bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory Benefits of Multisetting Air Purification in Children
Authors: Lei Jian , Sun Qinghua , Chen Renjie , Zhu Yixiang , Zhou Lu , Xue Xiaowei , Fang Jianlong , Du Yanjun , Wang Yanwen , Li Tiantian , Kan Haidong
Published: December 2024

Importance

Particulate matter exposure has been linked to impaired respiratory health in children, but the respiratory benefits of air purification have not been fully elucidated.

Objectives

To assess the respiratory health outcomes among children exposed to multisetting air purification vs sham purification.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cluster randomized, double-blind, crossover trial was conducted among healthy school-aged children (10-12 years) in China from April to December 2021. Data were analyzed from December 2021 to July 2024.

Interventions

A multisetting (both in classrooms and bedrooms) air purification intervention compared with sham purification in a 2-stage intervention with more than 2 months (76 days) for each period and a washout period (88 days) to estimate the respiratory benefits of air purification.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were pulmonary function, airway inflammation markers, and metabolites in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) before and after the air purification intervention. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the respiratory benefits of children related to air purification. Differential metabolites in EBC were identified using metabolomics analysis to explore their possible mediation roles.

Results

A total of 79 children (38 male [48%]; mean [SD] age, 10.3 [0.5] years) were included in the statistical analyses. During the study period, the mean (SD) concentration of outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at the school site was 32.53 (24.06) μg/m3. The time-weighted personal PM2.5 concentration decreased by 45.14% during the true air purification period (mean [SD], 21.49 [8.72] μg/m3) compared with the sham air purification period (mean [SD], 39.17 [14.25] μg/m3). Air purification improved forced expiratory volume in 1 second by 8.04% (95% CI, 2.15%-13.93%), peak expiratory flow by 16.52% (95% CI, 2.76%-30.28%), forced vital capacity (FVC) by 5.73% (95% CI, 0.48%-10.98%), forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of FVC by 17.22% (95% CI, 3.78%-30.67%), maximal expiratory flow at 75% of FVC by 14.60% (95% CI, 0.35%-28.85%), maximal expiratory flow at 50% of FVC by 17.86% (95% CI, 3.65%-32.06%), and maximal expiratory flow at 25% of FVC by 18.22% (95% CI, 1.73%-34.70%). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide in the true air purification group decreased by 22.38% (95% CI, 2.27%-42.48%). Several metabolites in EBC (eg, L-tyrosine and β-alanine) were identified to mediate the effect of air purification on respiratory health.

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial provides robust and holistic evidence that indoor air purification notably improved pulmonary health in children, highlighting the importance of intensified indoor air purification in regions with high air pollution levels.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04835337.
Clinical Actionability of Genetic Findings in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Lewis Sara A. , Chopra Maya , Cohen Julie S. , Bain Jennifer M. , Aravamuthan Bhooma , Carmel Jason B. , Fahey Michael C. , Segel Reeval , Wintle Richard F. , Zech Michael , May Halie , Haque Nahla , Fehlings Darcy , Srivastava Siddharth , Kruer Michael C.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Single gene variants can cause cerebral palsy (CP) phenotypes, yet the impact of genetic diagnosis on CP clinical management has not been systematically evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate how frequently genetic testing results would prompt changes in care for individuals with CP and the clinical utility of precision medicine therapies.

Data Sources

Published pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in OMIM genes identified with exome sequencing in clinical (n = 1345) or research (n = 496) cohorts of CP were analyzed. A systematic literature review for evidence of effective therapies for specific genetic etiologies was performed.

Study Selection

Nonstandard interventions that led to a detectable improvement in a defined outcome in individuals with variants in the gene of interest were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Literature was evaluated using PRISMA guidelines. A diverse, expert working group was established, scoring rubrics adapted, and scoring consensus built with a modified Delphi approach.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Overall clinical utility was calculated from metrics assessing outcome severity if left untreated, safety and practicality of the intervention, and anticipated intervention efficacy on a scale from 0 to 3.

Results

Of 1841 patients with CP who underwent exome sequencing, 502 (27%) had pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants related to their phenotype. A total of 243 different genes were identified. In 1841 patients with identified genetic etiologies of CP, 140 (8%) had a genetic etiology classified as actionable, defined as prompting a change in clinical management. Also identified were 58 of 243 genes with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants with actionable treatment options: 16 targeting the primary disease mechanism, 16 with specific prevention strategies, and 26 with specific symptom management. The level of evidence was also graded according to ClinGen criteria; 45 of 101 interventions (44.6%) had evidence class D or below. The potential interventions have clinical utility with 98 of 101 outcomes (97%) being moderate-high severity if left untreated and 63 of 101 interventions (62%) predicted to be of moderate-high efficacy. Most interventions (72 of 101 [71%]) were considered moderate-high safety and practicality.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings indicate that actionable genetic findings occurred in 8% of individuals referred for genetic testing with CP. Evaluation of potential efficacy, outcome severity, and intervention safety and practicality indicates moderate-high clinical utility of these genetic findings. Genetic sequencing can identify precision medicine interventions that provide clinical benefit to individuals with CP. The relatively limited evidence base underscores the need for additional research.
KDIGO 2024 Guidelines—Key Points for Pediatricians
Authors: Francis Anna , Shroff Rukshana , Earley Amy , Foster Bethany J.
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint summarizes key takeaways for pediatricians from the 2024 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines.
Biotic and abiotic stress affects the stability of housekeeping genes in Catla Labeo catla
Authors: Acharya Arpit , Tripathi Gayatri , Rasal Kiran D. , Pathan Mujahidkhan A. , Bhat Raja Aadil Hussain , Dinakaran Chandana , Rathinam R. Bharathi
Published: December 2024

Objective

The choice of a stable reference gene plays a crucial role in gene expression analysis. In most cases, the choice of housekeeping gene (HKG) is quite random. However, the expression of HKGs varies under different experimental conditions and in different tissues.

