bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of obesity and overweight on response to internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with chronic health conditions
Authors: Heriseanu Andreea I. , Karin Eyal , Walker Jennie , Scott Amelia J. , Bisby Madelyne A. , Gandy Milena , Dudeney Joanne , Fisher Alana , Titov Nickolai , Dear Blake F.
Published: March 2023

Background

There is growing evidence that internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) can improve functioning and reduce psychological distress in people with chronic health conditions. Obesity frequently co-occurs with chronic health conditions, yet its impact on response to psychological interventions in this population is not known. The current study examined associations between BMI and clinical outcomes (depression, anxiety, disability, and satisfaction with life) following a transdiagnostic iCBT program targeting adjustment to chronic illness.

Methods

Participants from a large randomised controlled trial, who provided information on height and weight, were included (N = 234; mean age= 48.32, SD = 13.80; mean BMI = 30.43, SD = 8.30, range 16.18–67.52; 86.8% female). The influence of baseline BMI range on treatment outcomes at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up was examined using generalized estimating equations. We also examined changes in BMI and in participants’ perceived impact of weight on their health.

Results

Improvement in all outcomes occurred across BMI ranges; additionally, persons with obesity or overweight generally experienced greater symptom reductions than those within a healthy weight range. A greater proportion of participants with obesity achieved clinically significant change on key outcomes (e.g., depression: 32% [95% CI: 25%, 39%]) than participants with a healthy weight (21% [95% CI: 15%, 26%]) or overweight (24% [95% CI: 18%, 29%],p = 0.016). There were no significant changes in BMI from pre-treatment to 3-month follow-up, however there were significant reductions on the self-rated impact of weight on health.

Conclusions

Persons with chronic health conditions and with obesity or overweight benefit at least as much as those with a healthy BMI from iCBT programs targeting psychological adjustment to chronic illness, even without changes in BMI. iCBT programs may be an important component in the self-management of this population, and may address barriers implicated in health behaviour change.
Label-free superior contrast with c-band ultra-violet extinction microscopy
Authors: Ströhl Florian , Wolfson Deanna L. , Opstad Ida S. , Hansen Daniel H. , Mao Hong , Ahluwalia Balpreet S.
Published: March 2023

In 1934, Frits Zernike demonstrated that it is possible to exploit the sample’s refractive index to obtain superior contrast images of biological cells. The refractive index contrast of a cell surrounded by media yields a change in the phase and intensity of the transmitted light wave. This change can be due to either scattering or absorption caused by the sample. Most cells are transparent at visible wavelengths, which means the imaginary component of their complex refractive index, also known as extinction coefficient k, is close to zero. Here, we explore the use of c-band ultra-violet (UVC) light for high-contrast high-resolution label-free microscopy, as k is naturally substantially higher in the UVC than at visible wavelengths. Using differential phase contrast illumination and associated processing, we achieve a 7- to 300-fold improvement in contrast compared to visible-wavelength and UVA differential interference contrast microscopy or holotomography, and quantify the extinction coefficient distribution within liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. With a resolution down to 215 nm, we are, for the first time in a far-field label-free method, able to image individual fenestrations within their sieve plates which normally requires electron or fluorescence superresolution microscopy. UVC illumination also matches the excitation peak of intrinsically fluorescent proteins and amino acids and thus allows us to utilize autofluorescence as an independent imaging modality on the same setup.
Association of fluvoxamine with mortality and symptom resolution among inpatients with COVID-19 in Uganda: a prospective interventional open-label cohort study
Authors: Kirenga Bruce J. , Mugenyi Levicatus , Sánchez-Rico Marina , Kyobe Henry , Muttamba Winters , Mugume Raymond , Mwesigwa Eliya , Kalimo Ezra , Nyombi Vicky , Segawa Ivan , Namakula Loryndah Olive , Sekibira Rogers , Kabweru Wilberforce , Byanyima Rosemary , Aanyu Hellen , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Mwebesa Henry G. , Hoertel Nicolas , Bazeyo William
Published: March 2023

Prior research suggests that fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder, could be repurposed against COVID-19. We undertook a prospective interventional open-label cohort study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of fluvoxamine among inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Uganda. The main outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital discharge and complete symptom resolution. We included 316 patients, of whom 94 received fluvoxamine in addition to standard care [median age, 60 years (IQR = 37.0); women, 52.2%]. Fluvoxamine use was significantly associated with reduced mortality [AHR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.19–0.53; p < 0.001, NNT = 4.46] and with increased complete symptom resolution [AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.53–5.51; p < 0.001, NNT = 4.44]. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. These effects did not significantly differ by clinical characteristic, including vaccination status. Among the 161 survivors, fluvoxamine was not significantly associated with time to hospital discharge [AHR 0.81, 95% CI (0.54–1.23), p = 0.32]. There was a trend toward greater side effects with fluvoxamine (7.45% versus 3.15%; SMD = 0.21; χ2 = 3.46, p = 0.06), most of which were light or mild in severity and none of which were serious. One hundred mg of fluvoxamine prescribed twice daily for 10 days was well tolerated and significantly associated with reduced mortality and with increased complete symptom resolution, without a significant increase in time to hospital discharge, among inpatients with COVID-19. Large-scale randomized trials are urgently needed to confirm these findings, especially for low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccines and approved treatments against COVID-19 is limited.
Nicotine dependence and insula subregions: functional connectivity and cue-induced activation
Authors: Ghahremani Dara G. , Pochon Jean-Baptiste F. , Diaz Maylen Perez , Tyndale Rachel F. , Dean Andy C. , London Edythe D.
Published: March 2023

