bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Asian ITCZ During the Last Interglacial, the Last Glacial Maximum, and the Mid‐Holocene
Authors: Wang Ting , Tian Zhiping , Jiang Dabang
Published: August 2024

We investigate the position and intensity changes of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over Asia (50°E−135°E) relative to the preindustrial period annually and seasonally during the Last Interglacial (LIG), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and mid‐Holocene (MH) using available models from phases 3 and 4 of the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project. The multi‐model mean shows that the June–July–August ITCZ variations generally dominate the annual changes. The Asian ITCZ shifts northward over western Asia and southward over the eastern side in both the LIG and MH, and the opposite occurs in the LGM. Its intensity varies with longitude similarly for the LIG and MH and generally weakens in the LGM. Precipitation changes associated directly with ITCZ indices are primarily caused by the dynamic term in the LIG and MH, while both dynamic and thermodynamic terms play roles in the LGM, with major contributions from the convergence components.
Role of a Hidden Fault in the Early Process of the 2024 Mw7.5 Noto Peninsula Earthquake
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Takagi Ryota , Fukushima Yo , Ando Ryosuke , Ohta Yusaku , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro
Published: August 2024

The 2024 Mw 7.5 Noto Peninsula, Japan, earthquake was initiated within the source region of intense swarm activity. To reveal the mainshock early process, we relocated the earthquake hypocenters and found that many key phenomena, including the mainshock initiation, foreshocks, swarm earthquakes, and deep aseismic slip, occurred at parts of a previously unrecognized fault in intricate fault network. This fault is subparallel (several kilometers deeper) to a known active fault, and the mainshock initiation and foreshocks occurred at the front of a 2‐year westward swarm migration. The initiation location coincides with the destination of the upward migration of a deeper earthquake cluster via several smaller faults. Fluid supply, small earthquakes, and aseismic slip on the fault likely triggered the mainshock, leading to the first major rupture at the western region, propagating further to the west and east sides, resulting in an Mw7.5 event, exceeding 100 km in length.
Thin film ferroelectric photonic-electronic memory
Authors: Zhang Gong , Chen Yue , Zheng Zijie , Shao Rui , Zhou Jiuren , Zhou Zuopu , Jiao Leming , Zhang Jishen , Wang Haibo , Kong Qiwen , Sun Chen , Ni Kai , Wu Jixuan , Chen Jiezhi , Gong Xiao
Published: August 2024

To reduce system complexity and bridge the interface between electronic and photonic circuits, there is a high demand for a non-volatile memory that can be accessed both electrically and optically. However, practical solutions are still lacking when considering the potential for large-scale complementary metal-oxide semiconductor compatible integration. Here, we present an experimental demonstration of a non-volatile photonic-electronic memory based on a 3-dimensional monolithic integrated ferroelectric-silicon ring resonator. We successfully demonstrate programming and erasing the memory using both electrical and optical methods, assisted by optical-to-electrical-to-optical conversion. The memory cell exhibits a high optical extinction ratio of 6.6 dB at a low working voltage of 5 V and an endurance of 4 × 104cycles. Furthermore, the multi-level storage capability is analyzed in detail, revealing stable performance with a raw bit-error-rate smaller than 5.9 × 10−2. This ground-breaking work could be a key technology enabler for future hybrid electronic-photonic systems, targeting a wide range of applications such as photonic interconnect, high-speed data communication, and neuromorphic computing.
Acute effects of R-MDMA, S-MDMA, and racemic MDMA in a randomized double-blind cross-over trial in healthy participants
Authors: Straumann Isabelle , Avedisian Isidora , Klaiber Aaron , Varghese Nimmy , Eckert Anne , Rudin Deborah , Luethi Dino , Liechti Matthias E.
Published: August 2024

Racemic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) acutely increases mood, feelings of empathy, trust, and closeness to others and is investigated to assist psychotherapy. Preclinical research indicates that S-MDMA releases monoamines and oxytocin more potently than R-MDMA, whereas R-MDMA more potently stimulates serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A receptors. S-MDMA may have more stimulant properties, and R-MDMA may be more psychedelic-like. However, acute effects of S- and R-MDMA have not been examined in a controlled human study. We used a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design to compare acute effects of MDMA (125 mg), S-MDMA (125 mg), R-MDMA (125 mg and 250 mg), and placebo in 24 healthy participants. Outcome measures included subjective, autonomic, and adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, and plasma oxytocin, prolactin, and cortisol concentrations. S-MDMA (125 mg) induced greater subjective effects (“stimulation,” “drug high,” “happy,” “open”) and higher increases in blood pressure than R-MDMA (both 125 and 250 mg) and MDMA (125 mg). Unexpectedly, R-MDMA did not produce more psychedelic-like effects than S-MDMA. S-MDMA increased plasma prolactin more than MDMA, and S-MDMA increased plasma cortisol and oxytocin more than MDMA and R-MDMA. The plasma elimination half-life of S-MDMA was 4.1 h after administration. The half-life of R-MDMA was 12 and 14 h after the administration of 125 and 250 mg, respectively. Half-lives for S-MDMA and R-MDMA were 5.1 h and 11 h, respectively, after racemic MDMA administration. Concentrations of the CYP2D6-formed MDMA-metabolite 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine were lower after R-MDMA administration compared with S-MDMA administration. The pharmacokinetic findings are consistent with the R-MDMA-mediated inhibition of CYP2D6. Stronger stimulant-like effects of S-MDMA in the present study may reflect the higher potency of S-MDMA rather than qualitative differences between S-MDMA and R-MDMA. Equivalent acute effects of S-MDMA, MDMA, and R-MDMA can be expected at doses of 100, 125, and 300 mg, respectively, and need to be investigated.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05277636
Dietary iron intake predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes
Authors: Yang Chenchen , Hu Tingting , Li Chenglin , Gong Aifeng
Published: August 2024

Background

Limited data exists on the link between dietary iron intake and mortality in diabetes. Our investigation aimed to explore how dietary iron intake correlates with overall and cause-specific mortality in diabetic individuals.