Methods

The study focused on three reference genes in Catla Labeo catla—beta actin (β-actin), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α)—under four experimental conditions: bacterial challenge, hypoxia, a combination of bacterial challenge and hypoxia, and control. The fish were subjected to the above-mentioned experimental circumstances, and five tissues (blood, gill, liver, kidney, and spleen) were collected at regular intervals.

Result

The investigation of gene expression in the five tissues was performed using real-time (RT) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the resultant cycle threshold values were subjected to several statistical techniques via the RefFinder tool to determine the most stable HKG. The results were ordered in accordance with the stability of the reference genes. In this study, GAPDH was found to be the least stable gene, while β-actin and EF-1α remained stable in the kidney and liver under various circumstances. Other tissues demonstrated tissue- and treatment-specific stability for the various HKGs.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that GAPDH should be avoided in Catla for gene expression studies and that different algorithms should be employed to validate the stability of HKGs in RT-qPCR analysis.
Gas bubble disease in captive Golden Trevally: Pathological insights and needs for life support system and water quality management
Authors: Hong Won Hee , Choi Ji Yeong , Cho Han Seok , Im Jien , Park Se Chang , Seok Seung Hyeok , Kim Sang Wha
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to elucidate the cause of mass mortality in Golden Trevally Gnathanodon speciosus at an aquarium and reports the first instance of gas bubble disease (GBD) in the species. Identifying the factors leading to this mortality event is intended to propose preventive measures for avoiding similar occurrences in the future.

Methods

This case study involved the examination of Golden Trevally displaying symptoms of GBD, including abnormal swimming behavior, lethargy, and visible gas bubble formation in the cornea, aqueous humor, and oral mucosa. Necropsy and histopathology were conducted to assess the internal accumulation of gas bubbles in tissues. The etiology was investigated by analyzing the total dissolved gas (TDG) levels and inspecting the integrity of the water circulation system for structural defects.

Result

The affected Golden Trevally exhibited significant symptoms of GBD. Necropsy and histopathology confirmed the presence of gas bubbles in various tissues throughout the body. The analysis suggested that TDG supersaturation was caused by excessive microbubble formation due to structural defects in the water circulation system.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of practical TDG monitoring and maintaining system integrity to prevent GBD in aquaculture. Effective management of TDG levels is crucial to safeguarding the health of captive aquatic species.
AAPM MPLA case: Betrayal versus disillusionment
Authors: Duggar William N. , Wang Dongxu , Vergalasova Irina , Stambaugh Cassandra , Kim Leonard
Published: December 2024

This work of fiction depicts a scenario in which a faculty member felt they were criticized unfairly and inappropriately for honesty on a faculty survey, which reflected poorly on administration. The faculty member was left struggling with how to respond to conflicting feelings and perception of misaligned goals and mission. Simultaneously, the department chair felt they were blindsided by issues that could have been addressed without the embarrassment of a poor survey. The intended use of this case, through group discussion, self‐study, or role‐play, is to encourage readers to discuss the situation at hand, inspire professionalism and leadership thinking, and allow the practice of conflict management. Facilitator's notes are available upon request to the MPLA Cases Subcommittee. This case study falls under the scope of and is supported by the Medical Physics Leadership Academy (MPLA), a committee in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM).
All‐Carbon Piezoresistive Sensor: Enhanced Sensitivity and Wide Linear Range via Multiscale Design for Wearable Applications
Authors: Xiang Qixuan , Zhao Guanjie , Tang Tao , Zhang Hao , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhang Xianglong , Zhao Yaping , Tan Huijun
Published: December 2024

Piezoresistive sensors are indispensable in applications such as healthcare monitoring, artificial intelligence, and advanced communication systems. However, achieving wearable sensors that offer both high sensitivity and a wide linear range remains a significant challenge. Here, an all‐carbon piezoresistive sensor is presented, named, featuring high biocompatibility, chemical stability, environmental sustainability, and a straightforward fabrication process. This sensor, integrating a double‐sided pyramidal carbon aerogel (DPA) as the sensing layer, a silicone frame as the elastic support (ES), and superhydrophobic graphene‐coated nylon fabric as the breathable conductive substrate (BCS), was named as DPA‐ES@BCS. Finite element analysis confirms that the synergistic interaction between the DPA and silicone frame enhances the sensor's sensitivity while extending its linear range. This multiscale design achieves an exceptional sensitivity of 37.3 kPa−1, a broad linear detection ranges from 0 to 1.4 MPa, and outstanding stability over 30 000 cycles. Additionally, the high‐performance wearable sensor is well‐suited for real‐time physiological signal monitoring and demonstrates exceptional capability in voice recognition, accurately distinguishing words using machine learning algorithms. Moreover, the DPA‐ES@BCS sensor array shows great potential for enhancing information security through dual‐factor authentication. This approach not only advances the piezoresistive performance of all‐carbon sensors but also provides a strong foundation for developing next‐generation sensor technologies.
A Light‐Mediated, 3D‐Printable, and Self‐Healable Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Elizalde Fermin , Trano Sabrina , Ayestarán Jon , de Pariza Xabier Lopez , Aguirresarobe Robert , Francia Carlotta , Mecerreyes David , Sardon Haritz , Bella Federico
Published: December 2024

