bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of tin in toothpaste by dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced 119Sn solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Dorn Rick W. , Carnahan Scott L. , Cheng Chi-yuan , Pan Long , Hao Zhigang , Rossini Aaron J.
Published: November 2023

Stannous fluoride (SnF2) is an effective fluoride source and antimicrobial agent that is widely used in commercial toothpaste formulations. The antimicrobial activity of SnF2 is partly attributed to the presence of Sn(II) ions. However, it is challenging to directly determine the Sn speciation and oxidation state within commercially available toothpaste products due to the low weight loading of SnF2 (0.454 wt% SnF2, 0.34 wt% Sn) and the amorphous, semi-solid nature of the toothpaste. Here, we show that dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enables 119Sn solid-state NMR experiments that can probe the Sn speciation within commercially available toothpaste. Solid-state NMR experiments on SnF2 and SnF4 show that 19F isotropic chemical shift and 119Sn chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) are highly sensitive to the Sn oxidation state. DNP-enhanced 119Sn magic-angle turning (MAT) 2D NMR spectra of toothpastes resolve Sn(II) and Sn(IV) by their 119Sn chemical shift tensor parameters. Fits of DNP-enhanced 1D 1H → 119Sn solid-state NMR spectra allow the populations of Sn(II) and Sn(IV) within the toothpastes to be estimated. This analysis reveals that three of the four commercially available toothpastes contained at least 80% Sn(II), whereas one of the toothpaste contained a significantly higher amount of Sn(IV).
Repression of LSD1 potentiates homologous recombination-proficient ovarian cancer to PARP inhibitors through down-regulation of BRCA1/2 and RAD51
Authors: Tao Lei , Zhou Yue , Pan Xiangyu , Luo Yuan , Qiu Jiahao , Zhou Xia , Chen Zhiqian , Li Yan , Xu Lian , Zhou Yang , Zuo Zeping , Liu Chunqi , Wang Liang , Liu Xiaocong , Tian Xinyu , Su Na , Yang Zhengnan , Zhang Yu , Gou Kun , Sang Na , Liu Huan , Zou Jiao , Xiao Yuzhou , Zhong Xi , Xu Jing , Yang Xinyu , Xiao Kai , Liu Yanyang , Yang Shengyong , Peng Yong , Han Junhong , Cen Xiaobo , Zhao Yinglan
Published: November 2023

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are selectively active in ovarian cancer (OC) with homologous recombination (HR) deficiency (HRD) caused by mutations in BRCA1/2 and other DNA repair pathway members. We sought molecular targeted therapy that induce HRD in HR-proficient cells to induce synthetic lethality with PARPi and extend the utility of PARPi. Here, we demonstrate that lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is an important regulator for OC. Importantly, genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of LSD1 induces HRD and sensitizes HR-proficient OC cells to PARPi in vitro and in multiple in vivo models. Mechanistically, LSD1 inhibition directly impairs transcription of BRCA1/2 and RAD51, three genes essential for HR, dependently of its canonical demethylase function. Collectively, our work indicates combination with LSD1 inhibitor could greatly expand the utility of PARPi to patients with HR-proficient tumor, warranting assessment in human clinical trials.
Gut microbial structural variation associates with immune checkpoint inhibitor response
Authors: Liu Rong , Zou You , Wang Wei-Quan , Chen Jun-Hong , Zhang Lei , Feng Jia , Yin Ji-Ye , Mao Xiao-Yuan , Li Qing , Luo Zhi-Ying , Zhang Wei , Wang Dao-Ming
Published: November 2023

The gut microbiota may have an effect on the therapeutic resistance and toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the associations between the highly variable genomes of gut bacteria and the effectiveness of ICIs remain unclear, despite the fact that merely a few gene mutations between similar bacterial strains may cause significant phenotypic variations. Here, using datasets from the gut microbiome of 996 patients from seven clinical trials, we systematically identify microbial genomic structural variants (SVs) using SGV-Finder. The associations between SVs and response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and immune-related adverse events are systematically explored by metagenome-wide association analysis and replicated in different cohorts. Associated SVs are located in multiple species, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Dorea formicigenerans, and Bacteroides caccae. We find genes that encode enzymes that participate in glucose metabolism be harbored in these associated regions. This work uncovers a nascent layer of gut microbiome heterogeneity that is correlated with hosts’ prognosis following ICI treatment and represents an advance in our knowledge of the intricate relationships between microbiota and tumor immunotherapy.
Wide-temperature-range thermoelectric n-type Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 with high average and peak zT values
Authors: Li Jing-Wei , Han Zhijia , Yu Jincheng , Zhuang Hua-Lu , Hu Haihua , Su Bin , Li Hezhang , Jiang Yilin , Chen Lu , Liu Weishu , Zheng Qiang , Li Jing-Feng
Published: November 2023

Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 is a promising thermoelectric material suited for electronic cooling, but there is still room to optimize its low-temperature performance. This work realizes >200% enhancement in room-temperature zT by incorporating metallic inclusions (Nb or Ta) into the Mg3(Sb,Bi)2-based matrix. The electrical conductivity is boosted in the range of 300–450 K, whereas the corresponding Seebeck coefficients remain unchanged, leading to an exceptionally high room-temperature power factor >30 μW cm−1 K−2; such an unusual effect originates mainly from the modified interfacial barriers. The reduced interfacial barriers are conducive to carrier transport at low and high temperatures. Furthermore, benefiting from the reduced lattice thermal conductivity, a record-high average zT > 1.5 and a maximum zT of 2.04 at 798 K are achieved, resulting in a high thermoelectric conversion efficiency of 15%. This work demonstrates an efficient nanocomposite strategy to enhance the wide-temperature-range thermoelectric performance of n-type Mg3(Sb,Bi)2, broadening their potential for practical applications.
Hydrogenated borophene enabled synthesis of multielement intermetallic catalysts
Authors: Zeng Xiaoxiao , Jing Yudan , Gao Saisai , Zhang Wencong , Zhang Yang , Liu Hanwen , Liang Chao , Ji Chenchen , Rao Yi , Wu Jianbo , Wang Bin , Yao Yonggang , Yang Shengchun
Published: November 2023

Supported metal catalysts often suffer from rapid degradation under harsh conditions due to material failure and weak metal-support interaction. Here we propose using reductive hydrogenated borophene to in-situ synthesize Pt/B/C catalysts with small sizes (~2.5 nm), high-density dispersion (up to 80 wt%Pt), and promising stability, originating from forming Pt-B bond which are theoretically ~5× stronger than Pt-C. Based on the Pt/B/C module, a series (~18 kinds) of carbon supported binary, ternary, quaternary, and quinary Pt intermetallic compound nanocatalysts with sub-4 nm size are synthesized. Thanks to the stable intermetallics and strong metal-support interaction, annealing at 1000 °C does not cause those nanoparticles sintering. They also show much improved activity and stability in electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction. Therefore, by introducing the boron chemistry, the hydrogenated borophene derived multielement catalysts enable the synergy of small size, high loading, stable anchoring, and flexible compositions, thus demonstrating high versatility toward efficient and durable catalysis.
Glutamine metabolism inhibition has dual immunomodulatory and antibacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Parveen Sadiya , Shen Jessica , Lun Shichun , Zhao Liang , Alt Jesse , Koleske Benjamin , Leone Robert D. , Rais Rana , Powell Jonathan D. , Murphy John R. , Slusher Barbara S. , Bishai William R.
Published: November 2023

As one of the most successful human pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has evolved a diverse array of determinants to subvert host immunity and alter host metabolic patterns. However, the mechanisms of pathogen interference with host metabolism remain poorly understood. Here we show that a glutamine metabolism antagonist, JHU083, inhibits Mtb proliferation in vitro and in vivo. JHU083-treated mice exhibit weight gain, improved survival, a 2.5 log lower lung bacillary burden at 35 days post-infection, and reduced lung pathology. JHU083 treatment also initiates earlier T-cell recruitment, increased proinflammatory myeloid cell infiltration, and a reduced frequency of immunosuppressive myeloid cells when compared to uninfected and rifampin-treated controls. Metabolomic analysis of lungs from JHU083-treated Mtb-infected mice reveals citrulline accumulation, suggesting elevated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and lowered levels of quinolinic acid which is derived from the immunosuppressive metabolite kynurenine. JHU083-treated macrophages also produce more NO potentiating their antibacterial activity. When tested in an immunocompromised mouse model of Mtb infection, JHU083 loses its therapeutic efficacy suggesting the drug’s host-directed effects are likely to be predominant. Collectively, these data reveal that JHU083-mediated glutamine metabolism inhibition results in dual antibacterial and host-directed activity against tuberculosis.
Simultaneous spatiotemporal transcriptomics and microscopy of Bacillus subtilis swarm development reveal cooperation across generations
Authors: Jeckel Hannah , Nosho Kazuki , Neuhaus Konstantin , Hastewell Alasdair D. , Skinner Dominic J. , Saha Dibya , Netter Niklas , Paczia Nicole , Dunkel Jörn , Drescher Knut
Published: November 2023

Development of microbial communities is a complex multiscale phenomenon with wide-ranging biomedical and ecological implications. How biological and physical processes determine emergent spatial structures in microbial communities remains poorly understood due to a lack of simultaneous measurements of gene expression and cellular behaviour in space and time. Here we combined live-cell microscopy with a robotic arm for spatiotemporal sampling, which enabled us to simultaneously acquire phenotypic imaging data and spatiotemporal transcriptomes during Bacillus subtilis swarm development. Quantitative characterization of the spatiotemporal gene expression patterns revealed correlations with cellular and collective properties, and phenotypic subpopulations. By integrating these data with spatiotemporal metabolome measurements, we discovered a spatiotemporal cross-feeding mechanism fuelling swarm development: during their migration, earlier generations deposit metabolites which are consumed by later generations that swarm across the same location. These results highlight the importance of spatiotemporal effects during the emergence of phenotypic subpopulations and their interactions in bacterial communities.
Promising impact of push–pull configuration into designed octacyclic naphthalene-based organic scaffolds for nonlinear optical amplitudes: a quantum chemical approach
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Shafiq Iqra , Asghar Muhammad Adnan , Braga Ataualpa Albert Carmo , Alshehri Saad M. , Haroon Muhammad , Sanyang Muhammed Lamin
Published: November 2023

