bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Emergent Vegetation Patch Shapes Affect Flow Structure in Open Channel Environments
Authors: Anjum Naveed , Pasha Ghufran Ahmed , Ashraf Jawad , Ghani Usman , Abbas Fakhar Muhammad , Rahman Md Abedur
Published: November 2024

Vegetation patches, which naturally occur in a variety of patterns, have an impact on the flow dynamics and geometry of rivers. There have been prior studies on vegetation patches, but none have examined the impact of differently shaped vegetation patch, i.e., circle, square and rectangle, and the comparison of these varying patch shapes from an ecological point of view. Hence, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique using FLUENT has been employed in the present research to evaluate the flow dynamics and turbulence characteristics around emergent vegetation patches of various forms in an open channel. The results show that the shape of vegetation patches had a significant impact on the approaching flow, with circular patch offering the highest flow resistance among all other configurations. Flow shedding behaviour behind the patch was also prominent in the case of circular patch shape with a formation of large Kármán vortex street with vortex sizes up to 1.5 times the patch diameter. In the downstream region of vegetation patch, a reduction of 25%–30% in the mean streamwise velocity was observed for circular patch, whereas a 15% decrease was observed for rectangular and square patches. The outcomes of this study found that flow turbulence and stability in the open channel are significantly influenced by vegetation patch shape. This research reveals that the shape of vegetation patches, particularly circular configuration, significantly influences flow dynamics, thereby enhancing habitat complexity in riverine ecosystems. These findings are vital for developing informed river restoration and management strategies that support biodiversity and promote ecological resilience.
Effect of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum and its derived D‐pinitol on HMG‐CoA reductase and tyloxapol‐induced hyperlipedemia
Authors: Choi Jun‐Hui , Park Se‐Eun , Kim Seung
Published: November 2024

Several previous research indicate that treating Mesembryanthemum crystallinum may aid in reducing adipogenesis and triacylglycerol level and improving hyperglycemia and diabetes. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of M. crystallinum extract (MCE) in combating obesity and lowering fat/lipid/cholesterol levels. The study aimed to investigate the molecular docking model targeting 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) using MCE‐derived d‐pinitol or atorvastatin, an inhibitor of HMGCR. In this study, histological alterations in the liver of tyloxapol‐induced hyperlipidemia (TIH) model, hyperlipidemia‐related markers in serum, HMGCR activity, and cell viability in HepG2 cells were analyzed. Our findings revealed that tyloxapol treatment significantly led to increased hyperlipidemia‐related indicators and cardiovascular‐associated risk indices. However, MCE effectively mitigated tyloxapol‐induced hepatic fat accumulation and an increase in cholesterol levels. This was achieved through improvements in metabolic parameters, ultimately ameliorating TIH. These beneficial results suggest that MCE may be a strong potential for the treatment of hyperlipidemia‐related diseases.
Recent advances on the impact of protumorigenic dietary‐derived bacterial metabolites on the intestinal stem cell
Authors: Holmes Carys , Illingworth Charlotte H. , Parry Lee
Published: November 2024

The links between diet, microbiome, immunity, and colorectal cancer are well established. The metabolite output of the microbiome, which has a large influence over host health and disease, is related to the composition of the diet. These metabolites subsequently impact on immune and intestinal epithelial either directly or indirectly via production of secondary metabolites. Here we summarize the latest findings and briefly discuss their potential for managing disease risk.
A2B2‐zinc(II)porphyrin/divinylbenzene Copolymer as Efficiently Bifunctional Catalyst for Cycloaddition of CO2 with Epoxides
Authors: Yang Yong , Yan Peng , Wang Dan , Xie Fang , Song Dengmeng , Wang Ning , Li Jun
Published: November 2024

In this work, the A2B2‐type Zn‐porphyrin (ZnPorI2) featuring vinyl and imidazolium groups was utilized to prepare porous organic polymers (POPs). The vinyl group served as the linking unit for copolymerization with rigid divinylbenzene (DVB). The imidazolium group introduced iodide ions (I−) into ZnPorI2/nDVB (n=30, 50) as Lewis base. By fine‐tuning the ZnPorI2 to DVB ratio, it is possible to optimize the porosity, morphology, and content of Zn‐porphyrin. Owing to the synergistic effect of Zn2+ and I−, the as‐prepared ZnPorI2/30DVB exhibited excellent catalytic activities in the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with epoxides.
Homobarrelenones: Versatile Building Blocks for the Construction of Novel and Structurally Diverse Scaffolds
Authors: Lucero Valeria , do Carmo Hugo , Fernández Gabriel , Cabrera Mauricio , Eugui Macarena , Moyna Guillermo
Published: November 2024

