bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion suppression and strengthening of the Al-10Zn alloy by adding silica nanorods
Authors: AbdElRhiem Eman , Barakat Yosry F. , Abdelaziz Shereen M. , Mostafa M. M. , Nada R. H. , Mohamed Saad G.
Published: July 2024

Aluminum alloys have been widely studied because of their current engineering applications. Due to their high strength and lightweight, cracking can easily initiate on their surface, deteriorating their overall functional and structural properties and causing environmental attacks. The current study highlights the significant influence of incorporating 1 wt% silica nanostructure in aluminum-10 zinc alloys. The characteristics of the composites were examined using Vickers hardness, tensile, and electrochemical testing (OCP, Tafel, and EIS) at various artificial aging temperatures (423, 443, and 463 K). Silica nanorods may achieve ultrafine grains, increase hardness by up to 13.8%, increase σUTS values by up to 79% at 443 K, and improve corrosion rate by up to 89.4%, surpassing Al-10 Zn bulk metallics. We demonstrate that silica nanorods contribute to the creation of a superior nanocomposite that not only limits failure events under loading but also resists corrosion. Our findings suggest that silica nanocomposite can produce unique features for use in a variety of automotive, construction, and aerospace applications. This improvement can be attributed mainly to the large surface area of nano-silica particles, which alters the Al matrix. Microstructural, mechanical, and electrochemical studies revealed that the effects of structure refinement were dependent on nano-silica.
Multi-centric evaluation of Truenat MTB and MTB-RIF Dx assays for diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Singh Urvashi B. , Singh Manjula , Rodrigues Camilla , Christopher D. J. , Mahajan Neeraj , Srivastav Abhinav , Singh Kh Jitenkumar , Kanswal Sunita , Rao M. V. V. , kazi Mubin , Sawant Damini , Thangakunam Balamugesh , Vijay Coelho Victor , Shankar Deepa , Bhatnagar Anuj , Mohan Anant , Ahuja Vineet
Published: July 2024

Extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) is difficult to diagnose due to paucibacillary nature of disease. Current study evaluated accuracy of Truenat MTB and MTB-Rif Dx (TN), for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and resistance to rifampicin. Samples were collected from 2103 treatment naive adults with presumptive EPTB, and tested by smear microscopy, liquid culture (LC) (MGIT-960) and GeneXpert MTB/RIF (GX) (Microbiological Reference Standards, MRS). TN results were compared to MRS and Composite Reference Standards (CRS, Microbiology, histopathology, radiology, clinical features prompting decision to treat, response to treatment). CRS grouped patients into 551 confirmed, 1096 unconfirmed, and 409 as unlikely TB. TN sensitivity and specificity was 73.7% and 90.4% against GX. Against LC, Overall sensitivity of GX was 67.6%, while that of TN was 62.3%. Highest sensitivity by TN was observed in pus samples (89%) and highest specificity (92%) in CSF samples, similar to GX. TN sensitivity was better in fluid and biopsy samples and slightly inferior for lymph node aspirates compared to GX. TN sensitivity for RIF resistance detection was slightly superior to GX. TN and GX results were further compared to Clinical Reference Standards. TN detected 170 TB patients initiated on treatment missed by GX, while GX detected 113 such patients missed by TN. Of 124 samples with RIF resistance discordance between GX and TN, GX reported 103/124 as sensitive, 3/124 as indeterminate and 18 as resistant (13/18 samples had low/very low DNA load) while TN reported RIF resistance indeterminate in 103/111 low/very low DNA load samples. Due to paucibacillary nature of EPTB samples, culture yield was poor and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing failed to resolve the discordance. The study establishes TN at par with GX and can be utilized for quick and accurate diagnosis of EPTB.
Progressive transfer learning for advancing machine learning-based reduced-order modeling
Authors: Kadeethum Teeratorn , O’Malley Daniel , Choi Youngsoo , Viswanathan Hari S. , Yoon Hongkyu
Published: July 2024

To maximize knowledge transfer and improve the data requirement for data-driven machine learning (ML) modeling, a progressive transfer learning for reduced-order modeling (p-ROM) framework is proposed. A key concept of p-ROM is to selectively transfer knowledge from previously trained ML models and effectively develop a new ML model(s) for unseen tasks by optimizing information gates in hidden layers. The p-ROM framework is designed to work with any type of data-driven ROMs. For demonstration purposes, we evaluate the p-ROM with specific Barlow Twins ROMs (p-BT-ROMs) to highlight how progress learning can apply to multiple topological and physical problems with an emphasis on a small training set regime. The proposed p-BT-ROM framework has been tested using multiple examples, including transport, flow, and solid mechanics, to illustrate the importance of progressive knowledge transfer and its impact on model accuracy with reduced training samples. In both similar and different topologies, p-BT-ROM achieves improved model accuracy with much less training data. For instance, p-BT-ROM with four-parent (i.e., pre-trained models) outperforms the no-parent counterpart trained on data nine times larger. The p-ROM framework is poised to significantly enhance the capabilities of ML-based ROM approaches for scientific and engineering applications by mitigating data scarcity through progressively transferring knowledge.
Fire protection priorities in the oak forests of Iran with an emphasis on vertebrate habitat preservation
Authors: Sayahnia Romina , Ommi Salma , Khoshnamvand Hadi , Salmanpour Farid , Sadeghi Seyed Mohammad Moein , Ahmadzadeh Faraham
Published: July 2024

