bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specialist cancer hospital-based smoking cessation service provision in Ireland
Authors: Lyons Ailsa , Bhardwaj Nancy , Masalkhi Mouayad , Fox Patricia , Frazer Kate , McCann Amanda , Syed Shiraz , Niranjan Vikram , Kelleher Cecily C. , Kavanagh Paul , Fitzpatrick Patricia
Published: September 2023

Background

While much progress has been made in reducing tobacco use in many countries, both active and passive smoking remain challenges. The benefits of smoking cessation are universally recognized, and the hospital setting is an ideal setting where smokers can access smoking cessation services as hospital admission can be a cue to action. Consistent delivery of good quality smoking cessation care across health services is an important focus for reducing the harm of tobacco use, especially among continued smokers.

Aims

Our objective was to document the smoking cessation medication and support services provided by specialist adult cancer hospitals across Ireland, a country with a stated tobacco endgame goal.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey based on recent national clinical guidelines was used to determine smoking cessation care delivery across eight specialist adult cancer tertiary referral university hospitals and one specialist radiotherapy center. Survey responses were collected using Qualtrics, a secure online survey software tool. The data was grouped, anonymized, and analyzed in Microsoft Excel.

Results

All responding hospitals demonstrated either some level of smoking cessation information or a service available to patients. However, there is substantial variation in the type and level of smoking cessation information offered, making access to smoking cessation services inconsistent and inequitable.

Conclusion

The recently launched National Clinical Guideline for smoking cessation provides the template for all hospitals to ensure health services are in a position to contribute to Ireland’s tobacco endgame goal.
Sleep disorders during pregnancy: an underestimated risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Eleftheriou Danai , Athanasiadou Kleoniki I. , Sifnaios Emmanouil , Vagiakis Emmanouil , Katsaounou Paraskevi , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Paschou Stavroula A. , Trakada Georgia
Published: September 2023

Sleep disorders are highly prevalent during pregnancy and significantly affect women’s health and quality of life. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic complications during pregnancy and constitutes a significant risk factor for both mother and fetus in the short and the long term. While the association between sleep disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is indisputable, it is not clear whether there is a link between sleep disorders and GDM. The aim of this article was to investigate the association between sleep disorders and GDM and whether the treatment of sleep disorders may prevent GDM development. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and narcolepsy were the most common sleep disorders identified during pregnancy and were related to poor sleep quality and short or prolonged sleep duration. They were all associated with an increased risk of GDM. The ideal sleep duration for pregnant women was determined at 8–9 h daily. In conclusion, sleep disorders constitute a risk factor for GDM. It is imperative that prospective studies be conducted to evaluate the effect of the early management of sleep disorders on GDM manifestation and control. Healthcare providers should highlight the importance of sufficient sleep to reinforce pregnancy outcomes.
How Immigrant Shopkeepers in Johannesburg Townships Succeed: A Customer's Eye View
Authors: Maisela Sikhumbuzo
Published: September 2023

In the face of struggling native-owned informal grocery businesses, immigrant-owned shops in Johannesburg townships have demonstrated remarkable success. While research on this topic has been primarily informed by shopkeeper data, this article explores the phenomenon from the viewpoint of customers. Given that customers play a significant role in facilitating the success of businesses, the dearth of a customer perspective of the success of immigrant shopkeepers presents a gap in knowledge. This study addresses this gap by investigating the interaction between shopkeepers and customers from the perspective of customers. Drawing on the theories of customer value and customer satisfaction, the author proposes that customers prefer to patronize immigrant shopkeepers due to the considerable value they provide. The study was conducted in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra and involved the collection of cross-sectional quantitative data from 400 households. The findings indicate that customers patronize immigrant-owned businesses due to the superior value they receive, thereby enabling their success. This research highlights the importance of providing value to attract customers and contributes to the literature on the role of customers in informal business performance. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the contribution of customer reciprocation of shopkeeper value and has important implications for policymakers, business owners, and scholars alike. It underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics underlying the success of immigrant entrepreneurs in South Africa's informal retail sector.
Brain age Prediction and the Challenge of Biological Concepts of Aging
Authors: Heinrichs Jan-Hendrik
Published: September 2023

Brain age prediction is a relatively new tool in neuro-medicine and the neurosciences. In research and clinical practice, it finds multiple use as a marker for biological age, for general health status of the brain and as an indicator for several brain-based disorders. Its utility in all these tasks depends on detecting outliers and thus failing to correctly predict chronological age. The indicative value of brain age prediction is generated by the gap between a brain’s chronological age and the predicted age, the brain age gap (BAG). This article shows how the clinical and research use of brain age prediction tacitly pathologizes the states that it is sensitive to. It will be argued that the tacit character of this transformation conceals the need for its explicit justification.
Impact of primary resistance to front-line targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma on subsequent immune-checkpoint-inhibition
Authors: Börner J. H. , Neuberger S. , Juengel E. , Ziewers S. , Dotzauer R. , Sparwasser P. , Höfner T. , Tsaur I. , Haferkamp A. , Mager R.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Synergistic effects have been discussed for tyrosine kinase (TKI) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Primary resistance to TKI might disturb subsequent ICI effectiveness. The objective was to investigate, if primary resistance to 1st line TKI monotherapy predicts response to ICI in subsequent therapy lines and impacts overall survival (OS) in advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC).