In opto-electronics, non-fullerene (NF) derivatives are regarded as efficient non-linear optical (NLO) materials. The present investigation was based on designing NF naphthalene-based derivatives (PCMD1–D9) with D-π-A configuration from PCMR. DFT analysis at M06/6-311G (d,p) level was accomplished to explore the photonic behavior of PCMD1–D9 compounds. Various kind of analysis like; UV–Vis, density of state (DOS), natural bond orbitals (NBOs), transition density matrix (TDM) and frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) analyses were accomplished to understand the NLO properties of said chromophores. The configuration change led to considerable charge distribution over highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals with minimum band difference. The energy gap trend for all the entitled compounds was observed as; PCMD8 < PCMD5 = PCMD9 < PCMD6 < PCMD7 < PCMD4 < PCMD3 < PCMD2 < PCMD1 with the least band gap of 2.048 eV in PCMD8 among all the compounds. The UV–Visible spectrum of the entitled chromophores manifested high values of λmax in derivatives contrary to PCMR. Additionally, NBO findings explored effective intramolecular charge transfer and maximum energy of stabilization (34.31 kcal/mol) for PCMD8 chromophore. The highest linear polarizability (<α>) and dipole moment (µtot) values were exhibited by PCMD5 at 2.712 × 10–22. and 1.995 × 10–17 esu, respectively. PCMD8 push–pull configured molecular entity exhibited highest first hyper-polarizability (βtot) at 4.747 × 10–27 esu and second hyper-polarizability at 6.867 × 10–32 esu. Overall, all the formulated chromophores exhibited significant NLO results contrary to PCMR. Hence, through this structural tailoring via various acceptors, effective NLO materials were obtained for optoelectronic applications.
Optimizing the risk stratification of astrocytic tumors by applying the cIMPACT-NOW Update 3 signature: real-word single center experience
Authors: Molica Carmen , Gili Alessio , Nardelli Carlotta , Pierini Tiziana , Arniani Silvia , Beacci Donatella , Mavridou Elena , Mandarano Martina , Corinaldesi Rodolfo , Metro Giulio , Gorello Paolo , Giovenali Paolo , Cenci Nunzia , Castrioto Corrado , Lupattelli Marco , Roila Fausto , Mecucci Cristina , La Starza Roberta
Published: November 2023

Our work reports implementation of a useful genetic diagnosis for the clinical managment of patients with astrocytic tumors. We investigated 313 prospectively recruited diffuse astrocytic tumours by applying the cIMPACT-NOW Update 3 signature. The cIMPACT-NOW Update 3 (cIMPACT-NOW 3) markers, i.e., alterations of TERT promoter, EGFR, and/or chromosome 7 and 10, characterized 96.4% of IDHwt cases. Interestingly, it was also found in 48,5% of IDHmut cases. According to the genomic profile, four genetic subgroups could be distinguished: (1) IDwt/cIMPACT-NOW 3 (n = 270); (2) IDHwt/cIMPACT-NOW 3 negative (= 10); (3) IDHmut/cIMPACT-NOW 3 (n = 16); and 4) IDHmut/cIMPACT-NOW 3 negative (n = 17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that IDH1/2 mutations confer a favorable prognosis (IDHwt, HR 2.91 95% CI 1.39–6.06), and validated the prognostic value of the cIMPACT-NOW 3 signature (cIMPACT-NOW 3, HR 2.15 95% CI 1.15–4.03). To accurately identify relevant prognostic categories, overcoming the limitations of histopathology and immunohistochemistry, molecular-cytogenetic analyses must be fully integrated into the diagnostic work-up of astrocytic tumors.
Visual attention and memory in professional traders
Authors: Bossi Francesco , Malizia Andrea P. , D’Arcangelo Sonia , Maggi Francesca , Lattanzi Nicola , Ricciardi Emiliano
Published: November 2023

Professional traders need to process a large amount of visual information in their daily activity to judge how risky it is to trade specific investment products. Despite some studies investigating the effects of display clutter on traders, visual attention and memory were never investigated in controlled experimental tasks in this population. Following a preliminary study with 30 participants, visual selective attention and visual working memory were measured and compared between two groups of 15 traders and 15 non-traders (salespeople, acting as a control group) from a large-scale banking group in three experimental tasks measuring selective attention in complex visual contexts, simulating display clutter situations (Visual search), cognitive interference (Stroop task), and a delayed recall visual working memory task. In the Visual search task, traders displayed faster response times (RTs) than non-traders for small display sets, while their performance overlapped for large sets. In the Stroop task, traders showed faster RTs than non-traders but were nevertheless affected by cognitive interference. The memory task highlighted no significant differences between the groups. Therefore, this study found an advantage in traders’ attention when processing visual information in small sets with no retention. This result could influence trading activity—determining an immediate use of relevant visual information in decision making—and traders’ display layout organization.
The associations of parental smoking, quitting and habitus with teenager e-cigarette, smoking, alcohol and other drug use in GUI Cohort ’98
Authors: Sunday Salome , Clancy Luke , Hanafin Joan
Published: November 2023

