction.
Are Zn(ii) pincer complexes efficient apoptosis inducers? a deep insight into their activity against A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Das Athulya , Sankaralingam Muniyandi
Published: September 2023

Zinc(ii) complexes of nitrogen containing pincer ligands have been synthesised, characterised and explored as potential anticancer agents for A549 and MCF-7 cells.
Bio-inspired dry adhesive pads using multi-walled carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane composites for efficient wafer transfer robot arms in smart factories
Authors: Lee Bom , Ko Young Chun , Kim Simon , Lee Su Eon , Jin Ho Jun , Chang Dong Joon , Park Min-Ho , Kim Bong Hoon
Published: September 2023

We report the bio-inspired dry adhesive pads (BDAPs) with various shapes and contact areas optimized for various robot arm movements. Moreover, MWCNT/PDMS composite-based BDAP (c-BDAP) has shown superior heat resistance and electrical conductivity.
Enantioselective synthesis of tryptanthrin derivatives enabled by an asymmetric aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction
Authors: You Yong , Gan Guo-Ying , Duan Si-Yang , Zhang Yan-Ping , Li Qun , Wang Zhen-Hua , Zhao Jian-Qiang , Liu Xiong-Li , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: September 2023

A class of ketimines was first prepared and used in an asymmetric aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction for the highly enantioselective synthesis of tryptanthrin derivatives.
Substituent-controlled site-selective silylation of 2H-indazoles to access silylated 1H-indazoles and 2H-indazoles under transition metal-free conditions
Authors: Jia Jia , Chen Shuai , Mao Ting , Li Jinlan , Li Weipiao , Wang An-Jun , Yang Dezhi , Liu Zhengli , He Chun-Yang , Feng Zhang
Published: September 2023

Herein, we report a t-BuONa-promoted method for the site-selective silylation of 2H-indazoles.
Magainin 2-derived stapled peptides derived with the ability to deliver pDNA, mRNA, and siRNA into cells
Authors: Hirano Motoharu , Yokoo Hidetomo , Goto Chihiro , Oba Makoto , Misawa Takashi , Demizu Yosuke
Published: September 2023

We have developed cell-penetrating stapled peptides based on the amphipathic antimicrobial peptide magainin 2 for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids such as pDNA, mRNA, and siRNA.
Peeling from a liquid
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Zhou Nuoya , Brau Fabian , Menon Narayanan , Davidovitch Benny
Published: September 2023

We establish the existence of a cusp in the curvature of a solid sheet at its contact with a liquid subphase.
Peptide–polyurea hybrids: a platform for tunable, thermally-stable, and injectable hydrogels
Authors: Thomas Jessica A. , Hinton Zachary R. , Korley LaShanda T. J.
Published: September 2023

Peptide–polyurea hybrids (PPUs) demonstrate rapid hierarchical assembly into non-covalent hydrogels, which display tunable gel strength, shear recovery, and thermal stability.
Microswimmers under the spotlight: interplay between agents with different levels of activity
Authors: Desgranges Caroline , Ferrari Melissa , Chaikin Paul M. , Sacanna Stefano , Tuckerman Mark E. , Delhommelle Jerome
Published: September 2023

Using simulations and experiments, we propose a protocol for the programmable templated self-assembly of light-activated self-propelled particles. Additionally, we identify the scaling relations for the assembly's characteristic times.
A techno-economic approach to guide the selection of flow recyclable ionic liquids for nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Karadaghi Lanja R. , Pan Bin , Baddour Frederick G. , Malmstadt Noah , Brutchey Richard L.
Published: September 2023

An experimentally guided, early-stage techno-economic analysis reveals how ionic liquids can be economically adapted at scale through novel recycling methods to unlock their environmental benefits when used as solvents for nanoparticle syntheses.
Waste mediated synthesis of iron nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos peel extract for catalytic degradation of toxic dye contaminants
Authors: Srivastava Anju , Dutta Sriparna , Jain Reena
Published: September 2023

Green Fe NPs were synthesized using Aegle marmelos waste peel extract. The synthesized NPs showed good catalytic activity towards Fenton oxidation of pollutant dyes. Reaction kinetics suggested that oxidative degradation follows the pseudo first order model. The nanocatalyst showed good reusability.
Remodelling the chlor-alkali electrolysis process to co-generate useful reduction products from CO2
Authors: Li Yifei , Laursen Anders B. , Dhiman Mahak , Dismukes G. Charles
Published: September 2023

A combined electrolysis system modelled on the chlor-alkali process was tested for the first time to convert CO2 to liquid products (C4 > C3 > C1) on Ni2P and chloride to chlorine.
Recent advances in photocatalyst sheet development and challenges for cost-effective solar hydrogen production
Authors: Nandy Swarnava , Hisatomi Takashi , Takata Tsuyoshi , Setoyama Tohru , Domen Kazunari
Published: September 2023