Materials and methods

Retrospectively, aRCC patients which received front-line TKI from 2016 to 2019 were analyzed for the outcomes primary resistance (1LR), response to sequential ICI therapy, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier-estimates, Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression were used.

Results

Primary resistance to front-line TKI was observed in 27 (53%) of 51 patients. Groups with disease control (DC) and 1st line TKI resistance (1LR) were not different at baseline with regard to clinicopathological features. Median duration on 1st line therapy was significantly shorter in the 1LR (5.1 months) than in the DC (14.7 months) group (p = 0.01). Sequential therapy was started in 21 (75%) and 12 (52%) patients of 1LR and DC groups using nivolumab in 16 (76%) vs. 11 (92%) cases (p > 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that 1LR status, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio < 3, IMDC favorable prognosis and clear cell histology had no significant impact on responsiveness to ICI in subsequent therapy lines. Cox proportional hazards demonstrated no significant association of 1LR status with PFS and OS in patients who received subsequent ICI treatment.

Conclusion

Primary TKI resistance of aRCC was neither significantly associated with responsiveness to ICI during sequential therapy nor with PFS and OS. This adds the evidence for ICI based sequential therapy in primary TKI resistant aRCC.
Thermostable keratinase from Bacillus cereus L10: optimization and some potential biotechnological applications
Authors: Derhab Neama , Mabrouk Mona E. M. , El-Metwally Mohammad M. , Mohammed Youssef M. M.
Published: September 2023

The accumulation of feather waste is a critical problem in solid waste management; therefore, microbial management of waste is highly significant. Consequently, the keratinolytic capacity of some bacteria isolated from the keratinous waste area was evaluated. The most promising isolate coded as L10 showed the highest feather degradation efficiency 72.7% was identified as Bacillus cereus L10 using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The effect and contribution of independent process variables were studied by Plackett–Burman design. The optimal values of the independent variables obtained from the Plackett–Burman design were chicken feather, 1%; K2HPO4, 0.3%; KH2PO4, 0.05%; MgSO4 7H2O, 0.01%; yeast extract, 0.05%; inoculum size 4% with pH 7 and incubation period 5 days at 35 °C. The optimal parameters were validated resulting in the enhancement of keratinase production (9.602 U/ml), protein concentration (521.17 µg/ml), and feather degradation (94%) along with a 4.56-fold increased of keratinase production. The enzyme is relatively thermostable, completely stable between 30 and 80 °C for 1 h and retained 97.66% of its activity at 100 °C. B. cereus L10 was able to degrade different types of keratins. Interestingly, the feather hydrolysate from optimized keratinase production medium showed plant growth promoting activity by producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The feathers hydrolysate produced a great benefit by its use as a soil biofertilizer through enhancing the germination of Triticum aestivum. The important implication of keratinase in laundry detergent and leather industry was examined. Results revealed that the enzyme achieved great efficiency in removing protein and blood-rich stains within 30 min at 36 °C in addition to its thoroughly dehairing of cow-hide after 40 h incubation without any damage. The dehaired pelt exhibited a smooth, velvety, and white color surface, good flexibility. Therefore, our study presents an effective method to turn waste into wealth.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of aging and emotions on time processing
Authors: La Malva Pasquale , Prete Giulia , Di Crosta Adolfo , Ceccato Irene , Mammarella Nicola , Palumbo Rocco , Di Domenico Alberto
Published: September 2023

Background

Time perception is an automatic process that can be influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effect of age and emotions on the ability to keep track of short suprasecond intervals.

Methods

Younger adults (N = 108, age range: 18–35) and older adults (N = 51, age range: 65–87) were asked to reproduce, bisect, or double the duration of facial stimuli randomly presented for 1500, 3000, and 4500 ms. The experiment included facial stimuli with positive, negative, or neutral expressions.

Results

The participants across age correctly reproduced intervals but overestimated and underestimated them when asked to bisect and double the intervals, respectively. Overall, when faces were presented with a positive or negative expression, an overestimation of time intervals emerged compared to faces with neutral expressions. Emotions had a greater effect on older adults, who showed a greater overestimation of positive facial expressions and an underestimation of sad, but not angry, facial expressions.

Discussion

The results provide evidence that time perception is influenced by age and emotions, with older adults showing a greater effect of emotions on time processing.

