bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trisomy 18: disparities of care and outcomes in the State of Texas between 2009 and 2019
Authors: Mizrahi Michelle , Well Andrew , Gottlieb Erin A. , Stewart Eileen , Lucke Ashley , Fraser Charles D. , Mery Carlos M. , Beckerman Ziv
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To perform a statewide characteristics and outcomes analysis of the Trisomy 18 (T18) population and explore the potential impact of associated congenital heart disease (CHD) and congenital heart surgery.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Public Use Data File between 2009 and 2019, analysing discharges of patients with T18 identified using ICD-9/10 codes. Discharges were linked to analyse patients. Demographic characteristics and available outcomes were evaluated. The population was divided into groups for comparison: patients with no documentation of CHD (T18NoCHD), patients with CHD without congenital heart surgery (T18CHD), and patients who underwent congenital heart surgery (T18CHS).

Results:

One thousand one hundred fifty-six eligible patients were identified: 443 (38%) T18NoCHD, 669 (58%) T18CHD, and 44 (4%) T18CHS. T18CHS had a lower proportion of Hispanic patients (n = 9 (20.45%)) compared to T18CHD (n = 315 (47.09%)), and T18NoCHD (n = 219 (49.44%)) (p < 0.001 for both). Patients with Medicare/Medicaid insurance had a 0.42 odds ratio (95%CI: 0.20–0.86, p = 0.020) of undergoing congenital heart surgery compared to private insurance. T18CHS had a higher median total days in-hospital (47.5 [IQR: 12.25–113.25] vs. 9 [IQR: 3–24] and 2 [IQR: 1–5], p < 0.001); and a higher median number of admissions (n = 2 [IQR: 1–4]) vs. 1 [IQR: 1–2] and 1 [IQR: 1–1], (p < 0.001 for both). However, the post-operative median number of admissions for T18CHS was 0 [IQR: 0–2]. After the first month of life, T18CHS had freedom from in-hospital mortality similar to T18NoCHD and superior to T18CHD.

Conclusions:

Short-term outcomes for T18CHS patients are encouraging, suggesting a freedom from in-hospital mortality that resembles the T18NoCHD. The highlighted socio-economic differences between the groups warrant further investigation. Development of a prospective registry for T18 patients should be a priority for better understanding of longer-term outcomes.
Moderators of peak respiratory exchange ratio during exercise testing in children and adolescents with Fontan physiology
Authors: Carey Patricia M. , Yeh Hung-Wen , Krzywda Karoline , Teson Kelli M. , Watson Jessica S. , Goudar Suma , Forsha Daniel , White David A.
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

Many patients with Fontan physiology are unable to achieve the minimum criteria for peak effort during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of physical activity and other clinical predictors related to achieving peak exercise criteria, signified by respiratory exchange ratio ≥ 1.1 in youth with Fontan physiology.

Methods:

Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of 8–18-year-olds with single ventricle post-Fontan palliation who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (James cycle protocol) and completed a past-year physical activity survey. Bivariate associations were assessed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test and simple regression. Conditional inference forest algorithm was used to classify participants achieving respiratory exchange ratio > 1.1 and to predict peak respiratory exchange ratio.

Results:

Of the n = 43 participants, 65% were male, mean age was 14.0 ± 2.4 years, and 67.4% (n = 29) achieved respiratory exchange ratio ≥ 1.1. Despite some cardiopulmonary exercise stress test variables achieving statistical significance in bivariate associations with participants achieving respiratory exchange ratio > 1.1, the classification accuracy had area under the precision recall curve of 0.55. All variables together explained 21.4% of the variance in respiratory exchange ratio, with peak oxygen pulse being the most informative.

Conclusion:

Demographic, physical activity, and cardiopulmonary exercise test measures could not classify meeting peak exercise criteria (respiratory exchange ratio ≥ 1.1) at a satisfactory accuracy. Correlations between respiratory exchange ratio and oxygen pulse suggest the augmentation of stroke volume with exercise may affect the Fontan patient’s ability to sustain high-intensity exercise.
Dietary behaviours and related lifestyles according to the presence or absence of skipping breakfast in Japanese adults: the JPHC-NEXT study
Authors: Okada Chika , Iso Hiroyasu , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Ikeda Ai , Umesawa Mitsumasa , Muraki Isao , Yasuda Nobufumi , Kato Tadahiro , Saito Isao , Arima Kazuhiko , Nishimura Takayuki , Tanno Kozo , Sakata Kiyomi , Goto Atsushi , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Shimazu Taichi , Inoue Manami , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To assess dietary behaviours and related lifestyles according to the presence or absence of skipping breakfast.

Design:

We analysed the cross-sectional data from a baseline survey of a large-scale population-based cohort study in Japan conducted in 2011–2016. Participants provided information on dietary behaviours and lifestyles through a self-administered questionnaire. Skipping breakfast was defined as not eating breakfast at least once a week and was classified according to the frequency of skipping breakfast as 1–2, 3–4 or ≥5 times/week.

Setting:

Sixteen municipalities in seven prefectural areas across Japan under the Japan Public Health Centre-based prospective study for the Next Generation.

Participants:

112 785 residents (51 952 males and 60 833 females) aged 40–74 years.

