bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of type 2 diabetes and KCNJ11 gene polymorphisms: a nested case–control study and meta-analysis
Authors: Moazzam-Jazi Maryam , Najd-Hassan-Bonab Leila , Masjoudi Sajedeh , Tohidi Maryam , Hedayati Mehdi , Azizi Fereidoun , Daneshpour Maryam S.
Published: December 2022

Due to the central role in insulin secretion, the potassium inwardly-rectifying channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11) gene is one of the essential genes for type 2 diabetes (T2D) predisposition. However, the relevance of this gene to T2D development is not consistent among diverse populations. In the current study, we aim to capture the possible association of common KCNJ11 variants across Iranian adults, followed by a meta-analysis. We found that the tested variants of KCNJ11 have not contributed to T2D incidence in Iranian adults, consistent with similar insulin secretion levels among individuals with different genotypes. The integration of our results with 72 eligible published case–control studies (41,372 cases and 47,570 controls) as a meta-analysis demonstrated rs5219 and rs5215 are significantly associated with the increased T2D susceptibility under different genetic models. Nevertheless, the stratified analysis according to ethnicity showed rs5219 is involved in the T2D risk among disparate populations, including American, East Asian, European, and Greater Middle Eastern, but not South Asian. Additionally, the meta-regression analysis demonstrated that the sample size of both case and control groups was significantly associated with the magnitude of pooled genetic effect size. The present study can expand our knowledge about the KCNJ11 common variant's contributions to T2D incidence, which is valuable for designing SNP-based panels for potential clinical applications in precision medicine. It also highlights the importance of similar sample sizes for avoiding high heterogeneity and conducting a more precise meta-analysis.
Emotions and arithmetic in children
Authors: Lemaire Patrick
Published: December 2022

How do negative emotions influence arithmetic performance and how such influence changes with age during childhood? To address these issues, I used a within-trial emotion induction procedure while children solve arithmetic problems. More specifically, 8–15 year-old participants (N = 207) solved arithmetic problems (8 + 4 = 13. True? False?) that were displayed superimposed on emotionally negative or neutral pictures. The main results showed (a) poorer performance in emotionally negative conditions in all age groups, (b) larger deleterious effects of negative emotions on harder problems, (c) decreased effects of emotions as children grow older, and (d) sequential carry-over effects of emotions in all age groups such that larger decreased performance under emotion condition relative to neutral condition occurred on current trials immediately preceded by emotional trials. These findings have important implications for furthering our understanding of how emotions influence arithmetic performance in children and how this influence changes during childhood.
Sexual dimorphism and reproductive biology of the Asian bockadam snake (Cerberus schneiderii) in West Java
Authors: Herlambang Alamsyah E. N. , Kusrini Mirza D. , Hamidy Amir , Arida Evy , Mumpuni  , Riyanto Awal , Shine Richard , Natusch Daniel
Published: December 2022

Although they are among the most abundant snakes on Earth, and are heavily exploited for their skins and meat, Asian bockadams (or “dog-faced water snakes”, Cerberus schneiderii) have attracted relatively little study across their wide geographic range. Based on dissection of 3,382 snakes brought to processing facilities in and around the city of Cirebon in West Java, Indonesia, we document facets of the biology of these mangrove-dwelling aquatic homalopsids. Females attain larger body sizes than do males, and are heavier-bodied (due in part to greater fat reserves) but have shorter tails relative to snout-vent length. Males showed testicular enlargement late in the year (August-November) but both reproductive and non-reproductive females were found year-round. Litters were large (3 to 45 offspring), especially in larger females. The commercial harvest falls mainly on adult snakes of both sexes, with seasonal variation in sex ratios. Life-history traits such as early maturation and frequent production of large litters render this species resilient to commercial harvesting. Future research should explore reasons for strong variation among facilities in the sex ratios of snakes, potentially identifying ways to focus the harvest on the sex (males) whose numbers are less critical for population viability.
Inter-individual differences in baseline dynamic functional connectivity are linked to cognitive aftereffects of tDCS
Authors: Pupíková Monika , Šimko Patrik , Lamoš Martin , Gajdoš Martin , Rektorová Irena
Published: December 2022

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to modulate cognitive training in healthy aging; however, results from various studies have been inconsistent. We hypothesized that inter-individual differences in baseline brain state may contribute to the varied results. We aimed to explore whether baseline resting-state dynamic functional connectivity (rs-dFC) and/or conventional resting-state static functional connectivity (rs-sFC) may be related to the magnitude of cognitive aftereffects of tDCS. To achieve this aim, we used data from our double-blind randomized sham-controlled cross-over tDCS trial in 25 healthy seniors in which bifrontal tDCS combined with cognitive training had induced significant behavioral aftereffects. We performed a backward regression analysis including rs-sFC/rs-dFC measures to explain the variability in the magnitude of tDCS-induced improvements in visual object-matching task (VOMT) accuracy. Rs-dFC analysis revealed four rs-dFC states. The occurrence rate of a rs-dFC state 4, characterized by a high correlation between the left fronto-parietal control network and the language network, was significantly associated with tDCS-induced VOMT accuracy changes. The rs-sFC measure was not significantly associated with the cognitive outcome. We show that flexibility of the brain state representing readiness for top-down control of object identification implicated in the studied task is linked to the tDCS-enhanced task accuracy.
Association between real-time strategy video game learning outcomes and pre-training brain white matter structure: preliminary study
Authors: Lewandowska Paulina , Jakubowska Natalia , Hryniewicz Nikodem , Prusinowski Rafał , Kossowski Bartosz , Brzezicka Aneta , Kowalczyk-Grębska Natalia
Published: December 2022