Conclusion

The study suggests an interaction among time processing, age, and emotions, highlighting an automatic relationship among these domains, often considered independent.
Imputing Monthly Values for Quarterly Time Series: An Application Performed with Swiss Business Cycle Data
Authors: Abberger Klaus , Graff Michael , Müller Oliver , Siliverstovs Boriss
Published: September 2023

This paper compares algorithms to deal with the problem of missing values in higher frequency data. We refer to Swiss business tendency survey data at monthly and quarterly frequency. There is a wide range of imputation algorithms. To evaluate the different approaches, we apply them to series that are de facto monthly, from which we create quarterly data by deleting two out of three data points from each quarter. At the same time, the monthly series are ideal to deliver higher frequency information for multivariate imputation algorithms. With this set of indicators, we conduct imputations of monthly values, resorting to two univariate and four multivariate algorithms. We then run tests of forecasting accuracy by comparing the imputed monthly data with the actual values. Finally, we take a look at the congruence of an imputed monthly series from the quarterly survey question on firms’ capacity utilisation with other monthly data reflecting the Swiss business cycle. The results show that an algorithm based on the Chow and Lin approach, amended with a variable pre-selection procedure, delivers the most precise imputations, closely followed by the standard Chow-Lin algorithm and then multiple regression. The cubic spline and the EM algorithm do not prove useful.
Biophysical investigation to assess the toxicity of the herbicide 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on rats blood serum: a FTIR spectroscopic study
Authors: Dakhakhni Tahani H. , Alsufyani Daniah
Published: September 2023

This study utilized the FTIR technique to investigate and assess the herbicide 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid-induced blood serum toxicity. The study was conducted on 15 albino Wistar rats, divided into two groups: a control group (5 rats) and an intoxicated group (10 rats). Serum samples were investigated using the FTIR technique, and the obtained spectra from both groups were analyzed. Our results indicated a reduction in glucose, lipid, and protein content and remarkable changes in the secondary structure of protein in response to herbicide toxicity. A rise in the DNA content was also noticed. Our findings prove the FTIR technique's capability to detect biochemical changes in biological samples due to toxicity.
Dielectric and energy harvesting properties of functionalized composite nanofibers consisting of Boc-Phe-Leu self-assembled dipeptide inclusions in biocompatible polymeric matrices
Authors: Handa Adelino , Baptista Rosa M. F. , Santos Daniela , Silva Bruna , Oliveira João , Almeida Bernardo , de Matos Gomes Etelvina , Belsley Michael
Published: September 2023

Hybrid bionanomaterials were produced through electrospinning, incorporating the dipeptide Boc-l-phenylalanyl-l-leucine into nanofibers of biocompatible polymers. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the uniformity of the nanofibers, with diameters ranging from 0.56 to 1.61 µm. The dielectric properties of the nanofibers were characterized using impedance spectroscopy, assessing temperature and frequency dependencies. Notably, the composite micro/nanofibers exhibited semiconducting dielectric behavior with bandgap energies of 4–5 eV, and their analysis revealed increased dielectric constant with temperature due to enhanced charge mobility. The successful incorporation of the dipeptide was verified by Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization, and the Havriliak–Negami model disclosed insights into electric permittivity. Furthermore, the fibers demonstrated pyroelectric and piezoelectric responses, with Boc-Phe-Leu@PLLA nanofibers having the highest piezoelectric coefficient of 85 pC/N. These findings highlight the influence of dipeptide nanostructures on dielectric, pyroelectric, and piezoelectric properties, suggesting the potential of polymeric micro/nanofibers as efficient piezoelectric energy generators for portable and wearable devices.

Graphical Abstract
Constitutive Behavior of Rocks During the Seismic Cycle
Authors: Barbot Sylvain
Published: September 2023

Establishing a constitutive law for fault friction is a crucial objective of earthquake science. However, the complex frictional behavior of natural and synthetic gouges in laboratory experiments eludes explanations. Here, we present a constitutive framework that elucidates the rate, state, and temperature dependence of fault friction under the relevant sliding velocities and temperatures of the brittle lithosphere during seismic cycles. The competition between healing mechanisms, such as viscoelastic collapse, pressure‐solution creep, and crack sealing, explains the low‐temperature stability transition from steady‐state velocity‐strengthening to velocity‐weakening as a function of slip‐rate and temperature. In addition, capturing the transition from cataclastic flow to semi‐brittle creep accounts for the stabilization of fault slip at elevated temperatures. We calibrate the model using extensive laboratory data on synthetic albite and granite gouge, and on natural samples from the Alpine Fault and the Mugi Mélange in the Shimanto accretionary complex in Japan. The constitutive model consistently explains the evolving frictional response of fault gouge from room temperature to 600°C for sliding velocities ranging from nanometers to millimeters per second. The frictional response of faults can be uniquely determined by the in situ lithology and the prevailing hydrothermal conditions.
How to Address Publication Overload in Environmental Science
Authors: Brandt William , Tague Christina
Published: September 2023

Combining traditional human-curated syntheses of scientific research with the search and visualization tools of artificial intelligence could guide researchers through avalanches of publications.
Quantifying the Impact of the Surface Roughness of Hexagonal Ice Crystals on Backscattering Properties for Lidar‐Based Remote Sensing Applications
Authors: Saito Masanori , Yang Ping
Published: September 2023