Methods

This analysis encompassed 5970 participants with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 1999 to 2014. Baseline data were collected through surveys and examinations, with mortality status tracked via National Death Index records until December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality from various causes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer.

Results

The average iron intake among the cohort was 14.1 ± 7.4 mg daily, with an average participant age of 61.3 and 3059 (51.3%) male adults. Over 41,425 person-years of follow-up, 1497 deaths were recorded. Following adjustments for multiple variables, an iron intake between 11.1 and 14.4 mg was associated with the lowest risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.83 [0.70, 0.99], P < 0.05) compared to the reference group (<8.3 mg). Analysis of dose-response curves revealed an L-shaped pattern in men and a J-shaped pattern in women concerning the relationship between iron intake and all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a nonlinear association between dietary iron intake and all-cause mortality in individuals with diabetes. Specifically, higher iron intake may increase all-cause mortality risk in men, while potentially exert a protective effect in women.
UCK2 promotes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression and desensitizes cisplatin treatment by PI3K/AKT/mTOR/autophagic axis
Authors: Wu Xiwen , Chen Da , Li Muqi , Liang Gehao , Ye Huizhen
Published: August 2024

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly aggressive tumor with extremely poor prognosis due to the low resection rate, high recurrence rate and drug resistance. Uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2) is proved to promote progression and drug resistance of various carcinomas by regulating pyrimidine metabolism. However, the role of UCK2 in progression and drug resistance of iCCA was largely unclear. Gene expression matrices were obtained from public database and were verified by qRT-PCR using tumor sample from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Knockdown and overexpression of UCK2 were used to evaluate the effects of UCK2 on carcinogenesis and cisplatin response in iCCA. CCK8-kit assays and plate clone formation assays were performed to detect the effect of UCK2 on proliferative activity of tumor cells. Western blotting was performed to investigate protein level of UCK2 and the relevant biomarkers of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/autophagic axis. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by using wound-healing and transwell assays. UCK2 expression was detected elevated in iCCA tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Biologically, overexpression of UCK2 can promote proliferation of iCCA cells, and desensitizes iCCA to cisplatin in both in vivo and in vitro models. Mechanistically, UCK2 promote iCCA progression and cisplatin resistance through inhibition of autophagy by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Clinically, higher UCK2 expression in iCCA tumor was associated with aggressive tumor features, poorer survival and lower sensitivity of chemotherapy. UCK2 promotes iCCA progression and desensitizes cisplatin treatment by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR/autophagic axis. UCK2 exhibited potential as a biomarker in predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity of iCCA patients.
Long wavelength near-infrared and red light-driven consecutive photo-induced electron transfer for highly effective photoredox catalysis
Authors: Zeng Le , Huang Ling , Huang Zhi , Mani Tomoyasu , Huang Kai , Duan Chunying , Han Gang
Published: August 2024

Consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (conPET) processes accumulate the energies of two photons to overcome the thermodynamic limit of traditional photoredox catalysis. However, the excitation wavelength of conPET systems mainly focused on short wavelength visible light, leading to photodamage and incompatibility with large-scale reactions. Herein, we report on conPET systems triggered by near-infrared (NIR) and red light. Specifically, a blue-absorbing conPET photocatalyst, perylene diimide (PDI) is sensitized by a palladium-based photosensitizer to triplet excited state (3PDI*), which generates PDI radical anion (PDI•–) over 100-fold faster than that in the conventional conPET. Accordingly, photoreduction with superior reaction rate and penetration depth, as well as reduced photodamage is detected. More importantly, our work offers comprehensive design rules for the triplet-mediated conPET strategy, whose versatility is confirmed by metal-free dye pairs and NIR-active PtTNP/PDI. Notably, our work achieves NIR-driven atom transfer radical polymerization using an inert aromatic halide as the initiator.
Mutant huntingtin impairs neurodevelopment in human brain organoids through CHCHD2-mediated neurometabolic failure
Authors: Lisowski Pawel , Lickfett Selene , Rybak-Wolf Agnieszka , Menacho Carmen , Le Stephanie , Pentimalli Tancredi Massimo , Notopoulou Sofia , Dykstra Werner , Oehler Daniel , López-Calcerrada Sandra , Mlody Barbara , Otto Maximilian , Wu Haijia , Richter Yasmin , Roth Philipp , Anand Ruchika , Kulka Linda A. M. , Meierhofer David , Glazar Petar , Legnini Ivano , Telugu Narasimha Swamy , Hahn Tobias , Neuendorf Nancy , Miller Duncan C. , Böddrich Annett , Polzin Amin , Mayatepek Ertan , Diecke Sebastian , Olzscha Heidi , Kirstein Janine , Ugalde Cristina , Petrakis Spyros , Cambridge Sidney , Rajewsky Nikolaus , Kühn Ralf , Wanker Erich E. , Priller Josef , Metzger Jakob J. , Prigione Alessandro
Published: August 2024