Nicotine dependence is a major predictor of relapse in people with Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD). Accordingly, therapies that reduce nicotine dependence may promote sustained abstinence from smoking. The insular cortex has been identified as a promising target in brain-based therapies for TUD, and has three major sub-regions (ventral anterior, dorsal anterior, and posterior) that serve distinct functional networks. How these subregions and associated networks contribute to nicotine dependence is not well understood, and therefore was the focus of this study. Sixty individuals (28 women; 18–45 years old), who smoked cigarettes daily, rated their level of nicotine dependence (on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) and, after abstaining from smoking overnight (~12 h), underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a resting state. A subset of these participants (N = 48) also completing a cue-induced craving task during fMRI. Correlations between nicotine dependence and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and cue-induced activation of the major insular sub-regions were evaluated. Nicotine dependence was negatively correlated with connectivity of the left and right dorsal, and left ventral anterior insula with regions within the superior parietal lobule (SPL), including the left precuneus. No relationship between posterior insula connectivity and nicotine dependence was found. Cue-induced activation in the left dorsal anterior insula was positively associated with nicotine dependence and negatively associated with RSFC of the same region with SPL, suggesting that craving-related responsivity in this subregion was greater among participants who were more dependent. These results may inform therapeutic approaches, such as brain stimulation, which may elicit differential clinical outcomes (e.g., dependence, craving) depending on the insular subnetwork that is targeted.
Multi-omics analysis identifies RFX7 targets involved in tumor suppression and neuronal processes
Authors: Schwab Katjana , Coronel Luis , Riege Konstantin , Sacramento Erika K. , Rahnis Norman , Häckes David , Cirri Emilio , Groth Marco , Hoffmann Steve , Fischer Martin
Published: March 2023

Recurrently mutated in lymphoid neoplasms, the transcription factor RFX7 is emerging as a tumor suppressor. Previous reports suggested that RFX7 may also have a role in neurological and metabolic disorders. We recently reported that RFX7 responds to p53 signaling and cellular stress. Furthermore, we found RFX7 target genes to be dysregulated in numerous cancer types also beyond the hematological system. However, our understanding of RFX7’s target gene network and its role in health and disease remains limited. Here, we generated RFX7 knock-out cells and employed a multi-omics approach integrating transcriptome, cistrome, and proteome data to obtain a more comprehensive picture of RFX7 targets. We identify novel target genes linked to RFX7’s tumor suppressor function and underscoring its potential role in neurological disorders. Importantly, our data reveal RFX7 as a mechanistic link that enables the activation of these genes in response to p53 signaling.
The Wnt/TCF7L1 transcriptional repressor axis drives primitive endoderm formation by antagonizing naive and formative pluripotency
Authors: Athanasouli Paraskevi , Balli Martina , De Jaime-Soguero Anchel , Boel Annekatrien , Papanikolaou Sofia , van der Veer Bernard K. , Janiszewski Adrian , Vanhessche Tijs , Francis Annick , El Laithy Youssef , Nigro Antonio Lo , Aulicino Francesco , Koh Kian Peng , Pasque Vincent , Cosma Maria Pia , Verfaillie Catherine , Zwijsen An , Heindryckx Björn , Nikolaou Christoforos , Lluis Frederic
Published: March 2023

Early during preimplantation development and in heterogeneous mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) culture, pluripotent cells are specified towards either the primed epiblast or the primitive endoderm (PE) lineage. Canonical Wnt signaling is crucial for safeguarding naive pluripotency and embryo implantation, yet the role and relevance of canonical Wnt inhibition during early mammalian development remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that transcriptional repression exerted by Wnt/TCF7L1 promotes PE differentiation of mESCs and in preimplantation inner cell mass. Time-series RNA sequencing and promoter occupancy data reveal that TCF7L1 binds and represses genes encoding essential naive pluripotency factors and indispensable regulators of the formative pluripotency program, including Otx2 and Lef1. Consequently, TCF7L1 promotes pluripotency exit and suppresses epiblast lineage formation, thereby driving cells into PE specification. Conversely, TCF7L1 is required for PE specification as deletion of Tcf7l1 abrogates PE differentiation without restraining epiblast priming. Taken together, our study underscores the importance of transcriptional Wnt inhibition in regulating lineage specification in ESCs and preimplantation embryo development as well as identifies TCF7L1 as key regulator of this process.
Identifying tumour microenvironment-related signature that correlates with prognosis and immunotherapy response in breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Hongying , Yin Xiangzhe , Wang Lixia , Liu Kailai , Liu Wangyang , Bo Lin , Wang Li
Published: March 2023

Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays important roles in prognosis and immune evasion. However, the relationship between TME-related genes and clinical prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy response in breast cancer (BRCA) remains unclear. This study described the TME pattern to construct a TME-related prognosis signature, including risk factors PXDNL, LINC02038 and protective factors SLC27A2, KLRB1, IGHV1-12 and IGKV1OR2-108, as an independent prognostic factor for BRCA. We found that the prognosis signature was negatively correlated with the survival time of BRCA patients, infiltration of immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoints, while positively correlated with tumor mutation burden and adverse treatment effects of immunotherapy. Upregulation of PXDNL and LINC02038 and downregulation of SLC27A2, KLRB1, IGHV1-12 and IGKV1OR2-108 in high-risk score group synergistically contribute to immunosuppressive microenvironment which characterized by immunosuppressive neutrophils, impaired cytotoxic T lymphocytes migration and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. In summary, we identified a TME-related prognostic signature in BRCA, which was connected with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, immunotherapy response and could be developed for immunotherapy targets.
A new class A beta-lactamase gene blaCAE-1 coexists with blaAFM-1 in a novel untypable plasmid in Comamonas aquatica
Authors: Li Ying , Fang Chengju , Wang Xu , Liu Qian , Qiu Yichuan , Dai Xiaoyi , Zhang Luhua
Published: March 2023