Impacts of small‐scale surface irregularities, or surface roughness, of atmospheric ice crystals on lidar backscattering properties are quantified. Geometric ice crystal models with various degrees of surface roughness and state‐of‐the‐science light‐scattering computational capabilities are utilized to simulate the single‐scattering properties across the entire practical size parameter range. The simulated bulk lidar and depolarization ratios of polydisperse ice crystals at wavelength 532 nm are strongly sensitive to the degree of surface roughness. Comparisons of these quantities between the theoretical simulations and counterparts inferred from spaceborne lidar observations for cold cirrus clouds suggest a typical surface‐roughness‐degree range of 0.03–0.15 in the cases of compact hexagonal ice crystals, which is most consistent with direct measurements of scanning electron microscopic images. To properly interpret lidar backscattering observations of ice clouds, it is necessary to account for the degree of surface roughness in light‐scattering computations involving ice crystals.
Solving a Seismic Mystery With the Audio From a Diver's Camera: A Case of Shallow Water T‐Waves in the Persian Gulf
Authors: Salaree Amir , Spica Zack , Huang Yihe
Published: September 2023

Sparse offshore coverage of seismic networks has hindered detailed studies of submarine earthquakes and their associated seismic hazard. We present results of our analysis of a diver's recording of acoustic signals from an ML = 5.6 earthquake in the Persian Gulf. We model the signals as a set of several shallow water T phases the frequency and group velocity of which are determined by bathymetry. We show that the audio track from this recording can provide reliable estimates of earthquake location and seismic moment. We also show that the reported shaking in the southern Persian Gulf, >170 km from the source of this small earthquake could result from T waves traveling through the entire width of the basin. Our results point to rudimentary and affordable underwater microphones similar to those used in the divers' cameras as tools to build efficient, low‐cost networks for the study of offshore events and early warning.
Weakly Forced Thunderstorms in the Southeast US Are Stronger Near Urban Areas
Authors: Miller P. , Debbage N.
Published: September 2023

While cities are well documented to enhance precipitation through the urban rainfall effect (URE), the distinguishing characteristics of urban‐influenced storms that help establish the URE are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to examine the morphological traits (i.e., size, duration, intensity, etc.) and near‐storm environmental conditions of weakly forced thunderstorms (WFTs) occurring near urban areas in the Southeast US relative to storms forming in surrounding rural areas. Urban WFTs are found to have higher reflectivities, are more likely to contain hail, and produce more lightning than nearby non‐urban storms, but their sizes and shapes are statistically indistinguishable. When disaggregated across individual urban areas, the increase in maximum composite reflectivity among urban storms is the most pervasive morphological difference, with 24 of the 31 cities displaying elevated reflectivities. Urban WFTs also benefit from near‐storm environments with greater instability and higher precipitation efficiency, which may further contribute to the URE.
The Sensitivity of an Idealized Weddell Gyre to Horizontal Resolution
Authors: Styles Andrew F. , Bell Michael J. , Marshall David P.
Published: September 2023

Estimates of the Weddell Gyre transport vary widely between climate simulations. Here, we investigate if inter‐model variability can originate from differences in the horizontal resolution of the ocean model. We run an idealized model of the Weddell Gyre at eddy‐parameterized, eddy‐permitting, and eddy‐rich resolutions and find that the gyre is strongly sensitive to horizontal resolution. The gyre transport is largest at eddy‐permitting resolutions (45 Sv with a noisy bathymetry) and smallest at eddy‐parameterized resolutions (12 Sv). The eddy‐permitting simulations have the largest horizontal density gradients and the weakest stratification over the gyre basin. The large horizontal density gradients induce a significant thermal wind transport and increase the mean available potential energy for mesoscale eddies. The distribution of eddy kinetic energy indicates that explicit eddies in simulations intensify the bottom circulation of the gyre via non‐linear dynamics. If climate models adopt horizontal resolutions that the Weddell Gyre is most sensitive to, then simulations of the Weddell Gyre could become more disparate.
A Warmer and Wetter Arctic: Insights From a 20‐Years AIRS Record
Authors: Boisvert Linette , Parker Chelsea , Valkonen Elina
Published: September 2023

Arctic sea ice has undergone significant change in areal coverage, thickness, ice type since the 1980s and more recently since the early 2000s, where a “New Arctic” regime now exists. Since the sea ice modulates exchanges of energy from the ocean to the atmosphere, this changing sea ice environment has profound effects on the local climate. However, due to the Arctic's remote location, wide‐spread and long‐term data records of the atmosphere are few and far between. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) onboard NASA's Aqua satellite was launched in May 2002 has been collecting twice daily, global data of the Earth's temperature and humidity for over 20 years. We use AIRS temperature and humidity data to investigate relationships between the sea ice, and surface and atmospheric conditions between 2003 and 2022. The Arctic atmosphere is becoming warmer and wetter with sea ice loss and the change is most pronounced near the surface. Strongest correlations occur in the fall when the surface and lower atmosphere are tightly coupled. When comparing the first (2003–2012) and last (2013–2022) decade of the New Arctic, results show that the warming and moistening is slowing down as the sea ice regime and sea ice loss has stabilized in 2013–2022. Cooling and drying is occurring in winter in the Barents and other peripheral seas in the last decade possibly due to a negative feedback loop, where winter sea ice regrowth is occurring at a faster pace. This work highlights the importance of sea ice atmosphere interactions and long‐term climate data records, specifically in remote and drastically changing places like the Arctic.
Comparison of hemodynamic effects of chest compression delivered via machine or human in asphyxiated piglets
Authors: O’Reilly Megan , Lee Tze-Fun , Cheung Po-Yin , Schmölzer Georg M.
Published: September 2023

Background

High-quality chest compressions (CC) are an important factor of neonatal resuscitation. Mechanical CC devices may provide superior CC delivery and improve resuscitation outcomes. We aimed to compare the hemodynamic effects of CC delivered by machine and human using a neonatal piglet model.