Results:

After adjustment for age, socio-demographic status, drinking status and smoking status, individuals who skipped breakfast at least once a week, compared with those who ate breakfast every day, were more likely to have adverse dietary behaviours such as frequent eating out (multivariable OR = 2·08, 95 % CI (1·96, 2·21) in males and 2·15, 95 % CI (1·99, 2·33) in females), frequent eating instant foods (1·89, 95 % CI (1·77, 2·01) in males and 1·72, 95 % CI (1·56, 1·89) in females). They had late bedtime (1·85, 95 % CI (1·75, 1·95) in males and 1·98, 95 % CI (1·86, 2·11) in females) and living alone (2·37, 95 % CI (2·17, 2·58) in males and 2·02, 95 % CI (1·83, 2·21) in females), using the logistic regression model.

Conclusions:

Both adult males and females who skipped breakfast were likely to eat out, to have a dietary habit of eating instant foods and have lifestyles such as late bedtime and living alone than those who ate breakfast.
Associations between clinically diagnosed medical conditions and dietary supplement use: the US military dietary supplement use study
Authors: Knapik Joseph J , Trone Daniel W , Steelman Ryan A , Farina Emily K , Lieberman Harris R
Published: February 2023

Objective:

This study examined associations between multiple dietary supplement (DS) categories and medical conditions diagnosed by health professionals.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Volunteers completed an online questionnaire on DS use and demographic/lifestyle factors. Medical diagnoses were obtained from a comprehensive military electronic medical surveillance system and grouped into twenty-four clinically diagnosed medical conditions (CDMC).

Participants:

A stratified random sample of US service members (SM) from all military services (n26 680).

Results:

After adjustment for demographic/lifestyle factors (logistic regression), higher risk was found for 92 % (22/24) of CDMC among individual vitamins/minerals users, 58 % (14/24) of CDMC among herbal users, 50 % (12/24) of CDMC among any DS users and 46 % (11/24) of CDMC among multivitamins/multiminerals (MVM) users. Among protein/amino acid (AA) users, risk was lower in 25 % (6/24) of CDMC. For combination products, risk was higher in 13 % (3/24) of CDMC and lower in 8 % (2/24). The greater the number of CDMC, the higher the prevalence of DS use in most DS categories except proteins/AA where prevalence decreased.

Conclusions:

Users in many DS categories had a greater number of CDMC, but protein/AA users had fewer CDMC; results for combination products were mixed. These data indicate those with certain CDMC were also users in some DS categories, especially individual vitamins/minerals, herbals and MVM. Data are consistent with the perception that use of DS enhances health, especially in those with CDMC. Protein/AA and combination product users were more likely to be younger, more physically active men, factors that likely reduced CDMC.
Exploring educational inequalities in hypertension control, salt knowledge and awareness, and patient advice: insights from the WHO STEPS surveys of adults from nine Eastern European and Central Asian countries
Authors: Maximova Katerina , Loyola Elizondo Enrique , Rippin Holly , Breda João , Cappuccio Francesco P , Hajihosseini Morteza , Wickramasinghe Kremlin , Novik Irina , Pisaryk Vital , Sturua Lela , Akmatova Ainura , Obreja Galina , Mustafo Saodat Azimzoda , Ekinci Banu , Erguder Toker , Shukurov Shukhrat , Hagverdiyev Gahraman , Andreasyan Diana , Ferreira-Borges Carina , Berdzuli Nino , Whiting Stephen , Fedkina Natalia , Rakovac Ivo
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To inform strategies aimed at improving blood pressure (BP) control and reducing salt intake, we assessed educational inequalities in high blood pressure (HBP) awareness, treatment and control; physician’s advice on salt reduction; and salt knowledge, perceptions and consumption behaviours in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Design:

Data were collected in cross-sectional, population-based nationally representative surveys, using a multi-stage clustered sampling design. Five HBP awareness, treatment and control categories were created from measured BP and hypertension medication use. Education and other variables were self-reported. Weighted multinomial mixed-effects regression models, adjusted for confounders, were used to assess differences across education categories.

Settings:

Nine Eastern European and Central Asian countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan).

Participants:

Nationally representative samples of 30 455 adults aged 25–65 years.

Results:

HBP awareness, treatment and control varied substantially by education. The coverage of physician’s advice on salt was less frequent among participants with lower education, and those with untreated HBP or unaware of their HBP. The education gradient was evident in salt knowledge and perceptions of salt intake but not in salt consumption behaviours. Improved salt knowledge and perceptions were more prevalent among participants who received physician’s advice on salt reduction.

Conclusions:

There is a strong education gradient in HBP awareness, treatment and control as well as salt knowledge and perceived intake. Enhancements in public and patient knowledge and awareness of HBP and its risk factors targeting socio-economically disadvantaged groups are urgently needed to alleviate the growing HBP burden in low- and middle-income countries.
Prefrontal, parietal, and limbic condition-dependent differences in bipolar disorder: a large-scale meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies
Authors: Schumer Maya C. , Chase Henry W. , Rozovsky Renata , Eickhoff Simon B. , Phillips Mary L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Over the past few decades, neuroimaging research in Bipolar Disorder (BD) has identified neural differences underlying cognitive and emotional processing. However, substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity present across neuroimaging experiments potentially hinders the identification of consistent neural biomarkers of BD. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively reassess brain activation and connectivity in BD in order to identify replicable differences that converge across and within resting-state, cognitive, and emotional neuroimaging experiments.

