bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Müller matrix polarimetry for pancreatic tissue characterization
Authors: Sampaio Paulo , Lopez-Antuña Maria , Storni Federico , Wicht Jonatan , Sökeland Greta , Wartenberg Martin , Márquez-Neila Pablo , Candinas Daniel , Demory Brice-Olivier , Perren Aurel , Sznitman Raphael
Published: September 2023

Polarimetry is an optical characterization technique capable of analyzing the polarization state of light reflected by materials and biological samples. In this study, we investigate the potential of Müller matrix polarimetry (MMP) to analyze fresh pancreatic tissue samples. Due to its highly heterogeneous appearance, pancreatic tissue type differentiation is a complex task. Furthermore, its challenging location in the body makes creating direct imaging difficult. However, accurate and reliable methods for diagnosing pancreatic diseases are critical for improving patient outcomes. To this end, we measured the Müller matrices of ex-vivo unfixed human pancreatic tissue and leverage the feature-learning capabilities of a machine-learning model to derive an optimized data representation that minimizes normal-abnormal classification error. We show experimentally that our approach accurately differentiates between normal and abnormal pancreatic tissue. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to use ex-vivo unfixed human pancreatic tissue combined with feature-learning from raw Müller matrix readings for this purpose.
Water layer and radiation damage effects on the orientation recovery of proteins in single-particle imaging at an X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: E Juncheng , Stransky Michal , Shen Zhou , Jurek Zoltan , Fortmann-Grote Carsten , Bean Richard , Santra Robin , Ziaja Beata , Mancuso Adrian P.
Published: September 2023

The noise caused by sample heterogeneity (including sample solvent) has been identified as one of the determinant factors for a successful X-ray single-particle imaging experiment. It influences both the radiation damage process that occurs during illumination as well as the scattering patterns captured by the detector. Here, we investigate the impact of water layer thickness and radiation damage on orientation recovery from diffraction patterns of the nitrogenase iron protein. Orientation recovery is a critical step for single-particle imaging. It enables to sort a set of diffraction patterns scattered by identical particles placed at unknown orientations and assemble them into a 3D reciprocal space volume. The recovery quality is characterized by a “disconcurrence” metric. Our results show that while a water layer mitigates protein damage, the noise generated by the scattering from it can introduce challenges for orientation recovery and is anticipated to cause problems in the phase retrieval process to extract the desired protein structure. Compared to these disadvantageous effects due to the thick water layer, the effects of radiation damage on the orientation recovery are relatively small. Therefore, minimizing the amount of residual sample solvent should be considered a crucial step in improving the fidelity and resolution of X-ray single-particle imaging experiments.
Novel biphenylidene-thiopyrimidine derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for carbon-steel in oilfield produced water
Authors: Ali Hajar A. , Shaban Mahmoud M. , Abousalem Ashraf S. , Ghaith Eslam A. , Fouda Abdelaziz S. , Ismail Mohamed A.
Published: September 2023

The inhibiting efficiency of three newly synthesized organic compounds:5-((4'-(dimethylamino)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methylene)-1,3-diethyl-2-thioxodihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione (HM-1228), 5-((4'-(dimethylamino)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methylene)-2-thioxodihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione (HM-1227) and 5-((4'-(dimethylamino)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methylene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione (HM-1226) in oilfield produced water on the corrosion of carbon steel has been examined via electrochemical measurements; potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance (EIS) techniques. The adsorption of these compounds on the surface of carbon steel followed Langmuir isotherm. In addition, the surface morphology of uninhibited and inhibited carbon steel was examined by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), observing surface improvement when carbon steel samples exposed to the inhibited corrosive solutions. The average surface roughness (Ra) in oilfield produced water solution in the presence of 0.5 mM of HM-1228 inhibitor was 138.28 nm compared to the uninhibited surface 571.62 nm. To explore the corrosion inhibition mechanism, quantum chemical calculations and Monte Carlo simulations were utilized. The HM-1228 inhibitor demonstrated the highest corrosion inhibition efficiency at 94.8% by PDP measurements. The higher corrosion inhibition of compound HM-1228 can be attributed to the presence of di-N-ethyl groups that enhance both electron donating ability and lipophilic properties.
Rock deformation vs. radon emission: some constraints from shear stress-controlled experiments
Authors: Benà Eleonora , Spagnuolo Elena , Piersanti Antonio , Galli Gianfranco , Mazzoli Claudio , Sassi Raffaele
Published: September 2023

Numerous field and laboratory studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between radon variation and seismic events, as well as the complex link between radon emission and rock deformation mechanisms. However, a clear understanding of this correspondence and systematic observations of these phenomena are still lacking, and recent experimental studies have yet to yield conclusive results. In this study, we investigate the possible relationships between radon migration dynamics and rock deformation at the micro-scale through laboratory experiments using the SHIVA apparatus under shear stress-controlled conditions and simultaneous high-resolution radon measurements. We studied the behaviour of three different lithologies to show that radon emission varies in response to rock deformation and this variation is highly dependent on the mineralogy and microstructure. This study represents the first attempt to define radon gas as an indicator of transient and rapid rock deformation at the micro-scale.
Abnormal basement membrane results in increased keratinocyte-derived periostin expression in psoriasis similar to wound healing
Authors: Flink Lili Borbála , Ghaffarinia Ameneh , Papp Benjamin Tamás , Varga Ákos , Vigh András István , Vidács Dániel László , Kui Róbert , Kemény Lajos , Bata-Csörgő Zsuzsanna , Bozó Renáta
Published: September 2023