We analyse parental smoking and cessation (quitting) associations with teenager e-cigarette, alcohol, tobacco smoking and other drug use, and explore parental smoking as a mechanism for social reproduction. We use data from Waves 1–3 of Growing Up in Ireland (Cohort ’98). Our analytic sample consisted of n = 6,039 participants reporting in all 3 Waves. Data were collected in Waves 1 and 2 when the children were 9 and 13 years old and in Wave 3 at age 17/18 years. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were used to analyse teenage substance use at Wave 3. Parental smoking was associated with significantly increased risk of all teenage substance use, adjusted odds ratios were aOR2.13 (ever e-cigarette use); aOR1.92 (ever alcohol use); aOR1.88 (current alcohol use); aOR1.90 (ever use of other drugs); aOR2.10 (ever-smoking); and aOR1.91 (current smoking). Primary caregiver smoking cessation (quitting) was associated with a lower risk for teenager current smoking aOR0.62, ever e-cigarette use aOR 0.65 and other drug use aOR 0.57. Primary caregiver smoking behaviour had greater associations than secondary, and age13 exposure more than age 9. Habitus seems to play a role and wealth was protective for teenage smoking. The findings suggest that prevention interventions should target both caregivers and their children.
The enmity paradox
Authors: Ghasemian Amir , Christakis Nicholas A.
Published: November 2023

The “friendship paradox” of social networks states that, on average, “your friends have more friends than you do”. Here, we theoretically and empirically explore a related and overlooked paradox we refer to as the “enmity paradox”. We use empirical data from 24,678 people living in 176 villages in rural Honduras. We empirically show that, for a real negative undirected network (created by symmetrizing antagonistic interactions), the paradox exists as it does in the positive world. Specifically, a person’s enemies have more enemies, on average, than a person does. Furthermore, in a mixed world of positive and negative ties, we study the conditions for the existence of the paradox, which we refer to as the “mixed-world paradox”, both theoretically and empirically, finding that, for instance, a person’s friends typically have more enemies than a person does. We also confirm the “generalized” enmity paradox for non-topological attributes in real data, analogous to the generalized friendship paradox (e.g., the claim that a person’s enemies are richer, on average, than a person is). As a consequence, the naturally occurring variance in the degree distribution of both friendship and antagonism in social networks can skew people’s perceptions of the social world.
Clinicopathologic features and prognostic value of claudin 18.2 overexpression in patients with resectable gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Hyung-Don , Choi Eugene , Shin Jinho , Lee In-Seob , Ko Chang Seok , Ryu Min-Hee , Park Young Soo
Published: November 2023

Claudin 18.2 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in gastric cancer based on phase 3 studies. However, clinicopathologic features associated with claudin 18.2 overexpression have not been comprehensively studied specifically for patients with resectable gastric cancer. This retrospective study included 299 patients with stage I–III resectable gastric cancer who underwent curative surgical resection. Possible associations between claudin 18.2 overexpression (moderate-to-strong expression in ≥ 75% by the 43-14A clone) and clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes were analyzed. There were 90 (30.1%), 96 (32.1%), and 113 (37.8%) patients with stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. Claudin 18.2 overexpression was noted in 139 out of 299 patients (46.5%). Claudin 18.2 overexpression was associated with a younger age, a lower invasion depth limited to the mucosa/submucosa, and less frequent lymphovascular invasion. Claudin 18.2 overexpression was also associated with Borrmann type 4 among patients with advanced gastric cancer and the diffuse histological type. Claudin 18.2 overexpression was not an independent factor for survival outcomes. In conclusion, claudin 18.2 was overexpressed in almost half of resectable gastric cancer patients. Claudin 18.2 overexpression was associated with some clinicopathological characteristics, but was not an independent prognostic factor in a localized setting.
Inverted laser sintering of metal powders
Authors: Whitehead John , Lipson Hod
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate the ability of the inverted laser sintering process to manufacture parts composed of metal powder. We fabricate a 10-layer part by depositing a layer of copper powder onto a sapphire plate, then pressing the plate against the part being built and sintering the powder onto the part by shining a 14W 445 nm laser through the glass. The process was then repeated multiple times, each time adding a new layer to the component being printed until completion. We discuss the potential applications and impacts of this process, including the ability to directly fabricate multi-material metallic parts without the use of a powder bed.
Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of essential oils extracted from Origanum grossii and Thymus pallidus: in vitro and in silico analysis
Authors: Zejli Hind , Fitat Aziza , Lefrioui Youssra , Siddique Farhan , Bourhia Mohammed , Bousseraf Fatima Zahra , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Mekonnen Amare Bitew , Gourch Abdelkader , Taleb Mustapha , Abdellaoui Abdelfattah
Published: November 2023

The study aimed at investigating the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils (EOs) of Origanum grossii and Thymus pallidus. The selection of these plants for the study was driven by a comprehensive survey conducted in the Ribat Elkheir region of Morocco, where these plants are widely utilized. The results reflect the valorization of these plants based on the findings of the regional survey. The GC–MS phytochemical analysis revealed that the main constituents of the essential oil were carvacrol and thymol for O. grossii and T. pallidus respectively. Quantitative assays demonstrated that O. grossii exhibited higher levels of polyphenols (0.136 mg AGE/mg EO) and flavonoids (0.207 mg QE/mg EO) compared to T. pallidus. The DPPH assay indicated that O. grossii EOs possessed approximately twice the antiradical activity of T. pallidus, with IC50 values of approximately 0.073 mg/mL and 0.131 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity tests showed that both essential oils exhibited significant inhibition zones ranging from 26 to 42 mm against all tested bacterial strains. The MIC values varied among the bacteria, generally falling within the range of 0.31 to 2.44 µg/mL, demonstrating the potency of the EOs to serve as antibacterial. Molecular docking revealed that O. grossii and T. pallidus essential oils interact with antibacterial and antioxidant proteins (1AJ6 and 6QME). Key compounds in O. grossii include p-cymene, eucalyptol, and carvacrol, while T. pallidus contains potent chemicals like p-cymene, ɤ-maaliene, valencene, α-terpinene, caryophyllene, himachalene, and thymol. Notably, the most potent chemicals in Origanum grossii are p-cymene, eucalyptol, and carvacrol, while the most potent chemicals in Thymus pallidus are p-cymene, α-terpinene, and thymol. These findings suggest that these plant EOs could be used to develop new natural products with antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
Mirror therapy combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation for poststroke lower extremity motor function recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oh Zhen-Han , Liu Chia-Hung , Hsu Chih-Wei , Liou Tsan-Hon , Escorpizo Reuben , Chen Hung-Chou
Published: November 2023

