bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on corrosion, hydrogen permeation, and stress corrosion cracking behaviours of AISI 4135 steel in the tidal zone
Authors: Xu Yong , Huang Yanliang , Cai Fanfan , Lu Dongzhu , Wang Zhengquan , Wang Xiutong
Published: December 2022

High-strength steels are widely used in marine engineering; however, they suffer from the risks of corrosion, hydrogen permeation, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in wet–dry cyclic marine environments. In this study, the corrosion, hydrogen permeation, and SCC behaviours of AISI 4135 steel in the tidal zone were investigated using electrochemical corrosion, electrochemical hydrogen permeation, and slow strain rate tests, respectively, via field exposure. The results showed that the AISI 4135 steel sample placed at the high tide level had high SCC susceptibility because of severe pitting corrosion and hydrogen permeation, whereas the steel samples placed at the middle and low tide levels had low SCC susceptibilities. The dry/wet time ratio was crucial in determining the SCC behaviour and mechanism of the steel in the tidal zone. With increasing time ratio, the SCC mechanism changed from micro-void coalescence control to localised anodic dissolution and hydrogen embrittlement in tandem.
Wuliangye Baijiu but not ethanol reduces cardiovascular disease risks in a zebrafish thrombosis model
Authors: Zhu Hui , Lan Chaohua , Zhao Dong , Wang Ning , Du Di , Luo Huibo , Lu Huiqiang , Peng Zhifu , Wang Yumeng , Qiao Zongwei , Huang Yong , Sun Baoguo
Published: December 2022

Understanding howBaijiufacilitates blood circulation and prevents blood stasis is crucial for revealing the mechanism ofBaijiufor cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. Here we established a zebrafish thrombosis model induced using arachidonic acid (AA) to quantitatively evaluate the antithrombotic effect of WuliangyeBaijiu. The prevention and reduction effects of aspirin, Wuliangye, and ethanol on thrombosis were compared using imaging and molecular characterization. WuliangyeBaijiureduces thrombotic risks and oxidative stress in the AA-treated zebrafish, while ethanol with the same concentration has no similar effect. The prevention and reduction effects of Wuliangye on thrombosis are attributed to the change in the metabolic and signaling pathways related to platelet aggregation and adhesion, oxidative stress and inflammatory response.
ER-associated RNA silencing promotes ER quality control
Authors: Efstathiou Sotirios , Ottens Franziska , Schütter Lena-Sophie , Ravanelli Sonia , Charmpilas Nikolaos , Gutschmidt Aljona , Le Pen Jérémie , Gehring Niels H. , Miska Eric A. , Bouças Jorge , Hoppe Thorsten
Published: December 2022

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) coordinates mRNA translation and processing of secreted and endomembrane proteins. ER-associated degradation (ERAD) prevents the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, but the physiological regulation of this process remains poorly characterized. Here, in a genetic screen using an ERAD model substrate in Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified an anti-viral RNA interference pathway, referred to as ER-associated RNA silencing (ERAS), which acts together with ERAD to preserve ER homeostasis and function. Induced by ER stress, ERAS is mediated by the Argonaute protein RDE-1/AGO2, is conserved in mammals and promotes ER-associated RNA turnover. ERAS and ERAD are complementary, as simultaneous inactivation of both quality-control pathways leads to increased ER stress, reduced protein quality control and impaired intestinal integrity. Collectively, our findings indicate that ER homeostasis and organismal health are protected by synergistic functions of ERAS and ERAD.
FXR inhibition may protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection by reducing ACE2
Authors: Brevini Teresa , Maes Mailis , Webb Gwilym J. , John Binu V. , Fuchs Claudia D. , Buescher Gustav , Wang Lu , Griffiths Chelsea , Brown Marnie L. , Scott William E. , Pereyra-Gerber Pehuén , Gelson William T. H. , Brown Stephanie , Dillon Scott , Muraro Daniele , Sharp Jo , Neary Megan , Box Helen , Tatham Lee , Stewart James , Curley Paul , Pertinez Henry , Forrest Sally , Mlcochova Petra , Varankar Sagar S. , Darvish-Damavandi Mahnaz , Mulcahy Victoria L. , Kuc Rhoda E. , Williams Thomas L. , Heslop James A. , Rossetti Davide , Tysoe Olivia C. , Galanakis Vasileios , Vila-Gonzalez Marta , Crozier Thomas W. M. , Bargehr Johannes , Sinha Sanjay , Upponi Sara S. , Fear Corrina , Swift Lisa , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Davies Susan E. , Wester Axel , Hagström Hannes , Melum Espen , Clements Darran , Humphreys Peter , Herriott Jo , Kijak Edyta , Cox Helen , Bramwell Chloe , Valentijn Anthony , Illingworth Christopher J. R. ,   UK-PBC Consortium, Dahman Bassam , Bastaich Dustin R. , Ferreira Raphaella D. , Marjot Thomas , Barnes Eleanor , Moon Andrew M. , Barritt Alfred S. , Gupta Ravindra K. , Baker Stephen , Davenport Anthony P. , Corbett Gareth , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Buczacki Simon J. A. , Lee Joo-Hyeon , Matheson Nicholas J. , Trauner Michael , Fisher Andrew J. , Gibbs Paul , Butler Andrew J. , Watson Christopher J. E. , Mells George F. , Dougan Gordon , Owen Andrew , Lohse Ansgar W. , Vallier Ludovic , Sampaziotis Fotios
Published: December 2022

Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating viral host receptors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)1, could represent a new chemoprophylactic approach for COVID-19 that complements vaccination2,3. However, the mechanisms that control the expression of ACE2 remain unclear. Here we show that the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a direct regulator of ACE2 transcription in several tissues affected by COVID-19, including the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. We then use the over-the-counter compound z-guggulsterone and the off-patent drug ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to reduce FXR signalling and downregulate ACE2 in human lung, cholangiocyte and intestinal organoids and in the corresponding tissues in mice and hamsters. We show that the UDCA-mediated downregulation of ACE2 reduces susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, in vivo and in human lungs and livers perfused ex situ. Furthermore, we reveal that UDCA reduces the expression of ACE2 in the nasal epithelium in humans. Finally, we identify a correlation between UDCA treatment and positive clinical outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection using retrospective registry data, and confirm these findings in an independent validation cohort of recipients of liver transplants. In conclusion, we show that FXR has a role in controlling ACE2 expression and provide evidence that modulation of this pathway could be beneficial for reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection, paving the way for future clinical trials.
Multiparametric and accurate functional analysis of genetic sequence variants using CRISPR-Select
Authors: Niu Yiyuan , Ferreira Azevedo Catarina A. , Li Xin , Kamali Elahe , Haagen Nielsen Ole , Storgaard Sørensen Claus , Frödin Morten
Published: December 2022

Determining the functional role of thousands of genetic sequence variants (mutations) associated with genetic diseases is a major challenge. Here we present clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-SelectTIME, CRISPR-SelectSPACE and CRISPR-SelectSTATE, a set of flexible knock-in assays that introduce a genetic variant in a cell population and track its absolute frequencies relative to an internal, neutral control mutation as a function of time, space or a cell state measurable by flow cytometry. Phenotypically, CRISPR-Select can thereby determine, for example, pathogenicity, drug responsiveness/resistance or in vivo tumor promotion by a specific variant. Mechanistically, CRISPR-Select can dissect how the variant elicits the phenotype by causally linking the variant to motility/invasiveness or any cell state or biochemical process with a flow cytometry marker. The method is applicable to organoids, nontransformed or cancer cell lines. It is accurate, quantitative, fast and simple and works in single-well or 96-well higher throughput format. CRISPR-Select provides a versatile functional variant assay for research, diagnostics and drug development for genetic disorders.
The landscape of tumor cell states and spatial organization in H3-K27M mutant diffuse midline glioma across age and location
Authors: Liu Ilon , Jiang Li , Samuelsson Erik R. , Marco Salas Sergio , Beck Alexander , Hack Olivia A. , Jeong Daeun , Shaw McKenzie L. , Englinger Bernhard , LaBelle Jenna , Mire Hafsa M. , Madlener Sibylle , Mayr Lisa , Quezada Michael A. , Trissal Maria , Panditharatna Eshini , Ernst Kati J. , Vogelzang Jayne , Gatesman Taylor A. , Halbert Matthew E. , Palova Hana , Pokorna Petra , Sterba Jaroslav , Slaby Ondrej , Geyeregger Rene , Diaz Aaron , Findlay Izac J. , Dun Matthew D. , Resnick Adam , Suvà Mario L. , Jones David T. W. , Agnihotri Sameer , Svedlund Jessica , Koschmann Carl , Haberler Christine , Czech Thomas , Slavc Irene , Cotter Jennifer A. , Ligon Keith L. , Alexandrescu Sanda , Yung W. K. Alfred , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel , Gojo Johannes , Monje Michelle , Nilsson Mats , Filbin Mariella G.
Published: December 2022

Histone 3 lysine27-to-methionine (H3-K27M) mutations most frequently occur in diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) of the childhood pons but are also increasingly recognized in adults. Their potential heterogeneity at different ages and midline locations is vastly understudied. Here, through dissecting the single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic and spatial architectures of a comprehensive cohort of patient H3-K27M DMGs, we delineate how age and anatomical location shape glioma cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic features in light of the shared driver mutation. We show that stem-like oligodendroglial precursor-like cells, present across all clinico-anatomical groups, display varying levels of maturation dependent on location. We reveal a previously underappreciated relationship between mesenchymal cancer cell states and age, linked to age-dependent differences in the immune microenvironment. Further, we resolve the spatial organization of H3-K27M DMG cell populations and identify a mitotic oligodendroglial-lineage niche. Collectively, our study provides a powerful framework for rational modeling and therapeutic interventions.
Efficacy of empagliflozin in heart failure with preserved versus mid-range ejection fraction: a pre-specified analysis of EMPEROR-Preserved
Authors: Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed , Usman Muhammad Shariq , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ferreira João Pedro , Bocchi Edimar , Böhm Michael , Rocca Hans Pieter Brunner-La , Choi Dong-Ju , Chopra Vijay , Chuquiure Eduardo , Giannetti Nadia , Gomez-Mesa Juan Esteban , Janssens Stefan , Januzzi James L. , González-Juanatey José R. , Merkely Bela , Nicholls Stephen J. , Perrone Sergio V. , Piña Ileana L. , Ponikowski Piotr , Senni Michele , Sim David , Spinar Jindrich , Squire Iain , Taddei Stefano , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Verma Subodh , Vinereanu Dragos , Zhang Jian , Iwata Tomoko , Schnee Janet M. , Brueckmann Martina , Pocock Stuart J. , Zannad Faiez
Published: December 2022