Antimicrobial resistance, especially carbapenem resistance, poses a serious threat to global public health. Here, a carbapenem-resistant Comamonasaquatica isolate SCLZS63 was recovered from hospital sewage. Whole-genome sequencing showed that SCLZS63 has a 4,048,791-bp circular chromosome and three plasmids. The carbapenemase gene blaAFM-1 is located on the 143,067-bp untypable plasmid p1_SCLZS63, which is a novel type of plasmid with two multidrug-resistant (MDR) regions. Notably, a novel class A serine β-lactamase gene, blaCAE-1, coexists with blaAFM-1 in the mosaic MDR2 region. Cloning assay showed that CAE-1 confers resistance to ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone, and elevates the MIC of ampicillin-sulbactam two-fold in Escherichia coli DH5α, suggesting that CAE-1 functions as a broad-spectrum β-lactamase. Amino acid sequences analysis suggested that blaCAE-1 may originate from Comamonadaceae. The blaAFM-1 in p1_SCLZS63 is located in a conserved structure of ISCR29-ΔgroL-blaAFM-1-ble-ΔtrpF-ΔISCR27-msrB-msrA-yfcG-corA. Comprehensive analysis of the blaAFM-bearing sequences revealed important roles of ISCR29 and ΔISCR27 in the mobilization and truncation of the core module of blaAFM alleles, respectively. The diverse passenger contents of class 1 integrons flanking the blaAFM core module make the complexity of genetic contexts for blaAFM. In conclusion, this study reveals that Comamonas may act as an important reservoir for antibiotics-resistance genes and plasmids in the environment. Continuous monitoring for the environmental emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is needed to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress during the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war, a comparison between populations in Poland, Ukraine, and Taiwan
Authors: Chudzicka-Czupała Agata , Hapon Nadiya , Chiang Soon-Kiat , Żywiołek-Szeja Marta , Karamushka Liudmyla , Lee Charlotte T. , Grabowski Damian , Paliga Mateusz , Rosenblat Joshua D. , Ho Roger , McIntyre Roger S. , Chen Yi-Lung
Published: March 2023

Ukraine has been embroiled in an increasing war since February 2022. In addition to Ukrainians, the Russo-Ukraine war has affected Poles due to the refugee crisis and the Taiwanese, who are facing a potential crisis with China. We examined the mental health status and associated factors in Ukraine, Poland, and Taiwan. The data will be used for future reference as the war is still ongoing. From March 8 to April 26, 2022, we conducted an online survey using snowball sampling techniques in Ukraine, Poland, and Taiwan. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DASS)-21 item scale; post-traumatic stress symptoms by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and coping strategies by the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE). We used multivariate linear regression to identify factors significantly associated with DASS-21 and IES-R scores. There were 1626 participants (Poland: 1053; Ukraine: 385; Taiwan: 188) in this study. Ukrainian participants reported significantly higher DASS-21 (p < 0.001) and IES-R (p < 0.01) scores than Poles and Taiwanese. Although Taiwanese participants were not directly involved in the war, their mean IES-R scores (40.37 ± 16.86) were only slightly lower than Ukrainian participants (41.36 ± 14.94). Taiwanese reported significantly higher avoidance scores (1.60 ± 0.47) than the Polish (0.87 ± 0.53) and Ukrainian (0.91 ± 0.5) participants (p < 0.001). More than half of the Taiwanese (54.3%) and Polish (80.3%) participants were distressed by the war scenes in the media. More than half (52.5%) of the Ukrainian participants would not seek psychological help despite a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress. Multivariate linear regression analyses found that female gender, Ukrainian and Polish citizenship, household size, self-rating health status, past psychiatric history, and avoidance coping were significantly associated with higher DASS-21 and IES-R scores after adjustment of other variables (p < 0.05). We have identified mental health sequelae in Ukrainian, Poles, and Taiwanese with the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war. Risk factors associated with developing depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress symptoms include female gender, self-rating health status, past psychiatric history, and avoidance coping. Early resolution of the conflict, online mental health interventions, delivery of psychotropic medications, and distraction techniques may help to improve the mental health of people who stay inside and outside Ukraine.
Increased probability of hot and dry weather extremes during the growing season threatens global crop yields
Authors: Heino Matias , Kinnunen Pekka , Anderson Weston , Ray Deepak K. , Puma Michael J. , Varis Olli , Siebert Stefan , Kummu Matti
Published: March 2023