This article presents progress and challenges in the development of photocatalyst sheets for scalable efficient production of renewable hydrogen via water splitting reaction.
Correction: Fireproof ultrastrong all-natural cellulose nanofiber/montmorillonite-supported MXene nanocomposites with electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal management multifunctional applications
Authors: Cheng Rui , Wu Ying , Wang Bin , Zeng Jinsong , Li Jinpeng , Xu Jun , Gao Wenhua , Chen Kefu
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Fireproof ultrastrong all-natural cellulose nanofiber/montmorillonite-supported MXene nanocomposites with electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal management multifunctional applications’ by Rui Cheng et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 18323–18335, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA03798C.
Positive aging in InP-based QD-LEDs encapsulated with epoxy: the role of thiol molecules and post-annealing treatment
Authors: Jang Hyunwoo , Shin Seungki , Lee Minwoo , Gwak Namyoung , Kim Seongchan , Lee Yunseo , Oh Nuri
Published: September 2023

The diffusion of thiol molecules present in epoxy resin promotes positive aging in InP-based QD-LEDs. Subsequent annealing treatment enable thiol molecules migration into lower layers, leading to a remarkable performance enhancement.
Transcriptome-based exploration of potential molecular targets and mechanisms of selenomethionine in alleviating renal ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Pei Jun , Tian Xiaomao , Yu Chengjun , Luo Jin , Hong Yifan , Zhang Jie , Wen Sheng , Hua Yi , Wei Guanghui
Published: September 2023

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injuries (IRIs) are one of the leading causes of acute kidney injuries (AKIs). Selenium, as an essential trace element, is able to antioxidant stress and reduces inflammatory responses. The regulation mechanism of selenomethionine, one of the major forms of selenium intake by humans, is not yet clear in renal IRIs. Therefore, we aimed to explore the key targets and related mechanisms of selenomethionine regulation in renal IRIs and provide new ideas for the treatment of selenomethionine with renal IRIs. We used transcriptome sequencing data from public databases as well as animal experiments to explore the key target genes and related mechanisms regulated by selenomethionine in renal IRI. We found that selenomethionine can effectively alleviate renal IRI by a mechanism that may be achieved by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, we also found that the key target of selenomethionine regulation in renal IRI might be selenoprotein GPX3 based on the PPI protein interaction network and machine learning. Through a comprehensive analysis of bioinformatic techniques and animal experiments, we found that Gpx3 might serve as a key gene for the regulation of selenomethionine in renal IRIs. Selenomethionine may exert a protective effect against renal IRI by up-regulating GPX3, inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, increased production of antioxidants, decreasing inflammation levels, mitigation of apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells, this reduces renal histopathological damage and protects renal function. Providing a theoretical basis for the mechanism of selenomethionine actions in renal IRIs.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Hearing Aid Benefit and Satisfaction: Content Validity and Readability
Authors: Oosthuizen Ilze , Kumar Lakshmi Magudilu Srishyla , Nisha Kavassery Venkateswaran , Swanepoel De Wet , Granberg Sarah , Karlsson Elin , Manchaiah Vinaya
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Numerous patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are available to measure hearing aid benefit and satisfaction. It is unclear to what extent currently available PROMs on hearing aid outcomes, often developed decades ago, meet current guidelines for good content validity and readability. This study evaluated the content validity and readability of PROMs that focus on perceived hearing aid benefit and/or satisfaction.

Method:

A literature review was conducted to identify eligible instruments. Content validity evaluation included mapping extracted questionnaire items to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. In addition, study design in content validity methodology was evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments study design checklist for PROM instruments. Readability was estimated using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook measure.

Results:

Thirteen questionnaires were identified and evaluated. Item content focused primarily on the components of environmental factors as well as activity limitations and participation restrictions with less emphasis on body functions and personal factors. The content validity methodology analysis revealed an underuse or lack of reporting of a qualitative methodology in assessing patient and professional perspectives. All the included questionnaires exceeded the recommended sixth-grade reading level.

Conclusions:

The categories covered by hearing aid PROMs vary considerably, with no single instrument comprehensively covering all the key ICF components. Future development of hearing aid outcome measures should consider a mixed methodology approach for improved content validity and ensure an appropriate reading level.
Perceptions of Freedom of Speech on College Campuses: A Survey of Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty
Authors: Roitsch Jane , Raymer Anastasia M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to survey communication sciences and disorders (CSD) faculty in the United States to determine their perspectives and knowledge about freedom of speech on college campuses.

Method:

An online, anonymous survey was presented to interested CSD faculty, recruited from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Higher Education Special Interest Group 10, who answered Likert-style questions regarding demographics, perceptions, and university experiences pertaining to free speech.

Results:

The 91 respondents represented mostly White female faculty and administrators from across the United States. The vast majority valued free speech, felt their free speech was supported at their university, considered that free speech must be balanced with respect for others, and valued ideological diversity. Respondents reported differing opinions regarding how supported they felt about their freedom of speech in all cases. More hostility was reported for conservative over liberal beliefs.