Methods

Neuroimaging experiments (using fMRI, PET, or arterial spin labeling) reporting whole-brain results in adults with BD and controls published from December 1999—June 18, 2019 were identified via PubMed search. Coordinates showing significant activation and/or connectivity differences between BD participants and controls during resting-state, emotional, or cognitive tasks were extracted. Four parallel, independent meta-analyses were calculated using the revised activation likelihood estimation algorithm: all experiment types, all resting-state experiments, all cognitive experiments, and all emotional experiments. To confirm reliability of identified clusters, two different meta-analytic significance tests were employed.

Results

205 published studies yielding 506 individual neuroimaging experiments (150 resting-state, 134 cognitive, 222 emotional) comprising 5745 BD and 8023 control participants were included. Five regions survived both significance tests. Individuals with BD showed functional differences in the right posterior cingulate cortex during resting-state experiments, the left amygdala during emotional experiments, including those using a mixed (positive/negative) valence manipulation, and the left superior and right inferior parietal lobules during cognitive experiments, while hyperactivating the left medial orbitofrontal cortex during cognitive experiments. Across all experiments, there was convergence in the right caudate extending to the ventral striatum, surviving only one significance test.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate reproducible localization of prefrontal, parietal, and limbic differences distinguishing BD from control participants that are condition-dependent, despite heterogeneity, and point towards a framework for identifying reproducible differences in BD that may guide diagnosis and treatment.
Liquid plasma as a treatment for cutaneous wound healing through regulation of redox metabolism
Authors: Lee Hye Ran , Kang Sung Un , Kim Haeng Jun , Ji Eun Jong , Yun Ju Hyun , Kim Sungryeal , Jang Jeon Yeob , Shin Yoo Seob , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: February 2023

The skin functions as the outermost protective barrier to the internal organs and major vessels; thus, delayed regeneration from acute injury could induce serious clinical complications. For rapid recovery of skin wounds, promoting re-epithelialization of the epidermis at the initial stage of injury is essential, wherein epithelial keratinocytes act as leading cells via migration. This study applied plasma technology, which has been known to enable wound healing in the medical field. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, the study elucidated the effect and molecular mechanism of the liquid plasma (LP) manufactured by our microwave plasma system, which was found to improve the applicability of existing gas-type plasma on skin cell migration for re-epithelialization. LP treatment promoted the cytoskeletal transformation of keratinocytes and migration owing to changes in the expression of integrin-dependent focal adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study also identified the role of increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a driving force for cell migration activation, which was regulated by changes in NADPH oxidases and mitochondrial membrane potential. In an in vivo experiment using a murine dorsal full-thickness acute skin wound model, LP treatment helped improve the re-epithelialization rate, reaffirming the activation of the underlying intracellular ROS-dependent integrin-dependent signaling molecules. These findings indicate that LP could be a valuable wound management material that can improve the regeneration potential of the skin via the activation of migration-related molecular signaling within the epithelial cell itself with plasma-driven oxidative eustress.
Structure and dynamics of the EGFR/HER2 heterodimer
Authors: Bai Xue , Sun Pengyu , Wang Xinghao , Long Changkun , Liao Shuyun , Dang Song , Zhuang Shangshang , Du Yongtao , Zhang Xinyi , Li Nan , He Kangmin , Zhang Zhe
Published: February 2023

HER2 belongs to the human epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase family. Its overexpression or hyperactivation is a leading cause for multiple types of cancers. HER2 functions mainly through dimerization with other family members, such as EGFR. However, the molecular details for heterodimer assembly have not been completely understood. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of the EGF- and epiregulin-bound EGFR/HER2 ectodomain complexes at resolutions of 3.3 Å and 4.5 Å, respectively. Together with the functional analyses, we demonstrate that only the dimerization arm of HER2, but not that of EGFR, is essential for their heterodimer formation and signal transduction. Moreover, we analyze the differential membrane dynamics and transient interactions of endogenous EGFR and HER2 molecules in genome-edited cells using single-molecule live-cell imaging. Furthermore, we show that the interaction with HER2 could allow EGFR to resist endocytosis. Together, this work deepens our understanding of the unique structural properties and dynamics of the EGFR/HER2 complex.
Copy number variants from 4800 exomes contribute to ~7% of genetic diagnoses in movement disorders, muscle disorders and neuropathies
Authors: Pennings Maartje , Meijer Rowdy P. P. , Gerrits Monique , Janssen Jannie , Pfundt Rolph , de Leeuw Nicole , Gilissen Christian , Gardeitchik Thatjana , Schouten Meyke , Voermans Nicol , van de Warrenburg Bart , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan
Published: February 2023

Various groups of neurological disorders, including movement disorders and neuromuscular diseases, are clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Diagnostic panel-based exome sequencing is a routine test for these disorders. Despite the success rates of exome sequencing, it results in the detection of causative sequence variants in ‘only’ 25–30% of cases. Copy number variants (CNVs), i.e. deletion or duplications, explain 10–20% of individuals with multisystemic phenotypes, such as co-existing intellectual disability, but may also have a role in disorders affecting a single system (organ), like neurological disorders with normal intelligence. In this study, CNVs were extracted from clinical exome sequencing reports of 4800 probands primarily with a movement disorder, myopathy or neuropathy. In 88 (~2%) probands, phenotype-matching CNVs were detected, representing ~7% of genetically confirmed cases. CNVs varied from involvement of over 100 genes to single exons and explained X-linked, autosomal dominant, or - recessive disorders, the latter due to either a homozygous CNV or a compound heterozygous CNV with a sequence variant on the other allele. CNVs were detected affecting genes where deletions or duplications are established as a common mechanism, like PRKN (in Parkinson’s disease), DMD (in Duchenne muscular dystrophy) and PMP22 (in neuropathies), but also genes in which no intragenic CNVs have been reported to date. Analysis of CNVs as part of panel-based exome sequencing for genetically heterogeneous neurological diseases provides an additional diagnostic yield of ~2% without extra laboratory costs. Therefore it is recommended to perform CNV analysis for movement disorders, muscle disease, neuropathies, or any other single-system disorder.
Bioengineered liver crosslinked with nano-graphene oxide enables efficient liver regeneration via MMP suppression and immunomodulation
Authors: Kim Da-Hyun , Kim Min-Ji , Kwak Seon-Yeong , Jeong Jaemin , Choi Dongho , Choi Soon Won , Ryu Jaechul , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: February 2023

Decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold, widely utilized for organ engineering, often undergoes matrix decomposition after transplantation and produces byproducts that cause inflammation, leading to clinical failure. Here we propose a strategy using nano-graphene oxide to modify the biophysical properties of decellularized liver scaffolds. Notably, we demonstrate that scaffolds crosslinked with nano-graphene oxide show high resistance to enzymatic degradation via direct inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activity and increased mechanical rigidity. We find that M2-like macrophage polarization is promoted within the crosslinked scaffolds, which reduces graft-elicited inflammation. Moreover, we show that low activities of matrix metalloproteinases, attributed to both nano-graphene oxide and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases expressed by M2c, can protect the crosslinked scaffolds against in vivo degradation. Lastly, we demonstrate that bioengineered livers fabricated with the crosslinked scaffolds remain functional, thereby effectively regenerating damaged livers after transplantation into liver failure mouse models. Overall, nano-graphene oxide crosslinking prolongs allograft survival and ultimately improves therapeutic effects of bioengineered livers, which offer an alternative for donor organs.
Efficacy of an unmodified bivalent mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants in female small animal models
Authors: Corleis Björn , Hoffmann Donata , Rauch Susanne , Fricke Charlie , Roth Nicole , Gergen Janina , Kovacikova Kristina , Schlottau Kore , Halwe Nico Joel , Ulrich Lorenz , Schön Jacob , Wernike Kerstin , Widera Marek , Ciesek Sandra , Mueller Stefan O. , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Maione Domenico , Petsch Benjamin , Beer Martin , Dorhoi Anca
Published: February 2023

Combining optimized spike (S) protein-encoding mRNA vaccines to target multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants could improve control of the COVID-19 pandemic. We compare monovalent and bivalent mRNA vaccines encoding B.1.351 (Beta) and/or B.1.617.2 (Delta) SARS-CoV-2 S-protein in a transgenic mouse and a Wistar rat model. The blended low-dose bivalent mRNA vaccine contains half the mRNA of each respective monovalent vaccine, but induces comparable neutralizing antibody titres, enrichment of lung-resident memory CD8+ T cells, antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ responses, and protects transgenic female mice from SARS-CoV-2 lethality. The bivalent mRNA vaccine significantly reduces viral replication in both Beta- and Delta-challenged mice. Sera from bivalent mRNA vaccine immunized female Wistar rats also contain neutralizing antibodies against the B.1.1.529 (Omicron BA.1 and BA.5) variants. These data suggest that low-dose and fit-for-purpose multivalent mRNA vaccines encoding distinct S-proteins are feasible approaches for extending the coverage of vaccines for emerging and co-circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Robust odor identification in novel olfactory environments in mice
Authors: Li Yan , Swerdloff Mitchell , She Tianyu , Rahman Asiyah , Sharma Naveen , Shah Reema , Castellano Michael , Mogel Daniel , Wu Jason , Ahmed Asim , San Miguel James , Cohn Jared , Shah Nikesh , Ramos Raddy L. , Otazu Gonzalo H.
Published: February 2023

Relevant odors signaling food, mates, or predators can be masked by unpredictable mixtures of less relevant background odors. Here, we developed a mouse behavioral paradigm to test the role played by the novelty of the background odors. During the task, mice identified target odors in previously learned background odors and were challenged by catch trials with novel background odors, a task similar to visual CAPTCHA. Female wild-type (WT) mice could accurately identify known targets in novel background odors. WT mice performance was higher than linear classifiers and the nearest neighbor classifier trained using olfactory bulb glomerular activation patterns. Performance was more consistent with an odor deconvolution method. We also used our task to investigate the performance of femaleCntnap2-/-mice, which show some autism-like behaviors.Cntnap2-/-mice had glomerular activation patterns similar to WT mice and matched WT mice target detection for known background odors. However,Cntnap2-/-mice performance fell almost to chance levels in the presence of novel backgrounds. Our findings suggest that mice use a robust algorithm for detecting odors in novel environments and this computation is impaired inCntnap2-/-mice.
Microphase separation of living cells
Authors: Carrère A. , d’Alessandro J. , Cochet-Escartin O. , Hesnard J. , Ghazi N. , Rivière C. , Anjard C. , Detcheverry F. , Rieu J.-P.
Published: February 2023