Although extreme weather events recur periodically everywhere, the impacts of their simultaneous occurrence on crop yields are globally unknown. In this study, we estimate the impacts of combined hot and dry extremes as well as cold and wet extremes on maize, rice, soybean, and wheat yields using gridded weather data and reported crop yield data at the global scale for 1980–2009. Our results show that co-occurring extremely hot and dry events have globally consistent negative effects on the yields of all inspected crop types. Extremely cold and wet conditions were observed to reduce crop yields globally too, although to a lesser extent and the impacts being more uncertain and inconsistent. Critically, we found that over the study period, the probability of co-occurring extreme hot and dry events during the growing season increased across all inspected crop types; wheat showing the largest, up to a six-fold, increase. Hence, our study highlights the potentially detrimental impacts that increasing climate variability can have on global food production.
Learning curve for open surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Hou Bo-Cheng , Huang Yu-Tung , Hsiao Fu-Chih , Wu Chien-Chia , Cheng Yu-Ting , Liu Kuo-Sheng , Chang Shang-Hung , Chu Pao-Hsien , Chou An-Hsun , Chen Shao-Wei
Published: March 2023

There is scarce evidence about the surgeon learning curve of acute type A aortic dissection surgery and whether the optimal procedure number exists when training a cardiovascular surgeon. A total of 704 patients with acute type A aortic dissection surgery performed by 17 junior surgeons who can identify their first career surgery from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, are included. The surgeon experience volume is defined as the cumulative number of acute type A aortic dissection surgery of the surgeon since January 1, 2005. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The possibility of non-linearity and cutoffs for surgeon experience volume level was explored using a restricted cubic spline model. The results revealed that more surgeon experience volume is significantly correlated to a lower in-hospital mortality rate (r = − 0.58, P = 0.010). The RCS model shows for an operator who reaches 25 cumulative volumes of acute type A aortic dissection surgery, the average in-hospital mortality rate of the patients can be below 10%. Furthermore, the longer duration from the 1st to 25th operations of the surgeon is significantly correlated to a higher average in-hospital mortality rate of the patients (r = 0.61, p = 0.045). Acute type A aortic dissection surgery has a prominent learning curve in terms of improving clinical outcomes. The findings suggest fostering high-volume surgeons at high-volume hospitals can achieve optimal clinical outcomes.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) reveals spatial-metabolic changes in 3D breast cancer spheroids
Authors: Karrobi Kavon , Tank Anup , Fuzail Mohammad Ahsan , Kalidoss Madhumathi , Tilbury Karissa , Zaman Muhammad , Ferruzzi Jacopo , Roblyer Darren
Published: March 2023

Cancer cells are mechanically sensitive to physical properties of the microenvironment, which can affect downstream signaling to promote malignancy, in part through the modulation of metabolic pathways. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) can be used to measure the fluorescence lifetime of endogenous fluorophores, such as the metabolic co-factors NAD(P)H and FAD, in live samples. We used multiphoton FLIM to investigate the changes in cellular metabolism of 3D breast spheroids derived from MCF-10A and MD-MB-231 cell lines embedded in collagen with varying densities (1 vs. 4 mg/ml) over time (Day 0 vs. Day 3). MCF-10A spheroids demonstrated spatial gradients, with the cells closest to the spheroid edge exhibiting FLIM changes consistent with a shift towards oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) while the spheroid core had changes consistent with a shift towards glycolysis. The MDA-MB-231 spheroids had a large shift consistent with increased OXPHOS with a more pronounced change at the higher collagen concentration. The MDA-MB-231 spheroids invaded into the collagen gel over time and cells that traveled the farthest had the largest changes consistent with a shift towards OXPHOS. Overall, these results suggest that the cells in contact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and those that migrated the farthest had changes consistent with a metabolic shift towards OXPHOS. More generally, these results demonstrate the ability of multiphoton FLIM to characterize how spheroids metabolism and spatial metabolic gradients are modified by physical properties of the 3D ECM.
On an effective and efficient method for exploiting the wisdom of the inner crowd
Authors: Fujisaki Itsuki , Yang Kunhao , Ueda Kazuhiro
Published: March 2023

Researchers have shown that even an individual can produce the wisdom of the crowds, called “the wisdom of the inner crowd.” However, the previous methods leave room for improvements in terms of efficacy and response time. This paper proposes a more efficient method, which required a short time, based on findings from cognitive and social psychology. The procedure is to ask participants to give two answers to the same question: first, their own estimate and, second, their estimate of public opinion. Experiments using this method showed that the averages of the two estimates were more accurate than the participants’ first estimates. That is, the wisdom of the inner crowd elicited. In addition, we found that the method could be superior to other methods in terms of efficacy and convenience. Moreover, we identified the conditions where our method worked better. We further clarify the availability and limitations of using the wisdom of the inner crowd. Overall, this paper proposes an effective and short-time method for harvesting the wisdom of the inner crowd.
First pan-specific vNAR against human TGF-β as a potential therapeutic application: in silico modeling assessment
Authors: Burciaga-Flores Mirna , Márquez-Aguirre Ana Laura , Dueñas Salvador , Gasperin-Bulbarela Jahaziel , Licea-Navarro Alexei F. , Camacho-Villegas Tanya A.
Published: March 2023