We describe the derivatization of tropolone–based homobarrelenones through simple transformations, including catalytic hydrogenations, base‐catalyzed solvolysis, and hydride reductions. Despite being structurally complex and highly functionalized, the novel compounds had no significant cytotoxicity in sperm motility assays, underscoring the importance of Michael acceptor moieties in the biological activity of this class of compounds.
First‐choice hormonal therapies for children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome in South Asia: A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Devi Nagita , Madaan Priyanka , Kandoth Nidhun , Lal Parth , Sahu Jitendra Kumar , Bansal Dipika
Published: November 2024

Considering the peculiar challenges with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) in South Asia and a wide variation in the usage of hormonal therapies, we compared the efficacy and safety of various hormonal therapies for children with IESS in South Asia. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from the inception until April 2024. We included only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of hormonal therapies for IESS in the South Asian region. Complete cessation of epileptic spasms (ES), electro‐clinical response, and time taken to be spasm‐free at 2 or 6 weeks of therapy were efficacy outcomes, while the occurrence of adverse events was the safety outcome. Effect estimates were reported as odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 (ROB 2.0) used for quality assessment of each study. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to rank the different therapies and reported as a p‐score ranging from 0 to 1. Of 747 citations, nine RCTs comprising 566 children with IESS were included. After 2‐week treatment, dexamethasone (OR: 6.72; 95% CI: 1.47, 30.72), adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy (ACTH) high dose (HD) (OR: 5.30; 95% CI: 1.05, 26.91), and prednisolone HD (OR: 2.41; 95% CI:1.07, 5.46) had shown significantly greater efficacy for cessation of EScompared with ACTH low dose (LD). Similarly, for electroclinical response, dexamethasone (OR: 9.63; 95% CI: 1.99, 46.70) and prednisolone HD (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.38, 8.68) had greater efficacy compared with ACTH LD. Safety outcomes revealed that hypertension was significantly less common with ACTH LD and prednisolone HD as compared with ACTH HD. This study provides quality evidence on preferred first‐choice hormonal therapy for managing IESS in South Asia. ACTH HD, dexamethasone, and prednisolone HD are the most effective hormonal therapy options with dose‐dependent therapeutic efficacy.

Plain Language Summary

This study provides insights into the selection of first‐line hormonal therapies among the various treatments for managing infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) in South Asia. The study findings suggested that the effectiveness of these therapies is dose‐dependent, with high doses of ACTH, dexamethasone, and prednisolone being the most effective for achieving cessation of epileptic spasms.
From caretaking to transaction: Women politicians, motherhood, and political authority in Kenya
Authors: Kilimo Miriam Jerotich
Published: November 2024

Feminist scholars have noted how motherhood opens avenues for women to access political authority. For African and Black women, scholars have noted how presenting themselves as mothers in the political sphere allows them to capitalize on an identity that traditionally allowed them access to power. However, these perspectives on motherhood and politics privilege a perspective on motherhood that deems the role as selfless and sacrificial. In this article, I propose moving beyond the caretaking dimensions of motherhood when analyzing how women politicians utilize motherhood. Drawing on evidence from research among Kenyan women politicians between 2017 and 2020, I argue that political motherhood often emerges as a transaction. Rather than interpreting the actions of women politicians as an extension of maternalistic impulses into the political realm, I illustrate how women politicians present the benefits of motherhood in exchange for citizens’ votes. By diversifying the meanings of political motherhood beyond caretaking and communal roles, this article counters perspectives that assume women politicians are less corrupt or are the victims of patriarchal politics. Instead, by foregrounding the transactional dimensions of political motherhood, this article illustrates how women politicians strategically use gendered identities to build political authority.
Large‐scale marine protected areas and imaginaries of progress in ocean governance
Authors: Montana Jasper , Hartman Davies Oscar
Published: November 2024