The EMPEROR-Preserved trial showed that the sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) in heart failure patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)  > 40%. Here, we report the results of a pre-specified analysis that separately evaluates these patients stratified by LVEF: preserved (≥ 50%) (n = 4,005; 66.9%) or mid-range (41–49%). In patients with LVEF  ≥ 50%, empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or HHF (the primary endpoint) by 17% versus placebo (hazard ratio (HR) 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71–0.98, P = 0.024). For the key secondary endpoint, the HR for total HHF was 0.83 (95%CI: 0.66–1.04, P = 0.11). For patients with an LVEF of 41–49%, the HR for empagliflozin versus placebo was 0.71 (95%CI: 0.57–0.88, P = 0.002) for the primary outcome (Pinteraction = 0.27), and 0.57 (95%CI: 0.42–0.79, P < 0.001) for total HHF (Pinteraction = 0.06). These results, together with those from the EMPEROR-Reduced trial in patients with LVEF < 40%, support the use of empagliflozin across the full spectrum of LVEF in heart failure.
Wave-driven electron inward transport in a magnetic nozzle
Authors: Takahashi Kazunori , Charles Christine , Boswell Rod W.
Published: December 2022

Plasma flows in divergent magnetic fields resembling a magnetic nozzle can be found over wide scales ranging from astrophysical objects to terrestrial plasma devices. Plasma detachment from a magnetic nozzle is a frequent occurrence in natural plasmas, e.g., plasma ejection from the Sun and release from the Sun’s magnetic field, forming the solar wind. Plasma detachment has also been a challenging problem relating to space propulsion devices utilizing a magnetic nozzle, especially the detachment of the magnetized electrons having a gyro-radius smaller than the system’s scale is required to maintain zero net current exhausted from the system. Here we experimentally demonstrate that a cross-field transport of the electrons toward the main nozzle axis, which contributes to neutralizing the ions detached from the nozzle, is induced by the spontaneously excited magnetosonic wave having the frequency considerably higher than the ion cyclotron frequency and close to the lower hybrid frequency, driving an E × B drift that only effects the electrons. Wave-induced transport and loss have been one of many important issues in plasma physics over the past several decades. Conversely, the presently observed electron inward transport has a beneficial effect on the detachment by reducing the divergence of the expanding plasma beam; this finding will open a new perspective for the role of waves and instabilities in plasmas.
A survey of vocal mimicry in companion parrots
Authors: Benedict Lauryn , Charles Alexandra , Brockington Amirah , Dahlin Christine R
Published: December 2022

Parrots are one of the rare animal taxa with life-long vocal learning. Parrot vocal repertoires are difficult to study in the wild, but companion parrots offer a valuable data source. We surveyed the public about mimicry repertoires in companion parrots to determine whether vocal learning varied by (1) species, (2) sex, (3) age, and (4) social interaction with other parrots. Species differed significantly in mimicry ability, with grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) having the largest mimicry repertoires. Analyses of all birds (n = 877) found no overarching effects of sex, age, or parrot-parrot social interactions on mimicry repertoires. Follow up analyses (n = 671), however, revealed a human bias to assume that talking parrots are male, and indicated that five of the 19 best-sampled species exhibited sex differences. Age-specific analyses of grey parrots (n = 187) indicated that repertoire size did not increase during adulthood. Most parrots were capable of improvisation (e.g. rearranging words) and used mimicry in appropriate human contexts. Results indicate that parrot vocal production learning varies among and within species, suggesting that the mechanisms and functions of learning also vary. Our data provide a rich foundation for future comparative research on avian vocalizations, and broaden our understanding of the underpinnings of communicative behavior and learning across all animals.
Morphometric study of percutaneous A1 pulley of thumb release
Authors: Zhong Wei-xing , Chen Zu-jiang , Peng Wei-jie , Gu Rui-bin , Li Jun-hua , Li Yi-kai
Published: December 2022

Through anatomy, microscope, histopathology, and simulating needle knife operation on specimens, to accumulate the relevant parameters of the A1 pulley of thumb, and to provide an anatomical evidence for the needle knife therapy of stenosing flexor tenosynovitis. A total of 20 fingers were selected from 20 intact adult upper limb specimens, a small amount of emerald green waterproof dye was injected from the needle insertion point, dissected layer by layer, and the A1 pulley and neurovascular bundle were observed. Observe the loosening of the thumb A1 pulley after 5 and 10 times of simulated needle knife cutting on the specimen; observe the relationship between the needle knife entry point and the A1 pulley under the thumb extension and abduction, and the thumb extension neutral position respectively; further observe the histological characteristics, and the relationship between needle entry point and A1 pulley by microscope. ① In general observation, the A1 pulleys of each finger were transverse fibers perpendicular to the flexor tendon, tough in texture, connected with synovial fibers at the proximal end. It is difficult to distinguish, and connected with oblique fibers at the distal end. ② The release rate of the thumb A1 pulley after 5 and 10 times of simulated needle knife cutting on the specimen were (40.46 ± 2.22)% and (63.52 ± 4.49)%, respectively. ③ In the neutral position of the thumb straightening, the needle entry point is 3.06 ± 0.14 mm from the proximal side of the proximal edge of the A1 pulley, which overlaps with the needle entry point where the thumb is straight and abducted. ④ Observed under a microscope, the A1 pulley is a dense transverse fiber with a pale yellow dense connective tissue, both ends are continuous with the synovial fibers. It is thin and translucent, and loose connective tissue. The A1 pulley is a dense transverse fiber with a pale yellow dense connective tissue. The anatomical key points of the needle knife therapy lie in the extended and abducted position of the thumb. Currently, it is believed that cutting the proximal edge of the A1 pulley is sufficient, and there is no need to cut the entire A1 pulley.
Access to basic drinking water services, safe water storage, and household water treatment practice in rural communities of northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw Zemichael , Gebrehiwot Mulat , Destaw Bikes , Nigusie Adane
Published: December 2022