Immunotherapies based on antibody fragments have been developed and applied to human diseases, describing novel antibody formats. The vNAR domains have a potential therapeutic use related to their unique properties. This work used a non-immunized Heterodontus francisci shark library to obtain a vNAR with recognition of TGF-β isoforms. The isolated vNAR T1 selected by phage display demonstrated binding of the vNAR T1 to TGF-β isoforms (-β1, -β2, -β3) by direct ELISA assay. These results are supported by using for the first time the Single-Cycle kinetics (SCK) method for Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis for a vNAR. Also, the vNAR T1 shows an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 9.61 × 10–8 M against rhTGF-β1. Furthermore, the molecular docking analysis revealed that the vNAR T1 interacts with amino acid residues of TGF-β1, which are essential for interaction with type I and II TGF-β receptors. The vNAR T1 is the first pan-specific shark domain reported against the three hTGF-β isoforms and a potential alternative to overcome the challenges related to the modulation of TGF-β levels implicated in several human diseases such as fibrosis, cancer, and COVID-19.
Strata temperatures and geothermal resource evaluation in the Dongpu Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, North China
Authors: Qiao Yong , Zuo Yinhui , Tu Shiqi , Zhang Jiazhen , Yang Meihua , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2023

The development of geothermal resources in the Dongpu Depression can improve not only the economic benefits of the oilfield but also the ecological environment. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the geothermal resources in the region. Based on the heat flow, geothermal gradient and thermal properties, the temperatures and their distribution in different strata are calculated using geothermal methods, and the geothermal resource types of the Dongpu Depression are identified. The results show that the geothermal resources include low-temperature, medium-temperature and high-temperature geothermal resources in the Dongpu Depression. The Minghuazhen and Guantao Formations mainly include low-temperature and medium-temperature geothermal resources; the Dongying and Shahejie Formations include low-temperature, medium-temperature and high-temperature geothermal resources; the Ordovician rocks mainly include medium-temperature and high-temperature geothermal resources. The Minghuazhen, Guantao and Dongying Formations can form good geothermal reservoirs and are favorable layers for exploring low-temperature and medium-temperature geothermal resources. The geothermal reservoir of the Shahejie Formation is relatively poor, and the thermal reservoirs may be developed in the western slope zone and the central uplift. The Ordovician carbonate strata can provide thermal reservoirs for geothermal resources, and the Cenozoic bottom temperature is more than 150 °C except for most of the western gentle slope zone. In addition, for the same stratum, the geothermal temperatures in the southern Dongpu Depression are higher than those in the northern depression.
Evaluation of the second-generation whole-heart motion correction algorithm (SSF2) used to demonstrate the aortic annulus on cardiac CT
Authors: Matsumoto Yoriaki , Fujioka Chikako , Yokomachi Kazushi , Kitera Nobuo , Nishimaru Eiji , Kiguchi Masao , Higaki Toru , Kawashita Ikuo , Tatsugami Fuminari , Nakamura Yuko , Awai Kazuo
Published: March 2023

The main purpose of pre-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) cardiac computed tomography (CT) for patients with severe aortic stenosis is aortic annulus measurements. However, motion artifacts present a technical challenge because they can reduce the measurement accuracy of the aortic annulus. Therefore, we applied the recently developed second-generation whole-heart motion correction algorithm (SnapShot Freeze 2.0, SSF2) to pre-TAVI cardiac CT and investigated its clinical utility by stratified analysis of the patient's heart rate during scanning. We found that SSF2 reconstruction significantly reduced aortic annulus motion artifacts and improved the image quality and measurement accuracy compared to standard reconstruction, especially in patients with high heart rate or a 40% R-R interval (systolic phase). SSF2 may contribute to improving the measurement accuracy of the aortic annulus.
A mathematical model for COVID-19 considering waning immunity, vaccination and control measures
Authors: Ghosh Subhas Kumar , Ghosh Sachchit
Published: March 2023

In this work we define a modified SEIR model that accounts for the spread of infection during the latent period, infections from asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic infected individuals, potential loss of acquired immunity, people’s increasing awareness of social distancing and the use of vaccination as well as non-pharmaceutical interventions like social confinement. We estimate model parameters in three different scenarios—in Italy, where there is a growing number of cases and re-emergence of the epidemic, in India, where there are significant number of cases post confinement period and in Victoria, Australia where a re-emergence has been controlled with severe social confinement program. Our result shows the benefit of long term confinement of 50% or above population and extensive testing. With respect to loss of acquired immunity, our model suggests higher impact for Italy. We also show that a reasonably effective vaccine with mass vaccination program are successful measures in significantly controlling the size of infected population. We show that for a country like India, a reduction in contact rate by 50% compared to a reduction of 10% reduces death from 0.0268 to 0.0141% of population. Similarly, for a country like Italy we show that reducing contact rate by half can reduce a potential peak infection of 15% population to less than 1.5% of population, and potential deaths from 0.48 to 0.04%. With respect to vaccination, we show that even a 75% efficient vaccine administered to 50% population can reduce the peak number of infected population by nearly 50% in Italy. Similarly, for India, a 0.056% of population would die without vaccination, while 93.75% efficient vaccine given to 30% population would bring this down to 0.036% of population, and 93.75% efficient vaccine given to 70% population would bring this down to 0.034%.
Effects of additive interactions among obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chung Goh Eun , Oh Sohee , Ahn Dong-Won , Kim Su Hwan , Jung Yong Jin , Kim Ji Won , Kim Byeong Gwan , Lee Kook Lae , Jeong Ji Bong
Published: March 2023