In recent years the association between video games, cognition, and the brain has been actively investigated. However, it is still unclear how individual predispositions, such as brain structure characteristics, play a role in the process of acquiring new skills, such as video games. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether acquisition of cognitive-motor skills from the real-time strategy video game (StarCraft II) is associated with pre-training measures of brain white matter integrity. Results show that higher white matter integrity in regions (anterior limb of internal capsule, cingulum/hippocampus) and tracts (inferior longitudinal fasciculus) related with motoric functions, set shifting and visual decision making was associated with better Star Craft II performance. The presented findings inline with previous results and suggest that structural brain predispositions of individuals are related to the video game skill acquisition. Our study highlights the importance of neuroimaging studies that focus on white matter in predicting the outcomes of intervention studies and has implications for understanding the neural basis of the skill learning process.
Effects of a mouthwash containing Lespedeza cuneata extract on risk of dental caries: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kim Yu-Rin , Nam Seoul-Hee
Published: December 2022

This study aims to evaluate the anti-caries effect of a mouthwash containingLespedeza cuneataextract by confirming its effect on acid-producing capacity and bacteria causing dental caries in the oral cavity. For the same oral environments of 95 subjects who agreed to participate in this study, scaling was performed one week before the experiment. The final number of subjects included in the analysis was 82, excluding those who dropped out during the study period. A randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted by dividing the subjects into theLespedeza cuneataextract gargle group (n = 42) and the saline gargle group (n = 40). Participants in each group gargled once every day before going to bed for 5 days, and data were collected by measuring 3 times: before gargling (Baseline), immediately after gargling (Treatment), and 5 days after gargling (After 5 Days). Two trained dental hygienists confirmed the dental caries activity through the Cariview test under the guidance of a dentist. Microbiological analysis was performed to evaluate the changes in bacteria causing dental caries. By confirming the anti-caries effect in the oral environment according to the application ofLespedeza cuneataextract gargle, dental caries activity was found to be significantly lower from Treatment to After 5 Days (p < 0.05). Dental caries-causing bacteria in the upper and lower jaws were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). These results confirm thatLespedeza cuneataextract is a natural substance with an anti-caries effect. Gargling with a mouthwash containingLespedeza cuneataextract is useful in preventing dental caries and inhibiting its progression. The same mouthwash can also be used as an effective formulation for maintaining and promoting oral health.
An in-planta comparative study of Plasmopara viticola proteome reveals different infection strategies towards susceptible and Rpv3-mediated resistance hosts
Authors: Figueiredo Joana , Santos Rita B. , Guerra-Guimarães Leonor , Leclercq Céline C. , Renaut Jenny , Malhó Rui , Figueiredo Andreia
Published: December 2022

Plasmopara viticola, an obligate biotrophic oomycete, is the causal agent of one of the most harmful grapevine diseases, downy mildew. Within this pathosystem, much information is gathered on the host, as characterization of pathogenicity and infection strategy of a biotrophic pathogen is quite challenging. Molecular insights into P. viticola development and pathogenicity are just beginning to be uncovered, mainly by transcriptomic studies. Plasmopara viticola proteome and secretome were only predicted based on transcriptome data. In this study, we have identified the in-planta proteome of P. viticola during infection of a susceptible (‘Trincadeira’) and a Rpv3-mediated resistance (‘Regent’) grapevine cultivar. Four hundred and twenty P. viticola proteins were identified on a label-free mass spectrometry-based approach of the apoplastic fluid of grapevine leaves. Overall, our study suggests that, in the compatible interaction, P. viticola manipulates salicylic-acid pathway and isoprenoid biosynthesis to enhance plant colonization. Furthermore, during the incompatible interaction, development-associated proteins increased while oxidoreductases protect P. viticola from ROS-associated plant defence mechanism. Up to our knowledge this is the first in-planta proteome characterization of this biotrophic pathogen, thus this study will open new insights into our understanding of this pathogen colonization strategy of both susceptible and Rpv3-mediated resistance grapevine genotypes.
A new copper-supported zinc ferrite as a heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of bis(pyrazolyl)methanes and oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Aghavandi Hamid , Talebi Seyed Mahdi
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we report the synthesis of ZnFe2O4@SiO2@APTES@DHBS-Cu as a novel magnetic nanocatalyst, in a mild and green environment. The structure of the described magnetic compound was characterized by different physicochemical techniques including XRD, EDS, AAS, SEM, FT-IR, X-ray elemental mapping, TGA, and VSM analyses. The prepared magnetic nanoparticles exhibit excellent catalytic activity in synthesizing bis (pyrazolyl)methanes and oxidation of sulfide derivatives under green conditions. The heterogeneous nature of the catalyst was confirmed via the hot filtration experiment. Further, ZnFe2O4@SiO2@APTES@DHBS-Cu showed high efficiency and reusability that could be reused for at least five consecutive runs.
COVID-19 contagion across remote communities in tropical forests
Authors: Takasaki Yoshito , Abizaid Christian , Coomes Oliver T.
Published: December 2022