Expansion of the glutamine tract (poly-Q) in the protein huntingtin (HTT) causes the neurodegenerative disorder Huntington’s disease (HD). Emerging evidence suggests that mutant HTT (mHTT) disrupts brain development. To gain mechanistic insights into the neurodevelopmental impact of human mHTT, we engineered male induced pluripotent stem cells to introduce a biallelic or monoallelic mutant 70Q expansion or to remove the poly-Q tract of HTT. The introduction of a 70Q mutation caused aberrant development of cerebral organoids with loss of neural progenitor organization. The early neurodevelopmental signature of mHTT highlighted the dysregulation of the protein coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 2 (CHCHD2), a transcription factor involved in mitochondrial integrated stress response. CHCHD2 repression was associated with abnormal mitochondrial morpho-dynamics that was reverted upon overexpression of CHCHD2. Removing the poly-Q tract from HTT normalized CHCHD2 levels and corrected key mitochondrial defects. Hence, mHTT-mediated disruption of human neurodevelopment is paralleled by aberrant neurometabolic programming mediated by dysregulation of CHCHD2, which could then serve as an early interventional target for HD.
Relating sex-bias in human cortical and hippocampal microstructure to sex hormones
Authors: Küchenhoff Svenja , Bayrak Şeyma , Zsido Rachel G. , Saberi Amin , Bernhardt Boris C. , Weis Susanne , Schaare H. Lina , Sacher Julia , Eickhoff Simon , Valk Sofie L.
Published: August 2024

Determining sex-bias in brain structure is of great societal interest to improve diagnostics and treatment of brain-related disorders. So far, studies on sex-bias in brain structure predominantly focus on macro-scale measures, and often ignore factors determining this bias. Here we study sex-bias in cortical and hippocampal microstructure in relation to sex hormones. Investigating quantitative intracortical profiling in-vivo using the T1w/T2w ratio in 1093 healthy females and males of the cross-sectional Human Connectome Project young adult sample, we find that regional cortical and hippocampal microstructure differs between males and females and that the effect size of this sex-bias varies depending on self-reported hormonal status in females. Microstructural sex-bias and expression of sex hormone genes, based on an independent post-mortem sample, are spatially coupled. Lastly, sex-bias is most pronounced in paralimbic areas, with low laminar complexity, which are predicted to be most plastic based on their cytoarchitectural properties. Albeit correlative, our study underscores the importance of incorporating sex hormone variables into the investigation of brain structure and plasticity.
Crossmodal sensory neurons based on high-performance flexible memristors for human-machine in-sensor computing system
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Li Zhongshao , Tang Wei , Yao Jiaping , Dou Zhipeng , Gong Junjie , Li Yongfei , Zhang Beining , Dong Yunxiao , Xia Jian , Sun Lin , Jiang Peng , Cao Xun , Yang Rui , Miao Xiangshui , Yang Ronggui
Published: August 2024

Constructing crossmodal in-sensor processing system based on high-performance flexible devices is of great significance for the development of wearable human-machine interfaces. A bio-inspired crossmodal in-sensor computing system can perform real-time energy-efficient processing of multimodal signals, alleviating data conversion and transmission between different modules in conventional chips. Here, we report a bio-inspired crossmodal spiking sensory neuron (CSSN) based on a flexible VO2 memristor, and demonstrate a crossmodal in-sensor encoding and computing system for wearable human-machine interfaces. We demonstrate excellent performance in the VO2 memristor including endurance (>1012), uniformity (0.72% for cycle-to-cycle variations and 3.73% for device-to-device variations), speed (<30 ns), and flexibility (bendable to a curvature radius of 1 mm). A flexible hardware processing system is implemented based on the CSSN, which can directly perceive and encode pressure and temperature bimodal information into spikes, and then enables the real-time haptic-feedback for human-machine interaction. We successfully construct a crossmodal in-sensor spiking reservoir computing system via the CSSNs, which can achieve dynamic objects identification with a high accuracy of 98.1% and real-time signal feedback. This work provides a feasible approach for constructing flexible bio-inspired crossmodal in-sensor computing systems for wearable human-machine interfaces.
Structure and rational engineering of the PglX methyltransferase and specificity factor for BREX phage defence
Authors: Went Sam C. , Picton David M. , Morgan Richard D. , Nelson Andrew , Brady Aisling , Mariano Giuseppina , Dryden David T. F. , Smith Darren L. , Wenner Nicolas , Hinton Jay C. D. , Blower Tim R.
Published: August 2024