Although the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with obesity or sarcopenia is known, few studies have investigated the combined effect of various body composition parameters on the risk of NAFLD. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of interactions between various body composition parameters, including obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia, on NAFLD. Data of subjects who underwent health checkups between 2010 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Body composition parameters including appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and visceral adiposity were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sarcopenia was defined as ASM/weight beyond two standard deviations below the gender-specific mean for healthy young adults. NAFLD was diagnosed using hepatic ultrasonography. Interaction analyses, including relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), synergy index (SI), and attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), were performed. Among a total of 17,540 subjects (mean age: 46.7 years, 49.4% males), the prevalence of NAFLD was 35.9%. The odds ratio (OR) of interaction between obesity and visceral adiposity affecting NAFLD was 9.14 (95% CI: 8.29–10.07). The RERI was 2.63 (95% CI: 1.71–3.55), SI was 1.48 (95% CI: 1.29–1.69) and AP was 29%. The OR of interaction between obesity and sarcopenia affecting NAFLD was 8.46 (95% CI: 7.01–10.21). The RERI was 2.21 (95% CI: 0.51–3.90). SI was 1.42(95% CI: 1.11–1.82) and AP was 26%. The OR of interaction between sarcopenia and visceral adiposity affecting NAFLD was 7.25 (95% CI: 6.04–8.71), however, there was no significant additive interaction with RERI = 0.87 (95% CI: −0.76 to 2.51). Obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia were found to be positively associated with NAFLD. Obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia were found to have additive interaction effects on NAFLD.
Rickettsia felis DNA recovered from a child who lived in southern Africa 2000 years ago
Authors: Rifkin Riaan F. , Vikram Surendra , Alcorta Jaime , Ramond Jean-Baptiste , Cowan Don A. , Jakobsson Mattias , Schlebusch Carina M. , Lombard Marlize
Published: March 2023

The Stone Age record of South Africa provides some of the earliest evidence for the biological and cultural origins of Homo sapiens. While there is extensive genomic evidence for the selection of polymorphisms in response to pathogen-pressure in sub-Saharan Africa, e.g., the sickle cell trait which provides protection against malaria, there is inadequate direct human genomic evidence for ancient human-pathogen infection in the region. Here, we analysed shotgun metagenome libraries derived from the sequencing of a Later Stone Age hunter-gatherer child who lived near Ballito Bay, South Africa, c. 2000 years ago. This resulted in the identification of ancient DNA sequence reads homologous to Rickettsia felis, the causative agent of typhus-like flea-borne rickettsioses, and the reconstruction of an ancient R. felis genome.
Reconstructing the infrared spectrum of a peptide from representative conformers of the full canonical ensemble
Authors: Kotobi Amir , Schwob Lucas , Vonbun-Feldbauer Gregor B. , Rossi Mariana , Gasparotto Piero , Feiler Christian , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Oostenrijk Bart , Scuderi Debora , Bari Sadia , Meißner Robert H.
Published: March 2023

Leucine enkephalin (LeuEnk), a biologically active endogenous opioid pentapeptide, has been under intense investigation because it is small enough to allow efficient use of sophisticated computational methods and large enough to provide insights into low-lying minima of its conformational space. Here, we reproduce and interpret experimental infrared (IR) spectra of this model peptide in gas phase using a combination of replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning, and ab initio calculations. In particular, we evaluate the possibility of averaging representative structural contributions to obtain an accurate computed spectrum that accounts for the corresponding canonical ensemble of the real experimental situation. Representative conformers are identified by partitioning the conformational phase space into subensembles of similar conformers. The IR contribution of each representative conformer is calculated from ab initio and weighted according to the population of each cluster. Convergence of the averaged IR signal is rationalized by merging contributions in a hierarchical clustering and the comparison to IR multiple photon dissociation experiments. The improvements achieved by decomposing clusters containing similar conformations into even smaller subensembles is strong evidence that a thorough assessment of the conformational landscape and the associated hydrogen bonding is a prerequisite for deciphering important fingerprints in experimental spectroscopic data.
Quality of urban climate adaptation plans over time
Authors: Reckien Diana , Buzasi Attila , Olazabal Marta , Spyridaki Niki-Artemis , Eckersley Peter , Simoes Sofia G. , Salvia Monica , Pietrapertosa Filomena , Fokaides Paris , Goonesekera Sascha M. , Tardieu Léa , Balzan Mario V. , de Boer Cheryl L. , De Gregorio Hurtado Sonia , Feliu Efrén , Flamos Alexandros , Foley Aoife , Geneletti Davide , Grafakos Stelios , Heidrich Oliver , Ioannou Byron , Krook-Riekkola Anna , Matosovic Marko , Orru Hans , Orru Kati , Paspaldzhiev Ivan , Rižnar Klavdija , Smigaj Magdalena , Szalmáné Csete Maria , Viguié Vincent , Wejs Anja
Published: March 2023

Defining and measuring progress in adaptation are important questions for climate adaptation science, policy, and practice. Here, we assess the progress of urban adaptation planning in 327 European cities between 2005 and 2020 using three ‘ADAptation plan Quality Assessment’ indices, called ADAQA-1/ 2/ 3, that combine six plan quality principles. Half of the cities have an adaptation plan and its quality significantly increased over time. However, generally, plan quality is still low in many cities. Participation and monitoring and evaluation are particularly weak aspects in urban adaptation policy, together with plan ‘consistency’. Consistency connects impacts and vulnerabilities with adaptation goals, planned measures, actions, monitoring and evaluation, and participation processes. Consistency is a key factor in the overall quality of plans. To help evaluate the quality of plans and policies and promote learning, we suggest incorporating our ADAptation plan Quality Assessment indices into the portfolio of adaptation progress assessments and tracking methodologies.
Ultra-repeatability measurement of calorific value of coal by NIRS-XRF
Authors: Gao Rui , Li Jiaxuan , Wang Shuqing , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lei , Ye Zefu , Zhu Zhujun , Yin Wangbao , Jia Suotang
Published: March 2023