Understanding COVID-19 contagion among poor populations is hampered by a paucity of data, and especially so in remote rural communities with limited access to transportation, communication, and health services. We report on the first study on COVID-19 contagion across rural communities without road access. We conducted telephone surveys with over 400 riverine communities in the Peruvian Amazon in the early phase of the pandemic. During the first wave (April–June, 2020), COVID-19 spread from cities to most communities through public and private river transportation according to their remoteness. The initial spread was delayed by transportation restrictions but at the same time was driven in unintended ways by government social assistance. During the second wave (August, 2020), although people’s self-protective behaviors (promoted through communication access) helped to suppress the contagion, people responded to transportation restrictions and social assistance in distinct ways, leading to greater contagion among Indigenous communities than mestizo communities. As such, the spatial contagion during the early phase of the pandemic in tropical forests was shaped by river transportation and social behaviors. These novel findings have important implications for research and policies on pandemics in rural areas.
Identification of a novel peptide ligand for the cancer-specific receptor mutation EGFRvIII using high-throughput sequencing of phage-selected peptides
Authors: Mansour Sourour , Adhya Indranil , Lebleu Coralie , Dumpati Rama , Rehan Ahmed , Chall Santu , Dai Jingqi , Errasti Gauthier , Delacroix Thomas , Chakrabarti Raj
Published: December 2022

We report here the selection and characterization of a novel peptide ligand using phage display targeted against the cancer-specific epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase receptor mutation variant III (EGFRvIII). This receptor is expressed in several kinds of cancer: ovarian cancer, breast cancer and glioblastoma, but not in normal tissues. A 12-mer random peptide library was screened against EGFRvIII. Phage-selected peptides were sequenced in high-throughput by next generation sequencing (NGS), and their diversity was studied to identify highly abundant clones expected to bind with the highest affinities to EGFRvIII. The enriched peptides were characterized and their binding capacity towards stable cell lines expressing EGFRvIII, EGFR wild type (EGFR WT), or a low endogenous level of EGFR WT was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis. The best peptide candidate, VLGREEWSTSYW, was synthesized, and its binding specificity towards EGFRvIII was validated in vitro. Additionally, computational docking analysis suggested that the identified peptide binds selectively to EGFRvIII. The novel VLGREEWSTSYW peptide is thus a promising EGFRvIII-targeting agent for future applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Enhancement of DNA hypomethylation alterations by gastric and bile acids promotes chromosomal instability in Barrett’s epithelial cell line
Authors: Abe Iku , Suzuki Koichi , Kimura Yasuaki , Tamaki Sawako , Endo Yuhei , Ichida Kosuke , Muto Yuta , Watanabe Fumiaki , Saito Masaaki , Konishi Fumio , Rikiyama Toshiki
Published: December 2022

Gastric and bile acid reflux leads to chronic inflammation, resulting in methylation alterations in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) together with chromosomal instability (CIN). We investigated DNA hypomethylation following acid exposure and confirmed its significance in BE-related carcinogenesis by inducing CIN in vitro. OACP4C, an esophageal cancer cell line, and CP-A, a non-dysplastic cell line originating from BE, were exposed to acidic conditions using deoxycholic acid. CP-A exhibited substantially increased DNA hypomethylation of alpha satellite sequences in the centromere region, as well as increased levels of alpha satellite transcripts, but no changes were observed in the long interspersed nucleotide element-1 sequences distributed throughout the entire genome. These changes were not clearly found in OACP4C. Copy number changes at specific chromosomes were identified in CP-A, along with an increased number of cells exhibiting abnormal segregations, whereas these changes were rarely observed in OACP4C. The changes were maintained after several cell divisions. These findings suggest that alpha satellites are likely targets of DNA hypomethylation induced by acid exposure. CP-A was more sensitive to acid exposure than OACP4C, indicating that acid-induced DNA hypomethylation is involved in cancer development rather than progression, which could be involved in the underlying mechanism of esophagogastric junction carcinoma development.
Value of p53 sequencing in the prognostication of head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Basyuni Shadi , Nugent Gareth , Ferro Ashley , Barker Eleanor , Reddin Ian , Jones Oliver , Lechner Matt , O’Leary Ben , Jones Terry , Masterson Liam , Fenton Tim , Schache Andrew
Published: December 2022

This review aimed to examine the relationship between TP53 mutational status, as determined by genomic sequencing, and survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science (core collection), Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to April 2021 for studies assessing P53 status and survival. Qualitative analysis was carried out using the REMARK criteria. A meta-analyses was performed and statistical analysis was carried out to test the stability and reliability of results. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, of which fifteen provided enough data for quantitative evaluation. TP53 mutation was associated with worse overall survival (HR 1.75 [95% CI 1.45–2.10], p < 0.001), disease-specific survival (HR 4.23 [95% CI 1.19–15.06], p = 0.03), and disease-free survival (HR 1.80 [95% CI 1.28–2.53], p < 0.001). Qualitative assessment identified room for improvement and the pooled analysis of all anatomical subsites leads to heterogeneity that may erode the validity of the observed overall effect and its subsequent extrapolation and application to individual patients. Our systematic review and meta-analysis supports the utility of TP53 mutational as a prognostic factor for survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. A well designed prospective, multi-centre trial is needed to definitively answer this question.
A non-avian dinosaur with a streamlined body exhibits potential adaptations for swimming
Authors: Lee Sungjin , Lee Yuong-Nam , Currie Philip J. , Sissons Robin , Park Jin-Young , Kim Su-Hwan , Barsbold Rinchen , Tsogtbaatar Khishigjav
Published: December 2022