Self‐healing materials solutions and rapid prototyping approaches are actively searched to improve the safety and the production processes of batteries at the gigascale. Here, a self‐reparable polymer electrolyte designed into 3D‐printable ink formulation for digital light processing is shown. For this purpose, covalent adaptable networks containing hindered urea dynamic bonds end‐capped with photopolymerizable methacrylate groups are designed and investigated in terms of dynamicity and self‐healing properties. Electrochemical performance of the electrolytes is tested and compared with a commercially available benchmark, showing in all cases superior electrolyte uptake, ionic conductivities, and full specific capacity recovery after being cut in operando. This work brings the first self‐healable and 3D‐photoprinted electrolyte system for lithium batteries, at once ensuring safety, performance, and upscalability; the concept is also exploitable in lithium‐mediated ammonia electrosynthesis.
Beyond the requirement: A novel patient follow‐up report
Authors: Allan Jack A. , Repanshek Zachary , Healy Megan E. , DeAngelis Michael , Satz Wayne A. , Ufberg Jacob W. , Schreyer Kraftin E.
Published: December 2024

Background

Residents are required to participate in practice‐based learning and improvement. Most commonly, a resident‐initiated patient follow‐up log is used to meet the requirement. We sought to provide residents with follow‐up information in an efficient, value‐added manner via a patient follow‐up report (PFUR).

Methods

The PFUR is an automated monthly report sent to individual residents via email. It was generated from the electronic medical record and included five categories of cases: patients who were discharged and returned for admission within 72 h, diagnosis‐based criteria, patients who expired during the hospital stay, patients who were admitted to or upgraded to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 h of admission, and patients independently flagged by the care team for follow‐up. The PFURs were analyzed for 6 months after implementation for number and categorization of cases included as well as via survey of the residents.

Results

In 6 months, 1078 patients, generating 1155 follow‐ups, were included on the PFUR. ICU upgrades were the most represented category (41%), followed by diagnosis‐based criteria (30%). Patients who were discharged and admitted within 72 h were least commonly represented on the PFUR (2%). Seventy‐eight percent of residents felt that patient follow‐ups were valuable to their education and 82% felt that the PFUR impacted the clinical care they provided. The PFUR was preferred by 90% of resident respondents and had an average value rating of 4.38 out of 5.

Conclusions

Overall numbers of patient follow‐ups significantly increased after implementation of the PFUR. Certain categories were more represented overall and within each class, which has implications for future educational initiatives. After a pilot period, the novel PFUR appears to be more efficient, accessible, and highly valued than the log used previously. Programs looking to maximize the educational benefits of patient follow‐ups may consider a similar initiative.
Gait Perception via Actual and Estimated Pneumatic Physical Reservoir Output
Authors: Shen Junyi , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Ghosh Swaninda , Kawase Toshihiro , Kawashima Kenji
Published: December 2024

Accurately identifying user needs in terms of assist timing and magnitude presents challenges for wearable power‐assist limb devices. Traditional approaches to gait perception—such as estimating joint angles and walking conditions—often rely on electronic sensors and neural networks, which can compromise wearability and impose high computational demands. Physical reservoir computing (PRC), which utilizes the inherent nonlinearity of physical systems for data processing, offers a promising alternative. This study proposes a novel self‐estimated physical reservoir computing (SEPRC) model that improves traditional PRC models for gait perception using a wearable pneumatic physical reservoir. A core feature of the new model is the self‐estimation structure, wherein the outputs of the physical reservoir are mutually estimated. Experimental evaluations indicate that the SEPRC model outperforms traditional PRC in clustering time‐series reservoir output sequences with the same dimensionality. This enhanced clustering performance is subsequently leveraged in gait perception by incorporating Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy logic for joint angle estimation and a softmax activation function for walking condition recognition. The newly proposed time‐sequence processing approach facilitates the traditional PRC model to achieve higher accuracy in gait perception and greater robustness against the user's walking pattern variations while preserving PRC's hardware simplicity.
Two‐Dimensional Catalysts: From Model to Reality
Authors: Zhang Mo , Wang Zifeng , Bo Xin , Huang Rui , Deng Dehui
Published: December 2024