Large‐scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs) are an increasingly important feature of global conservation as countries strive to meet international commitments to protect 30% of all land and sea areas by 2030. In this paper, we contribute to current interest in the imaginaries that underpin environmental governance. Drawing together work on spatial and sociotechnical imaginaries, we examine how ocean imaginaries get bound up with the rise of large, protected areas in the ocean. We develop a typology of three ocean imaginaries associated with LSMPAs, which is elaborated through an empirical analysis of the political discourse that surrounded the designation of 17 LSMPAs since 2010. We examine extracts of government statements, speeches and press releases predominantly in news article sources and government websites to consider how these ocean imaginaries are institutionally stabilised and aligned with advances in science and technology. Our analysis reinforces an understanding that the kinds of spatial imaginaries that are created for environmental governance shape and are shaped by policy and management strategies. We also find that both visions of ocean spaces and the social worlds that perceive them can be multiple. We contend that research and policy need to recognise LSMPAs and other area‐based conservation measures as more‐than‐technical pursuits, and harness geographic scholarship to consider and enable a multiplicity of imaginaries in exploring options for environmental governance.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 fosters developmental myelination in the mouse central and peripheral nervous system
Authors: Fimiani Cristina , Pereira Jorge A. , Gerber Joanne , Berg Ingrid , DeGeer Jonathan , Bachofner Sven , Fischer Jonas S. , Kauffmann Manuel , Suter Ueli
Published: November 2024

Ubiquitination is a major post‐translational regulatory mechanism that tunes numerous aspects of ubiquitinated target proteins, including localization, stability, and function. During differentiation and myelination, Oligodendrocytes (OLs) in the central nervous system and Schwann cells (SCs) in the peripheral nervous system undergo major cellular changes, including the tightly controlled production of large and accurate amounts of proteins and lipids. Such processes have been implied to depend on regulatory aspects of ubiquitination, with E3 ubiquitin ligases being generally involved in the selection of specific ubiquitination substrates by ligating ubiquitin to targets and granting target selectivity. In this study, we have used multiple transgenic mouse lines to investigate the functional impact of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 in the OL‐ and SC‐lineages. Our findings in the developing spinal cord indicate that Nedd4 is required for the correct accumulation of differentiated OLs and ensures proper myelination, supporting and further expanding previously suggested conceptual models. In sciatic nerves, we found that Nedd4 is required for timely radial sorting of axons by SCs as a pre‐requirement for correct onset of myelination. Moreover, Nedd4 ensures correct myelin thickness in both SCs and spinal cord OLs.
Employment shocks and demand for pain medication: Understanding the channels that drive opioid use
Authors: Musse Isabel
Published: November 2024

Higher employment ratios can affect opioid use through two main channels: by increasing physical pain from working or by reducing mental distress that may contribute to substance misuse. To separate these channels, I contrast the effect of labor demand shocks on the use of opioids with the effect on the use of over‐the‐counter painkillers—commonly used to treat pain but not mental distress. I find that during local economic expansions, opioid use declines while the demand for over‐the‐counter pain relief medication increases. Employment changes in high injury industries accentuate this pattern. One possible explanation is that, during local economic expansions, the use of pain medications to manage work injuries increases while the misuse of opioids decreases.
Radiation‐Induced Pharyngeal Necrosis and Cervical Spine Osteoradionecrosis in Patients With Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shaari Diana S. , Kapustin Danielle A. , Yoon Michelle , Rubin Samuel J. , Khorsandi Azita , Ramirez Ricardo J. , Schiff Michael , Urken Mark L.
Published: November 2024

Background

Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is commonly used as an adjunct or alternative to surgery for treating head and neck cancer (HNC). In rare cases, radiation‐induced side effects such as posterior pharyngeal wall necrosis, fistula formation, and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) can lead to dangerous complications of the cervical spine (C‐spine).

Methods

We conducted a literature review on C‐spine ORN in HNC, and we reported four additional cases following the treatment of oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Results

We identified 26 reported cases of C‐spine ORN following radiation for HNC. Of the four cases from our institution, two were treated with surgical management and two with conservative measures. Two patients were able to resume oral intake. The median time to diagnosis was 121.5 (range: 22–194) months after completion of radiation.