The combination of mirror therapy (MT) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been devised as an intervention method in stroke rehabilitation; however, few studies have investigated its efficacy in lower extremity motor function recovery. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the effectiveness of combined MT and NMES therapy in improving poststroke walking speed, spasticity, balance and other gait parameters. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. In total, six RCTs which involving 181 participants were included. Our findings indicate that MT combined with NMES elicits greater improvement relative to control group in walking speed (SMD = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26–1.07, P = 0.001), Berg Balance Scale (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI 0.31–1.13; P = 0.0007), cadence (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI 0.02–1.16, P = 0.04), step length (SMD = 0.94, 95% CI 0.35–1.53, P = 0.002), and stride length (SMD = 0.95, 95% CI 0.36–1.54, P = 0.002) but not in modified Ashworth scale (SMD =  − 0.40, 95% CI − 1.05 to 0.26, P = 0.23). Our findings suggest that MT combined with NMES may be a suitable supplemental intervention to conventional therapy in stroke survivors.
Transthyretin amyloid deposition in ligamentum flavum (LF) is significantly correlated with LF and epidural fat hypertrophy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Maeda Kazuya , Sugimoto Kazuki , Tasaki Masayoshi , Taniwaki Takuya , Arima Takahiro , Shibata Yuto , Tateyama Makoto , Karasugi Tatsuki , Sueyoshi Takanao , Masuda Tetsuro , Uehara Yusuke , Tokunaga Takuya , Hisanaga Satoshi , Yugami Masaki , Yonemitsu Ryuji , Ideo Katsumasa , Matsushita Kozo , Fukuma Yuko , Uragami Masaru , Kawakami Junki , Yoshimura Naoto , Takata Kosei , Shimada Masaki , Tanimura Shuntaro , Matsunaga Hideto , Kai Yuki , Takata Shu , Kubo Ryuta , Tajiri Rui , Homma Fuka , Tian Xiao , Ueda Mitsuharu , Nakamura Takayuki , Miyamoto Takeshi
Published: November 2023

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative disease characterized by intermittent claudication and numbness in the lower extremities. These symptoms are caused by the compression of nerve tissue in the lumbar spinal canal. Ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy and spinal epidural lipomatosis in the spinal canal are known to contribute to stenosis of the spinal canal: however, detailed mechanisms underlying LSS are still not fully understood. Here, we show that surgically harvested LFs from LSS patients exhibited significantly increased thickness when transthyretin (TTR), the protein responsible for amyloidosis, was deposited in LFs, compared to those without TTR deposition. Multiple regression analysis, which considered age and BMI, revealed a significant association between LF hypertrophy and TTR deposition in LFs. Moreover, TTR deposition in LF was also significantly correlated with epidural fat (EF) thickness based on multiple regression analyses. Mesenchymal cell differentiation into adipocytes was significantly stimulated by TTR in vitro. These results suggest that TTR deposition in LFs is significantly associated with increased LF hypertrophy and EF thickness, and that TTR promotes adipogenesis of mesenchymal cells. Therapeutic agents to prevent TTR deposition in tissues are currently available or under development, and targeting TTR could be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit LSS development and progression.
Sensitivity analysis of operation parameters of the salt cavern under long-term gas injection-production
Authors: Zhang Huabin , Wang Peng , Wanyan Qiqi , Li Kang , Gao Kai , Yue Xianru
Published: November 2023

Injection-production operation parameters, the minimum injection gas pressure (IGP: operation pressure), IGP interval, minimum IGP residence time, and injection-production cycle of the underground salt rock gas storage under long-term operation, affect not only the capacity and working ability of a salt cavern but also be crucial to the safety and stability of the surrounding rock. A 3D geo-mechanical model of the salt cavern is established to study the stability of the storage in the operation period. The deformation, expansion safety factor, volume shrinkage, and plastic zone are comprehensively considered for predicting the feasibility and stability of the salt cavern. The stability of the surrounding rock of the cavern with different injection-production parameters and the impact of each parameter on the stability of the cavern during operating are systematically investigated. The results indicate that the displacement, the expansion coefficient of the surrounding rock, and the volume shrinkage rate of the salt cavern reduces significantly with the increment of IGP interval and minimum IGP, while they increases with raising the minimum IGP residence time and injection-production cycle. With the continuous operation of the cavity, the displacement and the volume shrinkage rate enhances significantly year by year with the augment of operation parameters, moreover, their value show a fluctuating upward trend with the alternation of the gas injection and the production. The volume of the plastic zone is enlarged with the increment of the IGP interval, minimum IGP, and injection-production cycle, while it reduces with the extension of the minimum IGP residence time. The variation becomes remarkably with the augment of parameters. The sensitivity coefficients of each injection-production operation parameter are ranked, from large to small, as follows: IGP interval, minimum IGP, minimum IGP residence time, injection-production cycle. The results can offer beneficial reference for effectively optimize the injection-production parameters, so as to provide technical guidance for ensuring the stability of the storage and meeting requirements for the storage capacity.
The effect of pre-endoscopy maltodextrin beverage on gastric residual volume and patient’s well-being: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zulkifli Mohd Firdaus , Md Hashim Mohd Nizam , Zahari Zalina , Wong Michael Pak-Kai , Syed Abd Aziz Syed Hassan , Yahya Maya Mazuwin , Wan Zain Wan Zainira , Zakaria Andee Dzulkarnaen , Ramely Rosnelifaizur , Jien Yen Soh , Othman Muhammad Faeid
Published: November 2023