The psoriatic skin resembles wound healing, and it shows abnormalities at the basement membrane (BM), also in the non-lesional skin. Fibroblast-derived dermal periostin has well-known functions in wound healing and Th2-mediated diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Here we show that serum periostin level was elevated in psoriatic patients, remarkably in the systemically treated ones. Obvious periostin positivity was detected in basal keratinocytes of the non-lesional, lesional, and previously-lesional psoriatic vs. healthy skin. Ex vivo skin models were generated to examine how different skin injuries affect periostin expression during wound healing. Our newly developed cultured salt-split model demonstrated that BM-injury induced periostin expression in basal keratinocytes, and periostin levels in the supernatant were also increased upon healing. In wound healing models, β1-integrin expression was similarly induced. β1-integrin blocking caused reduced periostin expression in in vitro scratch assay, indicating that β1-integrin can mediate periostin production. In contrast to atopic dermatitis, psoriatic basal keratinocytes are in an activated state and show a stable wound healing-like phenotype with the overexpression of periostin. This abnormal BM-induced wound healing as a potential compensatory mechanism can be initiated already in the non-lesional skin present in the lesion and keratinocytes can remain activated in the healed skin.
Trajectories of social withdrawal and social anxiety and their relationship with self-esteem before, during, and after the school lockdowns
Authors: Cruz Sara , Sousa Mariana , Marchante Marta , Coelho Vítor Alexandre
Published: September 2023

The closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic affected adolescents’ social withdrawal and social anxiety. Yet, self-esteem may have acted as a protective factor during this period. This study aimed to compare the trajectories of social withdrawal and social anxiety before (Year 1), during (Year 2 and 3), and after (Year 4) the closure of schools imposed by the COVID-19-related lockdowns, and to investigate the association of self-esteem with these trajectories. Participants were 844 (50.6% boys) Portuguese adolescents (mean age 12.70 years, SD = 1.14). The Social and Emotional Competencies Evaluation Questionnaire (QACSE) was used to assess social withdrawal and social anxiety, while The Global Self-Esteem scale of the Self-Description Questionnaire II was used to measure self-esteem. Growth curve analysis showed that social withdrawal and social anxiety had more negative trajectories during the year in which the school closures occurred. In addition, adolescents reported higher social withdrawal after the lockdowns than before the pandemic. Higher self-esteem was associated with a more positive trajectory in social withdrawal. Therefore, the results showed the negative of impact of the closure of schools on adolescents’ social anxiety and social withdrawal, and that self-esteem was a protective factor during these challenging and adverse events.
Risk of rapid progression to dialysis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without diabetes-related complications at diagnosis
Authors: Shih Hong-Mo , Tsai Wen-Chen , Wu Pei-Yu , Chiu Li-Ting , Kung Pei-Tseng
Published: September 2023

Many adults with diabetes mellitus are unaware worldwide. The study objectives aimed to evaluate the risk of dialysis within 5 years of diagnosis between patients with newly diagnosed diabetes with and without diabetes-related complications. A retrospective longitudinal nationwide cohort study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with diabetes between 2005 and 2013 were followed up until 2018. They were categorized based on the presence or absence of complications, the number of complications, and the diabetes complications severity index (DCSI) scores. Dialysis outcomes were determined through the Registry of Catastrophic Illness from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Among the analyzed patients, 25.38% had complications at diagnosis. Patients with complications at diagnosis had a significantly higher risk of dialysis within 5 years (adjusted hazard ratio: 9.55, 95% confidence interval CI 9.02–10.11). Increasing DCSI scores and the number of complications were associated with higher dialysis risks. Patients with one complication had a 7.26-times higher risk (95% CI 6.83–7.71), while those with ≥ 3 complications had a 36.12-times higher risk (95% CI 32.28–40.41). In conclusion, newly diagnosed diabetes patients with complications face an increased risk of dialysis within 5 years. The severity and number of complications are directly linked to the risk of dialysis within this timeframe.
RAD-Seq analysis of wild Japanese garlic (Allium macrostemon Bunge) growing in Japan revealed that this neglected crop was previously actively utilized
Authors: Probowati Wiwit , Koga Shogo , Harada Kentaro , Nagano Yukio , Nagano Atsushi J. , Ishimaru Kanji , Ohshima Kazusato , Fukuda Shinji
Published: September 2023