Methods

Twelve asphyxiated piglets were randomized to receive CC during resuscitation using an automated mechanical CC device (“machine”) or the two-thumb encircling technique (“human”). CC was superimposed with sustained inflations.

Results

Twelve newborn piglets (age 0–3 days, weight 2.12 ± 0.17 kg) were included in the study. Machine-delivered CC resulted in an increase in stroke volume, and minimum and maximum rate of left ventricle pressure change (dp/dtmin and dp/dtmax) compared to human-delivered CC.

Conclusions

During machine-delivered CC, stroke volume and left ventricular contractility were significantly improved. Mechanical CC devices may provide improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes in neonatal cardiac arrest induced by asphyxia.

Impact

Machine chest compression leads to changes in hemodynamic parameters during resuscitation of asphyxiated neonatal piglets, namely greater stroke volume and left ventricular contractility, compared with standard two-thumb compression technique. Mechanical chest compression devices may provide improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes in neonatal and pediatric asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest.
Resource partitioning and amino acid assimilation in a terrestrial geothermal spring
Authors: Lai Dengxun , Hedlund Brian P , Mau Rebecca L , Jiao Jian-Yu , Li Junhui , Hayer Michaela , Dijkstra Paul , Schwartz Egbert , Li Wen-Jun , Dong Hailiang , Palmer Marike , Dodsworth Jeremy A , Zhou En-Min , Hungate Bruce A
Published: September 2023

High-temperature geothermal springs host simplified microbial communities; however, the activities of individual microorganisms and their roles in the carbon cycle in nature are not well understood. Here, quantitative stable isotope probing (qSIP) was used to track the assimilation of 13C-acetate and 13C-aspartate into DNA in 74 °C sediments in Gongxiaoshe Hot Spring, Tengchong, China. This revealed a community-wide preference for aspartate and a tight coupling between aspartate incorporation into DNA and the proliferation of aspartate utilizers during labeling. Both 13C incorporation into DNA and changes in the abundance of taxa during incubations indicated strong resource partitioning and a significant phylogenetic signal for aspartate incorporation. Of the active amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) identified by qSIP, most could be matched with genomes from Gongxiaoshe Hot Spring or nearby springs with an average nucleotide similarity of 99.4%. Genomes corresponding to aspartate primary utilizers were smaller, near-universally encoded polar amino acid ABC transporters, and had codon preferences indicative of faster growth rates. The most active ASVs assimilating both substrates were not abundant, suggesting an important role for the rare biosphere in the community response to organic carbon addition. The broad incorporation of aspartate into DNA over acetate by the hot spring community may reflect dynamic cycling of cell lysis products in situ or substrates delivered during monsoon rains and may reflect N limitation.
A novel SLC25A1 inhibitor, parthenolide, suppresses the growth and stemness of liver cancer stem cells with metabolic vulnerability
Authors: Zhang Zhichun , Qiao Yuan , Sun Qiuyue , Peng Liang , Sun Lichao
Published: September 2023

Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are recognized as key contributors to hepatocarcinogenesis, progression, and recurrence. Consequently, eradicating LCSCs has a great chance of increasing long-term survival in patients with liver cancer. Parthenolide (PTL), a natural sesquiterpene lactone product, possesses robust antitumor activity. However, the effects of PTL on LCSCs and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show that administration of PTL stimulated cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, induced apoptosis, and decreased the stemness of LCSCs. Further research indicates that PTL caused the production of ROS and the reduction of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels of LCSCs. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) further shows that PTL decreased SLC25A1 expression at the mRNA level and that inhibition of SLC25A1 synergistically decreased the expression of IDH2 and several pivotal genes involved in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, resulting in the production of ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, the inhibitory effect of PTL on mitochondrial function and self-renewal capacity of LCSCs was abolished by the knockdown of SLC25A1 or treatment with SLC25A1 inhibitor CTPI-2. Importantly, PTL prevented liver cancer growth in vivo without clearly causing toxicity. Our research shows that PTL inhibits the growth and stemness of LCSCs through SLC25A1-mediated mitochondrial function. PTL may be a potential candidate natural agent for liver cancer treatment.
A sign-inverted receptive field of inhibitory interneurons provides a pathway for ON-OFF interactions in the retina
Authors: Jo Andrew , Deniz Sercan , Xu Jian , Duvoisin Robert M. , DeVries Steven H. , Zhu Yongling
Published: September 2023