Bacteria have evolved a broad range of systems that provide defence against their viral predators, bacteriophages. Bacteriophage Exclusion (BREX) systems recognise and methylate 6 bp non-palindromic motifs within the host genome, and prevent replication of non-methylated phage DNA that encodes these same motifs. How BREX recognises cognate motifs has not been fully understood. In this study we characterise BREX from pathogenic Salmonella and present X-ray crystallographic structures of the conserved BREX protein, PglX. The PglX N-terminal domain encodes the methyltransferase, whereas the C-terminal domain is for motif recognition. We also present the structure of PglX bound to the phage-derived DNA mimic, Ocr, an inhibitor of BREX activity. Our analyses propose modes for DNA-binding by PglX and indicate that both methyltransferase activity and defence require larger BREX complexes. Through rational engineering of PglX we broaden both the range of phages targeted, and the host motif sequences that are methylated by BREX. Our data demonstrate that PglX is used to recognise specific DNA sequences for BREX activity, contributing to motif recognition for both phage defence and host methylation.
Identifying the multiple drivers of cactus diversification
Authors: Thompson Jamie B. , Hernández-Hernández Tania , Keeling Georgia , Vásquez-Cruz Marilyn , Priest Nicholas K.
Published: August 2024

Our understanding of the complexity of forces at play in the rise of major angiosperm lineages remains incomplete. The diversity and heterogeneous distribution of most angiosperm lineages is so extraordinary that it confounds our ability to identify simple drivers of diversification. Using machine learning in combination with phylogenetic modelling, we show that five separate abiotic and biotic variables significantly contribute to the diversification of Cactaceae. We reconstruct a comprehensive phylogeny, build a dataset of 39 abiotic and biotic variables, and predict the variables of central importance, while accounting for potential interactions between those variables. We use state-dependent diversification models to confirm that five abiotic and biotic variables shape diversification in the cactus family. Of highest importance are diurnal air temperature range, soil sand content and plant size, with lesser importance identified in isothermality and geographic range size. Interestingly, each of the estimated optimal conditions for abiotic variables were intermediate, indicating that cactus diversification is promoted by moderate, not extreme, climates. Our results reveal the potential primary drivers of cactus diversification, and the need to account for the complexity underlying the evolution of angiosperm lineages.
Prefrontal cortex molecular clock modulates development of depression-like phenotype and rapid antidepressant response in mice
Authors: Sarrazin David H. , Gardner Wilf , Marchese Carole , Balzinger Martin , Ramanathan Chockalingam , Schott Marion , Rozov Stanislav , Veleanu Maxime , Vestring Stefan , Normann Claus , Rantamäki Tomi , Antoine Benedicte , Barrot Michel , Challet Etienne , Bourgin Patrice , Serchov Tsvetan
Published: August 2024

Depression is associated with dysregulated circadian rhythms, but the role of intrinsic clocks in mood-controlling brain regions remains poorly understood. We found increased circadian negative loop and decreased positive clock regulators expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of a mouse model of depression, and a subsequent clock countermodulation by the rapid antidepressant ketamine. Selective Bmal1KO in CaMK2a excitatory neurons revealed that the functional mPFC clock is an essential factor for the development of a depression-like phenotype and ketamine effects. Per2 silencing in mPFC produced antidepressant-like effects, while REV-ERB agonism enhanced the depression-like phenotype and suppressed ketamine action. Pharmacological potentiation of clock positive modulator ROR elicited antidepressant-like effects, upregulating plasticity protein Homer1a, synaptic AMPA receptors expression and plasticity-related slow wave activity specifically in the mPFC. Our data demonstrate a critical role for mPFC molecular clock in regulating depression-like behavior and the therapeutic potential of clock pharmacological manipulations influencing glutamatergic-dependent plasticity.
Telomeric repeats in the commercial SB-1 vaccine facilitate viral integration and contribute to vaccine efficacy
Authors: You Yu , Kheimar Ahmed M. , Vychodil Tereza , Kossak Lisa , Sabsabi Mohammad A. , Conradie Andelé M. , Reddy Sanjay M. , Bertzbach Luca D. , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: August 2024

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) integrates its genome into the telomeres of host chromosomes and causes fatal lymphomas in chickens. This integration is facilitated by telomeric repeat sequences (TMRs) at the ends of the viral genome, and is crucial for MDV-induced lymphomagenesis. The SB-1 vaccine virus is commonly used in commercial bivalent vaccines against MDV and also contains TMRs at its ends. Here, we demonstrate that SB-1 efficiently integrates its genome into the chromosomes of latently infected T cells. Deletion of the TMRs from the SB-1 genome did not affect virus replication, but severely impaired virus integration and genome maintenance in latently infected T cells and in chickens. Strikingly, the reduced integration and maintenance of latent SB-1 significantly impaired vaccine protection. Taken together, our data revealed that the TMRs facilitate SB-1 integration and that integration and/or maintenance of the latent viral genome is critical for vaccine protection.
Transcriptional responses and secondary metabolites variation of tomato plant in response to tobacco mosaic virus infestation
Authors: Rabie Mona , Aseel Dalia G. , Younes Hosny A. , Behiry Said I. , Abdelkhalek Ahmed
Published: August 2024