Conclusion

Late complications of radiation can be devastating, severely limiting functional status and quality of life. C‐spine ORN is related to total radiation dose and should be discussed with patients as a rare but serious side‐effect.
Antipsychotic‐Treated Schizophrenia Patients Develop Inflammatory and Oxidative Responses Independently From Obesity: However, Metabolic Disturbances Arise From Schizophrenia‐Related Obesity
Authors: Emre Sarandol , Asli Sarandol , Sener Mercan , Eker Salih Saygin , Esma Surmen‐Gur
Published: November 2024

Objective

To define the impact of obesity on inflammatory and oxidative disturbances in antipsychotic‐treated schizophrenia patients.

Methods

Several cytokines, inflammatory, metabolic, and oxidative status markers were evaluated in obese (n = 40) and non‐obese (n = 40) antipsychotic‐treated patients and compared with age‐and BMI‐matched controls (n = 80).

Results

Schizophrenia patients had higher leptin, TNF‐α, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, P‐selectin, NPY, BDNF, CD40‐L, MCP‐1, and malondialdehyde, and lower IL‐6, ghrelin, neopterin, and vitamin E levels compared to their respective controls (p < 0.001). Total oxidant status was higher in non‐obese patients compared to controls (p < 0.001), total antioxidant capacity was higher in obese compared to non‐obese patients (p < 0.01), but vitamin A and paraoxonase levels were not different. High sensitive‐CRP levels were higher in obsese controls relative to non‐obese controls (p < 0.05) and in obese patients relative to non‐obese patients (p < 0.001). Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA‐IR, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were higher in obese patients compared to non‐obese patients. Insulin concentrations and HOMA‐IR were also higher in obese controls than in non‐obese controls.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that inflammatory responses and oxidative stress develop independently from obesity in antipsychotic‐treated schizophrenia patients. However, schizophrenia‐induced obesity causes metabolic disturbances; thereby, obese schizophrenia patients are more liable to cardiovascular events and progress of metabolic syndrome than non‐obese patients.
Hybrid Wavelet‐Deep Learning Framework for Fluorescence Microscopy Images Enhancement
Authors: Branciforti Francesco , Maggiore Maura , Meiburger Kristen M. , Pannellini Tania , Salvi Massimo
Published: November 2024

Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for visualizing cellular structures, but it faces challenges such as noise, low contrast, and autofluorescence that can hinder accurate image analysis. To address these limitations, we propose a novel hybrid image enhancement method that combines wavelet‐based denoising, linear contrast enhancement, and convolutional neural network‐based autofluorescence correction. Our automated method employs Haar wavelet transform for noise reduction and a series of adaptive linear transformations for pixel value adjustment, effectively enhancing image quality while preserving crucial details. Furthermore, we introduce a semantic segmentation approach using CNNs to identify and correct autofluorescence in cellular aggregates, enabling targeted mitigation of unwanted background signals. We validate our method using quantitative metrics, such as signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), demonstrating superior performance compared to both mathematical and deep learning‐based techniques. Our method achieves an average SNR improvement of 8.5 dB and a PSNR increase of 4.2 dB compared with the original images, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art methods such as BM3D and CLAHE. Extensive testing on diverse datasets, including publicly available human‐derived cardiosphere and fluorescence microscopy images of bovine endothelial cells stained for mitochondria and actin filaments, showcases the flexibility and robustness of our approach across various acquisition conditions and artifacts. The proposed method significantly improves fluorescence microscopy image quality, facilitating more accurate and reliable analysis of cellular structures and processes, with potential applications in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
Mobilization and Apheresis Collection Strategies to Reduce Platelet Loss in G‐CSF Mobilized Healthy Adult Donors
Authors: Castro Brittany , Huang Jane , Le Julie , Pascua Diana , Goto Hirona , Kirby Denise , Lin David
Published: November 2024

Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) mobilizes hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) into the peripheral blood. Donor peripheral blood platelet loss has been observed during both G‐CSF mobilization and apheresis collection. This study evaluates two strategies to reduce donor platelet loss, preserve product CD34+ cell yield and collection efficiency and increase volume of whole blood (WB) processed. One hundred and two adults healthy donors were mobilized with either standard dose G‐CSF (9.5–12 mcg/kg/day × 4 days) or lower dose G‐CSF (7.5–10 mcg/kg/day × 4 days) according to their pre‐mobilization platelet count. Apheresis centrifugal force was adjusted by lowering the packing factor (PF) setting on the apheresis instrument. Between‐group differences were observed in absolute donor platelet loss (p = 0.04) favoring lower G‐CSF dosing, while percent donor platelet loss trended towards significance (p = 0.10). Lowering PF from the manufacturer's default of 4.5 to 4.0 demonstrated between‐group differences in absolute donor platelet loss (p < 0.05), percent donor platelet loss (p < 0.001), and apheresis product platelet content (p < 0.001). No differences were observed in the product CD34+ cell content and CD34+ cell collection efficiency when PF was reduced to 4.0. Additionally, a higher volume of WB could be processed due to reduced donor platelet loss. Together, these two strategies may mitigate the risk of cumulative platelet loss in G‐CSF mobilized healthy donors undergoing apheresis collection, thereby increasing the likelihood of completing the target total blood volume to be processed while maintaining donor safety.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Management for a Pediatric Patient Presenting With Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Setting of Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Budhipramono Albert , Sharma Ruchika , Wysocki Christian Allen , Zia Ayesha N. , Adkins Brian D.
Published: November 2024

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a disorder characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia resulting in recurrent infections. While autoimmune disorders are common in patients with CVID, no association has been reported between CVID and immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), a disorder most often caused by autoantibodies that compromise the activity of the enzyme ADAMTS13. Reduced ADAMTS13 activity results in the accumulation of large von Willebrand factor multimers that can consume platelets and cause microvascular thrombosis and organ injury, ultimately resulting in mortality in most cases of untreated iTTP. Here, we report a 12‐year‐old male with CVID who developed iTTP, underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and subsequently recovered. We conducted a systematic review for other cases of CVID co‐occurring with iTTP and present additional cases of this rare presentation. We highlight the importance of prompt recognition of iTTP in a patient with CVID and timely initiation of TPE.
Phosphine‐mediated one‐pot reactions: Syntheses of β‐acylated alkylidene indandiones and furo[2,3‐f]dibenzotropones via MBH‐type annulation/acylation or Wittig reaction
Authors: Chien Po‐Chung , Chen You‐Jie , Marri Gangababu , Chen Yi‐Ru , Chang Ching‐Fen , Wu Pei‐Shan , Lin Wenwei
Published: November 2024

Phosphine‐mediated one‐pot reactions have been developed that involve two mechanistically distinct reactions assembled in one reaction vessel via the sequential addition process. The first step involves MBH‐type annulation of α,β‐ynones to afford cyclic products in each case, which then engages in subsequent β‐acylation or intramolecular Wittig reactions. The reaction conditions are mild and efficient, providing acylated alkylidene indandiones in 70%–99% yields or furo[2,3‐f]dibenzotropones in 65%–91% yields, respectively.
Dynamic mRNA Stability Buffer Transcriptional Activation During Neuronal Differentiation and Is Regulated by SAMD4A
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Rashad Sherif , Ando Daisuke , Kobayashi Yuki , Tominaga Teiji , Niizuma Kuniyasu
Published: November 2024