A fundamental organizing plan of the retina is that visual information is divided into ON and OFF streams that are processed in separate layers. This functional dichotomy originates in the ON and OFF bipolar cells, which then make excitatory glutamatergic synapses onto amacrine and ganglion cells in the inner plexiform layer. We have identified an amacrine cell (AC), the sign-inverting (SI) AC, that challenges this fundamental plan. The glycinergic, ON-stratifying SI-AC has OFF light responses. In opposition to the classical wiring diagrams, it receives inhibitory inputs from glutamatergic ON bipolar cells at mGluR8 synapses, and excitatory inputs from an OFF wide-field AC at electrical synapses. This “inhibitory ON center - excitatory OFF surround” receptive-field of the SI-AC allows it to use monostratified dendrites to conduct crossover inhibition and push-pull activation to enhance light detection by ACs and RGCs in the dark and feature discrimination in the light.
An inverse agonist of orphan receptor GPR61 acts by a G protein-competitive allosteric mechanism
Authors: Lees Joshua A. , Dias João M. , Rajamohan Francis , Fortin Jean-Philippe , O’Connor Rebecca , Kong Jimmy X. , Hughes Emily A. G. , Fisher Ethan L. , Tuttle Jamison B. , Lovett Gabrielle , Kormos Bethany L. , Unwalla Rayomand J. , Zhang Lei , Dechert Schmitt Anne-Marie , Zhou Dahui , Moran Michael , Stevens Kimberly A. , Fennell Kimberly F. , Varghese Alison E. , Maxwell Andrew , Cote Emmaline E. , Zhang Yuan , Han Seungil
Published: September 2023

GPR61 is an orphan GPCR related to biogenic amine receptors. Its association with phenotypes relating to appetite makes it of interest as a druggable target to treat disorders of metabolism and body weight, such as obesity and cachexia. To date, the lack of structural information or a known biological ligand or tool compound has hindered comprehensive efforts to study GPR61 structure and function. Here, we report a structural characterization of GPR61, in both its active-like complex with heterotrimeric G protein and in its inactive state. Moreover, we report the discovery of a potent and selective small-molecule inverse agonist against GPR61 and structural elucidation of its allosteric binding site and mode of action. These findings offer mechanistic insights into an orphan GPCR while providing both a structural framework and tool compound to support further studies of GPR61 function and modulation.
Synthesis of CuCo2S4@Expanded Graphite with crystal/amorphous heterointerface and defects for electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Tang Zhimeng , Xu Lei , Xie Cheng , Guo Lirong , Zhang Libo , Guo Shenghui , Peng Jinhui
Published: September 2023

The remarkable advantages of heterointerface and defect engineering and their unique electromagnetic characteristics inject infinite vitality into the design of advanced carbon-matrix electromagnetic wave absorbers. However, understanding the interface and dipole effects based on microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, rather than semi-empirical rules, can facilitate the design of heterointerfaces and defects to adjust the impedance matching and electromagnetic wave absorption of the material, which is currently lacking. Herein, CuCo2S4@Expanded Graphite heterostructure with multiple heterointerfaces and cation defects are reported, and the morphology, interfaces and defects of component are regulated by varying the concentration of metal ions. The results show that the 3D flower-honeycomb morphology, the crystal-crystal/amorphous heterointerfaces and the abundant cation defects can effectively adjust the conductive and polarization losses, achieve the impedance matching balance of carbon materials, and improve the absorption of electromagnetic wave. For the sample CEG-6, the effective absorption of Ku band with RLmin of −72.28 dB and effective absorption bandwidth of 4.14 GHz is realized at 1.4 mm, while the filler loading is only 7.0 wt. %. This article reports on the establishment of potential relationship between crystal-crystal/amorphous heterointerfaces, cation defects, and the impedance matching of carbon materials.
Innovative strategy for the conservation of a millennial mausoleum from biodeterioration through artificial light management
Authors: Bao Yuanyuan , Ma Yan , Liu Wenjing , Li Xin , Li Yonghui , Zhou Peng , Feng Youzhi , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel
Published: September 2023

Artificial lights can cause critical microbial biodeterioration of heritage monuments by promoting the outbreak of phototrophic microbiomes when they are used for touristic viewing. Here, with the ultimate aim of providing innovative solutions for the conservation and visiting of such monuments, we conducted a pioneering two-year in situ manipulative experiment to evaluate the impacts of different artificial light wavelengths (i.e., blue, green and red lights compared to white light) on the phototrophic microbiome of a millennial Chinese imperial mausoleum. Our results show that artificial light can shape the ecophysiological features of the phototrophic bacteriome in this monument and reduce its potential for further biodeterioration. In general, Cyanobacteria dominated (42.0% of the total relative abundance) the phototrophic bacteriome of this cultural relic; however, they were also very sensitive to the choice of artificial light. Compared to white light, monochromatic light, especially green light, reduced Cyanobacteria abundances (18.6%) by decreasing photosynthetic pigment abundances (42.9%); decreased the abundances of heterotrophic species belonging to Proteobacteria (4.5%) and the proportion of genes (6.1%) associated with carbon (i.e., carbon fixation), nitrogen (i.e., denitrification), and sulfur (i.e., dissimilatory sulfate reduction) cycling; and further decreased organic acid (10.1–14.1%) production of the phototrophic bacteriome, which is known to be involved in biodeterioration. Taken together, our findings constitute a major advancement in understanding how light wavelengths influence the phototrophic microbiome in cultural relics, and we found that artificial lights with certain wavelengths (e.g., green light) can help long-term conservation while allowing tourism activities.
Curated incidence of lysosomal storage diseases from the Taiwan Biobank
Authors: Tsai Meng-Ju Melody , Hung Miao-Zi , Lin Yi-Lin , Lee Ni-Chung , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Hwu Wuh-Liang
Published: September 2023