The present study focused on the impact of infection with the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Specifically, changes in phytochemicals and gene activity related to pathogenesis-related and phenylpropanoid pathway genes in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) during a period of 2–14 days post-inoculation (dpi). According to TEM investigation and coat protein sequence analysis, the purified TMV Egyptian AM isolate (PP133743) has a rod-shaped structure with a diameter of around 110 nm. The RT-qPCR analysis revealed that PR-1 showed an initial increase after TMV infection, as seen in the time-course analysis. In contrast, PR-2 was consistently elevated throughout the infection, suggesting a stronger reaction to the virus and suppressing PAL expression at 6 to 14 dpi. The expression levels of HQT and CHS transcripts exhibited alternating patterns of up-regulation and down-regulation at different time intervals. The HPLC and GC–MS analysis of control- and TMV-infected tomato extracts revealed that different phenolic, flavonoid, and fatty acid compounds were increased (such as naringenin, rutin, flavone, ferulic acid, and pyrogallol) or significantly decreased (such as salicylic acid and chlorogenic acid) after TMV infection. The ability of TMV to inhibit most polyphenolic compounds could potentially accelerate the viral life cycle. Consequently, focusing on enhancing the levels of such suppressed compounds may be critical for developing plant viral infection management strategies.
Early and late gut microbiota signatures of stroke in high salt-fed stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Bencivenni Silvia , Roggiani Sara , Zannoni Augusta , Conti Gabriele , Fabbrini Marco , Cotugno Maria , Stanzione Rosita , Pietrangelo Donatella , Litterio Margherita , Forte Maurizio , Busceti Carla Letizia , Fornai Francesco , Volpe Massimo , Turroni Silvia , Brigidi Patrizia , Forni Monica , Rubattu Speranza , D’Amico Federica
Published: August 2024

The high salt-fed stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) is a suitable tool to study the mechanisms underlying stroke pathogenesis. Salt intake modifies the gut microbiota (GM) in rats and humans and alterations of the GM have previously been associated with increased stroke occurrence. We aimed to characterize the GM profile in SHRSPs fed a high-salt stroke-permissive diet (Japanese diet, JD), compared to the closely related stroke-resistant control (SHRSR), to identify possible changes associated with stroke occurrence. SHRSPs and SHRSRs were fed a regular diet or JD for 4 weeks (short-term, ST) or a maximum of 10 weeks (long-term, LT). Stroke occurred in SHRSPs on JD-LT, preceded by proteinuria and diarrhoea. The GM of JD-fed SHRSPs underwent early and late compositional changes compared to SHRSRs. An overrepresentation of Streptococcaceae and an underrepresentation of Lachnospiraceae were observed in SHRSPs JD-ST, while in SHRSPs JD-LT short-chain fatty acid producers, e.g. Lachnobacterium and Faecalibacterium, decreased and pathobionts such as Coriobacteriaceae and Desulfovibrio increased. Occludin gene expression behaved differently in SHRSPs and SHRSRs. Calprotectin levels were unchanged. In conclusion, the altered GM in JD-fed SHRSPs may be detrimental to gut homeostasis and contribute to stroke occurrence.
A randomized controlled experiment testing the use of virtual reality to trigger cigarette craving in people who smoke
Authors: Rovira Aitor , Lambe Sinéad , Beckwith Helen , Ahmed Memoona , Hudson Felicity , Haynes Phoebe , Yu Chun-Jou , Williams Kira , Saidel Simone , Iredale Ellen , McBride Sapphira , Waite Felicity , Pan Xueni , Freeman Daniel
Published: August 2024

Automated delivery of therapy in virtual reality (VR) has the potential to be used for smoking cessation. Most obviously, it could be used to practise and establish alternative reactions to smoking cues. The first step in treatment development is to show that VR environments can trigger sufficient cravings in smokers. We evaluated a new VR public house outdoor scenario with 100 individuals who smoked daily. Participants were randomly assigned to the VR scenario with smoking cues or a neutral experience in VR. The VR experiences were presented in a standalone VR headset. Before and after VR, we collected self-reported craving scores for cigarettes and alcohol using the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire (TCQ) and visual analogue scales (VAS). Physiological data were also collected. Compared to the neutral condition, exposure to the smoking cues led to a large increase in craving for a cigarette (TCQ β = 11.44, p < 0.0001, Cohen’s d = 1.10) and also a moderate increase in craving for alcohol $$(\upbeta =0.7,\text{ p}=0.017,\text{ d}=0.50)$$

(
β
=
0.7
,

p
=
0.017
,

d
=
0.50
)

. There were no significant physiological differences between the two conditions. These results provide good evidence that VR experiences can elicit strong craving for cigarettes. The programming can be part of developing a new VR cognitive therapy to help people reduce smoking.
Targeting Nrf2/PHKG2 axis to enhance radiosensitivity in NSCLC
Authors: Han Fushi , Chen Shuzhen , Zhang Kangwei , Zhang Kunming , Wang Meng , Wang Peijun
Published: August 2024