Neurons are exceptionally sensitive to oxidative stress, which is the basis for many neurodegenerative disease pathophysiologies. The posttranscriptional basis for neuronal differentiation and behavior is not well characterized. The steady‐state levels of mRNA are outcomes of an interplay between RNA transcription and decay. However, the correlation between mRNA transcription, translation, and stability remains elusive. We utilized a SH‐SY5Y‐based neural differentiation model that is widely used to study neurodegenerative diseases. After neuronal differentiation, we observed enhanced sensitivity of mature neurons to mitochondrial stresses and ferroptosis induction. We employed a newly developed simplified mRNA stability profiling technique to explore the role of mRNA stability in SH‐SY5Y neuronal differentiation model. Transcriptome‐wide mRNA stability analysis revealed neural‐specific RNA stability kinetics. Our analysis revealed that mRNA stability could either exert the buffering effect on gene products or change in the same direction as transcription. Importantly, we observed that changes in mRNA stability corrected over or under transcription of mRNAs to maintain mRNA translation dynamics. Furthermore, we conducted integrative analysis of our mRNA stability data set, and a published CRISPR‐i screen focused on neuronal oxidative stress responses. Our analysis unveiled novel neuronal stress response genes that were not evident at the transcriptional or translational levels. SEPHS2 emerged as an important neuronal stress regulator based on this integrative analysis. Motif analysis unveiled SAMD4A as a major regulator of the dynamic changes in mRNA stability observed during differentiation. Knockdown of SAMD4A impaired neuronal differentiation and influenced the response to oxidative stress. Mechanistically, SAMD4A was found to alter the stability of several mRNAs. The novel insights into the interplay between mRNA stability and cellular behaviors provide a foundation for understanding neurodevelopmental processes and neurodegenerative disorders and highlight dynamic mRNA stability as an important layer of gene expression.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach for Test‐Free Identification of Sarcopenia
Authors: Yin Liangyu , Zhao Jinghong
Published: November 2024

Background

The diagnosis of sarcopenia relies extensively on human and equipment resources and requires individuals to personally visit medical institutions. The objective of this study was to develop a test‐free, self‐assessable approach to identify sarcopenia by utilizing artificial intelligence techniques and representative real‐world data.

Methods

This multicentre study enrolled 11 661 middle‐aged and older adults from a national survey initialized in 2011. Follow‐up data from the baseline cohort collected in 2013 (n = 9403) and 2015 (n = 10 356) were used for validation. Sarcopenia was retrospectively diagnosed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 framework. Baseline age, sex, height, weight and 20 functional capacity (FC)–related binary indices (activities of daily living = 6, instrumental activities of daily living = 5 and other FC indices = 9) were considered as predictors. Multiple machine learning (ML) models were trained and cross‐validated using 70% of the baseline data to predict sarcopenia. The remaining 30% of the baseline data, along with two follow‐up datasets (n = 9403 and n = 10 356, respectively), were used to assess model performance.

Results

The study included 5634 men and 6027 women (median age = 57.0 years). Sarcopenia was identified in 1288 (11.0%) individuals. Among the 20 FC indices, the running/jogging 1 km item showed the highest predictive value for sarcopenia (AUC [95%CI] = 0.633 [0.620–0.647]). From the various ML models assessed, a 24‐variable gradient boosting classifier (GBC) model was selected. This GBC model demonstrated favourable performance in predicting sarcopenia in the holdout data (AUC [95%CI] = 0.831 [0.808–0.853], accuracy = 0.889, recall = 0.441, precision = 0.475, F1 score = 0.458, Kappa = 0.396 and Matthews correlation coefficient = 0.396). Further model validation on the temporal scale using two longitudinal datasets also demonstrated good performance (AUC [95%CI]: 0.833 [0.818–0.848] and 0.852 [0.840–0.865], respectively). The model's built‐in feature importance ranking and the SHapley Additive exPlanations method revealed that lifting 5 kg and running/jogging 1 km were relatively important variables among the 20 FC items contributing to the model's predictive capacity, respectively. The calibration curve of the model indicated good agreement between predictions and actual observations (Hosmer and Lemeshow p = 0.501, 0.451 and 0.374 for the three test sets, respectively), and decision curve analysis supported its clinical usefulness. The model was implemented as an online web application and exported as a deployable binary file, allowing for flexible, individualized risk assessment.

Conclusions

We developed an artificial intelligence model that can assist in the identification of sarcopenia, particularly in settings lacking the necessary resources for a comprehensive diagnosis. These findings offer potential for improving decision‐making and facilitating the development of novel management strategies of sarcopenia.
Phytoremediation of soil co‐contaminated with uranium and chromium by sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) enhanced with slow‐release composite chelating agent (EDTA/ammonium citrate)
Authors: Lin Zixin , Wang Guanghui , Zhou Zhongkui , Deng Nansheng , Zhang Xuewen
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Soil in uranium mining areas is contaminated by uranium and associated heavy metals, posing a significant threat to human health and ecological security. Chelating agent assisted phytoremediation is a cost‐effective and ecologically friendly remediation approach for uranium and associated heavy metals contaminated soil. In this work, a novel slow‐release composite chelating agent (SRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC) was fabricated using carboxymethyl chitosan‐graft‐carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CMC‐g‐CMCD) as a slow‐release carrier and EDTA/ammonium citrate (AC) as a composite chelating agent through the spray drying method, which was used for phytoremediation of soil co‐contaminated with uranium and chromium.