Protecting water from cross contamination at source and point of use is an important strategy to improve water quality. However, water safety measures at the source and point of use may not be implemented in the rural communities. This community-based cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted among 1190 randomly selected households in a rural setting of northwest Ethiopia to assess access to basic drinking water services, safe water storage, and household water treatment practices. Water service level was determined using JMP criteria and practices that prevent cross contamination of water at point of use were used to determine safe water storage. Results showed that 23.0% of the households had access to basic water services; 37.0% practiced safe water storage; and 15.4% practiced one or more household water treatment methods. Public taps (54.5%) and protected spring (25.1%) were the common water sources to rural communities in northwest Ethiopia. Boiling (43.2%), chlorination or water guard (26.8%), and plain sedimentation (23.0%) were among the household water treatment methods commonly practiced in the area. In conclusion, rural households in the studied region has low access to basic water services. Safe water storage practice was also low in the area and household water treatment is not commonly practiced.
All-atmospheric fabrication of Ag–Cu core–shell nanowire transparent electrodes with Haacke figure of merit >600 × 10–3 Ω−1
Authors: DiGregorio Steven J. , Miller Collin E. , Prince Kevin J. , Hildreth Owen J. , Wheeler Lance M.
Published: December 2022

Transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) are essential components in devices such as touch screens, smart windows, and photovoltaics. Metal nanowire networks are promising next-generation TCEs, but best-performing examples rely on expensive metal catalysts (palladium or platinum), vacuum processing, or transfer processes that cannot be scaled. This work demonstrates a metal nanowire TCE fabrication process that focuses on high performance and simple fabrication. Here we combined direct and plating metallization processes on electrospun nanowires. We first directly metallize silver nanowires using reactive silver ink. The silver catalyzes subsequent copper plating to produce Ag–Cu core–shell nanowires and eliminates nanowire junction resistances. The process allows for tunable transmission and sheet resistance properties by adjusting electrospinning and plating time. We demonstrate state-of-the-art, low-haze TCEs using an all-atmospheric process with sheet resistances of 0.33 Ω sq−1 and visible light transmittances of 86% (including the substrate), leading to a Haacke figure of merit of 652 × 10–3 Ω−1. The core–shell nanowire electrode also demonstrates high chemical and bending durability.
Sap flow of sweet cherry reveals distinct effects of humidity and wind under rain covered and netted protected cropping systems
Authors: Stone C. H. , Close D. C. , Corkrey R. , Goodwin I.
Published: December 2022

Protected cropping systems (PCS) alter the plant growing environment, though understanding of this in ventilated systems and how the new climate affects tree water uptake is limited. Sap flow sensors and weather stations were deployed in 16-year-old ‘Lapins’ on ‘Colt’ rootstock cherry trees under a ventilated Voen PCS and in an adjacent bird netted PCS. Average and maximum temperatures were consistently higher (14.7 °C and 22.9 °C) while total daily solar radiation and average wind were consistently lower (12.9 MJ/m2 and 0.2 m/s) in rain covered, in contrast to netted, PCS (13.9 °C, 21.3 °C, 13.7 MJ/m2 and 0.9 m/s). Over the season, a threefold lower daily sap flow rate was observed under rain covered PCS. Using generalised additive modelling (GAM), the influence of individual climate parameters on sap flow were predicted. Whilst sap flow was only slightly affected by relative humidity (RH) less than 60%, above this threshold sap flow rapidly declined under rain covered PCS whereas sap flow more gradually declined above 20% RH under netted PCS. Overall, our novel modelling approach led to the discovery of the 60% RH critical threshold on predicted sap flow and the indirect effect that wind speeds have on sap flow under PCS.
A fully-automated paper ECG digitisation algorithm using deep learning
Authors: Wu Huiyi , Patel Kiran Haresh Kumar , Li Xinyang , Zhang Bowen , Galazis Christoforos , Bajaj Nikesh , Sau Arunashis , Shi Xili , Sun Lin , Tao Yanda , Al-Qaysi Harith , Tarusan Lawrence , Yasmin Najira , Grewal Natasha , Kapoor Gaurika , Waks Jonathan W. , Kramer Daniel B. , Peters Nicholas S. , Ng Fu Siong
Published: December 2022

There is increasing focus on applying deep learning methods to electrocardiograms (ECGs), with recent studies showing that neural networks (NNs) can predict future heart failure or atrial fibrillation from the ECG alone. However, large numbers of ECGs are needed to train NNs, and many ECGs are currently only in paper format, which are not suitable for NN training. We developed a fully-automated online ECG digitisation tool to convert scanned paper ECGs into digital signals. Using automated horizontal and vertical anchor point detection, the algorithm automatically segments the ECG image into separate images for the 12 leads and a dynamical morphological algorithm is then applied to extract the signal of interest. We then validated the performance of the algorithm on 515 digital ECGs, of which 45 were printed, scanned and redigitised. The automated digitisation tool achieved 99.0% correlation between the digitised signals and the ground truth ECG (n = 515 standard 3-by-4 ECGs) after excluding ECGs with overlap of lead signals. Without exclusion, the performance of average correlation was from 90 to 97% across the leads on all 3-by-4 ECGs. There was a 97% correlation for 12-by-1 and 3-by-1 ECG formats after excluding ECGs with overlap of lead signals. Without exclusion, the average correlation of some leads in 12-by-1 ECGs was 60–70% and the average correlation of 3-by-1 ECGs achieved 80–90%. ECGs that were printed, scanned, and redigitised, our tool achieved 96% correlation with the original signals. We have developed and validated a fully-automated, user-friendly, online ECG digitisation tool. Unlike other available tools, this does not require any manual segmentation of ECG signals. Our tool can facilitate the rapid and automated digitisation of large repositories of paper ECGs to allow them to be used for deep learning projects.
Impact of partial bile duct ligation with or without repeated magnetic resonance imaging examinations in mice
Authors: Chen Taili , Zhou Zi-Yi , Liu Jia-Yi , Zheng Li-Yun , Wang Zi-Wei , Zhang Xiao-Jie , Zeng Shan
Published: December 2022