Conclusions:

This study's findings suggest that although perceptions regarding free speech vary for faculty and administrators, most respondents felt their free speech was supported by their university. However, as some individuals do not feel supported, consideration of ways to welcome open discussions with differing opinions within academic programs is warranted.
Preprocessing in small groups: Three simulated galaxies interacting prior to cluster infall
Authors: Łokas Ewa L.
Published: September 2023

The formation of galaxy clusters is a complicated process that probably involves the accretion of galaxies in groups, as observed in nearby clusters, such as Virgo and Fornax. The members of the groups undergo “preprocessing” prior to cluster infall, which affects their stellar populations and morphology. In this paper, I present an extreme example of such an accretion event selected from the IllustrisTNG100 simulation. The group, composed of three full-sized disky galaxies and a number of smaller satellites, is accreted early, with the first pericenter around the cluster at redshift z = 1.3. Before the infall, the three galaxies interact strongly in pairs within the group, which produces tidally induced bars in the two more massive ones. The interactions also lead to mass exchange and trigger some star formation activity resulting in temporary rejuvenation of their stellar populations. After infall, they all undergo seven pericenter passages around the cluster, experiencing strong mass loss in the dark matter and gas components, as well as reddening of the stellar populations. Their tidally induced bars are, however, preserved and even enhanced probably due to the loss of gas via ram-pressure stripping in the intracluster medium. The study demonstrates that group accretion can happen very early in cluster formation and proposes another scenario for the formation of tidally induced bars.
Persistence Patterns and Intensity of Leaf Rust Disease in Chrysanthemum Production Systems
Authors: Martini Tri , Hadisutrisno Bambang , Suwito Widodo
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the conditions of chrysanthemum cultivation, the pattern of distribution of chrysanthemum leaf rust disease (persistence), the development of disease symptoms, and the intensity of chrysanthemum leaf rust disease at the cut flower production center in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Sleman and Kulonprogo). The results showed that chrysanthemum farming in DI Yogyakarta is cultivated on a flat to hilly topography, and the cultivation method is simple and conventional in a plastic house (gauze). Rust disease caused by Puccinia horiana is found in Sleman and Kulonprogo Regency with varying degrees of severity. Chrysanthemum rust disease has random disease distribution which means that the cause of the disease is dispersed by the wind or by seeds. P. horiana spores are dispersed by the wind and can be caught with Kiyosawa-type spore traps at an altitude of 0.5-1.5 m from the soil surface. The highest intensity of chrysanthemum leaf rust disease is found in dense/lush plantings in susceptible varieties in Pakem Sleman at an elevation of 900 m above sea level by 85% and Samigaluh Kulonprogo at an elevation of 650 m above sea level by 58%.
Modification of phycocyanin extraction from dry biomass of Spirulina by using ozone water
Authors: Widyaningrum Dwiyantari , Tedjakusuma Felicia
Published: September 2023

Phycocyanin is a water-soluble blue-green pigment from cyanobacteria such as Arthospira plantesis, widely known as Spirulina. The pigment is widely applied as a natural food colorant or consumed as a supplement due to its antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the potential use of ozone water as an extraction solvent of phycocyanin from dry mass Spirulina. The yield, purity, and antioxidant capacity parameter measured the effectivity of ozone water as an extraction solvent. The phycocyanin was extracted by the cold maceration process preceded by the dissolving of the dry mass Spirulina in ozone water by the ratio 1:100. For the control, the dry mass Spirulina was dissolved in mineral water. The method was followed by centrifugation and spectrophotometer measurement. To check the antioxidant capacity, we measure the phycocyanin inhibition rate to DPPH. The data showed that using ozone water as an extraction solvent successfully resulted in a higher yield and purity of phycocyanin than the control. Besides, there is no negative effect on antioxidant capacity affected by ozone water. Therefore, ozone water is a potential solvent to enhance the extraction of phycocyanin from dry mass Spirulina.
The Determination of Nitrogen Concentration in the G2 Potato Seed Production on Fertigation System
Authors: Dianawati Meksy , Cahyaningrum Hermawati , Suwitono Bayu
Published: September 2023

The nitrogen concentration of AB mix fertilizer in the G2 fertigation system in the field would be influenced by various factors. This research aimed to increase the production of the G2 potato seed by using different concentrations of nitrogen in AB mix fertilizer in the fertigation system. The study was carried out in the G2 seed production area, Lembang, West Java, Indonesia from January to April 2019. The study used a randomized group design with four nitrogen concentrations in AB mix hydroponic fertilizer, namely 200, 215, 230, 245 ppm, and common AB mix (control) with five replications. The results showed that the number of big tubers of all nutrition formulas was higher than the control. The nitrogen concentration treatment increased the number of large tubers, small tubers, and total number of tubers, and decreased the weight per tuber compared to control. The best concentration to get the total number of tubers, small and large tuber, and weight per tuber was 217 ppm. The total number of tubers was affected by 93% by the number of small tubers. Meanwhile, the number of large tubers affected 78% of the tuber weight per plant.