Self-organization of cells is central to a variety of biological systems and physical concepts of condensed matter have proven instrumental in deciphering some of their properties. Here we show that microphase separation, long studied in polymeric materials and other inert systems, has a natural counterpart in living cells. When placed below a millimetric film of liquid nutritive medium, a quasi two-dimensional, high-density population of Dictyostelium discoideum cells spontaneously assembles into compact domains. Their typical size of 100 μm is governed by a balance between competing interactions: an adhesion acting as a short-range attraction and promoting aggregation, and an effective long-range repulsion stemming from aerotaxis in near anoxic condition. Experimental data, a simple model and cell-based simulations all support this scenario. Our findings establish a generic mechanism for self-organization of living cells and highlight oxygen regulation as an emergent organizing principle for biological matter.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing identifies disease-associated oligodendrocytes in male APP NL-G-F and 5XFAD mice
Authors: Park Hanseul , Cho Byounggook , Kim Hongwon , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Won Kyoung-Jae , Kim Jongpil
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with progressive neuronal degeneration as amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins accumulate in the brain. Glial cells were recently reported to play an important role in the development of AD. However, little is known about the role of oligodendrocytes in AD pathogenesis. Here, we describe a disease-associated subpopulation of oligodendrocytes that is present during progression of AD-like pathology in the male AppNL-G-F and male 5xFAD AD mouse brains and in postmortem AD human brains using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Aberrant Erk1/2 signaling was found to be associated with the activation of disease-associated oligodendrocytes (DAOs) in male AppNL-G-F mouse brains. Notably, inhibition of Erk1/2 signaling in DAOs rescued impaired axonal myelination and ameliorated Aβ-associated pathologies and cognitive decline in the male AppNL-G-F AD mouse model.
Robust induction of functional humoral response by a plant-derived Coronavirus-like particle vaccine candidate for COVID-19
Authors: Kaplonek Paulina , Cizmeci Deniz , Lee Jessica Shih-Lu , Shin Sally A. , Fischinger Stephanie , Gobeil Philipe , Pillet Stéphane , Charland Nathalie , Ward Brian J. , Alter Galit
Published: February 2023

Despite the success of existing COVID-19 vaccine platforms, the persistent limitations in global deployment of vaccines and waning immunity exhibited by many of the currently deployed vaccine platforms have led to perpetual outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new durable vaccine candidates, to expand the global vaccine pipeline, and provide safe and effective solutions for every country worldwide. Here we deeply profiled the functional humoral response induced by two doses of AS03-adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted plant-derived Coronavirus-like particle (CoVLP) vaccine candidate from the phase 1 clinical trial, at peak immunogenicity and six months post-vaccination. AS03-adjuvanted CoVLP induced robust and durable SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral immunity, marked by strong IgG1antibody responses, potent FcγR binding, and antibody effector function. Contrary to a decline in neutralizing antibody titers, the FcγR2A-receptor binding capacity and antibody-mediated effector functions, such as opsonophagocytosis, remained readily detectable for at least six months.
Integrated comparative metabolite profiling via NMR and GC–MS analyses for tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) fingerprinting and quality control analysis
Authors: Serag Ahmed , Zayed Ahmed , Mediani Ahmed , Farag Mohamed A.
Published: February 2023

Tongkat ali commonly known as Malaysian Ginseng (Eurycomalongifolia) is a herbal root worldwide available in nutraceuticals, either as a crude powder or capsules blended with other herbal products. Herein, a multiplexed metabolomics approach based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS) was applied for authentic tongkat ali extract vs some commercial products quality control analysis. NMR metabolite fingerprinting identified 15 major metabolites mostly ascribed to sugars, organic and fatty acids in addition to quassinoids and cinnamates. Following that, multivariate analysis as the non-supervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were applied revealing that differences were related to fatty acids and 13,21-dihydroeurycomanone being more enriched in authentic root. SPME–GC–MS aroma profiling led to the identification of 59 volatiles belonging mainly to alcohols, aldehydes/furans and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Results revealed that aroma of commercial products showed relatively different profiles being rich in vanillin, maltol, and methyl octanoate. Whereas E-cinnamaldehyde, endo-borneol, terpinen-4-ol, and benzaldehyde were more associated to the authentic product. The present study shed the light for the potential of metabolomics in authentication and standardization of tongkat ali and identification of its true flavor composition.
Synthesis of new magnetic nanocatalyst Fe3O4@CPTMO-phenylalanine-Ni and its catalytic effect in the preparation of substituted pyrazoles
Authors: Bikas Samaneh , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad , Bibak Sepideh , Sarreshtehdar Aslaheh Hamideh
Published: February 2023

In this study, a new, efficient and stable magnetically heterogeneous nanocatalyst of Fe3O4@CPTMO-phenylalanine-Ni via multi steps process starting from simple and cost-effective precursors was designed and successfully synthesized, and physico-chemical, structural, and magnetic properties have fully been characterized by several analytical methods involving SEM–EDS, FT-IR, TGA, VSM, XRD, ICP, BET, TEM, and EMA. The catalytic performance of the Fe3O4@CPTMO-phenylalanine-Ni can be used as an effective and recyclable nanocatalyst with facile separation by magnetic forces for the preparation of substituted pyrazoles with high yields through the one-pot, three-component condensation reaction of various arylglyoxals, diketones, and 1H-pyrazole-5-amines under mild conditions. The nanocatalyst’s activity after being used by four consecutive times in a cycle reaction without distinct deterioration remained unchanged or was found to be a slight decrease. The advantages of this study are simplicity, low cost, facile synthesis process, and environmentally secure nature.
Reliability modeling of the fatigue life of lead-free solder joints at different testing temperatures and load levels using the Arrhenius model
Authors: Bani Hani Dania , Al Athamneh Raed , Abueed Mohammed , Hamasha Sa’d
Published: February 2023