Streamlining a body is a major adaptation for aquatic animals to move efficiently in the water. Whereas diving birds are well known to have streamlined bodies, such body shapes have not been documented in non-avian dinosaurs. It is primarily because most known non-avian theropods are terrestrial, barring a few exceptions. However, clear evidence of streamlined bodies is absent even in the purported semiaquatic groups. Here we report a new theropod, Natovenator polydontus gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia. The new specimen includes a well-preserved skeleton with several articulated dorsal ribs that are posterolaterally oriented to streamline the body as in diving birds. Additionally, the widely arched proximal rib shafts reflect a dorsoventrally compressed ribcage like aquatic reptiles. Its body shape suggests that Natovenator was a potentially capable swimming predator, and the streamlined body evolved independently in separate lineages of theropod dinosaurs.
Macrophages regulate vascular smooth muscle cell function during atherosclerosis progression through IL-1β/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Xue Yuzhou , Luo Minghao , Hu Xiankang , Li Xiang , Shen Jian , Zhu Wenyan , Huang Longxiang , Hu Yu , Guo Yongzheng , Liu Lin , Wang Lingbang , Luo Suxin
Published: December 2022

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a central role in atherosclerosis progression, but the functional changes in VSMCs and the associated cellular crosstalk during atherosclerosis progression remain unknown. Here we show that scRNA-seq analysis of proximal adjacent (PA) and atherosclerotic core (AC) regions of human carotid artery plaques identifies functional alterations in macrophage-like VSMCs, elucidating the main state differences between PA and AC VSMCs. And, IL-1β mediates macrophage-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk through regulating key transcription factors involved in macrophage-like VSMCs functional alterations during atherosclerosis progression. In vitro assays reveal VSMCs trans-differentiated into a macrophage-like phenotype and then functional alterations in response to macrophage-derived stimuli. IL-1β promots the adhesion, inflammation, and apoptosis of macrophage-like VSMCs in a STAT3 dependent manner. The current findings provide interesting insight into the macrophages-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk, which would drive functional alterations in the latter cell type through IL-1β/STAT3 axis during atherosclerosis progression.
A high-throughput multispectral imaging system for museum specimens
Authors: Chan Wei-Ping , Rabideau Childers Richard , Ashe Sorcha , Tsai Cheng-Chia , Elson Caroline , Keleher Kirsten J. , Sipe Rachel L. Hawkins , Maier Crystal A. , Sourakov Andrei , Gall Lawrence F. , Bernard Gary D. , Soucy Edward R. , Yu Nanfang , Pierce Naomi E.
Published: December 2022

We present an economical imaging system with integrated hardware and software to capture multispectral images of Lepidoptera with high efficiency. This method facilitates the comparison of colors and shapes among species at fine and broad taxonomic scales and may be adapted for other insect orders with greater three-dimensionality. Our system can image both the dorsal and ventral sides of pinned specimens. Together with our processing pipeline, the descriptive data can be used to systematically investigate multispectral colors and shapes based on full-wing reconstruction and a universally applicable ground plan that objectively quantifies wing patterns for species with different wing shapes (including tails) and venation systems. Basic morphological measurements, such as body length, thorax width, and antenna size are automatically generated. This system can increase exponentially the amount and quality of trait data extracted from museum specimens.
Temperature is a better predictor of stable carbon isotopic compositions in marine particulates than dissolved CO2 concentration
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Kandasamy Selvaraj , Zhai Weidong , Wang Huawei , Veeran Yoganandan , Gao Aiguo , Chen Chen-Tung Arthur
Published: December 2022

The stable carbon isotopic composition of marine particulate organic matter (δ13CPOM) varies with source and environmental conditions. Dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is thought to influence δ13CPOM more than temperature, but this relationship is poorly constrained in marginal seas. Here we present δ13CPOM, hydrographic and carbonate system variables at the deep chlorophyll maxima of the southern Yellow Sea in late summer 2017. We find δ13CPOM values varied between stable and cyclonic gyre regions, but indicated autochthonous organic matter production and were more strongly correlated with temperature than dissolved CO2 concentration throughout. We find that the relationship between temperature and δ13CPOM was independent of CO2 concentration, whereas the relationship between δ13CPOM and CO2 concentration was dependent on temperature also being correlated with CO2 concentration. We suggest that temperature is the primary determinant of marine δ13CPOM due to temperature-dependent metabolism in phytoplankton, irrespective of inorganic carbon acquisition mode.
Whole-muscle fat analysis identifies distal muscle end as disease initiation site in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Heskamp Linda , Ogier Augustin , Bendahan David , Heerschap Arend
Published: December 2022

Background

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is a major muscular dystrophy characterized by asymmetric fatty replacement of muscles. We aimed to determine the initiation site and progression profile of the disease in lower extremity muscles of FSHD patients by assessing fat infiltration along their full proximo-distal axis using quantitative MRI.

Methods

Nine patients underwent MRI of lower extremities to assess end-to-end muscle fat fractions (FFs) and inflammatory lesions. Seven patients underwent the same MRI ~3.5 years later. Individual muscles (n = 396) were semi-automatically segmented to calculate average FFs over all slices covering whole muscles. To assess disease progression we determined FF changes in 5 adjacent muscle segments.