This study examines the impact of fire incidents on wildlife and habitats in the western oak forests of Iran (Zagros region). These forests are globally recognized for their exceptional biodiversity but are frequently threatened by wildfires. To achieve this, the study uses the space–time scan statistics permutation (STSSP) model to identify areas with a higher frequency of fires. The study also analyzes the effects of fires on the Zagros forests from 2000 to 2021 using remote-sensing MODIS data. Also, to understand the elements at risk of fire, burned areas were assessed based on the richness of vertebrate species, determined by the distribution of 88 vertebrate species. The results show that the annual fire rate in the Zagros forests is 76.2 (fire occurrences per year), calculated using the Poisson distribution. Findings show the highest fire rates are found in the northwest and a part of the south of the Zagros. The northwest of the Zagros also has the largest number of single fires and clusters, indicating a wide spatial distribution of fire in these regions. On the other side, it was unexpectedly found that these regions have the richest number of species and higher habitat value. The results demonstrate a significant correlation between the value of the habitat and the extent of burned areas (p < 0.05). The study also reveals that the greatest impact of fires is on small vertebrates. The overlap of frequent fire spots with the richest regions of Zagros oak forests in terms of vertebrate diversity emphasizes the need for strategic forest risk reduction planning, especially in these priority zones.
Impact of patrilocality on contrasting patterns of paternal and maternal heritage in Central-West Africa
Authors: Nguidi Masinda , Gomes Verónica , Vullo Carlos , Rodrigues Pedro , Rotondo Martina , Longaray Micaela , Catelli Laura , Martínez Beatriz , Campos Afonso , Carvalho Elizeu , Orovboni Victoria O. , Keshinro Samuel O. , Simão Filipa , Gusmão Leonor
Published: July 2024

Despite their ancient past and high diversity, African populations are the least represented in human population genetic studies. In this study, uniparental markers (mtDNA and Y chromosome) were used to investigate the impact of sociocultural factors on the genetic diversity and inter-ethnolinguistic gene flow in the three major Nigerian groups: Hausa (n = 89), Yoruba (n = 135) and Igbo (n = 134). The results show a distinct history from the maternal and paternal perspectives. The three Nigerian groups present a similar substrate for mtDNA, but not for the Y chromosome. The two Niger–Congo groups, Yoruba and Igbo, are paternally genetically correlated with populations from the same ethnolinguistic affiliation. Meanwhile, the Hausa is paternally closer to other Afro-Asiatic populations and presented a high diversity of lineages from across Africa. When expanding the analyses to other African populations, it is observed that language did not act as a major barrier to female-mediated gene flow and that the differentiation of paternal lineages is better correlated with linguistic than geographic distances. The results obtained demonstrate the impact of patrilocality, a common and well-established practice in populations from Central-West Africa, in the preservation of the patrilineage gene pool and in the affirmation of identity between groups.
Cell free DNA in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: clinicopathologic correlations
Authors: Theparee Talent , Akroush Michael , Sabatini Linda M. , Wang Vivien , Mangold Kathy A. , Joseph Nora , Stocker Susan Jane , Freedman Alexa , Helseth Donald L. , Talamonti Mark S. , Kaul Karen L.
Published: July 2024

Detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from plasma cell free DNA (cfDNA) has shown promise for diagnosis, therapeutic targeting, and prognosis. This study explores ctDNA detection by next generation sequencing (NGS) and associated clinicopathologic factors in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients undergoing surgical exploration or resection of pancreatic lesions were enrolled with informed consent. Plasma samples (4–6 ml) were collected prior to surgery and cfDNA was recovered from 95 plasma samples. Adequate cfDNA for NGS (20 ng) was obtained from 81 patients. NGS was performed using the Oncomine Lung cfDNA assay on the Ion Torrent S5 sequencing platform. Twenty-five patients (30.9%) had detectable mutations in KRAS and/or TP53 with allele frequencies ranging from 0.05 to 8.5%, while mutations in other genes were detected less frequently and always along with KRAS or TP53. Detectable ctDNA mutations were more frequent in patients with poorly differentiated tumors, and patients without detectable ctDNA mutations showed longer survival (medians of 10.5 months vs. 18 months, p = 0.019). The detection of circulating tumor DNA in pancreatic adenocarcinomas is correlated with worse survival outcomes.
Evaluating the impact of soil erosion on soil quality in an agricultural land, northeastern China
Authors: Fang Haiyan , Zhai Yuyu , Li Chaoyue
Published: July 2024