Allium macrostemon Bunge, commonly referred to as "no-biru" in Japan, is a widespread wild onion species found across the country. Despite being deeply entwined in ancient Japanese culture, it remains an underutilized crop in Japan. Determining the origins of its domestic populations and understanding their genetic composition is crucial to highlighting the plant's historical significance in Japan. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the genetic diversity of 47 A. macrostemon samples from various regions in Japan using RAD-Seq. Our analyses distinguished unique population structures, dividing the samples into three distinct groups: A, B, and C. Notably, groups A and B showed clear evidence of bulb propagation, while group C did not. Group C formed four subgroups: C1, C2, C3, and C4. Hybridization between subgroup C1 and either group A, B, or both, resulted in the emergence of subgroups C2, C3, and C4. Thus, groups A, B, and C1 are posited as the ancestral populations. Additionally, our morphological observations indicated distinct differences among these three groups. Our findings also suggest that human migration may have influenced the plant's distribution, hinting at active usage in the past that later waned, causing its current underutilized status.
Texture-based brain networks for characterization of healthy subjects from MRI
Authors: da Silveira Rafael Vinícius , Li Li Min , Castellano Gabriela
Published: September 2023

Brain networks have been widely used to study the relationships between brain regions based on their dynamics using, e.g. fMRI or EEG, and to characterize their real physical connections using DTI. However, few studies have investigated brain networks derived from structural properties; and those have been based on cortical thickness or gray matter volume. The main objective of this work was to investigate the feasibility of obtaining useful information from brain networks derived from structural MRI, using texture features. We also wanted to verify if texture brain networks had any relation with established functional networks. T1-MR images were segmented using AAL and texture parameters from the gray-level co-occurrence matrix were computed for each region, for 760 subjects. Individual texture networks were used to evaluate the structural connections between regions of well-established functional networks; assess possible gender differences; investigate the dependence of texture network measures with age; and single out brain regions with different texture-network characteristics. Although around 70% of texture connections between regions belonging to the default mode, attention, and visual network were greater than the mean connection value, this effect was small (only between 7 and 15% of these connections were larger than one standard deviation), implying that texture-based morphology does not seem to subside function. This differs from cortical thickness-based morphology, which has been shown to relate to functional networks. Seventy-five out of 86 evaluated regions showed significant (ANCOVA,p < 0.05) differences between genders. Forty-four out of 86 regions showed significant (ANCOVA,p < 0.05) dependence with age; however, the R2indicates that this is not a linear relation. Thalamus and putamen showed a very unique texture-wise structure compared to other analyzed regions. Texture networks were able to provide useful information regarding gender and age-related differences, as well as for singling out specific brain regions. We did not find a morphological texture-based subsidy for the evaluated functional brain networks. In the future, this approach will be extended to neurological patients to investigate the possibility of extracting biomarkers to help monitor disease evolution or treatment effectiveness.
Isotopic and proteomic evidence for communal stability at Pre-Pottery Neolithic Jericho in the Southern Levant
Authors: Wang Xiaoran , Zhang Baoshuai , Sun Yufeng , Ingman Tara , Eisenmann Stefanie , Lucas Mary , Scott Erin , Ilgner Jana , Wu Gao , le Roux Petrus , Wu Xiaotong , Zhang Xingxiang , Fan Anchuan , Roberts Patrick , Stockhammer Philipp W.
Published: September 2023

As one of the key, long-term occupied sites in the Southern Levant, Jericho was one of the most important early Neolithic centres to witness social and economic changes associated with the domestication of plants and animals. This study applies strontium (87Sr/86Sr), oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) isotope analyses to the enamel of 52 human teeth from Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) layers of Jericho to directly study human diet and mobility and investigate the degree of consolidation and the flexibility of social organization of Jericho society in the PPN period. The results indicate only two non-local individuals out of the 44 sampled inhabitants identified by strontium isotope analysis and are consistent with the presence of a largely sedentary community at PPN Jericho with no evidence for large-scale migration. We also construct strontium spatial baselines (87Sr/86Sr map) with local 87Sr/86Sr signatures for the sites across the Southern Levant based on systematic compilation and analysis of available data. In addition, we apply proteomic analysis of sex-specific amelogenin peptides in tooth enamel for sex estimation of the sampled individuals (n = 44), the results of which showed a sex-biased ratio (more male than female detected in this sample pool) in Jericho society during the PPN period, which may be due to the limited sample size or selective ritual practices like particular burial zones used for specific groups. We also pretreated a batch of human bone samples recovered from PPNB Jericho for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses for dietary investigations. However, the extracted collagen showed poor preservation and no valid δ13C or δ15N data were obtained.
BBD optimized antioxidants of Crotalaria candicans and its nanoconjugates, exert potent in vivo anti-biofilm effects against MRSA
Authors: Subramani Ramya M. , Lotha Robert , Shamprasad Bhanuvalli R. , Sridharan Sriram , Natesan Ravichandran , Nagarajan Saisubramanian , Sivasubramanian Arvind
Published: September 2023