Prolonged fasting prior to oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) could be noxious to patients’ well-being. Strict fasting protocol has been used prior to OGDS with the concern of reduced visibility or suboptimal endoscopic assessment. Maltodextrin beverages were also commonly used as the pre-operative carbohydrate loading in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. Our study aimed to look for the effects of maltodextrin beverage 2 h before OGDS on gastric residual volume and patient’s well-being scores. This was a single-blinded, stratified randomised controlled trial, comparing control group (A, received 400 ml of plain water) and carbohydrate loading group (B, received 400 ml of Carborie). The primary objectives were to measure the gastric residual volume (GRV) and patient’s well-being scores using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for hunger, thirst, anxiety, tiredness and general discomfort. Of 80 randomised patients, 78 completed the study (38 received plain water and 40 Carborie). The median (IQR) GRV was not significantly different between group A and B (5.0 ml (20) vs 4.0 ml (19), p = 0.777). Both groups showed significant reduction in VAS scores in all five parameters (p ≤ 0.001). There were no complications attributed to endoscopy in either group. Pre-endoscopy maltodextrin beverage is as safe as clear water with improved patient’s well-being in both groups.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05106933.
Microstructure, hardness and wear behavior of ZrC particle reinforced AZ31 surface composites synthesized via friction stir processing
Authors: Kumar T. Satish , Thankachan Titus , Shalini S. , Čep Robert , Kalita Kanak
Published: November 2023

Dry sliding wear behaviour of friction stir processed (FSP) AZ31 and AZ31/ZrC particles (5, 10, and 15 vol%) reinforced surface composite was investigated at different sliding speeds and loads. The samples were tested using a pin-on-disc apparatus with EN31 steel as the counter body to determine the role of FSP and ZrC reinforcement on the microstructure, hardness, and wear behaviour of AZ31. Base metal AZ31 alloy exhibits a hardness of 60 HV, whereas the 15 vol% ZrC-reinforced composites had the highest hardness of 108 HV. It was also identified that 15 vol% ZrC-reinforced composites exhibited lowest wear rate and friction coefficient under all testing conditions. Abrasion, delamination, oxidation, material softening, and plastic deformation are the primary wear mechanisms viewed from the wear tracks of the samples. Higher volume fraction of ZrC particles exhibited better wear resistance at all speeds and loads than AZ31 alloy. A wear map has been generated for different material compositions and wear conditions to identify the main wear mechanisms easily.
Horizontal transmission maintains host specificity and codiversification of symbionts in a brood parasitic host
Authors: Pedroso Luiz Gustavo A. , Klimov Pavel B. , Mironov Sergey V. , OConnor Barry M. , Braig Henk R. , Pepato Almir R. , Johnson Kevin P. , He Qixin , Hernandes Fabio Akashi
Published: November 2023

In host-symbiont systems, interspecific transmissions create opportunities for host switches, potentially leading to cophylogenetic incongruence. In contrast, conspecific transmissions often result in high host specificity and congruent cophylogenies. In most bird-feather mite systems, conspecific transmission is considered dominant, while interspecific transmission is supposedly rare. However, while mites typically maintain high host specificity, incongruent cophylogenies are common. To explain this conundrum, we quantify the magnitude of conspecific vs. interspecific transmission in the brood parasitic shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis). M. bonariensis lacks parental care, allowing the assessment of the role of horizontal transmission alone in maintaining host specificity. We found that despite frequent interspecific interactions via foster parental care, mite species dispersing via conspecific horizontal contacts are three times more likely to colonize M. bonariensis than mites transmitted vertically via foster parents. The results highlight the previously underappreciated rate of transmission via horizontal contacts in maintaining host specificity on a microevolutionary scale. On a macroevolutionary scale, however, host switches were estimated to have occurred as frequently as codivergences. This suggests that macroevolutionary patterns resulting from rare events cannot be easily generalized from short-term evolutionary trends.
Design and synthesis of chiral DOTA-based MRI contrast agents with remarkable relaxivities
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Dai Lixiong , He Li , Bhattarai Abhisek , Chan Chun-Ming , Tai William Chi-Shing , Vardhanabhuti Varut , Law Ga-Lai
Published: November 2023