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials have been utilized broadly in kinds of catalytic reactions due to their fully exposed active sites and special electronic structure. Compared with real catalysts, which are usually bulk or particle, 2D materials have more well‐defined structures. With easily identified structure‐modulated engineering, 2D materials become ideal models to figure out the catalytic structure‐function relations, which is helpful for the precise design of catalysts. In this review, the unique function of 2D materials was summarized from model study to reality catalysis and application. It includes several typical 2D materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, metal, and metal (hydr)oxide materials. We introduced the structural characteristics of 2D materials and their advantages in model researches. It emphatically summarized how 2D materials serve as models to explore the structure‐activity relationship by combining theoretical calculations and surface research. The opportunities of 2D materials and the challenges for fundamentals and applications they facing are also addressed. This review provides a reference for the design of catalyst structure and composition, and could inspire the realization of two‐dimensional materials from model study to reality application in industry.
Enabling controllable time‐dependent phosphorescence in carbonized polymer dots based on chromophore excited triplet energy level modulation by ionic bonding
Authors: Sun Jie , Liu Yancen , Han Yide , Li Wenhao , Wang Nan , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yu , Deng Fuyao , Wang Dingsheng , Zhang Xia
Published: December 2024

Time‐dependent phosphorescence color (TDPC) materials are highly attractive for realizing multitiered dynamic information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting. It's extremely challenging to modulate puzzle of multiple luminescence species and understand the intrinsic mechanism. Herein, we demonstrate a novel and synthesize‐friendly strategy to develop a high contrast TDPC carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) with adjustable lifetime and quantum yields. The ionic bonding is introduced in self‐protected CPDs to effectively tune the excited triplet energy level of chromophores, and promote the stable existence of L‐aspartic (AA) with green phosphorescence at 545 nm, and alkali metal aspartates (AA–M) with red phosphorescence at 665 nm. The precise regulation for TDPC lifetime can be achieved based on heavy atom effort and crosslink‐enhanced emission (CEE) effect. And, the efficient radiative energy transfer could be proven as an intrinsic mechanism for better understanding the TDPC materials. These results further expand on the fundamental principle to design high‐quality TDPC materials with more flexible regulation for luminescence properties, providing a major step forward in broadening the scope of smart phosphorescence applications.
Methylthio Substituent in SAM Constructing Regulatory Bridge with Photovoltaic Perovskites
Authors: Chen Chun‐Hao , Liu Gui‐Wang , Chen Xin , Deger Caner , Jin Run‐Jun , Wang Kai‐Li , Chen Jing , Xia Yu , Huang Lei , Yavuz Ilhan , Fan Jian , Wang Zhao‐Kui
Published: December 2024

Inverted (p‐i‐n) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have experienced remarkable advancements in recent years, which is largely attributed to the development of novel hole‐transport layer (HTL) self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) materials. Methoxy (MeO−) groups are typically introduced into SAM materials to enhance their wettability and effectively passivate the perovskite buried interface. However, MeO‐based SAM materials exhibit a mismatch in highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels with perovskite layer due to the strong electron‐donating capability of methoxy group. In this work, we introduced a methylthio (MeS−) substituent that is superior to methoxy as a highly versatile self‐assembled molecular design strategy. As a soft base, sulfur atom forms a stronger Pb−S bond than oxygen. Additionally, within the CbzPh series of SAM materials, MeS−CbzPh demonstrates a more optimal HOMO level and enhanced hole transport properties. Consequently, the MeS−CbzPh HTL based device achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.01 % and demonstrated high stability, retaining 93.3 % efficiency after 1000 hours of maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Moreover, in comparison with the commonly used 4PACz‐based SAM molecular series, MeS‐4PACz also exhibited the best performance among its peers. Our work provides valuable insights for the molecular design of SAM materials, offering a highly versatile functional substituent group.
Identification of Key Post‐modification Enzymes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Lanostane‐type Triterpenoids in the Medicinal Mushroom Antrodia camphorata.
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Qun , Zhang Meng , Wang Zi‐Long , Bao Yang‐Oujie , Wang Yu‐Qi , Tian Yun‐Gang , Ye Lei , Ye Min
Published: December 2024

Lanostane‐type triterpenoids are important bioactive secondary metabolites of mushrooms, though their biosynthetic study has been challenging due to scattered genes. Herein, the strategies of combining metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses, functional motif blast, and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) annotation were used to discover three key post‐modification enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of lanostanoids in the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata. The cytochrome P450 enzyme AcCYP4 could generate a Δ7,9(11) diene structure and introduce a 15α‐hydroxy group to the triterpene skeleton. The short‐chain dehydrogenase AcSDR6 could regio‐ and stereo‐ selectively catalyze the dehydrogenation of 3β‐OH to produce 3‐keto triterpenoids, and the catalytic mechanisms were interpreted by crystal structure analysis. AcSMT1 could introduce the methyl group at C‐24 to produce a unique 31‐carbon triterpene skeleton. This work elucidated the major biosynthetic pathway of Antrodia lanostanoids in vitro, and the discovered enzymes could be used to synthesize a series of bioactive triterpenoids.
Ultra‐small Metallic Nickel Nanoparticles on Dealuminated Zeolite for Active and Durable Catalytic Dehydrogenation
Authors: Wu Huixin , Wang Hai , Lv Yating , Wu Yuexin , Wang Yike , Luo Qingsong , Hui Yu , Liu Lujie , Zhang Mengting , Hou Kunming , Li Lina , Zeng Jianrong , Dai Weili , Wang Liang , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: December 2024