Results

We provide evidence that fat replacement commonly starts at the distal end of affected muscles where the highest FFs occur (p < 0.001). It progresses in a wave-like manner in the proximal direction at an increasing rate with the highest value (4.9 ± 2.7%/year) for muscles with baseline FFs of 30–40%. Thereafter it proceeds at a slower pace towards the proximal muscle end. In early phases of disease, inflammatory lesions preferentially occur at the distal muscle end. Compared with whole-muscle analysis, the common FF assessments using only few MR slices centrally placed in muscles are significantly biased (~50% in progression rate).

Conclusions

These findings identify the distal end of leg muscles as a prime location for disease initiation in FSHD and demonstrate a wave-like progression towards the proximal end, consistent with proposed disease mechanisms. End-to-end whole-muscle fat assessment is essential to properly diagnose FSHD and its progression.
Printable and flexible photodetectors via scalable fabrication for reading applications
Authors: Bairaktaris Georgios , Khan Fasihullah , Jayawardena K. D. J. Imalka , Frohlich David M. , Sporea Radu A.
Published: December 2022

Printing techniques have been widely adopted in the fabrication of flexible electronic components. However, its application is still limited in complex control and communication circuitry due to the low performance and low fabrication uniformity amongst printed devices, compared to conventional electronics. Thus, the electronic systems in real-world applications are hybrid integrations of printed and conventional electronics. Here we demonstrate a low-cost, low-complexity, fully-printable flexible photodetector that can withstand over 100 1 mm-radius bending cycles using a simple and scalable two-step fabrication process. The prototypes are implemented in an augmented book system to automatically detect the ambient light through optical apertures on paper of a printed book, and then transmit the information to an adjunct device. This technique demonstrates the utility of low-cost materials and processes for robust large area sensing applications and could act as a gateway to pertinent multimedia information.
Targeted implementation strategies of precise photodynamic therapy based on clinical and technical demands
Authors: Qian Yun , Wang Jialun , Bu Wenbo , Zhu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ping , Zhu Yun , Fan Xiaoli , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2022

The caption for the factors affecting the photodynamic therapy and related solutions mainly including four elements.
Polybetaine-enhanced hybrid ionomer cement shows improved total biological effect with bacterial resistance and cellular stimulation
Authors: Mangal Utkarsh , Kang Tae-Yun , Jung Ju Won , Kim Ji-Yeong , Seo Ji-Young , Cha Jung-Yul , Lee Kee-Joon , Yu Hyung-Seog , Kim Kwang-Mahn , Kim Jin-Man , Kwon Jae-Sung , Choi Sung-Hwan
Published: December 2022

The modification of hybrid ionomer cements with a polybetaine combination (mZM) can augment the overall biological response by resisting complex biofilm formations and stimulating dental pulp stem cells.
Multivalent sialic acid materials for biomedical applications
Authors: Cao Yusong , Song Wantong , Chen Xuesi
Published: December 2022

In this review, we will briefly introduce the biomedical function of sialic acids in organisms and the utilization of multivalent sialic acid materials for targeted drug delivery as well as therapeutic applications including anti-inflammation and anti-viruses.
Microwave-mediated stereocontrolled annulations of diazo(aryl)methyl(diaryl)phosphine oxides with pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates
Authors: Sun Simin , Wei Yuliang , Xu Jiaxi
Published: December 2022

1-Diarylphosphoryl-1H-benzo[c]thiopyran and indolizine derivatives are prepared chemoselectively from diazo(aryl)methyl(diaryl)phosphine oxides with pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates.
Mixed oxides as multi-functional reaction media for chemical looping catalysis
Authors: Liu Junchen , Li Fanxing
Published: December 2022

Chemical looping catalysis, enabled by redox-active mixed metal oxides, can produce a variety of value-added chemical products with higher efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
Chromatographic separation of peptides and proteins for characterization of proteomes
Authors: Liang Yu , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: December 2022

In this feature article, we summarized peptide and protein separation by liquid chromatography for bottom-up and top-down proteomic analysis.
Molecular dynamics and kinetics of isothermal cold crystallization with tunable dimensionality in a molecular glass former, 5′-(2,3-difluorophenyl)-2′-ethoxy-4-pentyloxy-2,3-difluorotolane
Authors: Rozwadowski Tomasz , Noda Hiroshi , Kolek Łukasz , Ito Mizuki , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Saitoh Hideki , Saito Kazuya
Published: December 2022

This study characterizes the inter- and intramolecular interactions that control the glass transition and the aggregation of small molecules in three or two dimensions through cold crystallization driven by different mechanisms.
Photochemical carbon–sulfur bond cleavage in thioethers mediated via excited state Rydberg-to-valence evolution
Authors: Kotsina Nikoleta , Jackson Sebastian L. , Malcomson Thomas , Paterson Martin J. , Townsend Dave
Published: December 2022

Time-resolved photoelectron imaging and supporting quantum chemistry calculations provide detailed new insight into the excess energy redistribution dynamics operating in thioethers following ultraviolet excitation.
Discriminating photochemical and photothermal effects in heterogeneous photocatalysis
Authors: Becker Henning , Ziegenbalg Dirk , Güttel Robert
Published: December 2022