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of metabolic disorders resulting from a deficiency in one of the lysosomal hydrolases. Most LSDs are inherited in an autosomal or X-linked recessive manner. As LSDs are rare, their true incidence in Taiwan remains unknown. In this study, we used high-coverage whole-genome sequencing data from 1,495 Taiwanese individuals obtained from the Taiwan Biobank. We found 3826 variants in 71 genes responsible for autosomal recessive LSDs. We first excluded benign variants by allele frequency and other criteria. As a result, 270 variants were considered disease-causing. We curated these variants using published guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Our results revealed a combined incidence rate of 13 per 100,000 (conservative estimation by pathologic and likely pathogenic variants; 95% CI 6.92-22.23) to 94 per 100,000 (extended estimation by the inclusion of variants of unknown significance; 95% CI 75.96–115.03) among 71 autosomal recessive disease-associated genes. The conservative estimations were similar to those in published clinical data. No disease-causing mutations were found for 18 other diseases; thus, these diseases are likely extremely rare in Taiwan. The study results are important for designing screening and treatment methods for LSDs in Taiwan and demonstrate the importance of mutation curation to avoid overestimating disease incidences from genomic data.
Mineral weathering by Collimonas pratensis PMB3(1) as a function of mineral properties, solution chemistry and carbon substrate
Authors: Picard Laura , Blanco Nouche Cintia , Cochet Carine , Turpault Marie-Pierre , Uroz Stéphane
Published: September 2023

While the role of mineral weathering (MWe) bacteria in nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion is established, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved and how their contribution to MWe varies according to the mineral properties and the environmental conditions remain poorly documented. In this study, we investigate how the type of mineral, the source of carbon and the buffering capacity of the medium impacted the effectiveness at weathering of the strain PMB3(1) of Collimonas pratensis and the molecular mechanisms involved. Using abiotic and biotic weathering tests, we characterised the weatherability of the different minerals considered (i.e., biotite, olivine, garnet, hematite, apatite). We reveal that the model PMB3(1) strain is able to weather all the minerals tested and that its effectiveness is related to the weatherability of each mineral in poorly buffered condition, but not in buffered condition. Using single and double mutants affected in their Glucose-Methanol-Choline oxidoreductase activity and/or the biosynthesis of siderophore, we identify which mechanism the strain PMB3(1) uses to weather minerals in each condition. Our results indicate that the effectiveness at weathering of bacteria depends more strongly on the environmental conditions (carbon source, buffering capacity) than on the mineral type.
A cross-country qualitative analysis of teachers’ perceptions of asthma care in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Naidoo Kimesh Loganathan , Dladla Sindisiwa , Mphahlele Reratilwe Ephenia , Mosler Gioia , Muyemayema Sophie , Ssemata Andrew Sentoogo , Mkutumula Elizabeth , Adeyeye Olayinka Olufunke , Goodman Olayinka , Kuyinu Yetunde , Nantanda Rebecca , Addo-Yobo Emmanuel , Owusu Sandra Kwarteng , Arhin Bernhard , Ticklay Ismail , Mujuru Hilda Angela , Grigg Jonathan , Masekela Refiloe
Published: September 2023

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease among school-going adolescents worldwide. However, the burden of severe asthma is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions of asthma care across six African countries. We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. FGDs were conducted in Kumasi(Ghana), Blantyre (Malawi), Lagos (Nigeria), Durban (South Africa), Kampala (Uganda), and Harare (Zimbabwe) between 01 November 2020 and 30 June 2021. We identified two key themes related to asthma care; barriers to asthma care and suggestions to improve the care of adolescents with asthma. Barriers reported by teachers included a lack of knowledge and skills among themselves, adolescents, and caregivers. In addition, some traditional beliefs of teachers on asthma exacerbated challenges with asthma care in schools. Regarding suggestions, most teachers identified a need for all-inclusive asthma training programmes for teachers, adolescents and caregivers, focusing on acute episodes and mitigating triggers. Utilising teachers with personal experiences with asthma to advocate and support these initiatives was suggested. Further suggestions included the need for annual screening to enable early identification of adolescents with asthma and clarify restrictions on teachers administering asthma medications. Teachers across African schools identify multiple barriers to asthma care. Structured school education programs and annual asthma screening are key to addressing some barriers to care.
Quantum fluctuation of ferroelectric order in polar metals
Authors: Gu Fangyuan , Wang Jie , Lang Zi-Jian , Ku Wei
Published: September 2023