Each step in the catalyst synthesis process plays an important role in tuning the catalyst structures. For zeolite‐supported nickel catalysts, we found the conventional calcination‐reduction method typically leads to the formation of large nickel particles, but a pre‐aging in hydrogen or nitrogen at a low temperature prior to final reduction can result in ultra‐small nickel nanoparticles in a metallic state. This pre‐aging treatment facilitates the interaction between Ni2+ cations and silanol nests on zeolite before the decomposition of the metal salt, leading to the formation of nanoparticles with an average diameter of ~1.2 nm. In contrast, the pre‐calcination in oxygen caused the Ni2+ aggregation before the decomposition of the metal salt precursor, yielding nickel nanoparticles larger than 5 nm. Given the structure sensitivity of nickel in cyclohexane dehydrogenation for hydrogen production, the ultra‐small nickel nanoparticles exhibited significantly enhanced activity and durability compared to previous nickel catalysts.
Preparation and Characterization of Crimped PLA Fibers With Surface Porous Structure to Promote Cell Adhesion and Growth
Authors: Liu Mengzhu , Zhang Yanping , Wang Zhaojie , Zhou Biyun , Chen Tao
Published: December 2024

Electrospun fibrous scaffolds are widely used in vascular tissue engineering because they are able to mimic the organizational structure and biological function of a natural extracellular matrix. Improving the topological structure and mechanical properties of electrospun fibrous scaffolds is crucial for achieving good interaction between cells and materials. Herein, oriented polylactic acid (PLA) fibers with surface porous structure were prepared by electrospinning. The orientation degree of the surface porous structure (84.77° ± 5.61°) was highly consistent with the orientation degree of the fiber (83.66° ± 7.31°), which improved the porosity of the fiber and promoted the adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Then, by heat treatment, oriented PLA fibers with a surface porous structure were formed into a crimped state, which mimics the crimped structure and nonlinear mechanical properties of the elastic fibers within the blood vessel wall. The crimped PLA fibers with surface porous structure significantly improved the aspect ratio of HUVECs and promoted HUVECs‐oriented growth, which shows certain potential applications in vascular tissue engineering.
Spatial relationships of oropharyngeal structures during respiration, chewing, and swallowing
Authors: Rosero Salazar Doris Haydee , Honnlee Lucas , Nguyen Phuc Hoang , Willis Elliot , Liu Zi‐Jun
Published: December 2024

Spatial relationships between oropharyngeal structures and their coordinated dynamics ensure proper adaptations in functions such as respiration, chewing, and swallowing. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze spatial changes in the normal oropharynx during respiration and mastication. For this purpose, eight 7–8 months old Yucatan minipigs, four of each sex were used. X‐ray fluoroscopy was recorded with the field of view focused on the oropharyngeal region. The x‐ray video clips showing respiratory cycles and masticatory sequences were digitized and traced. Points to be digitized and traced were located on the soft palate, epiglottis, tongue base, and pharyngeal wall. An X–Y coordinate system was established to trace distances and directions of each structure (structural), and between structures (inter‐structural) during phases of respiration, chewing stages, and swallowing episodes. During respiration, the soft palate showed the largest X–Y movements with the largest distance change (1.32 ± 0.64 mm). In contrast, distance changes in the tongue base were significantly smaller (0.32 ± 0.21 mm, p < 0.05). Notably, during chewing the tongue base and epiglottis showed major changes in distance and direction. Similarly, during swallowing the tongue base showed the largest changes (2.94 ± 1.28 mm) followed by the pharyngeal wall and epiglottis. Thus, although coordinated, each pharyngeal structure plays specific roles. Understanding of these spatial and specific dynamics in different oropharyngeal structures would provide the baseline to analyze the potential mechanisms of various swallowing and breathing disorders such as dysphagia and obstructive sleep apnea.
Mechanistic Insights on Chemosensing Response of Pyrene and Anthracene Based Fluorescent Probes Towards Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Rani Ritu , Sarkar Madhushree
Published: December 2024

Two polyaromatic hydrocarbon‐based compounds, N2,N4,N6‐tris‐((pyren‐1‐yl)methyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triamine (SM1) and N2,N4,N6‐tris‐((anthracen‐9‐yl)methyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triamine (SM2) are explored as chemosensors for detecting nitroaromatic compounds. The chemosensing studies of SM1 and SM2 showed selective sensing of 4‐nitroaniline (4NA) in homogeneous medium (in Acetonitrile (ACN) and in DMSO), which is due to the hyperpolarizability of 4NA. Quenching mechanism studied for the three analytes (4NA, 2NA and PA) showed dynamic quenching in SM1 in presence of 4NA and 2NA, while static quenching in presence of PA. Solvent effect on the chemosensing response of SM1 and SM2 towards PA was observed and it showed enhancement in the response on changing the solvent from ACN to DMSO to water. DFT studies, photophysical analysis, NMR experiments and complex synthesis experiments were done to provide in depth analysis on the observed sensing phenomena. Both SM1 and SM2 being insoluble in water, were used as heterogeneous chemosensors in aqueous medium, where selective sensing was observed for 4NA and PA. The LOD of PA and 4NA by SM1 in water was found to be 1.3 ppt and 2.1 ppt, respectively. The recyclability and stability after sensing studies were confirmed by PXRD.
Biomass‐Derived Phosphorus‐Doped Porous Hard Carbon Anode for Stable and High‐Rate Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liang Puwu , Huo Zijing , Liu Yangjie , Bo Zheng , Wu Yongmin , Hu Xiang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: December 2024