This study introduces a generic model to simulate the photochemical and photothermal effects in a (photo-)catalyst to identify different regimes of operation and aid in the identification of true photocatalytic effects in experimental evaluation.
Tuning the potential of redox-active diphosphine ligands based on the alkyne complexes [Tp*W(CO)L{η2-C2(PPh2)2}]
Authors: Ludwig Stephan , Hamann Friederike M. , Helmdach Kai , Villinger Alexander , Seidel Wolfram W.
Published: December 2022

Variation of a single ligand in the W(ii) alkyne complexes of bis(diphenylphosphino)acetylene leads to W(ii)/W(iii) redox potentials spanning a window of 850 mV. The corresponding dinuclear complexes with PdCl2 show differing catalytic activity.
Efficient and stable formamidinium–caesium perovskite solar cells and modules from lead acetate-based precursors
Authors: Zhao Jie , Fürer Sebastian O. , McMeekin David P. , Lin Qingdong , Lv Pin , Ma Jisheng , Tan Wen Liang , Wang Chao , Tan Boer , Chesman Anthony S. R. , Yin Huiyu , Scully Andrew D. , McNeill Christopher R. , Mao Wenxin , Lu Jianfeng , Cheng Yi-Bing , Bach Udo
Published: December 2022

For the first time, formamidinium–caesium perovskite thin films were successfully synthesised from a lead acetate-based precursor. Efficient perovskite solar cells (21.0%) and modules (18.8%) have been produced using blade coating techniques.
Sustainable approaches for the study of alkaloids from plants using supercritical fluid-based processes
Authors: Pavón-Pérez Jessy , Vallejos-Almirall Alejandro , Agurto-Muñoz Cristian , Galarce-Bustos Oscar
Published: December 2022

Plant alkaloids are natural secondary metabolites that have attracted great interest in the development of drugs for therapeutic applications due to their diverse bioactivities.
Rheological characteristics of novel cellulose/superbase-derived ionic liquid solutions and the coagulation process towards regenerated cellulose films
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zheng Wenqiu , Guo Zongwei , Nawaz Haq , You Tingting , Li Xin , Xu Feng
Published: December 2022

This work details the rheological characteristics of cellulose/[DBUH][CH3CH2OCH2COO] solutions and the coagulation process for constructing high-performance regenerated cellulose films.
An enhanced strategy based on the pyrolysis of bean dregs for efficient selective recovery of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lin Tianning , Wang Yue , Jin Shan , Mu Deying , Zhang Jian , Liang Jianquan , Dai Changsong
Published: December 2022

Bean dregs were exploited as a green reducing agent, and adopted an enhanced recycling process combining biomass reduction roasting and carbonated water leaching to efficiently and selectively recover Li from the spent LIBs.
Micelle-mediated multicomponent cross-coupling in water: general construction of 3-chalcogenylindoles
Authors: He Xi , Song Weili , Liu Xuemin , Huang Jiamin , Feng Ruilong , Zhou Shaodong , Hong Jianquan , Ge Xin
Published: December 2022

A general and sustainable multicomponent cross-coupling for the construction of 3-chalcogenylindoles from indoles with aryl iodides and elemental sulfur under the aqueous micellar condition was developed.
LM-19 lawsonite: a potential reference material for in situ oxygen isotope determination in lawsonite by ion microprobe
Authors: Melnik Aleksey E. , Li Qiu-Li , Li Jiao , Tang Guo-Qiang , Feng Lian-Jun , Li Jin-Hua , Mao Qian , Putlitz Benita , Li Xian-Hua
Published: December 2022

A natural lawsonite sample LM-19 is presented as a potential reference material for in situ O isotope analysis.
Acoustic sorting of microfluidic droplets at kHz rates using optical absorbance
Authors: Richter Esther S. , Link Andreas , McGrath John S. , Sparrow Raymond W. , Gantz Maximilian , Medcalf Elliot J. , Hollfelder Florian , Franke Thomas
Published: December 2022

We combine acoustic sorting and absorbance detection for ultra-high throughput label free droplet sorting.
Early stages of polycrystalline diamond deposition: laser reflectance at substrates with growing nanodiamonds
Authors: Vázquez-Cortés David , Janssens Stoffel D. , Sutisna Burhannudin , Fried Eliot
Published: December 2022

Laser reflectance during diamond deposition on substrates seeded with nanodiamonds decays slower for a low seed density than for a high seed density. This behavior is explained by considering the scattering caused by growing nanodiamond particles.
Insight into charge transfer between graphene and palladium nanosheets investigated by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Xitao , Hu Yupei , Zhang Huan , Zafar Zainab , Wu Yiyuan , Ahmad Ishaq , Wei Qianglin
Published: December 2022

Graphene–Pd NS interfacial interaction occurs through hole transfer from Pd NSs to graphene, which is driven by the work function difference, resulting in a significant blue-shift of Raman peaks.
Dual-function sensors based on carbon dots derived from corncobs for methyl nicotinate detection in solution and vapor phases
Authors: Supchocksoonthorn Preeyanuch , Sinoy Ma Concepcion Alvior , Kladsomboon Sumana , de Luna Mark Daniel G. , Liang Xiao , Song Shufeng , Paoprasert Peerasak
Published: December 2022

Dual-function sensors based on carbon dots: methyl nicotinate detection in solution and vapor phases via fluorescence and electronic nose methods.
Interface engineering of amorphous boron for high-efficiency interfacial solar steam generation
Authors: Yang Bo , Feng Ying , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Min , Kong Xiangkai , Liu Qiangchun , Xu Haifeng , Yao Jixin , Li Guang , Guo Sheng-Qi
Published: December 2022