Due to the adverse effects of de-metallation in past concerning FDA-approved gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), researchers have been focusing on developing safer and more efficient alternatives that could avoid toxicity caused by free gadolinium ions. Herein, two chiral GBCAs, Gd-LS with sulfonate groups and Gd-T with hydroxyl groups, are reported as potential candidates for magnetic reasonance imaging (MRI). The r1 relaxivities of TSAP, SAP isomers of Gd-LS and SAP isomer of Gd-T at 1.4 T, 37 °C in water are 7.4 mM−1s−1, 14.5 mM−1s−1 and 5.2 mM−1s−1, respectively. Results show that the hydrophilic functional groups introduced to the chiral macrocyclic scaffold of Gd-T and Gd-LS both give constructive influences on the second-sphere relaxivity and enhance the overall r1 value. Both cases indicate that the design of GBCAs should also focus on the optimal window in Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan (SBM) theory and the effects caused by the second-sphere and outer-sphere relaxivity.
Predictive analyses of regulatory sequences with EUGENe
Authors: Klie Adam , Laub David , Talwar James V. , Stites Hayden , Jores Tobias , Solvason Joe J. , Farley Emma K. , Carter Hannah
Published: November 2023

Deep learning has become a popular tool to study cis-regulatory function. Yet efforts to design software for deep-learning analyses in regulatory genomics that are findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) have fallen short of fully meeting these criteria. Here we present elucidating the utility of genomic elements with neural nets (EUGENe), a FAIR toolkit for the analysis of genomic sequences with deep learning. EUGENe consists of a set of modules and subpackages for executing the key functionality of a genomics deep learning workflow: (1) extracting, transforming and loading sequence data from many common file formats; (2) instantiating, initializing and training diverse model architectures; and (3) evaluating and interpreting model behavior. We designed EUGENe as a simple, flexible and extensible interface for streamlining and customizing end-to-end deep-learning sequence analyses, and illustrate these principles through application of the toolkit to three predictive modeling tasks. We hope that EUGENe represents a springboard towards a collaborative ecosystem for deep-learning applications in genomics research.
Reductive stereo- and regiocontrolled boryllithiation and borylsodiation of arylacetylenes using flow microreactors
Authors: Jiang Yiyuan , Kurogi Takashi , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: November 2023

Given their prevalence within valuable organic compounds, constructing multisubstituted alkenes while stereo- and regiochemically controlling the substituents on the alkene stands as a pivotal objective in organic synthesis. Now, the stereo- and regioselective syn-boryllithiation and syn-borylsodiation of arylacetylenes have been achieved by reductive borylmetallation using flow microreactors. This method involves the fast mixing of a solution of an alkyne and stoichiometric alkoxypinacolborane with an alkali metal arenide solution, which efficiently generates highly reactive β-borylalkenyllithium and β-borylalkenylsodium species by suppressing the undesired diboration that inevitably occurs in a batch reactor. Unlike conventional three-component borofunctionalization, the intermediates can be generated in the absence of electrophiles, which has enabled diverse electrophiles to participate in various syn-borofunctionalizations such as borylsilylation, borylhalogenation, borylcarbonylation, borylsulfenylation and borylarylation. Trapping with aldehydes and ketones provides a series of oxaboroles of biological interest. Furthermore, unsymmetric diarylacetylenes undergo highly regioselective borylmetallation, which is applicable to the stereo- and regiocontrolled syntheses of multisubstituted oxaboroles and differently tetrasubstituted alkenes.
An ultra-sensitive ratiometric fluorescent thermometer based on monomer and excimer dual emission
Authors: Feng Weixu , Wu Yanhui , Chen Dong , Lu Sumin , Zhao Yan , Yan Hongxia
Published: November 2023

Using phase transition materials to control the aggregation state of difluoroboron β-diketonate fluorophores, a high-sensitivity ratiometric fluorescent thermometer based on monomer and excimer dual emission is achieved.
Emerging sensing platforms based on Cucurbit[n]uril functionalized gold nanoparticles and electrodes
Authors: Ma Tao , Chang Shuai , He Jin , Liang Feng
Published: November 2023

Cucurbit[n]uril functionalized gold nanoparticles and electrodes facilitate the development of sensing platforms based on recognition tunneling, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, single molecule force spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods.
Durability of S- and N-doped graphene nanoplatelets for electrode performance in solid-state batteries
Authors: Srivastava Vijay Kumar , Mourdikoudis Stefanos , Azadmanjiri Jalal , Kumar Parshant , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: November 2023

The main emphasis of the present Highlight paper is to summarise reported works aiming to understand the effect of sulfur and nitrogen doping on graphene nanoplatelets for high capacity electrodes in solid-state rechargeable energy storage devices.
Formalizing chemical physics using the Lean theorem prover
Authors: Bobbin Maxwell P. , Sharlin Samiha , Feyzishendi Parivash , Dang An Hong , Wraback Catherine M. , Josephson Tyler R.
Published: November 2023

Theories in chemical physics can be reconstructed in a formal language using the interactive theorem prover, Lean. Lean’s ability to check math theorems catches faulty logic and reveals hidden assumptions that are missed in informal derivations.
Design and oxidative desulfurization of Ag/Ti heterometallic clusters based on Hard–Soft Acid–Base principle
Authors: Yang Shuyi , Fu Yaomei , Tian Yiran , Zhao Liang , Wang Xinlong , Li Baoli
Published: November 2023