Reliability of the microelectronic interconnection materials for electronic packages has a significant impact on the fatigue properties of the electronic assemblies. This is due to the correlation between solder joints reliability and the most frequent failure modes seen in electronic devices. Due to their superior mechanical and fatigue properties, SAC alloys have supplanted Pb-solder alloys as one of the most commonly used solder materials used as interconnection joints on electronic packages. The main aim of this study is to develop a prediction model of the fatigue life of the solder joints as a function of the experimental conditions. Using a customized experimental setup, an accelerated fatigue shear test is applied to examine the fatigue life of the individual SAC305 solder joints at actual setting conditions. OSP surface finish and solder mask defined are used in the studied test vehicle. The fatigue test includes three levels of stress amplitude and four levels of testing temperature. A two-parameter Weibull distribution is used for the reliability analysis for the fatigue life of the solder joints. A stress–strain curve is plotted for each cycle to construct the hysteresis loop at each cyclic load and testing temperature. The acquired hysteresis loop is used to estimate the inelastic work per cycle and plastic strain. The Morrow energy and Coffin Manson models are employed to describe the effects of the fatigue properties on the fatigue life of the solder joints. The Arrhenius model is implemented to illustrate the evolutions in the stress life, Morrow, and Coffin Manson equations at various testing temperatures. The fatigue life of SAC305 solder joints is then predicted using a general reliability model as a function of the stress amplitude and testing temperature.
Using machine learning methods and EEG to discriminate aircraft pilot cognitive workload during flight
Authors: Taheri Gorji Hamed , Wilson Nicholas , VanBree Jessica , Hoffmann Bradley , Petros Thomas , Tavakolian Kouhyar
Published: February 2023

Pilots of aircraft face varying degrees of cognitive workload even during normal flight operations. Periods of low cognitive workload may be followed by periods of high cognitive workload and vice versa. During such changing demands, there exists potential for increased error on behalf of the pilots due to periods of boredom or excessive cognitive task demand. To further understand cognitive workload in aviation, the present study involved collection of electroencephalogram (EEG) data from ten (10) collegiate aviation students in a live-flight environment in a single-engine aircraft. Each pilot possessed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial pilot certificate and either FAA class I or class II medical certificate. Each pilot flew a standardized flight profile representing an average instrument flight training sequence. For data analysis, we used four main sub-bands of the recorded EEG signals: delta, theta, alpha, and beta. Power spectral density (PSD) and log energy entropy of each sub-band across 20 electrodes were computed and subjected to two feature selection algorithms (recursive feature elimination (RFE) and lasso cross-validation (LassoCV), and a stacking ensemble machine learning algorithm composed of support vector machine, random forest, and logistic regression. Also, hyperparameter optimization and tenfold cross-validation were used to improve the model performance, reliability, and generalization. The feature selection step resulted in 15 features that can be considered an indicator of pilots' cognitive workload states. Then these features were applied to the stacking ensemble algorithm, and the highest results were achieved using the selected features by the RFE algorithm with an accuracy of 91.67% (± 0.11), a precision of 93.89% (± 0.09), recall of 91.67% (± 0.11), F-score of 91.22% (± 0.12), and the mean ROC-AUC of 0.93 (± 0.06). The achieved results indicated that the combination of PSD and log energy entropy, along with well-designed machine learning algorithms, suggest the potential for the use of EEG to discriminate periods of the low, medium, and high workload to augment aircraft system design, including flight automation features to improve aviation safety.
Injury and death to armored passenger-vehicle occupants and ground personnel from explosive shock waves
Authors: Viano David C.
Published: February 2023

This study evaluated the risks for injury and death to occupants from blast waves to the side and underbody of an armored passenger-vehicle and to ground personnel from free-field blast waves. The Kingery-Bulmash empirical relationships for explosive shock waves were augmented by the Swisdak empirical relations for stand-off distances up to Z = 39.8 m/kg1/3 to tabulate shock-wave characteristics using the Friedlander wave-shape. A 15 kg, hemispherical explosion was analyzed in detail for the shock wave velocity and compression of air behind the wave front. An armored SUV was analyzed with Z = 1.6 m/kg1/3 (4 m) standoff distance from pressure loading on the near-side, far-side and underbody. The rigid body displacement was 0.36 m and 7.8° yaw for a side loading. When a segment of the occupant compartment accelerates inward, there are risks for injury from the intrusion. Energy is transferred to the occupant by deformation of their body (Ed) and by velocity increasing the kinetic energy of the body region (Ek). Body deformation injures an occupant by exceeding the tolerable compression (crush mechanism) or exceeding the rate-dependent tolerance, which is defined by the rate times the extent of compression (viscous mechanism). The risk for injury and death to ground personnel was analyzed for free-field blast waves by stand-off distance and TNT weight. A 15 kg charge posed a 99% risk of death at 3.9 m, 50% risk at 5.2 m, 1% risk at 7.8 m and injury threshold at 8.2 m. A 100 kg charge posed a 99% risk of death at 8.5 m, 50% risk at 11.6 m, 1% risk at 17.3 m and injury threshold at 18.0 m. The study describes the steps to analyze blast loading of an armored passenger-vehicle for risks of occupant injury. It describes the steps to analyze injury risks to ground personnel from blast wave pressure.
Influence of Co doping on phase, structure and electrochemical properties of hydrothermally obtained CoxZn1−xFe2O4 (x = 0.0–0.4) nanoparticles
Authors: Putjuso Thanin , Putjuso Sasitorn , Karaphun Attaphol , Moontragoon Pairot , Kotutha Isara , Swatsitang Ekaphan
Published: February 2023