The polar metallic phase is an unusual metallic phase of matter containing long-range ferroelectric (FE) order in the electronic and atomic structure. Distinct from the typical FE insulating phase, this phase spontaneously breaks the inversion symmetry without global polarization. Unexpectedly, the FE order is found to be dramatically suppressed and destroyed at moderate ~ 10% carrier density. Here, we propose a general mechanism based on carrier-induced quantum fluctuations to explain this puzzling phenomenon. The quantum kinetic effect would drive the formation of polaronic quasi-particles made of the carriers and their surrounding dipoles. The disruption in dipolar directions can therefore weaken or even destroy the FE order. We demonstrate such polaron formation and the associated FE suppression via a concise model using exact diagonalization, perturbation, and quantum Monte Carlo approaches. This quantum mechanism also provides an intuitive picture for many puzzling experimental findings, thereby facilitating new designs of multifunctional FE electronic devices augmented with quantum effects.
The floodplain inundation history of the Murray-Darling Basin through two-monthly maximum water depth maps
Authors: Penton David J. , Teng Jin , Ticehurst Catherine , Marvanek Steve , Freebairn Andrew , Mateo Cherry , Vaze Jai , Yang Ang , Khanam Fathaha , Sengupta Ashmita , Pollino Carmel
Published: September 2023

With growing concerns over water management in rivers worldwide, researchers are seeking innovative solutions to monitor and understand changing flood patterns. In a noteworthy advancement, stakeholders interested in the changing flood patterns of the Murray Darling Basin (MDB) in Australia, covering an area of 1 million km2, can now access a consistent timeseries of water depth maps for the entire basin. The dataset covers the period from 1988 to 2022 at two-monthly timestep and was developed using remotely sensed imagery and a flood depth estimation model at a spatial resolution of ≈30 m, providing a comprehensive picture of maximum observed inundation depth across the MDB. Validation against 13 hydrodynamic model outputs for different parts of the MDB yielded a mean absolute error of 0.49 m, demonstrating reasonable accuracy and reliability of the dataset. The resulting dataset is best suited to system-wide analysis but might also be useful for those interested in the history of flooding at specific locations in the system. We provide the dataset, visualization tools, and examples to support ongoing research.
MDF-Net for abnormality detection by fusing X-rays with clinical data
Authors: Hsieh Chihcheng , Nobre Isabel Blanco , Sousa Sandra Costa , Ouyang Chun , Brereton Margot , Nascimento Jacinto C. , Jorge Joaquim , Moreira Catarina
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the effects of including patients’ clinical information on the performance of deep learning (DL) classifiers for disease location in chest X-ray images. Although current classifiers achieve high performance using chest X-ray images alone, consultations with practicing radiologists indicate that clinical data is highly informative and essential for interpreting medical images and making proper diagnoses. In this work, we propose a novel architecture consisting of two fusion methods that enable the model to simultaneously process patients’ clinical data (structured data) and chest X-rays (image data). Since these data modalities are in different dimensional spaces, we propose a spatial arrangement strategy, spatialization, to facilitate the multimodal learning process in a Mask R-CNN model. We performed an extensive experimental evaluation using MIMIC-Eye, a dataset comprising different modalities: MIMIC-CXR (chest X-ray images), MIMIC IV-ED (patients’ clinical data), and REFLACX (annotations of disease locations in chest X-rays). Results show that incorporating patients’ clinical data in a DL model together with the proposed fusion methods improves the disease localization in chest X-rays by 12% in terms of Average Precision compared to a standard Mask R-CNN using chest X-rays alone. Further ablation studies also emphasize the importance of multimodal DL architectures and the incorporation of patients’ clinical data in disease localization. In the interest of fostering scientific reproducibility, the architecture proposed within this investigation has been made publicly accessible(https://github.com/ChihchengHsieh/multimodal-abnormalities-detection).
Investigation of antituberculosis, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory efficacies of newly synthesized transition metal(II) complexes of hydrazone ligands: structural elucidation and theoretical studies
Authors: Kumar Binesh , Devi Jai , Dubey Amit , Tufail Aisha , Taxak Bharti
Published: September 2023

Tuberculosis disease is a serious threat to humans and spreading quickly worldwide, therefore, to find a potent drug, the synthesis of hydrazone ligands endowed Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) metal complexes were carried out and well characterized by numerous spectral and analytical techniques. The octahedral geometry of the complexes was confirmed by spectral analysis. Further, in vitro antituberculosis efficacy of the compounds (1–10) revealed that complexes (6), (9), (10) have highest potency to control TB malformation with 0.0028 ± 0.0013–0.0063 ± 0.0013 µmol/mL MIC value while Zn(II) complex (10) (0.0028 ± 0.0013 µmol/mL) has nearly four time potent to suppress TB disease in comparison of streptomycin (0.0107 ± 0.0011 µmol/mL). The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory evaluations revealed that the complex (10) is more active with lowest MIC (0.0057–0.0114 µmol/mL) and IC50 (7.14 ± 0.05 µM) values, correspondingly which are comparable with their respective standard drugs. Furthermore, the theoretical studies such as molecular docking, DFT, MESP and ADMET were employed to authenticate the potency of HL2 hydrazone ligand (2) and its metal complexes (7–10) which revealed that the zinc(II) complex (10) might be utilized as novel drug candidate for tuberculosis dysfunctions. So, the present research gives a new insight for in vivo investigation of the compounds.