An ultra-repeatability measurement technology of coal calorific value combined with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and a holistic-segment modeling method based on partial least squares (PLS) are proposed.
Effect of Pd(ii) uptake on high-temperature phase transitions in a hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite semiconductor
Authors: Xu Yan , Xu Ke , He Lei , Mu Jie , Yin Ti-Jian , Men Jin-Tao , Ye Qiong
Published: March 2023

In this work, we have obtained a hybrid organic–inorganic ABX3-type compound. It undergoes two phase transitions and displays semiconducting properties. And it has the ability to absorb Pd(ii) ions due to the presence of thioether groups.
From M6 to M12, M19 and M38 molecular alloy Pt–Ni carbonyl nanoclusters: selective growth of atomically precise heterometallic nanoclusters
Authors: Cesari Cristiana , Berti Beatrice , Bortoluzzi Marco , Femoni Cristina , Funaioli Tiziana , Vivaldi Federico Maria , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Zacchini Stefano
Published: March 2023

Molecular alloy Pt–Ni nanoclusters of increasing sizes were synthesized, their structures determined by X-ray crystallography, Pt–Ni distribution computationally investigated, and the effect of Pt–Ni replacement electrochemically studied.
Foliar uptake and in-leaf translocation of micro(nano)plastics and their interaction with epicuticular wax
Authors: Guo Shuai , Wang Jing , Sun Haifeng , Wu Juan , Xu Jianhong , Sun Jianqiang
Published: March 2023

Smaller size and trichomes favored higher accumulation of PS MNPs on the leaf epidermis, while nanoscale PS entered vasculature via apoplastic and symplastic pathways.
Upcycling natural Limestone waste for thermochemical energy storage by utilising tailored CaZrO3 nanoadditives
Authors: Anwar Rehan , Navrátil Jan , Vijayaraghavan Rajani K. , McNally Patrick J. , Otyepka Michal , Błoński Piotr , Sofianos M. Veronica
Published: March 2023

Enabling the carbonation reaction of Limestone waste by using CaZrO3 nanoadditives.
Mechanistic insights into H3B·NMeH2 dehydrogenation by Co-based complexes: a DFT perspective
Authors: Peng Cheng , Liu Wei , Wang Yong
Published: March 2023

Mechanistic insights into Co-catalyzed H3B·NMeH2 dehydrogenation and polyaminoborane formation are carefully investigated using density functional theory.
A portable acetylcholinesterase-based electrochemical sensor for field detection of organophosphorus
Authors: Wen Long , Wang Jianfang , Liu Zhuoliang , Tao Cheng-an , Rao Jialing , Hang Jian , Li Yujiao
Published: March 2023

A portable acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-based electrochemical sensor based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) and a miniature potentiostat was constructed for the rapid field detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs).
Investigation of small inhibitor effects on methane hydrate formation in a carbon nanotube using molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Abbaspour Mohsen , Fotourechi Fateme , Akbarzadeh Hamed , Salemi Sirous
Published: March 2023

Effects of five small inhibitors on methane hydrate formation in carbon nanotube have been investigated in this work. The better thermodynamic inhibitor leads to more disorder in the structure of confined water molecules in the CNT, the O–O RDF.
Anti-inflammatory constituents isolated from the flowers of Hosta plantaginea via suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: He Jie-Wei , Guo Ping , Yang Li , He Jun-Wei
Published: March 2023

One new (1) and five (2–6) known compounds are isolated from H. plantaginea flowers. Compounds 1 and 3 exerted significant anti-inflammatory activities.
Methanol steam reforming reactor design for efficient photovoltaic–thermochemical power generation
Authors: Tian Zhenyu , Zhao Kai , Zhang Yidian , Yang Lingzhi , Shao Yu , Hao Yong
Published: March 2023

Four reactors with different designs are manufactured to improve the heat and mass transfer performance of the reactor and the net solar-electric (NSE) efficiency of the photovoltaic-thermochemical (PVTC) hybrid system. The NSE efficiency of the system peaks at 42.2%.
Co3O4 quantum dot decorated polypyrrole nanocomposites as a flexible, conducting, anticorrosive and antibacterial agent: sustainable experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Kumar Harish , Luthra Manisha , Punia Manisha , Kaur Pawanvir , Kumar Ramesh
Published: March 2023

Co3O4 QD-based PPy NCs were synthesized by an in situ method. The NCs show 81.58% protection to MS. The antibacterial activity was comparable to that of Hexa disk antibiotics. The NCs were proved to be flexible, conducting, corrosion inhibiting, and antibacterial.
High-entropy nanoparticle constructed porous honeycomb as a 3D sulfur host for lithium polysulfide adsorption and catalytic conversion in Li–S batteries
Authors: Zhou Zhiyu , Chen Zexiang , Lv Huifang , Zhao Yang , Wei Hualiang , Huai Guoli , Xu Ruxiang , Wang Yan
Published: March 2023

A porous honeycomb-like sulfur host was engineered using oxidized six-element HEA nanoparticles (MgCrMnFeCoNi–O), offering excellent lithium polysulfide adsorption ability and catalytic activity toward the conversion of sulfur species.
Response of mesenchymal stem cells to surface topography of scaffolds and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Xiao Li , Sun Yanping , Liao Li , Su Xiaoxia
Published: March 2023