Partial bile duct ligation (pBDL) is considered a well-tolerated cholestatic model. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most widely used tools in noninvasive imaging. However, no systematic studies have reported the possible effects of repeated MRI assessments in the pBDL model. Sixty BALB/C mice were investigated. MRI images of each mouse were recorded once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks after pBDL or sham surgery. The reproducibility of the pBDL model and the reliability of MRI were examined by behavioral, physiological, biochemical, and pathological parameters. The mice showed no alterations on behavioral and physiological tests (P > 0.05) at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after pBDL. Repeated general anesthesia did not result in any impairment after pBDL (P > 0.05). The behavioral and biochemical parameters were not affected by repeated MRIs or repeated contrast-enhanced MRIs (P > 0.05). Pathological staining showed the homogeneous formation of collagenous fiber in the pBDL mice and did not indicate any influence of repeated contrast-enhanced MRI on the number of inflammatory cells or fibrotic formation (P > 0.05). Thus, pBDL is a reproducible model with many advantages for animal welfare and scientific research. Additionally, MRI, as a safe tool for longitudinal evaluation and is well tolerated in mice with cholestasis.
Chest x-ray imaging score is associated with severity of COVID-19 pneumonia: the MBrixia score
Authors: Jensen Christian M. , Costa Junia C. , Nørgaard Jens C. , Zucco Adrian G. , Neesgaard Bastian , Niemann Carsten U. , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Reekie Joanne , Holten Birgit , Kalhauge Anna , Matthay Michael A. , Lundgren Jens D. , Helleberg Marie , Moestrup Kasper S.
Published: December 2022

Spatial resolution in existing chest x-ray (CXR)-based scoring systems for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia is low, and should be increased for better representation of anatomy, and severity of lung involvement. An existing CXR-based system, the Brixia score, was modified to increase the spatial resolution, creating the MBrixia score. The MBrixia score is the sum, of a rule-based quantification of CXR severity on a scale of 0 to 3 in 12 anatomical zones in the lungs. The MBrixia score was applied to CXR images from COVID-19 patients at a single tertiary hospital in the period May 4th–June 5th, 2020. The relationship between MBrixia score, and level of respiratory support at the time of performed CXR imaging was investigated. 37 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with 290 CXRs were identified, 22 (59.5%) were admitted to the intensive care unit and 10 (27%) died during follow-up. In a Poisson regression using all 290 MBrixia scored CXRs, a higher MBrixia score was associated with a higher level of respiratory support at the time of performed CXR. The MBrixia score could potentially be valuable as a quantitative surrogate measurement of COVID-19 pneumonia severity, and future studies should investigate the score’s validity and capabilities of predicting clinical outcomes.
Short course palliative radiotherapy in advanced solid tumors: a pooled analysis (the SHARON project)
Authors: Donati Costanza Maria , Macchia Gabriella , Siepe Giambattista , Zamagni Alice , Benini Anna , Cellini Francesco , Buwenge Milly , Cilla Savino , Cammelli Silvia , Rizzo Stefania , Caravatta Luciana , Wondemagegnhu Tigeneh , Uddin A. F. M. Kamal , Deressa Biniyam Tefera , Sumon Mostafa A. , Lodi Rizzini Elisa , Bazzocchi Alberto , Morganti Alessio G. , Deodato Francesco , Farina Eleonora
Published: December 2022

Previous trials showed the tolerability and efficacy of a palliative radiotherapy (RT) regimen (SHARON) based on the 4 fractions delivered in 2 days in different oncological settings. In order to identify possible predictors of symptomatic response, the purpose of this study is to perform a pooled analysis of previous trials. We analyzed the impact on symptomatic response of the following parameters: tumor site, histological type, performance status (ECOG), dominant symptom, and RT dose using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. One-hundred-eighty patients were analyzed. Median RT dose was 20 Gy (range: 14–20 Gy). The overall response rate was 88.8% (95% CI 83.3–92.7%) while pre- and post-treatment mean VAS was 5.3 (± 7.7) and 2.2 (± 2.2), respectively (p < 0.001). The overall response rate of pain, dyspnea, bleeding, dysphagia, and other symptoms was 86.2%, 90.9%, 100%, 87.5%, and 100%, respectively. Comparing the symptomatic effect based on the analyzed parameters no significant differences were recorded. However, patients with locally advanced disease showed a higher rate of symptomatic responses than metastatic ones (97.3% vs 83.0%; p = 0.021). Finally, the complete pain response rate was more than double in patients with mild to moderate (VAS: 4–7) compared to those with severe (VAS > 7) pain (36.0% vs 14.3%; p = 0.028). This pooled analysis showed high efficacy of the SHARON regimen in the relief of several cancer-related symptoms. The markedly and significantly higher complete pain response rate, in patients with mild-moderate pain, suggests early referral to palliative RT for patients with cancer-related pain.
Molecular subtype conversion in CTCs as indicator of treatment adequacy associated with metastasis-free survival in breast cancer
Authors: Grigoryeva E. S. , A.Tashireva L. , Alifanov V. V. , Savelieva O. E. , Vtorushin S. V. , Zavyalova M. V. , Bragina O. D. , Garbukov E. Y. , Cherdyntseva N. V. , Choinzonov E. L. , Perelmuter V. M.
Published: December 2022