A family of Ag/Ti heterometallic clusters was designed based on the Hard–Soft Acid–Base principle, including two “Ti encapsulated Ag” and two “Ag encapsulated Ti” structures, in which Ag2Ti12 exhibited an efficient and stable catalytic activity.
First-principles calculation on the lithium storage properties of high-entropy MXene Ti3C2(N0.25O0.25F0.25S0.25)2
Authors: Li Kechen , Hao Pengju , Zhang Qian , Zhang Jianbo , Dmytro Sydorov , Zhou Yang
Published: November 2023

By first-principles calculation and comparison with other published MXenes, it is found that the diffusion energy barrier of high-entropy MXene is lower.
A DFT perspective on organometallic lanthanide chemistry
Authors: Rajabi Ahmadreza , Grotjahn Robin , Rappoport Dmitrij , Furche Filipp
Published: November 2023

This Frontier article highlights the scope and limitations of DFT in interpreting structures and spectra of lanthanide complexes, elucidating periodic trends, and predicting their properties and reactivity, presented through selected examples.
Nanotubular Fe2O3 and Mn3O4 with hierarchical porosity as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Zhen , Yang Man , Geng Fengting , Zhang Dashuai , Zhang Yongzheng , Zhang Xiuling , Pang Xuliang , Geng Longlong
Published: November 2023

A facile method was developed to prepare nanotubular and hierarchically porous Fe2O3 and Mn3O4, which exhibited a significantly enhanced electrochemical performance for LIBs.
Reduction-induced hapticity increase in a silacycle-bridged biaryl-based ligand coordinated to an iron center
Authors: Suga Yuto , Sunada Yusuke
Published: November 2023

A six-membered silacycle-based ligand originally coordinated to an Fe(ii) center in an η1(C) mode undergoes a hapticity increase upon reduction to afford an Fe(i) complex with the silacycle-based ligand that coordinates in an η5 fashion.
Synergistic effects of Lewis acid–base and Coulombic interactions for high-performance Zn–I2 batteries
Authors: He Jiafeng , Mu Yongbiao , Wu Buke , Wu Fuhai , Liao Ruixi , Li Hongfei , Zhao Tianshou , Zeng Lin
Published: November 2023

In this work, a high-performance host material—the iodine covalent post-functionalized zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 (IL-ZIF-90) with multifunctional nitrogen to realize intense adsorption of iodine species was proposed.
Probing the structure–property relationships of supported copper oxide nanoclusters for methane activation
Authors: Wang Xijun , Shi Kaihang , Peng Anyang , Snurr Randall Q.
Published: November 2023

Amorphous metal-oxide nanoclusters are investigated using DFT and machine learning for selective oxidation of methane.
Faster sperm selected by rheotaxis leads to superior early embryonic development in vitro
Authors: Yaghoobi Mohammad , Abdelhady Abdallah , Favakeh Amirhossein , Xie Philip , Cheung Stephanie , Mokhtare Amir , Lee Yoke Lee , Nguyen Ann V. , Palermo Gianpiero , Rosenwaks Zev , Cheong Soon Hon , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: November 2023

A microfluidic device that mimics the female reproductive tract was developed that could select sperm based on speed. The selected sperm result in better early embryonic development.
The enhanced electrocatalytic performance of nanoscopic Cu6Pd12Fe12 heterometallic molecular box encaged cytochrome c
Authors: Nabi Shazia , Sofi Feroz Ahmad , Jan Qounsar , Bhat Aamir Y. , Ingole Pravin P. , Bayati Maryam , Bhat Mohsin Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Privileged to be Encaged: Encaging Cytochrome c into  nanoscopic Cu6Pd12Fe12 heterometallic molecular boxes significantly enhances its electrochemical stability and electrocatalytic performance toward nitrite ion sensing and Oxygen Reduction Reaction.
First-principles study of indium nitride monolayers doped with alkaline earth metals
Authors: Nguyen Duy Khanh , Ha Chu Viet , Hong Gam Le T. , Guerrero-Sanchez J. , Hoat D. M.
Published: November 2023

Electronic and magnetic properties of InN monolayers upon doping with alkaline earth metals are systematically investigated using first-principles calculations.
Clinical Considerations From Researcher-Created Morphological Awareness Assessments
Authors: Nelson-Strouts Kelley E. , Bridges Mindy S.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Morphological awareness develops throughout formal schooling and is positively related to later reading abilities. However, there are limited standardized measures available for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to use when assessing morphological awareness in clinical practice. The purpose of this tutorial is to guide clinicians in choosing between researcher-created measures of morphological awareness to use with their school-aged students.

Method:

We first summarize previous morphological awareness assessment research and outline important clinical considerations when choosing a morphological awareness assessment for students in early elementary grades and beyond. Second, we highlight item characteristics regarding morpheme type, frequency, shift transparency, and imageability for students in early elementary versus later grades. Third, we discuss the type of tasks (i.e., production, decomposition, and judgment) and administration modes (i.e., oral or written and static or dynamic) available to clinicians assessing the morphological awareness skills of school-aged students. Throughout the tutorial, we reference a hypothetical case study to illustrate how SLPs might apply these suggestions and link morphological awareness assessment to treatment recommendations.

Conclusions:

This tutorial highlights the importance of including morphological awareness assessments in clinical practice to support oral and written language development. We provide practical guidelines to help SLPs evaluate and choose appropriate morphological awareness assessments for their school-aged students as part of their comprehensive language evaluations and to support intervention planning.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24545470