The critical role and mechanism of the topography of materials to regulate the function and fate of mesenchymal stem cells are reported.
Microfluidic-based modulation of triplet exciton decay in organic phosphorescent nanoparticles for size-assisted photodynamic antibacterial therapy
Authors: Chao Cong , Kang Lingling , Dai Wenbo , Zhao Changsheng , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Cai Zhengxu , Dong Yuping
Published: March 2023

The modulation of triplet exciton decay in organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials has been considered as a promising strategy for highly efficient photodynamic therapy.
Efficient N2 electroreduction to ammonia in an isopropanol–PBS electrolyte using NiFe2O4in situ grown on nickel foam
Authors: Chen Chang , Cui Min , Wang Qian , Cui Penglei , Zhang Cong , Yang Qian , Ren Jujie
Published: March 2023

In situ grown nickel ferrite nanosheets are used as cathode for electro-catalytic N2 reduction. PBS-isopropanol is used as the electrolyte to improve N2 solubility and reduce HER, and higher ammonia production rate and FE are obtained.
Carbon nanosphere synthesis and applications for rechargeable batteries
Authors: Liu Zheng-Guang , He Xiang-Xi , Zhao Jia-Hua , Xu Chun-Mei , Qiao Yun , Li Li , Chou Shu-Lei
Published: March 2023

This review summarizes the recent developments of CNSs synthesis and applications for rechargeable batteries, which could help researchers design high performance electrode materials for advanced batteries.
Solution-grown ternary quasi-cube AgSbTe2 and its optoelectronic performance for broadband photodetection
Authors: Li Cunxin , Xu Kaijia , Cheng Lanjun , Wu Zhichuan , Qian Yinyin
Published: March 2023

Quasi-cube AgSbTe2 nanocrystals with a representative NaCl-type crystal structure, synthesized by an eco-friendly colloidal synthetic route, exhibit good photoresponse to wide-range optical signals from 405 to 980 nm.
Luminescence properties of mixed-ligand MOFs containing fluorene scaffolds functionalized with isonicotinoyl arms
Authors: Delledonne Andrea , Orlandini Martina , Terenziani Francesca , Mazzeo Paolo Pio , Bacchi Alessia , Carlucci Lucia , Comotti Angiolina , Perego Jacopo , Pelagatti Paolo
Published: March 2023

Three new polycatenated mixed-ligand MOFs containing fluorene and naphthalene scaffolds have been solvothermally synthesized. Their solid-state luminescence has been investigated showing a Förster resonance energy transfer involving the two linkers.
Prediction of the structures and heats of formation of MO2, MO3, and M2O5 for M = V, Nb, Ta, Pa
Authors: Lontchi Eddy , Mason Marcos M. , Vasiliu Monica , Dixon David A.
Published: March 2023

The energetic properties of M2O5 for M = V, Nb, Ta, and Pa are predicted at the FPD level in addition to those of MF5, MO20/+ and MO30/−. The Pa compounds exhibit actinyl, not transition metal character, with a strong PaO bond.
Structure-based insights into mechanism of endoperoxidase FtmOx1 catalyzed reactions
Authors: Wang Fei , Gao Yanqing , Wang Chunxi , Lan Wenxian , Gan JianHua , Cao Chunyang
Published: March 2023

New pathways were suggested for ftmOx1 catalyzed reactions, in which the roles of residues Tyr68, Thr134 and Tyr224 were discussed based on the analysis of the reported structures.
Cyclometalated platinum(ii) complexes with acyclic diaminocarbene ligands for OLED application
Authors: Katkova Svetlana A. , Kozina Daria O. , Kisel Kristina S. , Sandzhieva Maria A. , Tarvanen Dmitriy A. , Makarov Sergey V. , Porsev Vitaly V. , Tunik Sergey P. , Kinzhalov Mikhail A.
Published: March 2023

Cyclometallated platinum(ii) species with ancillary acyclic diaminocarbene ligands work as efficient green emitting components of OLED devices.
The effect of anions in the synthesis and structure of pyrazolylamidino copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Chih , Liao Po-Kuang , Chen Chia-Wei , Chiang Ming-Hsi , Horng Yih-Chern
Published: March 2023

A plausible reaction path for synthesizing pyrazolylamidino Cu(ii) complexes is established. Cu(pzH)4X2 (X = ClO4−, BF4−, or NO3−), usually considered as an inert species for the pyrazole-nitrile coupling reaction, actually is more reactive.
Spectroscopy, molecular structure, and electropolymerization of Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes containing a thiophene-appending fluorinated Schiff base ligand
Authors: Ahumada Guillermo , Hamon Paul , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Fuentealba Mauricio , Hernández Loreto A. , Carrillo David , Hamon Jean-René , Manzur Carolina
Published: March 2023

Electropolymerization of the title compounds yields golden-colored deposits, with the Cu(ii) monomer enabling the formation of thicker coatings with increased conductivity in both CV and chronoamperometry voltammetric profiles.
Multiple-phase evolution and electrical transport of Sr4−xYxCo4O12−δ (x = 0–1.0): an ordered phase transition process
Authors: Song Hongyuan , Liu Bin , Zeng Jinhua , Huo Guangpeng , Chen Liangwei , Wang Jianlu , Yu Lan
Published: March 2023

Controllable synthesis of multiphase perovskites Sr4−xYxCo4O12−δ and an ordered tetragonal phase transition process with contribution of the Y–O bond.