The impact of soil erosion on soil quality is still not systematically understood. The purpose of this study was thus to quantify the impact of soil erosion on soil quality and its change with slope morphology in an agricultural field, northeastern China based on radionuclide 137Cs, unmanned aerial vehicle derived high resolution digital elevation model, and soil sampling. 137Cs method yielded an average soil erosion rate of − 275 t km−2 yr−1 ranging from − 1870 to 1557 t km−2 yr−1. The soil quality index derived from total dataset (SQI_TDS) can be well explained by that derived from minimum data set (SQI_MDS) with a determination coefficient R2 of 0.874. SOM, sand, and cation exchange capacity in the MDS play more important roles than other soil indicators. Soil quality was significantly affected by soil erosion, with Adj. R2 of 0.29 and 0.33 for SQI_TDS and SQI_MDS, respectively. The spatial variations of soil erosion and soil quality were both affected by slope topography. Soil erosion must be controlled according to topographic and erosion characteristics in northeastern China.
In-party love spreads more efficiently than out-party hate in online communities
Authors: Martin-Gutierrez Samuel , Robles Morales José Manuel , Torcal Mariano , Losada Juan Carlos , Benito Rosa María
Published: July 2024

In this article, we present the findings of a comprehensive longitudinal social network analysis conducted on Twitter across four consecutive election campaigns in Spain, spanning from 2015 to 2019. Our focus is on the discernible trend of increasing partisan and ideological homogeneity within interpersonal exchanges on this social media platform, alongside high levels of networking efficiency measured through average retweeting. This diachronic study allows us to observe how dynamics of party competition might contribute to perpetuating and strengthening network ideological and partisan homophily, creating ‘epistemic bubbles’ in Twitter, yet showing a greater resistance to transforming them into ‘partisan echo-chambers.’ Specifically, our analysis reveals that the rise of a new radical right-wing party (RRP), Vox, has heightened ideological homogeneity among users across the entire ideological spectrum. However, this process has not been uniform. While users aligned with mainstream political parties consistently share content that reinforces in-party affinity, resulting in highly efficient ‘epistemic bubbles,’ the emergence of the RRP has given rise to a distinct group of users associated with the most extreme partisan positions, characterized by a notable proportion of out-partisan hostility content, which has fostered the creation of low-efficient 'partisan echo-chambers.'
B-cell hub genes play a cardiovascular pathogenic role of in childhood obesity and Kawasaki disease as revealed by transcriptomics-based analyses
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ji Xiaoyi , Ge Yao , Niu Huimin , Zhang Xinyi , Jiang Feng , Wu Chuyan
Published: July 2024

The study aims to explore the central genes that Kawasaki disease (KD) and Obesity (OB) may jointly contribute to coronary artery disease. Investigating single-cell datasets (GSE168732 and GSE163830) from a comprehensive gene expression database, we identified characteristic immune cell subpopulations in KD and OB. B cells emerged as the common immune cell characteristic subgroup in both conditions. Subsequently, we analyzed RNA sequencing datasets (GSE18606 and GSE87493) to identify genes associated with B-cell subpopulations in KD and OB. Lastly, a genome-wide association study and Mendelian randomization were conducted to substantiate the causal impact of these core genes on myocardial infarction. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to validate the expression levels of hub genes in KD and OB. The overlapping characteristic genes of B cell clusters in both KD and OB yielded 70 shared characteristic genes. PPI analysis led to the discovery of eleven key genes that significantly contribute to the crosstalk. Employing receiver operating characteristic analysis, we evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of these core genes and scored them using Cytoscape software. The inverse variance weighting analysis suggested an association between TNFRSF17 and myocardial infarction risk, with an odds ratio of 0.9995 (95% CI = 0.9990–1.0000, p = 0.049). By employing a single-cell combined transcriptome data analysis, we successfully pinpointed central genes associated with both KD and OB. The implications of these findings extend to shedding light on the increased risk of coronary artery disease resulting from the co-occurrence of OB and KD.
CT-derived body composition and differential association with age, TNM stage and systemic inflammation in patients with colon cancer
Authors: Golder Allan M. , Ferguson Michael , McMillan Paul , Mansouri David , Horgan Paul G. , Roxburgh Campbell S. , Dolan Ross D. , McGovern Josh , McMillan Donald C.
Published: July 2024

Low skeletal muscle index/density (SMI/SMD) is prevalent in cancer, adversely prognostic and associated with tumour stage and the systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Age and SMI/SMD has not been widely studied. The present study analyses the association between age and SMI/SMD after adjustment for other clinicopathological factors. Patients undergoing resectional surgery for TNM Stage I-III disease within the West of Scotland between 2011 and 2014 were identified. A single CT slice was obtained from each patients staging CT scan. SMI and SMD were stratified normal/abnormal. The SIR was stratified using Systemic Inflammatory Grade (SIG). When stratified by age (< 50/50s/60s/70s/80+), 39%/38%/48%/62%/74% and 27%/48%/64%/82%/92% of patients had a low SMI and SMD respectively (both p < 0.001). Older age (OR 1.47, p < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.32, p = 0.032), lower socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.15, p = 0.004), higher ASA (OR 1.30, p = 0.019), emergency presentation (OR 1.82, p = 0.003), lower BMI (OR 0.67, p < 0.002) and higher SIG (OR 1.23, p < 0.001) were independently associated with low SMI. Older age (OR 2.28, p < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.38, p = 0.038), higher ASA (OR 1.92, p < 0.001), emergency presentation (OR 1.71, p = 0.023), and higher SIG (OR 1.37, p < 0.001) were independently associated with lower SMD. Tumour factors were not independently associated with either SMI/SMD. Age was a major factor associated with low SMI/SMD in patients with colon cancer. Therefore, in these patients it is likely that this represents largely constitutional body composition as opposed to being a disease mediated effect. Adjustment for age is required when considering the cancer mediated effect on SMI/SMD in patients with colon cancer.
Influence of lignin and cellulose from termite-processed biomass on biochar production and evaluation of chromium VI adsorption
Authors: Kopp Alves Annelise , Hauschild Tailane , Basegio Tania Maria , Amorim Berutti Felipe
Published: July 2024