Crotalaria genus is extensively dispersed in tropical and subtropical provinces, and it is found to harbor antioxidant flavonoids. Response surface methodology-based optimization was carried out for the purpose of efficient extraction involving a suitable solvent which can maximize the yield along with higher total phenolic content and total flavonoid content (TFC). Optimization conditions for extraction of C.candicans flavonoids (CCF) based on variables such as solvent, solid-solvent ratio and extraction temperature were evaluated. The optimized conditions were found as Solvent i.e., Aqueous-ethanol (53.42%), Solid-solvent ratio (1:15.83 w/v) and temperature (44.42 °C) and resulted to obtain the TFC as 176.23 mg QRET/g C. candicans extract with the yield 27.42 mg CCF/g (C. candicans dry weight). LC–MS analysis of CCF, revealed the presence of seven major flavonoids. The antioxidant flavonoids were further used to functionalize the zero-valent silver (ZVAgF) and copper (ZVCuF) nanoparticles. The ZVAgF and ZVCuF were investigated using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry to confirm the presence of the zero valent metals and possible functional groups which capped the elemental metal. Further transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering method and zeta-potential studies were done to understand their respective structural and morphological properties. The efficacy of the as-prepared ZVAgF/ZVCuF as antibiofilm agents on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with the mechanism studies have been explored. The MRSA-colony count from the infection zebrafish (in vivo) model, portrayed a reduction of > 1.9 fold for ZVCuF and > twofold for ZVAgF, with no alteration in liver morphology when treated with ZVAgF, implying that the nanoparticles were safe and biocompatible.
BHLHE40, a potential immune therapy target, regulated by FGD5-AS1/miR-15a-5p in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Qi Wenxin , Liu Qian , Fu Wenjun , Shi Jiaming , Shi Minmin , Duan Songqi , Li Zhe , Song Shaohua , Wang Jiao , Liu Yihao
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer, as one of the neoplasms with the highest degree of malignancy, has become a main disease of concerns in recent years. BHLHE40, a critical transcription factor for remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, has been described to be substantially increased in a variety of tumor-associated immune cells. Nevertheless, the pro-cancer biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of BHLHE40 for pancreatic cancer and its unique microenvironment are unclear. Hereby, we investigated the pro-oncogenic role of BHLHE40 in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment by bioinformatics analysis and cell biology experiments and determined that the expression of BHLHE40 was obviously elevated in pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. In parallel, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis unveiled that lower expression of BHLHE40 was strongly associated with better prognosis of patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the accuracy of the BHLHE40-related prediction model. Subsequent, spearman correlation analysis observed that higher expression of BHLHE40 might be involved in immunosuppression of pancreatic cancer. Silencing of BHLHE40 could inhibit proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo, implying that BHLHE40 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. In addition, we explored and validated the FGD5-AS1/miR-15a-5p axis as a potential upstream regulatory mode for high expression of BHLHE40 in pancreatic cancer. In summary, our data showed that ceRNA involved in the regulation of BHLHE40 contributes to the promotion of immunosuppressive response in pancreatic and is expected to be a diagnostic marker and potential immunotherapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Renoprotective potential of concomittant medications with SGLT2 inhibitors and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in diabetic nephropathy without albuminuria: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ishibashi Tatsuya , Morita Shuhei , Furuta Hiroto , Nishi Masahiro , Matsuoka Taka-Aki
Published: September 2023

The renal protective effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors on diabetic nephropathy without albuminuria have not been fully investigated. This retrospective cohort study focused on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio < 30 mg/gCr. After propensity score matching, using covariates such as age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c levels, and prescription history of RAS inhibitors, we established a cohort of 58 patients: the SGLT2 inhibitor group (n = 28) and the control group (n = 28). In this cohort, we compared the annual eGFR decline rate between the two groups. The SGLT2 inhibitor group exhibited a significantly smaller eGFR change than the control group (− 1.15 vs. − 2.18 mL/min/1.73 m2/year). Within the SGLT2 inhibitor group, patients prescribed RAS inhibitors had demonstrated an even smaller eGFR change (− 0.70 mL/min/1.73 m2/year). In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibitors also have safeguarding effects in the stage of diabetic nephropathy without albuminuria, and the combined use of a SGLT2 inhibitor and a RAS inhibitor appears to be more effective than the single use of each.
Association of osteoporosis and sarcopenia with fracture risk in transfusion-dependent thalassemia
Authors: Thavonlun Suttana , Houngngam Natnicha , Kingpetch Kanaungnit , Numkarunarunrote Numphung , Santisitthanon Prangareeya , Buranasupkajorn Patinut , Pongchaiyakul Chatlert , Sutcharitchan Pranee , Wattanachanya Lalita
Published: September 2023

Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) have an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. They also have several potential factors associated with sarcopenia. There has been currently no study on sarcopenia and its association with falls and fractures in TDT. This study aims to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with osteoporosis, fragility fractures, and sarcopenia in adults with TDT. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the hematologic clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Clinical data and laboratory testing were collected. Bone mineral density and morphometric vertebral fracture were assessed. Sarcopenia was defined using the 2014 and 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria. We included 112 TDT patients aged 35.1 ± 12.5 years. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 38.4%. Fragility fractures were found in 20.5% of patients. Lower BMI (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12–0.72,P = 0.007) and hypogonadal state (OR 3.72; 95% CI 1.09–12.74,P = 0.036) were independently associated with osteoporosis. According to the 2014 AWGS criteria, the prevalence of overall sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia was 44.6% and 13.4%, respectively. Severe sarcopenia was strongly associated with fragility fractures (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.21–17.46,P = 0.025). In conclusion, osteoporosis, fragility fractures, and sarcopenia were prevalent in adults with TDT. Severe sarcopenia was associated with fragility fractures. Early osteoporosis and sarcopenia screening and prevention may reduce fracture risk and its complications in these patients.
Establishment of a 96-well transwell system using primary human gut organoids to capture multiple quantitative pathway readouts
Authors: Wright Charles W. , Li Naomi , Shaffer Lynsey , Hill Armetta , Boyer Nicolas , Alves Stephen E. , Venkataraman Sriraman , Biswas Kaustav , Lieberman Linda A. , Mohammadi Sina
Published: September 2023

Disruptions in the gut epithelial barrier can lead to the development of chronic indications such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Historically, barrier function has been assessed in cancer cell lines, which do not contain all human intestinal cell types, leading to poor translatability. To bridge this gap, we adapted human primary gut organoids grown as monolayers to quantify transcription factor phosphorylation, gene expression, cytokine production, and barrier function. In this work we describe and characterize a novel 96-well human gut organoid-derived monolayer system that enables quantitative assessment of candidate therapeutics. Normal human intestine differentiation patterns and barrier function were characterized and confirmed to recapitulate key aspects of in vivo biology. Next, cellular response to TNF-α (a central driver of IBD) was determined using a diverse cadre of quantitative readouts. We showed that TNF-α pathway antagonists rescued damage caused by TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that this system is suitable for quantitative assessment of barrier modulating factors. Taken together, we have established a robust primary cell-based 96-well system capable of interrogating questions around mucosal response. This system is well suited to provide pivotal functional data to support translational target and drug discovery efforts.
Association between sense of coherence and health and well-being among older survivors of a natural disaster: a prospective outcome-wide study
Authors: Hikichi Hiroyuki , Shiba Koichiro , Aida Jun , Kondo Katsunori , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: September 2023

We examined whether pre-disaster Sense of Coherence (SOC) mitigated the impact of housing damage on health and well-being of older survivors after the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. A panel survey was conducted in a city located 80 km west of the epicenter seven months before and three years after the disaster (3594 respondents). Among respondents with lighter property damage, higher SOC was inversely associated with mental distress (coefficient − 0.29, 95% CI (confidence interval) − 0.39, − 0.19, p < .01), unhappiness (coefficient − 0.33, 95% CI − 0.43, − 0.23, p < .01), low expectation of mutual help (coefficient − 0.17, 95% CI − 0.27, − 0.07, p < .01), and weak community attachment (coefficient − 0.20, 95% CI − 0.30, − 0.11, p < .01). Conversely, among those who experienced housing loss, higher SOC was no longer protectively associated with health and well-being. Loss of generalized resistance resources due to serious damage led to difficulties in stress coping.
Network analysis to estimate central insomnia symptoms among daytime workers at-risk for insomnia
Authors: Takano Yuta , Ibata Rui , Nakano Norihito , Sakano Yuji
Published: September 2023

Although insomnia complaints are associated with mental health problems and reduced work productivity, the central insomnia symptoms in workers at-risk for insomnia remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the central insomnia symptoms among daytime workers at risk for insomnia. The participants were 881 Japanese daytime workers at-risk for insomnia with a mean age of 49.33 ± 9.92 years. At-risk for insomnia was defined as an Athens Insomnia Scale score of six or higher. The Athens Insomnia Scale was used as a screening for at-risk insomnia because it has higher sensitivity and specificity than other insomnia screening scales. The Insomnia Severity Index is recommended as a mechanism of insomnia and an outcome measure; therefore, a network analysis was conducted with the seven items of the Insomnia Severity Index. The important variables in the connections between insomnia symptoms were estimated from centrality indices, which were interpretable only for strength. The strength value results suggest that difficulty staying asleep and worry about sleep problems were the central insomnia symptoms. The connections were stronger for difficulty staying asleep and problem waking up too early, difficulty staying asleep and difficulty falling asleep, and interference with daytime functions and noticeable to others. Worry about sleep problems was strongly associated with variables other than nocturnal insomnia symptoms. Therefore, difficulty staying asleep and worry about sleep problems are important variables in daytime workers at-risk for insomnia and are key points for improvement or exacerbation of insomnia symptoms.
Midwinter breakdown of ENSO climate impacts in East Asia
Authors: Geng Xin , Noh Kyung-Min , Kim Kyungna , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: September 2023