Biomass‐derived hard carbon, despite being promising for anode material of sodium‐ion batteries, usually suffer from low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), poor rate capacity, and limited cycling stability caused by complex surface defects and low intrinsic conductivity. Herein, phosphorus‐doped porous hard carbon (HC@PC−P) were synthesized by the thermal polymerization of soy lecithin on the surfaces of hard carbon derived from olive kernels. The incorporation of heteroatom phosphorus in the porous hard carbon framework expands the carbon lattice spacing, optimizes the graphitization degree, and increases electrical conductivity, guaranteeing ensuring rapid electron and ion transfer. These coupling effects enable HC@PC−P anode to achieve a high reversible capacity of 350 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, an impressive initial coulombic efficiency of 89.6 %, and remarkable long‐term cycling stability at 1 A g−1 over 1000 cycles with negligible capacity fade. The mechanisms behind sodium storage and enhanced electrochemical performance were elucidated by ex‐situ Raman spectroscopy and kinetic analysis. Additionally, the assembled HC@PC−P//Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell demonstrated a high energy density of 257.9 Wh kg−1. This work provides a rational guide for designing advanced hard carbon anode materials for high‐energy sodium‐ion batteries.
LMAN2 Promotes Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance by Interacting With MAPK9 via Activation of the MAPK Pathway
Authors: Feng Chen , Li Pingping , Liu Pengtao , Wang Bo , Li Juan , Liu Peijun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Lectin, mannose‐binding 2 (LMAN2) is a cargo receptor engaged in the transport and sorting of glycoproteins. Despite its ubiquity, the function and underlying mechanisms of LMAN2 in BC continue to elude understanding.

Methods

Multiple databases were employed to examine the expression of LMAN2 in breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry(IHC), qRT‐PCR, and Western blot were performed to quantify LMAN2 expression in BC cell lines and clinical samples. Heat map analysis and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to analyze the correlation between LMAN2 and clinicopathological features. SiRNAs and overexpression plasmids were transfected into two BC cells to assess the effect of LMAN2 on malignant phenotypes. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were used to screen for potential interacting proteins. Additionally, tumor subcutaneous xenograft mode was constructed to explore tumor chemoresistance.

Result

LMAN2 expression was significantly higher in BC compared to that in matched, adjacent normal tissues, and its higher expression level was correlated with worse patient prognosis. In vitro, we found that LMAN2 functions as an oncogene, promoting BC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion, and chemoresistance while preventing apoptosis. Coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization experiments confirmed the direct binding of LMAN2 to MAPK9 in BC cells. Our investigation of signaling pathways suggested that LMAN2 is involved in the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway, utilizing this pathway to confer cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, knockdown of LMAN2 improves the sensitivity of drug‐resistant BC cells to cisplatin (DDP) in vivo.

Conclusion

LMAN2 was a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for BC that promotes chemoresistance via interaction with MAPK9 and activation of the MAPK pathway.
Morphological Characteristics of Interatrial Septum and Its Clinical Relevance
Authors: P Yeshwanthi , Chopra Jyoti , Manik Punita , Rai Anurag , Kumari Sangeeta , Dande Kaweri
Published: December 2024

Background

The development of new trans‐septal transcatheter interventions for patients with structural heart disease necessitates a precise and comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the interatrial septum (IAS). The scarcity of gross anatomical studies has triggered our interest in exploring the morphometry and morphology of IAS.

Aims

To study the morphology, morphometry and variations of the interatrial septum in autopsied human hearts.

Methods

The study was conducted on 97 autopsied fresh human hearts, in which we observed the position and shape of fossa ovalis (FOv), along with prominence of the limbus and its location. The diameter of FOv, thickness of its floor, redundancy and any variation in the IAS were noted.

Results

In most cases (72.9%), the FOv was situated toward the inferior vena cava and was oval shaped (69.8%), with mean horizontal and vertical diameters of 17.21 ± 4.11 mm and 12.74 ± 3.78 mm, respectively. The limbus was prominent in 72.2% specimens, most commonly prominent all around (36.6%), followed by antero‐superior (28.2%), antero‐inferior (16.9%) and anterior (8.5%) prominence. The mean thickness of the floor of FOv was 0.71 ± 0.98 mm, and redundancy was observed in 47% of samples. Probe patency was seen only in 10.3% specimens. The right surface of the IAS showed more variations (71.1%) compared to the left (44.3%), in form of recesses, atrial septal pouches, fibrous strands, retinacular‐type fibrous networks and combination of more than one type.