The increasing water contamination by toxic heavy metals, particularly hexavalent chromium, has become a significant environmental concern. This study explores the pyrolysis of termite-processed biomass, specifically Pinuselliottii particleboard and its termite droppings (TDs), to produce biochar and its application for chromium (VI) adsorption. Termite droppings, rich in lignin, and particleboard, rich in cellulose, were pyrolyzed at various temperatures to assess the effect of biomass composition on biochar properties. The study found that lignin-rich termite droppings produced biochar with higher fixed carbon content and specific surface area than cellulose-rich particleboard biochar. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed significant molecular structure changes during pyrolysis, which influenced the adsorption capabilities of the biochar. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that TD biochar exhibited significantly higher chromium (VI) adsorption capacity, attributed to its distinct chemical composition and enhanced surface properties due to higher lignin content. These findings underscore the crucial role of lignin in producing efficient biochar for heavy metal adsorption, highlighting the practical applicability of termite-processed biomass in water purification technologies.
Proteomic profiling of regenerated urinary bladder tissue in a non-human primate augmentation model
Authors: Sharma Tiffany T. , Edassery Seby L. , Rajinikanth Nachiket , Karra Vikram , Bury Matthew I. , Sharma Arun K.
Published: July 2024

Urinary bladder dysfunction can be caused by environmental, genetic, and developmental insults. Depending upon insult severity, the bladder may lose its ability to maintain volumetric capacity and intravesical pressure resulting in renal deterioration. Bladder augmentation enterocystoplasty (BAE) is utilized to increase bladder capacity to preserve renal function using autologous bowel tissue as a “patch.” To avoid the clinical complications associated with this procedure, we have engineered composite grafts comprised of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) co-seeded with CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) onto a pliable synthetic scaffold [poly(1,8-octamethylene-citrate-co-octanol)(POCO)] or a biological scaffold (SIS; small intestinal submucosa) to regenerate bladder tissue in our baboon bladder augmentation model. We set out to determine the global protein expression profile of bladder tissue that has undergone regeneration with the aforementioned stem cell seeded scaffolds along with baboons that underwent BAE. Data demonstrate that POCO and SIS grafted animals share high protein homogeneity between native and regenerated tissues while BAE animals displayed heterogeneous protein expression between the tissues following long-term engraftment. We posit that stem cell-seeded scaffolds can recapitulate tissue that is nearly indistinguishable from native tissue at the protein level and may be used in lieu of procedures such as BAE.
A serial mediation model reveals the association between parental over-protection and academic entitlement among nursing students
Authors: Peng Biao , Hu Ningning , Li Hong , Pang Bing , Lv Mingzhi , Wang Xiuhong , Li Yufeng
Published: July 2024

The study aims to explore the influence of parental over-protection on academic entitlement of nursing students, and examine the mediating roles of external locus of control and psychological entitlement. The study sampled two medical universities in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, China. Participants were nursing students in grades one to four (N = 1003; mean age = 19.51 years; 81.95% female). Using a structural equation model, we examined the mediating effect of external locus of control and psychological entitlement on parental over-protection and academic entitlement. The results show that there was a significant correlation between all variables, and external locus of control and psychological entitlement played a serial mediating role between parental over-protection and academic entitlement. Our findings suggest that academic entitlement of nursing students can be reduced by adjusting parental rearing behaviors, reducing students’ psychological entitlement, and teaching them how to form a healthier attribution style.
A prospective multi-center study quantifying visual inattention in delirium using generative models of the visual processing stream
Authors: Al-Hindawi Ahmed , Vizcaychipi Marcela , Demiris Yiannis
Published: July 2024

The visual attentional deficits in delirium are poorly characterized. Studies have highlighted neuro-anatomical abnormalities in the visual processing stream but fail at quantifying these abnormalities at a functional level. To identify these deficits, we undertook a multi-center eye-tracking study where we recorded 210 sessions from 42 patients using a novel eye-tracking system that was made specifically for free-viewing in the (ICU); each session lasted 10 min and was labeled with the delirium status of the patient using the Confusion Assessment Method in ICU (CAM-ICU). To analyze this data, we formulate the task of visual attention as a hierarchical generative process that yields a probabilistic distribution of the location of the next fixation. This distribution can then be compared to the measured patient fixation producing a correctness score which is tallied compared across delirium status. This analysis demonstrated that the visual processing system of patients suffering from delirium is functionally restricted to a statistically significant degree. This is the first study to explore the potential mechanisms underpinning visual inattention in delirium and suggests a new target of future research into a disease process that affects one in four hospitalized patients with severe short and long-term consequences.
Transcranial direct current stimulation–induced changes in motor cortical connectivity are associated with motor gains following ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Chunfang , Yang Xiangli , Guo Dan , Huo Weiguang , Yu Ningbo , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2024