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence on the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) exhibits remarkable non-stationarity on subseasonal timescales, severely limiting climate predictability. Here, based on observational and reanalysis datasets, we identify a robust subseasonal variability in the EAWM response to ENSO, with a notable synchronous break in mid-January lasting about 10 days. We suggest that this breakdown is largely caused by interference from the abrupt phase reversal of the ENSO-driven North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which occurs about a week earlier in early January. During El Niño years, the NAO phase transition from positive to negative triggers a rapid change in the mid-latitude atmospheric circulation via the quasi-stationary Rossby wave adjustment. This results in the strengthening of the Siberian high, which produces strong northerly wind anomalies over East Asia, while the anomalous western North Pacific anticyclone weakens and shrinks to the south, eventually leading to the collapse of the teleconnection.
ALK fusions in the pan-cancer setting: another tumor-agnostic target?
Authors: Shreenivas Aditya , Janku Filip , Gouda Mohamed A. , Chen Hui-Zi , George Ben , Kato Shumei , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: September 2023

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) alterations (activating mutations, amplifications, and fusions/rearrangements) occur in ~3.3% of cancers.ALKfusions/rearrangements are discerned in >50% of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) and anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs), but only in ~0.2% of other cancers outside of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a rate that may be below the viability threshold of even large-scale treatment trials. Five ALK inhibitors –alectinib, brigatinib, ceritinb, crizotinib, and lorlatinib—are FDA approved forALK-aberrant NSCLCs, and crizotinib is also approved forALK-aberrant IMTs and ALCL, including in children. Herein, we review the pharmacologic tractability ofALKalterations, focusing beyond NSCLC. Importantly, the hallmark of approved indications is the presence ofALKfusions/rearrangements, and response rates of ~50–85%. Moreover, there are numerous reports of ALK inhibitor activity in multiple solid and hematologic tumors (e.g., histiocytosis, leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, myeloma, and colorectal, neuroendocrine, ovarian, pancreatic, renal, and thyroid cancer) bearingALKfusions/rearrangements. Many reports used crizotinib or alectinib, but each of the approved ALK inhibitors have shown activity. ALK inhibitor activity is also seen in neuroblastoma, which bearALKmutations (rather than fusions/rearrangements), but response rates are lower (~10–20%). Current data suggests that ALK inhibitors have tissue-agnostic activity in neoplasms bearingALKfusions/rearrangements.
Recent advances in enantioselective ring-opening polymerization and copolymerization
Authors: Xie Xiaoyu , Huo Ziyu , Jang Eungyo , Tong Rong
Published: September 2023

Precisely controlling macromolecular stereochemistry and sequences is a powerful strategy for manipulating polymer properties. Controlled synthetic routes to prepare degradable polyester, polycarbonate, and polyether are of recent interest due to the need for sustainable materials as alternatives to petrochemical-based polyolefins. Enantioselective ring-opening polymerization and ring-opening copolymerization of racemic monomers offer access to stereoregular polymers, specifically enantiopure polymers that form stereocomplexes with improved physicochemical and mechanical properties. Here, we highlight the state-of-the-art of this polymerization chemistry that can produce microstructure-defined polymers. In particular, the structures and performances of various homogeneous enantioselective catalysts are presented. Trends and future challenges of such chemistry are discussed.
Conversion of the bronchial tree into a conforming electrode to ablate the lung nodule in a porcine model
Authors: Shah Izaz Ali , Seol Hee Yun , Cho Youngdae , Ji Wonjun , Seo Jaeyoung , Lee Cheolmin , Chon Min-Ku , Shin Donghoon , Kim Justin H. , Choo Ki-Seok , Park Junhui , Kim Juhyung , Yoo Hyoungsuk , Kim June-Hong
Published: September 2023

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the treatment options for lung nodules. However, the need for exact delivery of the rigid metal electrode into the center of the target mass often leads to complications or suboptimal results. To overcome these limitations, a concept of conforming electrodes using a flexible material has been tested in this study.

Methods

A bronchoscopy-guided RFA (CAROL) under a temperature-controlled mode was tested in in-vivo and ex-vivo porcine lungs. Gallium-based liquid metal was used for turning the bronchial tree into temporary RF electrodes. A customized bronchoscopy-guided balloon-tipped guiding catheter (CAROL catheter) was used to make the procedure feasible under fluoroscopy imaging guidance. The computer simulation was also performed to gain further insight into the ablation results. Safety was also assessed including the liquid metal remaining in the body.

Results

The bronchial electrode injected from the CAROL catheter was able to turn the target site bronchial air pipe into a temporally multi-tined RF electrode. The mean volume of Gallium for each effective CAROL was 0.46 ± 0.47 ml. The ablation results showed highly efficacious and consistent results, especially in the peripheral lung. Most bronchial electrodes were also retrieved by either bronchoscopic suction immediately after the procedure or by natural expectoration thereafter. The liquid metal used in these experiments did not have any significant safety issues. Computer simulation also supports these results.