RESULTS

CMC‐g‐CMCD exhibited superior slow‐release performance for both EDTA and AC in comparison with CMC and CMCD. When applied to soil contaminated with uranium (U) and chromium (Cr), SRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC effectively regulated the release of U and Cr. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in treated soil showed a significant increase in U and Cr uptake by 70.55% and 35.55%, respectively, and reduced leaching losses by 34.88% and 37.42%.

CONCLUSION

SRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC not only assists in the phytoremediation of soil co‐contaminated with U and Cr but also reduces the risk of leaching into groundwater during the soil phytoremediation process. SRCMC‐g‐CMCD‐EDTA/AC‐assisted phytoremediation technology was an effective and environmentally friendly remediation means for the removal of U and heavy metals from contaminated soils in uranium mining areas. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Prevalence of Chronic Liver Disease Based on Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography in an Adult Asian Indian Population Attending Outpatient Preventive Radiology Clinics in India
Authors: Choorakuttil Rijo M. , Chaubal Rajas N. , Pratap Thara , Arunachalam Venkatesh K. , Kumar S. Harish , Bagri Neha , Gupta Anjali , Chelladurai Amarnath , Nirmalan Praveen K.
Published: November 2024

Aim

To determine the ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE)‐based prevalence of chronic liver disease in an adult Asian Indian population attending preventive radiology outpatient clinics in India.

Methods

Liver stiffness measures (LSMs) were ascertained using ultrasound SWE and interquartile range/median (IQR/M) ratio ≤ 30% kilopascal (kPa) units were considered a good quality measurement. Details of modifiable risk factors including comorbidity and personal risk behaviors were collected. The liver was graded based on the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Liver Elastography Consensus Statement and Grades 4 and 5 indicated compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze associations with chronic advanced liver disease.

Results

The median LSM in the study participants (n = 1145) was 8.0 (IQR 6.5, 9.85) kPa units. 10.65% of the study population had advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD and CSPH) and 22.79% had LSM that was suggestive of cACLD. cACLD and CSPH were significantly associated with comorbidities, personal risk behaviors, and lean and obese body mass indices. Modifiable risk factors were present in 20%–50% of participants with LSM between 7 and 13 kPa.

Conclusion

Information on the prevalence of LSM‐based cACLD and CSPH and modifiable risk factors in persons with LSM between 7 and 13 kPa will help to design preventative strategies using LSM as an objective imaging biomarker.
Challenging the conventional wisdom: Re‐evaluating Smpd3's role in extracellular vesicle biogenesis
Authors: Burgelman Marlies , Dujardin Pieter , Willems Anthony , Hochepied Tino , Van Imschoot Griet , Van Wonterghem Elien , Van Hoecke Lien , Vandendriessche Charysse , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E.
Published: November 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are pivotal in intercellular communication, impacting diverse physiological and pathological processes. Current in vitro EV biogenesis studies often utilize pharmacological inhibitors, inducing off‐target effects and overlooking cell‐specific production nuances. Addressing these limitations, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to generate heterozygous full‐body and conditional sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (Smpd3) knockout (KO) transgenic mice. Smpd3, also known as neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2), triggers membrane curvature through sphingomyelin hydrolysis to ceramide, thereby influencing exosome release. Intriguingly, Smpd3 deficiency demonstrated no impact on EV release both in vitro and in vivo, underscoring its potential cell‐type‐specific role in EV biogenesis. Notably, bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) did exhibit reduced EV release upon Alix deletion. Our findings open avenues for subsequent inquiries, enriching our knowledge of EV biogenesis and illuminating intercellular communication in health and disease.
Assessing the Climatological Characteristics of Observed and Simulated Seasonal Onset of Precipitation Over Southern and Eastern Africa
Authors: Lawal Shakirudeen , Hewitson Bruce , Lennard Christopher
Published: November 2024