Understanding the response of the injured brain to different transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) montages may help explain the variable tDCS treatment results on poststroke motor gains. Cortical connectivity has been found to reflect poststroke motor gains and cortical plasticity, but the changes in connectivity following tDCS remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the relationship between tDCS-induced changes in cortical connectivity and poststroke motor gains. In this study, participants were assigned to receive four tDCS montages (anodal, cathodal, bilateral, and sham) over the primary motor cortex (M1) according to a single-blind, randomized, crossover design. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTT) were performed before and after the intervention. Motor cortical connectivity was measured using beta-band coherence with the ipsilesional and contralesional M1 as seed regions. Motor gain was evaluated based on the JTT completion time. We examined the relationship between baseline connectivity and clinical characteristics and that between changes in connectivity and motor gains after different tDCS montages. Baseline functional connectivity, motor impairment, and poststroke duration were correlated. High ipsilesional M1–frontal–temporal connectivity was correlated with a good baseline motor status, and increased connectivity was accompanied by good functional improvement following anodal tDCS treatment. Low contralesional M1–frontal-central connectivity was correlated with a good baseline motor status, and decreased connectivity was accompanied by good functional improvement following cathodal tDCS treatment. In conclusion, EEG-based motor cortical connectivity was correlated with stroke characteristics, including motor impairment and poststroke duration, and motor gains induced by anodal and cathodal tDCS.
Digital light processing printed hydrogel scaffolds with adjustable modulus
Authors: Xu Feng , Jin Hang , Wu Huiquan , Jiang Acan , Qiu Bin , Liu Lingling , Gao Qiang , Lin Bin , Kong Weiwei , Chen Songyue , Sun Daoheng
Published: July 2024

Hydrogels are extensively explored as biomaterials for tissue scaffolds, and their controlled fabrication has been the subject of wide investigation. However, the tedious mechanical property adjusting process through formula control hindered their application for diverse tissue scaffolds. To overcome this limitation, we proposed a two-step process to realize simple adjustment of mechanical modulus over a broad range, by combining digital light processing (DLP) and post-processing steps. UV-curable hydrogels (polyacrylamide-alginate) are 3D printed via DLP, with the ability to create complex 3D patterns. Subsequent post-processing with Fe3+ ions bath induces secondary crosslinking of hydrogel scaffolds, tuning the modulus as required through soaking in solutions with different Fe3+ concentrations. This innovative two-step process offers high-precision (10 μm) and broad modulus adjusting capability (15.8–345 kPa), covering a broad range of tissues in the human body. As a practical demonstration, hydrogel scaffolds with tissue-mimicking patterns were printed for cultivating cardiac tissue and vascular scaffolds, which can effectively support tissue growth and induce tissue morphologies.
Epidemiologic relationship between alcohol flushing and smoking in the Korean population: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Yook Hwa Jung , Lee Gyu-Na , Lee Ji Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Park Young Min
Published: July 2024

Although facial flushing after drinking alcohol (alcohol flushing response) is common in Asian populations, the epidemiological features in a large sample have been investigated in only a few studies. This study assessed the epidemiologic characteristics and associated factors for alcohol flushing in a Korean population. This study was based on data collected during the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 5572 Korean adults was included in the general population group, and the alcohol flushing group consisted of 2257 participants. Smoking and physical activity were evaluated as possible associated factors for alcohol flushing. The overall prevalence of alcohol flushing was estimated at 40.56% of the general population (43.74% in males and 37.4% in females), and the prevalence was highest at 60–69 years of age and lowest in individuals older than 80 years. Occasional, frequent, and persistent alcohol flushing was reported by 11.9%, 3.7% and 15.0% of current flushers, among whom persistent flushers consumed the least amount of alcohol. Subjects who currently smoke had a higher propensity of alcohol flushing (adjusted OR 1.525, 95% CI 1.2–1.938), and subjects with smoking history of 20–29 pack-years (PYs) showed the highest association (adjusted OR 1.725, 95% CI 1.266–2.349) with alcohol flushing after adjustment for confounders. In contrast, significant association was not found between physical activity and alcohol flushing. The results demonstrated that current smoking status is shown to be significantly associated with alcohol flushing, and that current smokers with a history of smoking ≥ 20 PYs had a higher likelihood of alcohol flushing than non-smokers or ex-smokers.
National survey on the current status of airway management in China
Authors: He Yuewen , Zhang Zhengze , Li Ruogen , Hu Die , Gao Huan , Liu Yurui , Liu Hao , Feng Siqi , Liu Huihui , Zhong Ming , Li Yuhui , Wang Yong , Ma Wuhua
Published: July 2024