In this work, CoxZn1−xFe2O4 (x = 0.0–0.4) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 200 °C for 12 h. X-ray diffraction revealed a pure cubic spinel phase of all samples with space group Fd-3m. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry disclosed the vibrational modes of metal oxides in the spinel structure. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy disclosed a uniform distribution of cuboidal shape NPs with a decreased average NPs size from 22.72 ± 0.62 to 20.85 ± 0.47 nm as the Co content increased. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of Zn2+, Co2+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ in Co-doped samples. The pore volume, pore size and specific surface area were determined using N2 gas adsorption/desorption isotherms by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) techniques. Electrochemical properties of supercapacitors, having active CoxZn1−xFe2O4 (x = 0.0–0.4) NPs as working electrodes, indicated pseudo-capacitor performance related to the Faradaic redox reaction. Interestingly, the highest specific capacitance (Csc), 855.33 F/g at 1 A/g, with a capacity retention of 90.41% after 1000 GCD cycle testing was achieved in the Co0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 electrode.
Adipokinetic hormone signaling in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae facilitates Plasmodium falciparum sporogony
Authors: Nyasembe Vincent O. , Hamerly Timothy , López-Gutiérrez Borja , Leyte-Vidal Alexandra M. , Coatsworth Heather , Dinglasan Rhoel R.
Published: February 2023

An obligatory step in the complex life cycle of the malaria parasite is sporogony, which occurs during the oocyst stage in adult female Anopheles mosquitoes. Sporogony is metabolically demanding, and successful oocyst maturation is dependent on host lipids. In insects, lipid energy reserves are mobilized by adipokinetic hormones (AKHs). We hypothesized that Plasmodium falciparum infection activates Anopheles gambiae AKH signaling and lipid mobilization. We profiled the expression patterns of AKH pathway genes and AgAkh1 peptide levels in An. gambiae during starvation, after blood feeding, and following infection and observed a significant time-dependent up-regulation of AKH pathway genes and peptide levels during infection. Depletion of AgAkh1 and AgAkhR by RNAi reduced salivary gland sporozoite production, while synthetic AgAkh1 peptide supplementation rescued sporozoite numbers. Inoculation of uninfected female mosquitoes with supernatant from P. falciparum-infected midguts activated AKH signaling. Clearly, identifying the parasite molecules mediating AKH signaling in P. falciparum sporogony is paramount.
Recent advances and challenges in developing electrochemiluminescence biosensors for health analysis
Authors: Wei Yuxi , Qi Honglan , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: February 2023

Recent advances and challenges in developing electrochemiluminescence biosensors for health analysis are reviewed.
Spin Hall effect from bipolaron dynamics in organics
Authors: Miao Yuanyuan , Li Dan , Zhang Huiqing , Ren Junfeng , Hu Guichao
Published: February 2023

Using an extended Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model and a nonadiabatic dynamics method, we investigate the dynamics of bipolarons in coupled nondegenerate organic chains including the spin–orbit coupling and interchain coupling.
Internal conversion rate constant calculations considering Duschinsky, anharmonic and Herzberg–Teller effects
Authors: Valiev R. R. , Merzlikin B. S. , Nasibullin R. T. , Kurtzevitch A. , Cherepanov V. N. , Ramazanov R. R. , Sundholm D. , Kurtén T.
Published: February 2023

A novel method for calculating rate constants for internal conversion (kIC) that simultaneously accounts for Duschinsky, anharmonic and Herzberg–Teller effects has been developed and implemented.
Which molecular properties determine the impact sensitivity of an explosive? A machine learning quantitative investigation of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Duarte Julio Cesar , da Rocha Romulo Dias , Borges Itamar
Published: February 2023

Machine learning was used to rationalize the molecular origin of the impact sensitivity of nitroaromatic explosives.
Thermally activated delayed fluorescence of a Ir(iii) complex: absorption and emission properties, nonradiative rates, and mechanism
Authors: Peng Ling-Ya , Li Zi-Wen , Pan Guang-Ning , Chen Wen-Kai , Gao Yuan-Jun , Cui Ganglong
Published: February 2023

DFT, TD-DFT and MS-CASPT2 studies reveal the TADF mechanism of Ir(iii) complex.
Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics studies on mechanistic photophysics of cytosine aza-analogues: 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine and 2-amino-1,3,5-triazine in aqueous solution
Authors: Chang Xue-Ping , Zhao Geng , Zhang Teng-Shuo , Xie Bin-Bin
Published: February 2023

The excited-state properties and photophysics of cytosine aza-analogues, i.e., 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine (2,4-DT) and 2-amino-1,3,5-triazine (2-AT) in solution have been systematically explored using the QM(MS-CASPT2//CASSCF)/MM approach.
Emerging ultrasmall luminescent nanoprobes forin vivobioimaging
Authors: Li Shihua , Wei Jing , Yao Qiaofeng , Song Xiaorong , Xie Jianping , Yang Huanghao
Published: February 2023

Ultrasmall luminescent nanoprobes have shown some unique imaging advantages and application scenarios. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary and discussion of ultrasmall luminescent nanoprobes towardsin vivoPL bioimaging.
In situ formed uniform and elastic SEI for high-performance batteries
Authors: Gu Mingyuan , Rao Apparao M. , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: February 2023