We investigate interface regulation of amorphous boron and cotton pads to experimentally verify their performance in solar steam generation. Thanks to the superabsorbent cotton pads and the construction design, unobstructed water flow is achieved.
Hydrogen bubble-templated electrodeposition of superhydrophobic Zn–Ni films
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Li Yanchao , Zhang Guojun
Published: December 2022

The superhydrophobic Zn–Ni films without modification prepared using a bubble dynamic template exhibited excellent self-cleaning properties, corrosion resistance, and against water jet impact, which would expand the application range of Mg alloys.
Natural products of pentacyclic triterpenoids: from discovery to heterologous biosynthesis
Authors: Li Yanlin , Wang Jing , Li Linyong , Song Wenhui , Li Min , Hua Xin , Wang Yu , Yuan Jifeng , Xue Zheyong
Published: December 2022

Natural products of pentacyclic triterpenoids: from their discovery and biosynthetic pathways to their heterologous biosynthesis in plant chassis and microbial cell factories.
Radical selenylative cyclization of trifluoromethyl propargyl imines for the synthesis of trifluoromethyl- and seleno-azaspiro[4,5]-tetraenones and quinolines
Authors: Wei Guangming , Zhang Jiajun , Wang Haoyuan , Chen Zhengkai , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: December 2022

A radical selenylative cyclization of trifluoromethyl propargyl imines with diselenides for the regiodivergent construction of diversely functionalized azaspiro[4,5]-tetraenones and quinolines has been developed.
Protonophoric and mitochondrial uncoupling activity of aryl-carbamate substituted fatty acids
Authors: MacDermott-Opeskin Hugo , Clarke Callum , Wu Xin , Roseblade Ariane , York Edward , Pacchini Ethan , Roy Ritik , Cranfield Charles , Gale Philip A. , O'Mara Megan L. , Murray Michael , Rawling Tristan
Published: December 2022

Aryl-carbamate substituted fatty acids are protonophores that uncouple mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The proton transport cycle requires self-assembly into membrane permeable dimers. The findings demonstrate the anion transport capability of the carbamate group.
pH and light dual stimuli-responses of mixed system of 2-hydroxyl-propanediyl-α,ω-bis(dimethyldodecyl ammonium bromide) and trans-ortho-hydroxyl cinnamic acid
Authors: Liu Wenxiu , Wang Yaqin , Tan Yue , Ye Zhicheng , Chen Qizhou , Shang Yazhuo
Published: December 2022

Abundant pH and UV light stimuli-responsive behaviors of Gemini surfactant 12-3(OH)-12·2Br− and trans-ortho-hydroxyl cinnamic acid in aqueous solution.
Planar carbon electrodes for real-time quantification of hydrogen sulfide release from cells
Authors: Hall Jackson R. , Taylor James B. , Bradshaw Taron M. , Schoenfisch Mark H.
Published: December 2022

A planar electrode system was developed to permit the real-time, selective detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from stimulated cells.
Crumpled graphene oxide for enhanced room temperature gas sensing: understanding the critical roles of surface morphology and functionalization
Authors: Haddad Kelsey , Abokifa Ahmed , An Siyuan , Lee Junseok , Raman Baranidharan , Biswas Pratim , Fortner John D.
Published: December 2022

This work fundamentally explores graphene oxide morphology and functionality with regard to room temperature gas sensing performance.
A residual strain regulation strategy based on quantum dots for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xu Yinyan , Ren Yingke , Cheng Sheng , Zhang Lun , Niu Pujun , Lyu Mei , Lu Hongbo , Wang Mingkui , Zhu Jun
Published: December 2022

A simple strategy is developed to simultaneously release tensile strain and passivate defects in an FA-based perovskite using CsPbI3 QDs, achieving a PCE of 23.3%.
High-performance aramid electrodes for high-rate and long cycle-life organic Li-ion batteries
Authors: Baskoro Febri , Lin Hong-Jhen , Chang Cha-Wen , Wang Ching-Lan , Lubis Andre Lammiduk , Yen Hung-Ju
Published: December 2022

Aramids containing dicyanotriphenylamine skeleton in the polymer backbone were prepared and applied as anode materials for organic lithium-ion batteries.
Heterogeneous crystalline–amorphous interface for boosted electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia
Authors: Wan Yuchi , Wang Zhijie , Zheng Muyun , Li Jia , Lv Ruitao
Published: December 2022

Crystalline Bi–amorphous MoOxinterfaces anchored on RGO exhibit superior electrocatalytic NRR performance by enhancing the N2adsorption/activation while suppressing the competitive HER process.
Synthesis and characterization of an ultra-thin BiOCl/MXene heterostructure for the detection of NO2 at room temperature with enhanced moisture resistance
Authors: Fan Jiahui , Gao Jun , Lv He , Jiang Lin , Qin Fangjie , Fan Yihe , Sun Baihe , Wang Jue , Ikram Muhammad , Shi Keying
Published: December 2022

Two-dimensional ultrathin MXenes (Ti3C2Tx) have gained crucial attention in the field of gas sensing owing to their unique chemical and physical properties.
Strengthened phonon scattering and band convergence synergistically realize the high-performance SnTe thermoelectric
Authors: Wu Gang , Guo Zhe , Tan Xiaojian , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Qiang , Hu Haoyang , Sun Peng , Wu Jiehua , Liu Guo-Qiang , Jiang Jun
Published: December 2022