Apparently, understanding airway management status may help to reduce risk and improve clinical practice. Given these facts, our team conducted a second survey on the current status of airway management for mainland China following our 2016 national airway survey. The national survey was conducted from November 7 to November 28, 2022. An electronic survey was sent to the New Youth Anesthesia Forum, where Chinese anesthesiologists completed the questionnaire via WeChat. A total of 3783 respondents completed the survey, with a response rate of 72.14%. So far, in 2022, 34.84% of anesthesiologists canceled or delayed surgery at least once due to difficult airway. For the anticipated difficult airway management, 66.11% of physicians would choose awake intubation under sedation and topical anesthesia, while the percentage seeking help has decreased compared to the 2016 survey. When encountering an emergency, 74.20% of respondents prefer to use the needle cricothyrotomy, albeit less than a quarter have actually performed it. Anesthesiologists with difficult airway training experience reached 72.96%, with a significant difference in participation between participants in Tier 3 hospitals and those in other levels of hospitals (P < 0.001). The videolaryngoscope, laryngeal mask, and flexible intubation scope were equipped at 97.18%, 95.96%, and 62.89%, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of brain damage or death caused by difficult airways was significantly decreased. The study may be the best reference for understanding the current status of airway management in China, revealing the current advancements and deficiencies. The future focus of airway management remains on training and education.
Comprehensive analysis of disulfidptosis-related genes reveals the effect of disulfidptosis in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Song Huixian , Zhang Fengrui , Bai Xinyu , Liang Hao , Niu Junkun , Miao Yinglei
Published: July 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract. Various programmed cell death pathways in the intestinal mucosa are crucial to the pathogenesis of UC. Disulfidptosis, a recently identified form of programmed cell death, has not been extensively reported in the context of UC. This study evaluated the expression of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in UC through public databases and assessed disulfide accumulation in the intestinal mucosal tissues of UC patients and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice via targeted metabolomics. We utilized various bioinformatics techniques to identify UC-specific disulfidptosis signature genes, analyze their potential functions, and investigate their association with immune cell infiltration in UC. The mRNA and protein expression levels of these signature genes were confirmed in the intestinal mucosa of DSS-induced colitis mice and UC patients. A total of 24 DRGs showed differential expression in UC. Our findings underscore the role of disulfide stress in UC. Four UC-related disulfidptosis signature genes—SLC7A11, LRPPRC, NDUFS1, and CD2AP—were identified. Their relationships with immune infiltration in UC were analyzed using CIBERSORT, and their expression levels were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. This study provides further insights into their potential functions and explores their links to immune infiltration in UC. In summary, disulfidptosis, as a type of programmed cell death, may significantly influence the pathogenesis of UC by modulating the homeostasis of the intestinal mucosal barrier.
Tracing sources of inorganic suspended particulate matter in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, Australia
Authors: Bainbridge Zoe T. , Olley Jon M. , Lewis Stephen E. , Stevens Thomas , Smithers Scott G.
Published: July 2024

Water clarity on the inshore Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is greatly influenced by terrestrial runoff of suspended particulate matter (SPM). Catchment sediment tracing studies often do not extend into the marine environment, preventing the analysis of preferential marine transport. This study employs novel collection and sediment tracing techniques to examine the transport of the terrigenous ‘mineral’ component of plume SPM within the GBR lagoon for two flood events. Utilising geochemical, radionuclide and clay mineral analysis, we trace terrigenous mineral sediments > 100 km from the river mouth. We show that the SPM geochemistry is highly influenced by particle-size fractionation, desorption, and dilution within the plume, rendering traditional tracing methods unviable. However, the ratios of rare earth elements (REE) to thorium (Th) provide stable tracers of mineral SPM transported across the catchment to marine continuum and allow the identification of discrete catchment sources for each flood event. Plume sediment radionuclides are also stable and consistent with sub-surface erosion sources.
Pan-cell death-related signature reveals tumor immune microenvironment and optimizes personalized therapy alternations in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Linzhi , He Jingyi , Xie Hongxin , Gong Yan , Xie Conghua
Published: July 2024

This study constructed a comprehensive analysis of cell death modules in eliminating aberrant cells and remodeling tumor microenvironment (TME). Consensus analysis was performed in 490 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients based on 4 types of cell death prognostic genes. Intersection method divided these LUAD samples into 5 cell death risk (CDR) clusters, and COX regression analysis were used to construct the CDR signature (CDRSig) with risk scores. Significant differences of TME phenotypes, clinical factors, genome variations, radiosensitivity and immunotherapy sensitivity were observed in different CDR clusters. Patients with higher risk scores in the CDRSig tended to be immune-excluded or immune-desert, and those with lower risk scores were more sensitive to radiotherapy and immunotherapy. The results from mouse model showed that intense expression of the high-risk gene PFKP was associated with low CD8+ T cell infiltration upon radiotherapy and anti-PD-L1 treatment. Deficient assays in vitro confirmed that PFKP downregulation enhanced cGAS/STING pathway activation and radiosensitivity in LUAD cells. In conclusion, our studies originally performed a comprehensive cell death analysis, suggesting the importance of CDR patterns in reprogramming TME and providing novel clues for LUAD personalized therapies.
The dynamic expression of YAP is essential for the development of male germ cells derived from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Khampang Sujittra , Lorthongpanich Chanchao , Laowtammathron Chuti , Klaihmon Phatchanat , Meesa Sukanya , Suksomboon Wichuda , Jiamvoraphong Nittaya , Kheolamai Pakpoom , Luanpitpong Sudjit , Easley Charles A. , Mahyari Eisa , Issaragrisil Surapol
Published: July 2024