Molecular subtype of breast cancer has a great clinical significance and used as one of the major criteria for therapeutic strategy. Recently, for anticancer therapy, the trend for oncologists is the predominant determination of biomarkers in the existing foci of the disease. In the case of adjuvant therapy prescribed for distant metastases prevention, CTCs could be a suitable object for investigation. CTCs as one of the factors responsible for tumor metastatic potential could be more convenient and informative for evaluation of hormone receptors, Ki-67 and HER2 expression, which are determine molecular subtype in breast cancer patient. In our study, we aimed to investigate the molecular subtype discordance between the primary tumor and CTCs in breast cancer patients. We established conversion of molecular subtype in most of the cases. Namely, conversion was detected in 90% of untreated patients and in 82% of breast cancer patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. At the same time, molecular subtype conversions in patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy were more diverse. Molecular subtype conversions resulted more often in the unfavorable variants in circulating tumor cells. We stratified all patients according to the adequacy of treatment against converted CTCs molecular subtype. Our study revealed that good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy observed in case of adequate therapy, namely, when chemotherapy scheme was sufficient against CTCs. It turned out that patients with inadequate therapy were characterized by decreased simulated 5-year metastasis-free survival compared to patients who received appropriate therapy. Thus, detection of molecular subtype conversion in circulating tumor cells could be a perspective tool for optimization of antitumor therapy.
Association between B-type natriuretic peptide and long-term mortality in patients with acute severe hypertension visiting the emergency department
Authors: Kim Byung Sik , Lee Yonggu , Lim Young-Hyo , Shin Jinho , Shin Jeong-Hun
Published: December 2022

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a well-established prognostic factor for cardiovascular disorders. However, the association between BNP levels and mortality in patients with acute severe hypertension remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between BNP levels and long-term mortality in patients with acute severe hypertension visiting the emergency department (ED). This retrospective study included patients aged ≥ 18 years who were admitted to the ED between 2016 and 2019 with acute severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg). Patients were categorized into tertiles according to BNP levels upon admission to the ED. Of the 3099 patients with acute severe hypertension, 6.4% in the first (lowest) tertile, 24.8% in the second tertile, and 44.4% in the third (highest) tertile of BNP died within 3-years. After adjusting for clinically relevant variables, patients in the second tertile of BNP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96–3.55), and patients in the third tertile of BNP (adjusted HR 4.18; 95% CI, 3.09–5.64) had a significantly higher risk of 3-year all-cause mortality than those in the first tertile of BNP. Therefore, BNP may be valuable for the initial assessment to identify high-risk patients among those with acute severe hypertension.
KLF4-PFKFB3-driven glycolysis is essential for phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhang Xinhua , Zheng Bin , Zhao Lingdan , Shen Jiayi , Yang Zhan , Zhang Yu , Fan Ruirui , Zhang Manli , Ma Dong , Zheng Lemin , Zhao Mingming , Liu Huirong , Wen Jinkun
Published: December 2022

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within atherosclerotic lesions undergo a phenotypic switching in a KLF4-dependent manner. Glycolysis plays important roles in transdifferentiation of somatic cells, however, it is unclear whether and how KLF4 mediates the link between glycolytic switch and VSMCs phenotypic transitions. Here, we show that KLF4 upregulation accompanies VSMCs phenotypic switching in atherosclerotic lesions. KLF4 enhances the metabolic switch to glycolysis through increasing PFKFB3 expression. Inhibiting glycolysis suppresses KLF4-induced VSMCs phenotypic switching, demonstrating that glycolytic shift is required for VSMCs phenotypic switching. Mechanistically, KLF4 upregulates expression of circCTDP1 and eEF1A2, both of which cooperatively promote PFKFB3 expression. TMAO induces glycolytic shift and VSMCs phenotypic switching by upregulating KLF4. Our study indicates that KLF4 mediates the link between glycolytic switch and VSMCs phenotypic transitions, suggesting that a previously unrecognized KLF4-eEF1A2/circCTDP1-PFKFB3 axis plays crucial roles in VSMCs phenotypic switching.
A highly specific and flexible detection assay using collaborated actions of DNA-processing enzymes for identifying multiple gene expression signatures in breast cancer
Authors: Kim Dain , Lee Jiyoung , Han Jueun , Lim Jaewoo , Lim Eun-Kyung , Kim Eunjung
Published: December 2022

A novel isothermal amplification method based on the coordinated actions of a structure-specific endonuclease and a strand-displacing DNA polymerase is developed to detect breast cancer-associated RNA transcripts.
Unimolecular micelles from star-shaped block polymers by photocontrolled BIT-RDRP for PTT/PDT synergistic therapy
Authors: Ren Shusu , Li Haihui , Xu Xiang , Zhao Haitao , He Weiwei , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping
Published: December 2022

A new full-organic UIM of THPP-4PMMA-b-4P(PEGMA-co-APMA)@NIR-800 bearing dual PTT/PDT function was elaborately designed and prepared in this work.
Self-assembly controlled at the level of individual functional groups
Authors: Heiner Benjamin R. , Pittsford Alexander M. , Kandel S. Alex
Published: December 2022

Molecular self-assembly is driven by intermolecular interactions between the functional groups on the component molecules.
Investigation of the role of hydrogen bonding in ionic liquid-like salts with both N- and S-soft donors
Authors: Renier Olivier , Bousrez Guillaume , Smetana Volodymyr , Mudring Anja-Verena , Rogers Robin D.
Published: December 2022