By combining the effects of defect engineering, band convergence, and carrier concentration tuning, we successfully suppress the lattice thermal conductivity to ultra-low 0.35 W m−1 K−1 and realize one of the highest ZT values of 1.75 at 833 K.
Electrospun flexible magnesium-doped silica bioactive glass nanofiber membranes with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects for infected wounds
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Wang Xiangsheng , Cui Jie , Wang Hongsheng , Sun Binbin , Zhang Jufang , Rolauffs Bernd , Shafiq Muhammad , Mo Xiumei , Zhu Zhanyong , Wu Jinglei
Published: December 2022

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties are prerequisites for dressing materials that accelerate the healing process of infected wounds.
The remodeling of Z-DNA in the mammalian germ line
Authors: Meng Yingying , Szabó Piroska E.
Published: December 2022

We recently discovered a novel biological process, the scheduled remodeling of Z-DNA structures in the developing fetal mouse male germ cells [Nat. Cell Biol. 24, 1141–1153]. This process affects purine/pyrimidine dinucleotide repeat (PPR) rich sequences, which can form stable left-handed Z-DNA structures. The protein that carries out this function is identified as ZBTB43, member of a large family of ZBTB proteins. Z-DNA remodeling by ZBTB43 not only coincides with global remodeling of DNA methylation and chromatin events in the male germ line, but it also is a prerequisite for de novo DNA methylation. When ZBTB43 changes DNA structure from the left-handed zigzag shaped Z-DNA to the regular smooth right-handed B-DNA, it also generates a suitable substrate for the de novo DNA methyltransferase, DNMT3A. By instructing de novo DNA methylation at PPRs in prospermatogonia, ZBTB43 safeguards epigenomic integrity of the male gamete. PPRs are fragile sequences, sites of large deletions and rearrangements in mammalian cells, and this fragility is thought to be due to Z-DNA structure formation rather than the sequence itself. This idea is now supported by the in vivo finding that DNA double strand breaks accumulate in mutant prospermatogonia which lack ZBTB43-dependent Z-DNA remodeling. If unrepaired, double stranded DNA breaks can lead to germ line mutations. Therefore, by preventing such breaks ZBTB43 is critical for guarding genome stability between generations. Here, we discuss the significance and implications of these findings in more detail.
Short-Term Acoustic Effects of Speech Therapy in Transgender Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Leyns Clara , Daelman Julie , Adriaansen Anke , Tomassen Peter , Morsomme Dominique , T'Sjoen Guy , D'haeseleer Evelien
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

This study measured and compared the acoustic short-term effects of pitch elevation training (PET) and articulation-resonance training (ART) and the combination of both programs, in transgender women.

Method:

A randomized controlled study with cross-over design was used. Thirty transgender women were included and received 14 weeks of speech training. All participants started with 4 weeks of sham training; after which they were randomly assigned to one of two groups: One group continued with PET (5 weeks), followed by ART (5 weeks); the second group received both trainings in opposite order. Participants were recorded 4 times, in between the training blocks: pre, post 1 (after sham), post 2 (after training 1), and post 3 (after training 2). Speech samples included a sustained vowel, continuous speech during reading, and spontaneous speech and were analyzed using Praat software. Fundamental frequency (
f
o
), intensity, voice range profile, vowel formant frequencies (
F
1–2–3–4–5
of /a/−/i/−/u/), formant contrasts, vowel space, and vocal quality (Acoustic Voice Quality Index) were determined.

Results and Conclusions:

Fundamental frequencies increased after both the PET and ART program, with a higher increase after PET. The combination of both interventions showed a mean increase of the
f
o
of 49 Hz during a sustained vowel, 49 Hz during reading, and 29 Hz during spontaneous speech. However, the lower limit (percentile 5) of the
f
o
during spontaneous speech did not change. Higher values were detected for
F
1–2
of /a/,
F
3
of /u/, and vowel space after PET and ART separately.
F
1–2–3
of /a/,
F
1–3–4
of /u/, vowel space, and formant contrasts increased after the combination of PET and ART; hence, the combination induced more increases in formant frequencies. Intensity and voice quality measurements did not change. No order effect was detected; that is, starting with PET or ART did not change the outcome.
The Impact of Learning Modality on Team-Based Learning Outcomes in Undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology
Authors: Kirjava Shade Avery , Krause Bentley Andrew
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

Team-based learning (TBL) is an instructional design that has been increasingly used in anatomy and physiology education. The appropriateness of TBL methods for students with diverse preferred sensory learning modalities has not been adequately examined. This study aimed to show the influence of students' preferred sensory modality for learning on TBL outcomes.

Method:

Communication sciences and disorders majors enrolled in anatomy and physiology courses completed VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinesthetic), a questionnaire quantifying their preferred learning modality. Students' traditional and TBL measures of academic success were compared by preferred learning modality.

Results:

A multivariate analysis of variance failed to find any difference in TBL or other outcomes by preferred learning modality (
p
= .252).

Conclusions:

The results of this study show no evidence of differences in academic outcomes in TBL projects between learners with different preferred learning modalities as measured by VARK. The role of TBL and of instructional sensory modality on learning outcomes should continue to be examined.