YAP plays a vital role in controlling growth and differentiation in various cell lineages. Although the expression of YAP in mice testicular and spermatogenic cells suggests its role in mammalian spermatogenesis, the role of YAP in the development of human male germ cells has not yet been determined. Using an in vitro model and a gene editing approach, we generated human spermatogonia stem cell-like cells (hSSLCs) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and investigated the role of YAP in human spermatogenesis. The results showed that reducing YAP expression during the early stage of spermatogenic differentiation increased the number of PLZF+ hSSLCs and haploid spermatid-like cells. We also demonstrated that the up-regulation of YAP is essential for maintaining spermatogenic cell survival during the later stages of spermatogenic differentiation. The expression of YAP that deviates from this pattern results in a lower number of hSSLCs and an increased level of spermatogenic cell death. Taken together, our result demonstrates that the dynamic expression pattern of YAP is essential for human spermatogenesis. Modulating the level of YAP during human spermatogenesis could improve the production yield of male germ cells derived from hESCs, which could provide the optimization method for in vitro gametogenesis and gain insight into the application in the treatment of male infertility.
OTUB1 regulates ferroptosis to inhibit myoblast differentiation into myotubes by deubiquitinating P62
Authors: Wei Limin , Li Yanhong , Tan Helin , Peng Yue , Liu Qian , Zheng Tingting , Li Feng , Xu Zhongxian
Published: July 2024

As the largest organ in the human body, skeletal muscle is essential for breathing support, movement initiation, and maintenance homeostasis. It has been shown that programmed cell death (PCD), which includes autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis, is essential for the development of skeletal muscle. A novel form of PCD called ferroptosis is still poorly understood in relation to skeletal muscle. In this study, we observed that the activation of ferroptosis significantly impeded the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes and concurrently suppressed the expression of OTUB1, a crucial deubiquitinating enzyme. OTUB1-silenced C2C12 mouse myoblasts were used to investigate the function of OTUB1 in ferroptosis. The results show that OTUB1 knockdown in vitro significantly increased C2C12 ferroptosis and inhibited myogenesis. Interestingly, the induction of ferroptosis resulting from OTUB1 knockdown was concomitant with the activation of autophagy. Furthermore, OTUB1 interacted with the P62 protein and stabilized its expression by deubiquitinating it, thereby inhibiting autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and promoting myogenesis. All of these findings demonstrate the critical role that OTUB1 plays in controlling ferroptosis, and we suggest that focusing on the OTUB1-P62 axis may be a useful tactic in the treatment and prevention of disorders involving the skeletal muscle.
Multilayer UWB bandpass filter using liquid crystal polymer technology
Authors: Aliqab Khaled
Published: July 2024

This proposed design presents a novel bandpass filter employing a Marchand balun to attain ultra-wideband (UWB) performance extending from 3.1 to 10.7 GHz with 6.8 GHz central frequency and 110% FBW. The UWB bandpass filter’s fractional bandwidth can be tailored owing to the diverse input/output impedances of the planar Marchand balun. This adaptability is accomplished by connecting two planar Marchand baluns consecutively, leveraging the concepts of transversal filter ideas and multilayer LCP technology resulting in 0.3 dB and 12 dB insertion and return losses respectively. In-depth guidelines for the formulation and synthesis of the UWB bandpass filter are incorporated.
Actomyosin organelle functions of SPIRE actin nucleators precede animal evolution
Authors: Kollmar Martin , Welz Tobias , Ravi Aishwarya , Kaufmann Thomas , Alzahofi Noura , Hatje Klas , Alghamdi Asmahan , Kim Jiyu , Briggs Deborah A. , Samol-Wolf Annette , Pylypenko Olena , Hume Alistair N. , Burkhardt Pawel , Faix Jan , Kerkhoff Eugen
Published: July 2024

An important question in cell biology is how cytoskeletal proteins evolved and drove the development of novel structures and functions. Here we address the origin of SPIRE actin nucleators. Mammalian SPIREs work with RAB GTPases, formin (FMN)-subgroup actin assembly proteins and class-5 myosin (MYO5) motors to transport organelles along actin filaments towards the cell membrane. However, the origin and extent of functional conservation of SPIRE among species is unknown. Our sequence searches show that SPIRE exist throughout holozoans (animals and their closest single-celled relatives), but not other eukaryotes. SPIRE from unicellular holozoans (choanoflagellate), interacts with RAB, FMN and MYO5 proteins, nucleates actin filaments and complements mammalian SPIRE function in organelle transport. Meanwhile SPIRE and MYO5 proteins colocalise to organelles in Salpingoeca rosetta choanoflagellates. Based on these observations we propose that SPIRE originated in unicellular ancestors of animals providing an actin-myosin driven exocytic transport mechanism that may have contributed to the evolution of complex multicellular animals.
Enhanced recombination empowers the detection and mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Capilla-Pérez Laia , Solier Victor , Gilbault Elodie , Lian Qichao , Goel Manish , Huettel Bruno , Keurentjes Joost J. B. , Loudet Olivier , Mercier Raphael
Published: July 2024