Conclusion

The CAROL ablation was very effective and safe in porcine lungs showing encouraging potential to overcome the conventional approaches.
Syngas-free Methane-to-methanol via Catalysis and Oxygen Looping
Authors: Jovanovic Zoran R. , Ravi Manoj , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: September 2023

The search for a syngas-free methane-to-methanol conversion route dates back to the early 20th century. Numerous concepts have been attempted leading to admirable advancements in science and technology. However, thus far no commercially-viable solution has been identified. This chapter summarizes the state-of-the-art achievements of catalytic and oxygen looping systems that compete in meeting this challenge and compares them against the industrially-pertinent targets stated in the literature. By doing so, it outlines the paradigm shift in the research focus that is necessary for delivering solutions of long-sought industrial interest.
Methane Pyrolysis for CO2-free Hydrogen Production
Authors: McFarland E. , Palmer C. , Zeng J.
Published: September 2023

The pyrolysis of methane and other hydrocarbons produces solid carbon and hydrogen, which can be used as a CO2-free fuel allowing more sustainable use of our fossil resources while long-term energy solutions are developed. The fundamental chemistry has long been studied and the process requirements for pyrolysis well understood. Very high reactor temperatures, efficient energy addition, and management of the solid carbon product pose engineering challenges. For the production of a valuable solid carbon product, methane pyrolysis is practiced commercially; however, the high-value carbon market is limited in size. For pyrolysis to compete economically with existing commercial methane reforming processes for hydrogen production, a sustained and significant negative cost must be assigned to the CO2 generated by reforming and an efficient, low-cost, scalable pyrolysis process demonstrated.
Biological Methane Conversion
Authors: Rao Christopher V. , Mackie Roderick I. , Parker David A. , Shears Jeremy H.
Published: September 2023

Methanotrophs are microorganisms capable of growing on methane as their sole carbon source. Many scientists from academia and industry have proposed that these microorganisms can upgrade methane into value-added chemicals. Biological processes utilizing these microorganisms may provide a more economical alternative to existing thermo-chemical gas-to-liquid conversion processes, because they are less capitally intensive, do not require extreme operating conditions, and can potentially be deployed at smaller scale to capture gas at remote wells. We evaluate the technical challenges associated with the commercial exploitation of biological methane conversion. To date, only single-cell protein has been produced in an industrial process. Few value-added chemicals are natively produced by methanotrophs, the key ones being polyhydroxyalkanoates and ectoine, although other molecules have been produced at the proof-of-concept stage via genetic modification. A major hurdle to commercial scale-up is the limited solubility of methane and oxygen in fermentation media. Whilst progress has been made on advanced fermentation engineering to enhance gas transfer, this is a field ripe for development. Finally, we note that most studies have relied on pure methane, whereas the suitability of the well-head natural gas for methanotrophs has yet to be properly investigated.
Separations in Processes for Methane Conversion
Authors: Bravo Jose L.
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses separation methods for the products of methane conversion. It focuses on the difficulty presented by the opposing process conditions of temperature and pressure that are optimal for reaction vis a vis separations. And it elucidates how a hybrid reaction/separation process would be optimal. In the end, a process with good integration would be more energy efficient and less costly so the chapter advocates for co-development of a reactive separation scheme.
Nitrification in the Ocean: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dipro Mukherjee , Nag Moupriya , Lahiri Dibyajit , Dey Ankita , Rina Rani Ray
Published: September 2023

Nitrogen forms an essential element for marine organisms and plays a pivotal role in controlling productivity in various parts of the ocean. Nitrogen, being present in various oxidation states ranging from ammonium to nitrate, acts both as an electron acceptor and donor. Nitrification, the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and nitrate, is probably the dominant type of chemoautotrophic metabolism in the ocean and may be unique in that it takes place in the oxidized water column. Nitrification is a central process in the nitrogen cycle, which is closely associated with phosphorous, carbon and other biologically important components that are essential for the maintenance of the nutrient stoichiometry in the marine environment. The process of nitrification does not influence the net nitrogen stock of the ocean trove except for small alterations in the gaseous pool of nitrous oxide. The group of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea play an active role in the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and the group of nitrite oxidizers help in the conversion of nitrite to nitrate, which in turn is taken up by phytoplankton, the producer community of the marine ecosystem, as an essential source of nitrogen. Bacteria are the only groups of ammonia oxidizers and also include anammox species, mediating anaerobic ammonium oxidation with nitrite, present in the marine nitrogen cycle. The autotrophic nitrifying biofilm formed by the nitrifying and the anammox bacteria is found to play a significant role in the process of nitrification.
Anammox Bacteria and Their Application in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Dey Satarupa , Dey Abhijit , Anand Uttpal , Vineet Kumar
Published: September 2023

Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) is considered as an innovative technology designed for the treatment of wastewater with very high ammonia nitrogen concentrations. This process has significant advantages over other processes as it is energy saving and produces a much reduced amount of sludge. It is also considered as an eco-friendly, cost effective process and is associated with less greenhouse gas emissions. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria were discovered as early as the 1990s and they have the unique metabolic ability to combine ammonium and nitrite or nitrate to form nitrogen gas. These groups of microorganisms are responsible for nearly 50% of the total nitrogen turnover. The anammox bacteria comprise a wide range of microorganisms that are capable of doing a wide range of functions, such as nitritation and denitritation, which have much reduced oxygen and organic matter consumption. This present chapter mainly deals with the types of anammox bacteria and their mode of action in wastewater treatment systems. The impact of environmental factor on the metabolic activity of these group has also been discussed in detail. Also, focus is given to the potential application of anammox bacteria on an industrial scale.
Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Metabolism of Unique Anammox Bacteria
Authors: Choubey Jyotsna , Choudhari Jyoti Kant , Anandkumar J. , Verma Mukesh Kumar , Chaterjee Tanushree , Sahariah Biju Prava
Published: September 2023