Conclusion

Variations in the location of FOv, the prominence of limbus and the common occurrence of anatomical variants of the IAS mandate the preprocedural imaging of the region to reduce the failure rate and complications.
Large Myxoid Ovarian Leiomyoma: A Case Report
Authors: Aminparast Zahra , Khodaei Amirmohammad , Shakibaee Fard Zeinab
Published: December 2024

Ovarian leiomyoma is a rare, benign spindle cell tumor with a favorable prognosis. Myxoid leiomyoma, a rare subtype of leiomyoma, exhibits significant myxoid changes. We present a case study of a rare ovarian myxoid leiomyoma in a young woman. The patient presented with left flank pain and a large abdominal mass upon physical examination. Imaging indicated a solid‐cystic right ovarian mass. The patient underwent a right salpingo‐oophorectomy, and a 5 kg mass with myxoid degeneration was resected. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian myxoid leiomyoma. We discussed the challenges in the diagnosis of ovarian myxoid leiomyoma and emphasized the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment, with a favorable prognosis. This case contributes to the understanding of rare ovarian tumors and highlights the significance of histopathological and immunohistochemical examination in confirming the diagnosis.
Determination of Solubility and Metastable Zone of Sodium Hypophosphite and Nucleation Kinetics
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Zhang Tianjian , Su Hang , Xu Xin
Published: December 2024

To obtain thermodynamic and kinetic data of sodium hypophosphite, such as solubility and metastable zone, respectively, the solubility data for sodium hypophosphite in the temperature range of 298.15–373.15 K were obtained using a dynamic method. These data were then fitted to the Apelblat and Van't Hoff equations, and the corresponding model parameters were determined. The effects of stirring intensity and cooling rate on the width of the metastable zone of sodium hypophosphite in water were studied. The findings indicated that an increase in stirring intensity reduced the width of the metastable zone, whereas an increase in cooling rate resulted in its widening. The self‐consistent NýVlt and Sangwal metastable zone models were employed to calculate nucleation dynamic parameters in conjunction with classical nucleation theory. The results showed that the nucleation order was 2.311–3.361 over the investigated temperature range. 316.15 K is the critical temperature point at which sodium hypophosphite transforms into a dominant nucleation mode. The solid–liquid interface tension decreased rapidly with the increase of saturation temperature, and the solid–liquid interface tension is 1.167–2.638 mJ m−2.
Nucleophilic Triphenylgermanides of Magnesium and Calcium
Authors: Kennedy Dominic B. , Pearce Kyle G. , Morris Louis J. , Mahon Mary F. , Jones Cameron , Hill Michael S.
Published: December 2024

The dimeric calcium and magnesium hydrides, [(BDI)AeH]2 [BDI=HC{(Me)CNDipp}2, Dipp=2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3; Ae=Mg or Ca] do not react with Ph3GeH in non‐coordinating solvent. Addition of THF, however, induces deprotonation and access to monomeric Ae‐germanide complexes, [(BDI)Ae{GePh3}(THF)], both of which have been structurally characterized. Although this process is facile when Ae=Ca, the analogous magnesium‐based reaction requires heating to temperatures >100 °C, under which conditions germanide formation is complicated by THF ring opening and the generation of an alkaline earth germyl‐C‐terminated n‐butoxide, [(BDI)Mg{μ2‐O(CH2)4GePh3}]. Reactions of [(BDI)Ca{GePh3}(THF)] with N,N′‐di‐isopropylcarbodiimide and benzophenone provide the respective germylamidinate and germylalkoxide derivatives, [(BDI)Ca{(i‐PrN)2CGePh3}(THF)] and [(BDI)Ca{OC(GePh3)Ph2}(THF)], demonstrating its potential as a well‐defined and soluble source of the [Ph3Ge]− anion in nucleophilic addition reactions.
Enhancing Invariant Feature Learning via Cross‐Composition and Self‐Enrichment Normalization for Visible‐Infrared Person Re‐Identification
Authors: Zhang Zexin
Published: December 2024

Visible‐Infrared Person Re‐Identification (VI‐ReID) is a complex challenge in cross‐modality retrieval, wherein the goal is to recognize individuals from images captured via RGB and IR cameras. While many existing methods focus on narrowing the gap between different modalities through designing various feature‐level constraints, they often neglect the consistency of channel statistics information across the modalities, which results in suboptimal matching performance. In this work, we introduce a new approach for VI‐ReID that incorporates Cross‐Composition Normalization (CCN) and Self‐Enrichment Normalization (SEN). Specifically, Cross‐Composition Normalization is a plug‐and‐play module that can be seamlessly integrated into shallow CNN layers without requiring modifications to the training objectives. It probabilistically blends feature statistics between instances, thereby fostering the model's ability to learn inter‐modality feature distributions. Conversely, Self‐Enrichment Normalization leverages attention mechanisms to recalibrate statistics, effectively bridging the gaps between training and test distributions. This enhancement markedly boosts the discriminability of features in VI‐ReID tasks. To validate the efficacy of our proposed method, we carried out comprehensive experiments on two public cross‐modality datasets. The results clearly demonstrate the superiority of our Cross‐Composition and Self‐Enrichment normalization techniques in addressing the challenges of the VI‐ReID problem.
Enzyme‐particle Complexes Facilitate Pickering Interfacial Biocatalysis
Authors: Lu Haofan , Wu Changzhu , Li Jian
Published: December 2024