Modern plant breeding, such as genomic selection and gene editing, is based on the knowledge of the genetic architecture of desired traits. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, which combines high throughput phenotyping and genotyping of segregating populations, is a powerful tool to identify these genetic determinants and to decipher the underlying mechanisms. However, meiotic recombination, which shuffles genetic information between generations, is limited: Typically only one to two exchange points, called crossovers, occur between a pair of homologous chromosomes. Here we test the effect on QTL analysis of boosting recombination, by mutating the anti-crossover factors RECQ4 and FIGL1 in Arabidopsis thaliana full hybrids and lines in which a single chromosome is hybrid. We show that increasing recombination ~6-fold empowers the detection and resolution of QTLs, reaching the gene scale with only a few hundred plants. Further, enhanced recombination unmasks some secondary QTLs undetected under normal recombination. These results show the benefits of enhanced recombination to decipher the genetic bases of traits.
Unraveling the pathological biomineralization of monosodium urate crystals in gout patients
Authors: Rodriguez-Navarro Carlos , Elert Kerstin , Ibañez-Velasco Aurelia , Monasterio-Guillot Luis , Andres Mariano , Sivera Francisca , Pascual Eliseo , Ruiz-Agudo Encarnación
Published: July 2024

Crystallization of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) leads to painful gouty arthritis. Despite extensive research it is still unknown how this pathological biomineralization occurs, which hampers its prevention. Here we show how inflammatory MSU crystals form after a non-inflammatory amorphous precursor (AMSU) that nucleates heterogeneously on collagen fibrils from damaged articular cartilage of gout patients. This non-classical crystallization route imprints a nanogranular structure to biogenic acicular MSU crystals, which have smaller unit cell volume, lower microstrain, and higher crystallinity than synthetic MSU. These distinctive biosignatures are consistent with the template-promoted crystallization of biotic MSU crystals after AMSU at low supersaturation, and their slow growth over long periods of time (possibly years) in hyperuricemic gout patients. Our results help to better understand gout pathophysiology, underline the role of cartilage damage in promoting MSU crystallization, and suggest that there is a time-window to treat potential gouty patients before a critical amount of MSU has slowly formed as to trigger a gout flare.
Recent progress in on-surface synthesis of nanoporous graphene materials
Authors: Qin Tianchen , Wang Tao , Zhu Junfa
Published: July 2024

Nanoporous graphene (NPG) materials are generated by removing internal degree-3 vertices from graphene and introducing nanopores with specific topological structures, which have been widely explored and exploited for applications in electronic devices, membranes, and energy storage. The inherent properties of NPGs, such as the band structures, field effect mobilities and topological properties, are crucially determined by the geometric structure of nanopores. On-surface synthesis is an emerging strategy to fabricate low-dimensional carbon nanostructures with atomic precision. In this review, we introduce the progress of on-surface synthesis of atomically precise NPGs, and classify NPGs from the aspects of element types, topological structures, pore shapes, and synthesis strategies. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to further advance the synthesis and applications of NPGs.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking of coupled Fabry–Pérot nanocavities
Authors: Mai Jianming , Huang Xiansheng , Guo Xu , Fan Haihua , Cheah Kok Wai
Published: July 2024

Ring cavities are quickly emerging as preferential platforms to investigate spontaneous symmetry breaking. However, research on handedness polarisation splitting within Kerr-coupled cavities is yet at a preliminary stage. Here, we observe experimentally spontaneous symmetry breaking in a non-Hermitian coupled Fabry‒Pérot nanocavity. In the experiment, horizontally polarised light is incident on the nanocavities, and symmetry breaking occurs when the power exceeds the symmetry breaking threshold of $$8\,{{\mbox{mW}}}$$
8

mW

. We interpret such observation via nonlinear coupled mode theory, finding that an excitation power-dependent random splitting of right- or left-handed circular polarisations (RCP and LCP, respectively) emerges at the resonance peak. Further numerical simulations show that when the incident power is above the symmetry breaking threshold, the device exhibits spontaneous symmetry breaking characteristics: an additional polarisation component appears in the output field when the input field is monopolarised, and this is attributed to the imbalance of RCP and LCP. Our findings provide further understanding of spontaneous symmetry breaking in non-Hermitian systems and demonstrate the potential applications of the proposed device in optical signal processing.
Chirality, anisotropic viscosity and elastic anisotropy in three-dimensional active nematic turbulence
Authors: Kralj Nika , Ravnik Miha , Kos Žiga
Published: July 2024

Various active materials exhibit strong spatio-temporal variability of their orientational order known as active turbulence, characterised by irregular and chaotic motion of topological defects, including colloidal suspensions, biofilaments, and bacterial colonies.In particular in three dimensions, it has not yet been explored how active turbulence responds to changes in material parameters and chirality.Here, we present a numerical study of three-dimensional (3D) active nematic turbulence, examining the influence of main material constants: (i) the flow-alignment viscosity, (ii) the magnitude and anisotropy of elastic deformation modes (elastic constants), and (iii) the chirality. Specifically, this main parameter space covers contractile or extensile, flow-aligning or flow tumbling, chiral or achiral elastically anisotropic active nematic fluids. The results are presented using time- and space-averaged fields of defect density and mean square velocity. The results also discuss defect density and mean square velocity as possible effective order parameters in chiral active nematics, distinguishing two chiral nematic states—active nematic blue phase and chiral active turbulence. This research contributes to the understanding of active turbulence, providing a numerical main phase space parameter sweep to help guide future experimental design and use of active materials.