A uniform and elastic SEI was constructed by in situ electro-polymerization of functionalized ionic liquid electrolyte to passivate the electrode surface, thus making potassium or lithium based batteries exhibit excellent electrochemical performance.
Biofilm-mediated wastewater treatment: a comprehensive review
Authors: Saini Sonia , Tewari Sanjana , Dwivedi Jaya , Sharma Vivek
Published: February 2023

Biofilm-mediated wastewater remediation has been developed as one of the most promising, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly technology as it breaks down contaminants via biotransformation, bioaccumulation, biomineralization, and biosorption.
Synthesis and properties ofp-benzithiahexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1)s
Authors: Varak Pooja , Sinha Avisikta , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: February 2023

Novel Mobius aromaticp-benzithiahexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1)s having twisted topology were synthesized by [3 + 3] condensation of benzitripyrrane diol and appropriate 16-thiatripyrranes under TFA-catalysed conditions.
Mechanistic insights into the Cu(ii)/DBU-catalyzed incorporation of CO2into homopropargylic amines
Authors: Yuan Binfang , Liu Senmao , Liu Tian , Li Qing , Wang Yulu , Guo Zhihui , Guo Xiaogang , Huang Huisheng , He Rongxing
Published: February 2023

Three roles of DBU are revealed, and the selectivity is well illustrated by analyzing the geometric structures and Mulliken charges.
A functionalized Hf(iv)–organic framework introducing an efficient, recyclable, and size-selective heterogeneous catalyst for MPV reduction
Authors: Das Aniruddha , Das Asit Kumar
Published: February 2023

A newly functionalized Hf(iv)-based UiO-66 MOF (CSMCRI-KNC′) was synthesized followed by successful characterization and employed as a solid heterogeneous catalyst on MPV reduction.
N/S Co-modified carbon/Na3V2(PO4)3 with high rate capability for Zn-ion storage
Authors: Liang Yongqing , Xu Shaolong , Lu Xinchao , Zhang Chenxia , Liu Zheng , Zou Pintian , Lv Yiju , Huang Bin
Published: February 2023

N/S Co-modified carbon/Na3V2(PO4)3 is synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method and exhibits superior capacity and rate capability for Zn-ion storage.
Lighting up RNA-specific multi-photon and super-resolution imaging using a novel zinc complex
Authors: Feng Zhihui , Zhang Dongxue , Guo Hui , Su Wenqing , Tian Yupeng , Tian Xiaohe
Published: February 2023

Terpyridine Zn(ii) complex has good AIE and three-photon absorption activity, and the ultra-bright fluorescence induced by the aggregation state of Zn complex can assist the multi-photon and super-resolution imaging of nuclear RNA.
Investigation of local distortion effects on X-ray absorption of ferroelectric perovskites from first principles simulations
Authors: Abbasi Pedram , Fenning David P. , Pascal Tod A.
Published: February 2023

We investigate ferroelectric local distortion in BaTiO3 with two widely used computational approaches with different treatments of many-body excitation effects.
Self-propelled continuous transport of nanoparticles on a wedge-shaped groove track
Authors: Hao Shaoqian , Xie Zhang , Wang Wenyuan , Kou Jianlong , Wu Fengmin
Published: February 2023

A design of a track is proposed to induce continuous directional movement of nanoparticles.
Programming rigidity into size-defined wireframe DNA nanotubes
Authors: Saliba Daniel , Luo Xin , Rizzuto Felix J. , Sleiman Hanadi F.
Published: February 2023

Combining experimental and computational design, the length and flexibility of wireframe DNA nanotubes are modulated with minimal design alterations.
Hierarchical network relaxation of a dynamic cross-linked polyolefin elastomer for advanced reversible shape memory effect
Authors: Xu Zhao , Meng Sen , Wei Dun-Wen , Bao Rui-Ying , Wang Yu , Ke Kai , Yang Wei
Published: February 2023

The hierarchical network relaxation enabled by dynamic cross-linked network facilitates combining 3D shapes and aligned CNTs in polyolefin elastomer, paving new avenues for realizing smart materials with advanced RSME.
Femtosecond laser regulatory focus ablation patterning of a fluorescent film up to 1/10 of the scale of the diffraction limit
Authors: Liang Shu-Yu , Liu Yue-Feng , Hua Jian-Guan , Ji Zhi-Kun , Xia Hong
Published: February 2023

The resolution of current patterning technologies is insufficient for applications in advanced devices. We show a femtosecond laser regulatory focus ablation patterning technique for fluorescent films at up to 1/10 the scale of the diffraction limit.
Sensing and manipulating single lipid vesicles using dynamic DNA nanotechnology
Authors: Zhang Qi , Gao Lu , Li Feng , Bi Yanping
Published: February 2023

Dynamic DNA nanotechnology functions inside or on the surface of vesicles and by mediating vesicle fusion.
CoOx nanoparticles loaded on carbon spheres with synergistic effects for effective inhibition of shuttle effect in Li–S batteries
Authors: Chai Ning , Qi Yujie , Gu Qinhua , Chen Junnan , Lu Ming , Zhang Xia , Zhang Bingsen
Published: February 2023

The synergistic effects of polar CoO, Co3O4, and metallic Co contribute to accelerating LiPSs conversion and restraining the shuttle effect in the Li–S battery.