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria oxidize ammonium in the absence of oxygen with NO2 as the oxidant instead of oxygen and form dinitrogen (N2) as the end product. Anammox bacteria belong to the phylum Planctomycetes. Anammox bacteria are characterized by a compartmentalized cell architecture featuring a central cell compartment, the “anammoxosome”. This organelle is surrounded by ladderane lipids, which make the organelle nearly impermeable to hydrazine and protons. Anammox bacteria show similarities to both Archaea and Eukarya, making them extremely interesting from a cell biological perspective. Anammox metabolism takes place in a special and unique cell organelle, the anammoxosome. Here, energy released in the anammox reaction is used to generate proton-motive force that drives ATP synthesis. This respiratory process is supported by novel membrane-bound protein complexes. On a global scale, anammox bacteria significantly contribute to the removal of fixed nitrogen from the environment and the process is finding rapidly increasing interest in wastewater treatment. This chapter highlights the current knowledge on the cell biology, biochemistry and metabolism of this unique group of bacteria.
Nitrite-oxidizing Bacteria: Cultivation, Growth Physiology, and Chemotaxonomy
Authors: Patil Pooja M. , Parthasarathy Arun Kumar , Matkar Abhijeet R. , Mahamuni-Badiger Pranjali , Hwang Sangchul , Gurav Ranjit , Dhanavade Maruti J.
Published: September 2023

Nitrification is a microbial process that converts ammonia and similar nitrogen compounds into nitrite (NO2−) and then nitrate (NO3−) via two different functional groups of specialized chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms. In an oxygenic environment, nitrification occurs in rivers, lakes, aerated soil, ocean water, sediments, and biological wastewater treatment systems. The nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) can be divided into two groups: Nitrococcus and Nitrobacter. NOBs are comparatively easy to handle as they are adapted to high nitrite concentrations up to 29 mM. The NOB species are organic/chemoautotrophic bacteria, and most of them are Gram-negative. Due to the poor energy balance, the growth rate of NOBs and conversion of nitrite to nitrate are slow. The NOBs multiply in a broad range of environmental habitats, like terrestrial, marine, and acidic conditions, and they have diverse lifestyles (lithoautotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic). Nitrite oxidation is a strictly aerobic approach and the C-requirement may be met by the assimilation of CO2. The fatty acid profile will reflect the phylogenetic heterogeneity and studying it is a valuable chemotaxonomy method. Hence, knowing the importance of NOBs, it was necessary to compile all the available information. This chapter encompasses the cultivation, growth physiology, identification, and chemotaxonomy of NOBs.
Understanding of the difference in packing density of some energetic isomers
Authors: Wang Rong , Linghu Yaoyao , Zhong Kai , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: September 2023

This work describes the underlying mechanism for the packing density differences in energetic isomers and presents a strategy for constructing high density energetic compounds.
Methane monooxygenases; physiology, biochemistry and structure
Authors: Sakai Yasuyoshi , Yurimoto Hiroya , Shima Seigo
Published: September 2023

Methane monooxygenases (MMOs) are potential biocatalysts for industrial methanol production from methane. We summarize recent structural and biochemical studies of pMMO and discuss the future directions to develop efficient and robust biocatalysts.
Tuning the active sites and optimizing the d-spacing value in CoFe-LDH by ex situ intercalation of guest anions: an innovative electrocatalyst for overall water splitting reaction
Authors: Nagappan Sreenivasan , Karmakar Arun , Madhu Ragunath , Dhandapani Hariharan N. , Singha Roy Suprobhat , Kundu Subrata
Published: September 2023

A facile strategy of ex situ guest anion incorporation into CoFe-LDH has been developed, in which the guest anion with the optimized concentration greatly enhances the OER, HER and total water splitting performance of the CoFe-LDH.
Natural alternative heme-environments allow efficient peroxygenase activity by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases
Authors: Ebrecht Ana C. , Smit Martha S. , Opperman Diederik J.
Published: September 2023

Mild oxyfunctionalization reactions driven by hydrogen peroxide using cytochrome P450 monooxygenases with alternative heme environments.
Critical review of the phytochemical profiles and health-promoting effects of the edible mushroomArmillaria mellea
Authors: Huang Kaiyuan , Xu Baojun
Published: September 2023

Research on the nutritional and medicinal properties of wild edible mushrooms has witnessed a significant surge in recent years.
Size-tailorable lignin nanoparticle synthesis: effects of solution chemistry and DLVO forces on amphiphilic balance of lignin
Authors: Li Qianwei , Zhang Hanwen , Lee Jaewon , Wan Caixia
Published: September 2023

A DLVO–PBE model customized for lignin self-assembly was applied to predict the particle sizes of lignin nanoparticles.