Ionic liquid or not: hydrogen bonds such as the relatively rare N–H⋯S hydrogen bond lead in ionic liquid forming ion combinations to higher melting temperatures and lower decomposition points.
π–π stacking in the polymorphism of 2-(naphthalenylamino)-nicotinic acids and a comparison with their analogues
Authors: Li Yuping , Tao Yang , Zhoujin Yunping , Zhao Fang , Liang Peng-Yu , Parkin Sean , Li Tonglei , Zhou Pan-Pan , Long Sihui
Published: December 2022

Four analogs (1–4) of clonixin were synthesized and their polymorphism was studied. Structural similarity was observed between 1-A and CLX-II, and 3 and CLX-I. π–π stacking played an important role in the hydrate formation of 1 and polymorphism of 2.
Chiral two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks based on Zn(salen) ligands: subcomponent self-assembly and circularly polarised luminescence
Authors: Wang Xue-Zhi , Zhou Chuang-Wei , Wang Bei , Lai Ya-Liang , Lian Zhao-Xia , Liu Yi-Tong , Li Yan Yan , Zhou Xiao-Ping
Published: December 2022

Solvothermal subcomponent self-assembly of 2-hydroxy-3-(pyridin-4-yl)benzaldehyde, chiral diaminocyclohexane, and Zn(ii) ions offered a pair of two-dimensional chiral metal–organic frameworks, which display circularly polarised luminescence.
Epsilon-near-zero characteristics of near-field radiative heat transfer between α-MoO3 slabs
Authors: Zhang Jihong , Liu Haotuo , Yang Bing , Hu Yang , Sun Yasong , Wu Xiaohu
Published: December 2022

The epsilon-near-zero characteristics of the near-field radiative heat transfer between two symmetric biaxial α-MoO3 slabs are investigated.
Förster and nanometal surface-energy transfer in CsPbCl3/Yb3+ quantum-cutting multilayer structures
Authors: Liu Chunxu , Zhang Jisen , Chen Yongyi , Wang Lijie , Song Yue , Wang Lijun
Published: December 2022

Recently, in nanophotonics, thin metal films owing to the plasmon modes they support and their perovskite nanostructures exhibit novel optical properties, which have attracted considerable interest.
Electronic and transport properties of new carbon nanoribbons with 5–8–5 carbon rings: tuning stability by the edge shape effect
Authors: Mota Elder Augusto Viana , da Silva Carlos Alberto Brito , Del Nero Jordan
Published: December 2022

We predicted the existence of five carbon nanoribbons based on POPGraphene, by first-principles calculations.
Charge transport dynamics of a C6H4NH2CuBr2I/TiO2 heterojunction in aqueous solution under reverse bias
Authors: Cheng Pujia , Lv Wenjing , Shi Zhili , Zhan Kaidong , Liu Yaqi , Qiao Quinn , Wu Fan
Published: December 2022

The photocurrent output of the C6H4NH2CuBr2I/TiO2 heterojunction photoelectrode in an aqueous solution is super stable, and it could be largely enhanced by a reverse electric field.
Catalysis of dinitrogen activation and reduction by a single Fe13 cluster and its doped systems
Authors: Cheng Ran , Cui Chaonan , Luo Zhixun
Published: December 2022

The catalysis of dinitrogen activation and reduction by a single cluster Fe13 and its doped systems is studied, shedding light on the advantages of Fe12Nb as an ideal candidate.
Stabilization of Eu2+ in Li2B4O7 with the BO3 network through U6+ co-doping and defect engineering
Authors: Balhara Annu , Gupta Santosh K. , Patra G. D. , Modak Brindaban , Prakash J. , Sudarshan K. , Mohapatra M.
Published: December 2022

This work demonstrates a unique strategy for stabilizing Eu2+ ions in Li2B4O7 for color-tunable light emission through defect engineering by the virtue of U6+ co-doping.
Molecular insight into on-surface chemistry of an organometallic polymer
Authors: Lin Yuxuan , Diao Mengxiao , Dai Jingxin , Xu Zhen , Zhao Xinwei , Wen Xiaojie , Xing Lingbo , Zhou Xiong , Chen Qiwei , Liu Jing , Wu Kai
Published: December 2022

The key role of the molecule–substrate and intermolecular interactions in mediating the dynamics of Cu-elimination and subsequent C–C coupling of an organometallic polymer on Cu(111) is demonstrated by scanning tunneling microscopy.
Graphene doping to enhance the mechanical energy conversion performances of GR/KNN/P(VDF-TrFE) flexible piezoelectric sensors
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Xia Weimin , Cao Congjun , Che Peipei , Pan Hong , Chen Yuanqing
Published: December 2022

By graphene doping, the output voltage of a flexible piezoelectric sensor based on the GR/KNN/P(VDF-TrFE) composite film is improved to 15.4 V when a 2.5 MPa impulse stress is applied on the surface of the sample.
One dimensional MOSFETs for sub-5 nm high-performance applications: a case of Sb2Se3 nanowires
Authors: Tan Xingyi , Li Qiang , Ren Dahua
Published: December 2022

Low-dimensional materials have been proposed as alternatives to silicon-based field-effect transistor (FET) channel materials in order to overcome the scaling limitation.
Interfacial engineering of halide perovskites and two-dimensional materials
Authors: Qiu Lei , Si Guangyuan , Bao Xiaozhi , Liu Jun , Guan Mengyu , Wu Yiwen , Qi Xiang , Xing Guichuan , Dai Zhigao , Bao Qiaoliang , Li Guogang
Published: December 2022