Pickering interfacial biocatalysis (PIB), where biocatalysts stabilize emulsions through carrier coupling or polymer grafting, has emerged as a powerful platform for organic synthesis due to its ability to accommodate water‐insoluble substrates within enzymatic cascade reactions. PIB provides a large interfacial area for two‐phase reactions, reducing diffusional resistance and enhancing transformation efficiency. The performance of PIB relies heavily on enzyme‐particle conjugates, which serve a dual function: stabilizing the emulsion and acting as the active biocatalysts in the system. In this Concept, we discuss the latest advancements, current challenges, and future directions in the development of protein‐particle conjugates for PIB.
Political Opportunity, Threats, Strategies of LGBT+ Student Movement in China
Authors: Huang Jingjing
Published: December 2024

The LGBT+ student movement in China started in 2006 when the first LGBT+ student group was formed. It flourished after 2012, growing from fewer than 10 groups in 2012 to over 50 by 2018. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping's presidency in 2012 marked a significant political turning point. Subsequently, the party‐state tightened its control on power by suppressing civil society and civic engagement. Therefore, this political context had a substantial impact on the strategic decisions made by the LGBT+ student movement in China, requiring activists to adopt a less confrontational form of activism. This article explores the strategies adopted by the LGBT+ student movement in China between 2012 and 2022 and examines how the sociopolitical context has influenced these strategies and shaped the movement. Based on eight interviews with student activists and NGO staff, this study focusses on the evolving strategies of student groups over the last decade, categorizing this decade into three distinct phases. The first phase (2012–2015) saw a variety of advocacy rights activities taking place. In the second phase (2015–2019), education emerged as the primary strategy. Finally, the third phase (2019–2022) centered around community support, driven by the group's need for survival in the post‐COVID era. I argue that although the state and universities employed soft strategies such as discipline and censorship to influence the political opportunity structure, forcing student activists to self‐censor and emphasize community support over mobilization, activists still possess agency. They propel the movement forward by integrating activism into community support and everyday resistance. Theoretically, this paper contributes to the field of research on youth social movements, authoritarianism, and LGBT+ social movements by adopting a political opportunity structure framework for analyzing the structure of political assemblies and exploring how student activists, as powerless underdogs, interact with universities and the state.
Electromigration of Charged Analytes Through Immiscible Fluids in Multiphasic Electrophoresis
Authors: Islam Md Nazibul , Liu Yang , Herr Amy E.
Published: December 2024

Multiphasic buffer systems have been of greatest interest in electrophoresis and liquid–liquid electrotransfer; this study extends that foundation by exploring the interplay of the geometric and viscous properties of an interleaving oil layer on the electrotransfer of a charged analyte from an aqueous solution into a hydrogel. We utilized finite element analysis to examine two complementary configurations: one being electrotransfer of a charged analyte (protein) in an aqueous phase into a surrounding hydrogel layer and another being electrotransfer of the protein from that originating aqueous phase—through an interleaving oil layer of predetermined viscosity and thickness—and into a surrounding hydrogel layer. Results indicate that the presence of an oil layer leads to increased skew of the injected peak. To explain this difference in injection dispersion, we utilize Probstein's framework and compare the Péclet (Pe) number with the ratio between length scales characteristic to the axial and radial dispersion, respectively. The formulation assigns electrotransfer conditions into six different dispersion regimes. We show that the presence or absence of an interleaving oil layer moves the observed peak dispersion into distinct electrotransfer regimes; the presence of an oil layer augments the electrophoretic mobility mismatch among the different phases, resulting in a five‐fold increase in Pe and a six‐fold increase in the ratio between the axial to radial dispersion characteristic lengths. We further show that oil viscosity significantly influences resultant injection dispersion. A decrease in oil‐layer viscosity from 0.08 to 0.02 Pa s results in a >100% decrease in injection dispersion. Our theoretical predictions were experimentally validated by comparing the electrotransfer regimes of three different mineral oil samples. We show that lowering the oil viscosity to 0.0039 Pa s results in an injection regime similar to that of the absence of an oil layer. Understanding of the impact of electrotransfer of charged species across multiple immiscible fluid layers on peak dispersion informs the design of multiphasic electrophoresis systems.
Biotechnology Advances in Natural Food Colorant Acylated Anthocyanin Production
Authors: Zeng Shaohua , Lin Shuang , Jiang Rong , Wei Jinrong , Wang Ying
Published: December 2024

The food application of natural blue colorants such as acylated anthocyanin is becoming increasingly popular due to their safety, nutritional value, organoleptic attributes, and more pH/thermo‐stable properties compared to nonacylated anthocyanins. However, it is a great challenge to obtain enough acylated anthocyanins to meet market demand, rather than readily available in nature from edible fruits and vegetables. In this review, the acylated anthocyanins in food crops, the efficient and eco‐friendly extraction of food‐grade acylated anthocyanins, and their potential application in intelligent packaging are extensively summarized. Subsequently, the plant anthocyanin acyltransferases (AATs) are also comprehensively summarized. The strategy of functional optimization of AATs through computational or artificial intelligence–based protein‐directed evolution is described and suggested. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of acylated anthocyanins generated in microbes and plant suspension cells are extensively compared, and the chassis selection of engineering acylated anthocyanins is discussed. Finally, the approaches and strategies of metabolic engineering to enhance the yield of acylated anthocyanins in plant suspension cells are also described and discussed. Taken together, this review provides a roadmap or strategy for the production of acylated anthocyanins to meet the increasing market demand in future food industry.