While ferroptosis shows promise in anti-cancer strategy, the molecular mechanisms behind this process remain poorly understood. Our research aims to highlight the regulation of radiotherapy-induced ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via the NRF2/PHKG2 axis-mediated mechanism. To identify ferroptosis-associated genes associated with radioresistance in NSCLC, this study employed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and Lasso risk regression analysis. Clinical samples were analyzed to confirm PHKG2 expression changes before and after radiotherapy. The study further examined ferritinophagy-related factors, intracellular iron levels, mitochondrial function, and ferroptosis in NSCLC cells undergoing radiation exposure to explore the effect of PHKG2 on radiosensitivity or radioresistance. The research also demonstrated the transcriptional inhibition of PHKG2 by NRF2 and created in situ transplantation tumor models of NSCLC to examine the role of NRF2/PHKG2 axis in NSCLC radiosensitivity and resistance in vivo. The Lasso risk regression model that incorporated ferroptosis-associated genes effectively predicted the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Radiotherapy-sensitive tissues exhibited an increased expression of PHKG2. Overexpression of PHKG2 led to elevated intracellular iron levels by promoting ferritinophagy and increased mitochondrial stress-dependent ferroptosis induced by radiotherapy. PHKG2 transcription repression was achieved through NRF2. The FAGs-Lasso risk regression model can accurately predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Targeting Nrf2 upregulates the expression of PHKG2 and reverses radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC by promoting iron autophagy and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby increasing radiotherapy sensitivity.
Predicting 1, 2 and 3 year emergent referable diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy using deep learning
Authors: Nderitu Paul , Nunez do Rio Joan M. , Webster Laura , Mann Samantha , Cardoso M. Jorge , Modat Marc , Hopkins David , Bergeles Christos , Jackson Timothy L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Predicting diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression could enable individualised screening with prompt referral for high-risk individuals for sight-saving treatment, whilst reducing screening burden for low-risk individuals. We developed and validated deep learning systems (DLS) that predict 1, 2 and 3 year emergent referable DR and maculopathy using risk factor characteristics (tabular DLS), colour fundal photographs (image DLS) or both (multimodal DLS).

Methods

From 162,339 development-set eyes from south-east London (UK) diabetic eye screening programme (DESP), 110,837 had eligible longitudinal data, with the remaining 51,502 used for pretraining. Internal and external (Birmingham DESP, UK) test datasets included 27,996, and 6928 eyes respectively.

Results

Internal multimodal DLS emergent referable DR, maculopathy or either area-under-the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.98), 0.84 (0.82–0.86), 0.85 (0.83–0.87) for 1 year, 0.92 (0.87–0.96), 0.84 (0.82–0.87), 0.85 (0.82–0.87) for 2 years, and 0.85 (0.80–0.90), 0.79 (0.76–0.82), 0.79 (0.76–0.82) for 3 years. External multimodal DLS emergent referable DR, maculopathy or either AUROC were 0.93 (0.88–0.97), 0.85 (0.80–0.89), 0.85 (0.76–0.85) for 1 year, 0.93 (0.89–0.97), 0.79 (0.74–0.84), 0.80 (0.76–0.85) for 2 years, and 0.91 (0.84–0.98), 0.79 (0.74–0.83), 0.79 (0.74–0.84) for 3 years.

Conclusions

Multimodal and image DLS performance is significantly better than tabular DLS at all intervals. DLS accurately predict 1, 2 and 3 year emergent referable DR and referable maculopathy using colour fundal photographs, with additional risk factor characteristics conferring improvements in prognostic performance. Proposed DLS are a step towards individualised risk-based screening, whereby AI-assistance allows high-risk individuals to be closely monitored while reducing screening burden for low-risk individuals.
Microstructured silk fiber scaffolds with enhanced stretchability
Authors: Viola Martina , Cedillo-Servin Gerardo , van Genderen Anne Metje , Imhof Isabelle , Vena Paula , Mihajlovic Marko , Piluso Susanna , Malda Jos , Vermonden Tina , Castilho Miguel
Published: August 2024

Electrowriting of rheologically optimized silk fibroin solutions allows controlled fabrication of microfiber scaffolds. A salt treatment induces scaffold gelation, imparting low stiffness and high mechanical stability to guide renal cell growth.
Extensive reference set and refined computational protocol for calculations of 57Fe Mössbauer parameters
Authors: Santra Golokesh , Neese Frank , Pantazis Dimitrios A.
Published: August 2024

A refined protocol for scalar relativistic quantum chemical calculations of Mössbauer spectroscopic parameters is developed on the basis of a new and chemically complete reference set of iron compounds.
Surface accumulation and acid–base equilibrium of phenol at the liquid–vapor interface
Authors: Richter Clemens , Dupuy Rémi , Trinter Florian , Buttersack Tillmann , Cablitz Louisa , Gholami Shirin , Stemer Dominik , Nicolas Christophe , Seidel Robert , Winter Bernd , Bluhm Hendrik
Published: August 2024

We have investigated the surfactant properties of phenol in aqueous solution as a function of pH and bulk concentration using liquid-jet photoelectron spectroscopy (LJ-PES) and surface tension measurements.
Effect of mono- and dinuclear thiosemicarbazone platinacycles in the proliferation of a colorectal carcinoma cell line
Authors: Reigosa-Chamorro Francisco , Cordeiro Sandra , Pereira M. Teresa , Filipe Beatriz , Baptista Pedro V. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Vila José M.
Published: August 2024

The study of the antiproliferative activity of thiosemicarbazone platinacycles puts forward their high selectivity and low IC50 values.
mer-M(CO)3(PNP)0/+ pincer complexes (M = W(0) or Re(i); PNP = 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)acridine): synthesis, spectroscopy and anti-Kasha emission
Authors: Gao Yifei , Yip John H. K. , Lim Eu Gene , Nguyen Van Ha
Published: August 2024

Anti-Kasha emission is displayed by a W(0)-carbonyl pincer complex that has an acridine backbone.
Bimetallic nanozyme of Cu–Mn organophyllosilicate with enhanced multi-enzyme mimetic activity for simultaneous degradation of hydroquinone and methylene blue
Authors: Lv Rui , He Beibei , Sun Shiyong , Wang Ke , Lin Sen , Kotova Elena Leonidovna , Liu Jin , Tang Haoming
Published: August 2024