This review summarizes the recent advances with an emphasis on interfacial properties and relevant applications of HP/2D material interfaces.
Magnetic MoS2 efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst for the α-methoxymethylation and aminomethylation of aromatic ketones
Authors: Wang Ya-Meng , Li Wen-Jing , Wang Miao-Miao , Zhang Mo , Zhang Zhan-Hui
Published: December 2022

Magnetic MoS2 quantum dots are designed and applied as an efficient photocatalyst for the α-methoxymethylation and aminomethylation of aromatic ketones using methanol as a green C1 source in air under visible-light irradiation at room temperature.
Heteropolyacid catalyzed O-alkylation of oximes with alcohols via a carbocation in dimethyl carbonate and mechanism insight
Authors: Zhuang Hongfeng , Hou Qin , Han Feng , Lv Haotian , Miao Chengxia
Published: December 2022

We have established H3PW12O40·xH2O catalyzed O-alkylation of oximes with alcohols in DMC, and investigated the corresponding mechanism.
Photocatalytic syngas production from bio-derived glycerol and water on AuIn-decorated GaN nanowires supported by Si wafer
Authors: Wang Zhouzhou , Sheng Bowen , Chen Yiqing , Sadaf Sharif Md. , Li Jinglin , Yang Jiajia , Song Jun , Yao Lin , Yu Ying , Zhu Lei , Wang Xinqiang , Huang Zhen , Zhou Baowen
Published: December 2022

Green syngas production from Earth-abundant and renewable resources is a viable means to achieve carbon neutrality.
Supramolecular carbohydrate-based hydrogels from oxidative hydroxylation of amphiphilic β-C-glycosylbarbiturates and α-glucosidase-induced hydrogelation
Authors: Yao Shun , Brahmi Robin , Bouschon Anaïs , Chen Jing , Halila Sami
Published: December 2022

An ecofriendly two-step synthesis in water enabled the obtention of neutral amphiphilic β-C-glycosylbarbiturates with self-assembly properties capable of supramolecular hydrogelation. And, an α-glucosidase induced sol-to-gel phase transition.
Ultrasensitive low-probe-concentration PANC-1 and MCF-7 cancer cell sensors enabled by combined 2D-material-polymer-phage frameworks
Authors: Lee Denise , Chan Sophia Shuwn-Yi , Naikar J Shamita , Meivita Maria Prisca , Teoh Wey-Chyi , Bajalovic Natasa , Loke Desmond K.
Published: December 2022

The development of combined 2D-material-polymer-phage frameworks that can enhance cancer cell detection via the enhancement of electrical conductivity.
Configuration dependent photovoltaic properties of cyclometalated heavy metal complexes for organic solar cells
Authors: Yang Tianjian , Zhou Aihua , He Yinming , Yao Zhichao , Song Xiaochen , Tao Xianwang , Tao Youtian
Published: December 2022

A family of cyclometalated heavy-metal complexes based on the same C^N ligand were designed as donor materials to investigate the influence of molecular spatial configuration on photovoltaic performances for organic solar cells.
Efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines mediated by ethyl 2-(4-nitrophenyl)azocarboxylate
Authors: Lee Da Hye , Kim Ga Young , Kim Jinho
Published: December 2022

A practical and efficient oxidative cyclization for pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines was developed by the use of ethyl 2-(4-nitrophenyl)azocarboxylate as a recyclable oxidant.
Reaction-induced macropore formation enabling commodity polymer derived carbons for CO2 capture
Authors: Guillen Obando Alejandro , Robertson Mark , Smith Paul , Jha Surabhi , Patton Derek L. , Qiang Zhe
Published: December 2022

This work demonstrates a simple and scalable method for synthesizing porous carbons with high CO2 uptake capacity.
Understanding the rod-to-tube transformation of self-assembled ascorbyl dipalmitate lipid nanoparticles stabilized with PEGylated lipids
Authors: Chen Ziqiao , Higashi Kenjirou , Shigehisa Yuki , Ueda Keisuke , Yamamoto Keiji , Moribe Kunikazu
Published: December 2022

Rod-tube morphology-tunable nanoparticles of ascorbyl dipalmitate were prepared via self-assembly with PEGylated lipids. These nanoparticles are promising delivery systems for high-dose ascorbic acid and other antitumor agents.
Second-order nonlinear optical properties of copper-based hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites induced by chiral amines
Authors: Li Bin , Yu Ying , Xin Mingyang , Xu Jialiang , Zhao Tianzhe , Kang Huimin , Xing Guoxiang , Zhao Peisheng , Zhang Tianyong , Jiang Shuang
Published: December 2022

Copper-based hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites with chiral amines, (R-NEA)2CuCl4 (NEA = 1-naphthylethylamine) and (R-CYHEA)6Cu3Cl12, show second harmonic generation.
Phosphorus nanoclusters and insight into the formation of phosphorus allotropes
Authors: Rybkovskiy Dmitry V. , Lepeshkin Sergey V. , Baturin Vladimir S. , Mikhailova Anastasiia A. , Oganov Artem R.
Published: December 2022

Elemental phosphorus has a striking variety of allotropes, which we analyze by looking at stable phosphorus clusters.
Diverse continuous photooxygenation reactions of (+) and (−)-α-pinenes to the corresponding pinocarvones or trans-pinocarveols
Authors: Rosa Gabriel H. S. , Santos Thiago I. S. , Brocksom Timothy J. , de Oliveira Kleber T.
Published: December 2022

The continuous photooxygenation reactions of (+) and (−)-α-pinenes are described, giving the corresponding (+) and (−)-pinocarvones (83% yield) and (+) and (−)-pinocarveols (61% yield). Scaled-up and long-term experiments (24 h) are also presented.