This work presents a highly effective multi-enzyme like nanozyme with Mn–Cu as the catalytic centers. It was employed for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) mediated by hydroquinone (HQ), resulting in satisfactory co-degradation of MB and HQ.
A novel graphene oxide–microalgae hybrid material for the removal of pentavalent arsenic from natural water and industrial wastewater
Authors: Lemos Eliana S. , Valdés Rodríguez Evelyn M. , Petriciolet Adrián Bonilla , Ray Andrea M. , Escudero Leticia B.
Published: August 2024

The adsorption process using bionanomaterials based on graphene oxide and green microalgae for the removal of arsenic from complex samples of natural water and industrial wastewater.
Acidic polymers reversibly deactivate phages due to pH changes
Authors: Marton Huba L. , Sagona Antonia P. , Kilbride Peter , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: August 2024

The role of acidic polymers in neutralising bacteriophages is investigated.
Proteomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from OSCC patients reveals potential immune checkpoints to enable personalized treatment
Authors: Aravind Anjana , Mathew Rohan Thomas , Kuruba Lepakshi , Vijayakumar Manavalan , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava
Published: August 2024

The study investigated the proteomic profiling of peripheral immune cells from OSCC patients using DIA-MS analysis to identify promising molecular targets with potential immunotherapeutic, prognostic, and predictive value.
Correction: Novel composite of ZnMoO4/Ni(OH)2 as an electrode material for enhanced performance in energy-storage applications
Authors: Duvaragan Barani Kumar , Shanmugam Ganesan , Hameed Arif Mohamed Shahul , Ramalingam Vetrivel
Published: August 2024

Correction for ‘Novel composite of ZnMoO4/Ni(OH)2 as an electrode material for enhanced performance in energy-storage applications’ by Barani Kumar Duvaragan et al., New J. Chem., 2024, 48, 7362–7369, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NJ00513A.
Carbon dioxide affinity (“carboxophilicity”) of trivalent light metal pyrazolates
Authors: Kracht Felix , Rolser Philipp , Eichele Klaus , Maichle-Mössmer Cäcilia , Anwander Reiner
Published: August 2024

Group 3 and 13 light metal pyrazolates reversibly insert carbon dioxide. The inverse correlation of their catalytic activity and carboxophilicity is striking.
A new non-destructive method to decipher the origin of organic matter in fossils using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rossi Valentina , Unitt Richard , McNamara Maria
Published: August 2024

We demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy, coupled with spectral interrogation and multivariate statistical analysis, can be used to discriminate among diverse kerogen-like biosignatures. Our approach can shed new light on the origin of fossil organics.
Pristine and aurum-decorated tungsten ditellurides as sensing materials for VOCs detection in exhaled human breath: DFT analysis
Authors: Gilani Rabia , Alarfaji Saleh S. , Nadeem Kashif , Saeed Ashir , Isa Khan Muhammad
Published: August 2024

We employed DFT to evaluate the sensing capabilities of Au-decorated WTe2 TMDs nanosheets toward VOCs exhaled in human breath, which can serve as potential biomarkers for detecting specific physiological disorders.
The importance of antibody orientation for enhancing sensitivity and selectivity in lateral flow immunoassays
Authors: Lu Zhao-Yu , Chan Yang-Hsiang
Published: August 2024

This review emphasized the crucial role of antibody orientation in enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of lateral-flow assay test strips.
Advanced Janus coatings for thermal management and synergistic flame retardancy in polyester fabric
Authors: Qi Liangyuan , Cai Wei , Li Jiajun , Cui Tianyang , Chen Liang , Gao Jing , Fei Bin , Hu Yuan , Song Lei , Gui Zhou , Xing Weiyi
Published: August 2024

A dual-mode composite textile prepared with white hyperbranched flame retardants and black phosphorus nanosheets features adjustable personal thermal management and multiple synergistic flame retardant properties.
Selective kinetic control of interfacial charge transfer reactions in Si-composite anodes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Cave Emma A. , Carr Tyson A. , Schlenker Cody W.
Published: August 2024

This work demonstrates the first interfacial dipole modification aimed at controlling parasitic reactions at alloying electrodes in Li-ion batteries.
Hydrodynamical shear mixing in subsonic boundary layers and its role in the thermonuclear explosion of classical novae
Authors: Bellomo Marco , Shore Steven N. , José Jordi
Published: August 2024

Context. The transition zone between the white dwarf (WD) envelope and a circumstellar accretion disk in classical novae, the boundary layer, is a region of strong dissipation and intense vorticity. In this strongly sheared layer, the hydrogen-rich accreted gas is expected to mix with the underlying WD outermost layers so the conditions for the onset of the thermonuclear runaway (TNR) in classical nova will be different from the standard treatment of the onset and subsequent mixing.

Aims. We applied the critical layer instability (CLI) to the boundary between a disk-accreted H/He zone and the C/O- or O/Ne – rich outer layers of a mass-accreting WD in a cataclysmic binary and then used the resulting structure as input to one-dimensional nuclear-hydrodynamic simulations of the nova outburst.

Methods. We simulated the subsonic mixing process in two dimensions for conditions appropriate for the inner disk and a CO 0.8 M⊙ and CO and ONe 1.25 M⊙ WDs using the compressible hydrodynamics code PLUTO. The resulting compositional profile was then imported into the one-dimensional nuclear-hydrodynamics code SHIVA to simulate the triggering and growth rate for the TNR and subsequent envelope ejection.

Results. We find that the deep shear driven mixing changes the triggering and development of the TNR. In particular, the time to reach peak temperature is significantly shorter, and the ejected mass and maximum velocity of the ejecta substantially greater, than the current treatment. The 7Li yield is reduced by about an order of magnitude relative to the current treatments.
Dietary diversity and diabetes and subgroup analysis under covariates
Authors: Wang Xiangyi
Published: August 2024

Previous studies have suggested the protective effect of good dietary pattern on diabetes, but research on the effect of dietary diversity still remain limited. In order to fill this gap, we used the data derived from the China Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey (CLHLS) to explore the association between dietary diversity and the prevalence of diabetes. Food Variety Score (FVS) was adopted to reflect food variety and logistic regression model was used to evaluate its potential effect on diabetes. After adjustment for covariates, higher dietary diversity was associated with a decreased risk of diabetes among all participants (OR: 0.821, 95% CI:0.727-0.928) and those without hypertension (OR: 0.689, 95% CI:0.502-0.945). The findings of this study provide prospective evidence, highlighting the relationship between food diversity and the risk of diabetes.
Study on the Zirconia Surface Modification and Osseointegration
Authors: Xu Guochen
Published: August 2024

Zirconia was proposed as an alternative material to titanium implant. Considering the condition of osseointegration and the stability of the implant, surface modifications of zirconia were attracting more and more attention. This study provides an overview of recent surface treatment technologies that have shown potential in augmenting the biological and osseointegration aspects of zirconia dental implants. These methods include non-thermal plasma treatment, laser texturing, TiO2 and hydroxyapatite coatings, carbon and nitrogen implantation, and the use of bioactive molecules. we concluded that the surface modification of zirconia can enhance the osseointegration effect by inducing surface roughness, increasing the surface energy and potential, and introducing functional units to the surface. Moreover, dimensional changes in nanoscalestructure are not invariably dominant in osseointegration of all surface modification methods.
Effect of Selenium Nitrite Feeding for 28 Days on Food Intake and Growth of Rats
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: August 2024

This experiment was aimed at verifying the 28 day oral toxicity test (GB 15193.22—2014) in accordance with the national food safety standard [11]. Rats were fed with a high amount in selenium nitrite for 28 consecutive days to observe its effect on food intake and growth of rats, and at the same time provide a basis for predicting the safety of selenium preparations consumed by the population and long-term consumption. The detection indicators included general condition, body weight, food intake, food utilization rate, and pathological examination. During the entire observation period, the animals in each dose group were generally in good condition, and no clinical symptoms related to the test substance were seen., showed a dose-dependent inhibition on the growth of body weight and food intake of male animals, especially the growth of animals in the high-dose group was significantly inhibited, and its body weight was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and had no significant effect on food utilization. The effect on the body weight of female animals is bidirectional. The body weight of the animals in the middledose group increased significantly, while that in the high-dose group decreased significantly, and there was no significant change in the low-dose group. Finally, it was shown that the intervention of Selenium nitrite in the high-dose group would affect the body weight change of SPF Sprague-Dawley rats.
Enhanced Classification of Meat Freshness Using Lightweight Neural Networks
Authors: Qi Enhong
Published: August 2024

The freshness of food, particularly meat, significantly impacts the flavour of dishes served in restaurants and the health of consumers. However, in the absence of records indicating the production date of meat, the current method of determining meat freshness primarily relies on human subjective judgment. This method is heavily dependent on the individual’s experience, resulting in considerable uncertainty. To address this issue, this study proposes an innovative approach that uses artificial intelligence and non-invasive methods to distinguish the freshness of meat based on photographs. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an accuracy of over 98% in distinguishing meat freshness.
Regulatory mechanism of white adipocyte browning and research advances
Authors: Wang Zihan
Published: August 2024

Adipose tissue has energy storage and metabolic functions, and its content is highly correlated with an individual’s obesity status. The relative proportions of white adipocytes, brown adipocytes, and beige adipocytes are also important in regulating individual metabolic levels. White adipocytes function as energy stores, Brown adipocytes can consume energy through heat production. It has indicated that under certain stimulus conditions, some white adipocytes can exhibit characteristics similar to those of brown adipocytes, a process known as browning of white adipocytes, leading to the production of beige adipocytes. Activating browning of white adipocytes is an effective way to control obesity. This article describes the research progress related to the browning of white adipocytes, focusing on the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation, hormones, mitochondrial morphology-associated proteins, and local thermal stimulation on cell browning. Regulating the composition ratio of adipocytes improves the individual metabolic level and thus provides some theoretical basis for the treatment of obesity.
Evaluation of a Novel Mutant Strain-Enhanced Inactivated Vaccine for Controlling Infectious Bursal Disease in Chickens
Authors: Yuan Shuai
Published: August 2024

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), primarily affecting chickens and turkeys. This disease targets immature lymphocytes, causing immune suppression and lymphoid organ damage. IBD’s history dates back to its discovery in 1957, initially named Gumboro disease. Over time, it spread globally, posing significant challenges to the poultry industry. This article presents an overview of IBD, including its epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and vaccination strategies. The study also evaluates the efficacy of a novel mutant strain of IBDV in an inactivated vaccine through antibody titers and bursa index analysis.