Prediction of seasonal onset is crucial to agriculture in southern and eastern Africa. Here, we applied two definitions of onset, namely meteorological and agricultural (crop‐germination), to evaluate CMIP6 models through the lens of rainfall onset over representative maize agricultural regions of South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. We use the ERA5 reanalysis as a proxy for observations, and robust regression to calculate a statistical comparison of the onset definitions for the period 1979–2021. Evaluation of ERA5 reanalysis shows similar magnitude and pattern as gauge based MSWEP. Our results show that, for meteorological onset, Johannesburg, with a subtropical highland climate, experienced earliest onset after 23 December; and an increasing trend (later onset) but not statistically significant (p = 0.2). Over Bethlehem, which has continental climate, the earliest onset date was after October 9 and an increasing interannual variability since 2000 is noted. The standard deviation of onset dates across the regions shows an East‐Central‐South gradient. We also found that the crop‐germination onset definition shows earlier onset of seasonal rains, it differs considerably across regions, and has higher interannual variability, in comparison with the meteorological definition. Over Lilongwe, Mbeya and Lusaka, late meteorological onset with a weak positive and insignificant trend is observed. The CMIP6 model's representation of onset trend differs from reanalysis data, with inter‐model differences. Late meteorological onset is underestimated by GFDL‐CM4 and MPI while INM5, MPI and NorESM overestimate the observed earliest onset. The largest bias is shown by INM and MPI which simulate earliest and latest onset as 190 (07 January) and 206 (23 January) respectively. In addition, models often fail to simulate sufficient precipitation to produce onset for seed germination and crop development. The ACCESS model showed an insignificant trend (p value = 2) and later onset over Lilongwe, an insignificant trend (p value = 0.9) over Lusaka, and an earlier onset over Mbeya. Using the agricultural onset definition, over Bethlehem, all the models and the ERA5 reanalysis did not produce enough precipitation to meet onset conditions. We suggest that rainfall onset studies use several definitions or metrics of onset and that the choice of metric be informed by the research question. Using such an ensemble of onset metrics contributes to a better understanding of variability and uncertainties in agricultural productivity.
Fabrication of Nanocomposite Hydrogels Based on Cellulose Nanocrystals and Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Human Motion Monitoring
Authors: Liu Jiarui , Wang Lulu , Bai Liangjiu , Wang Wenxiang , Yang Lixia , Chen Hou , Yang Huawei , Wei Donglei
Published: November 2024

In this study, a flexible sensor is successfully fabricated using self‐healing nanocomposite hydrogels for monitoring human movement. The eco‐friendly cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are used as nano‐reinforcing materials, and the mechanical properties and self‐healing efficiency of the materials are improved. The self‐healing efficiency of hydrogels are realized by introducing a variety of reversible non‐covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, borax chelation, and metal coordination. Notably, the mechanical strength and self‐healing efficiency of these nanocomposite hydrogels can reach 2.8 MPa and 89.9%, respectively. Importantly, these self‐healing nanocomposite hydrogels have been widely used in wearable flexible sensors to achieve high sensitivity to large‐scale human movement. It is of great significance to design functional materials with good biocompatibility, sensitivity, and mechanical strength for wearable sensors.
MicroRNA‐505‐5p/‐3p Regulates the Proliferation, Invasion, Apoptosis, and Temozolomide Resistance in Mesenchymal Glioma Stem Cells by Targeting AUF1
Authors: Oe Souichi , Kakizaki Rio , Sakamoto Sumika , Sato Teruhide , Hayashi Mikio , Isozaki Haruna , Nonaka Masahiro , Iwashita Hikaru , Hayashi Shinichi , Koike Taro , Seki‐Omura Ryohei , Nakano Yousuke , Sato Yuki , Hirahara Yukie , Kitada Masaaki
Published: November 2024

Mesenchymal glioma stem cells (MES‐GSCs) are a major subtype of GSCs that reside within glioma tissues and contribute to metastasis, therapy resistance, and glioma recurrence. However, the precise molecular mechanisms governing MES‐GSC functions remain elusive. Our findings revealed that expression levels of miR‐505‐5p/‐3p are elevated in MES‐GSCs compared with those in proneural (PN)‐GSCs, glioma cell lines, and normal brain tissue and that miR‐505‐5p/‐3p expression levels are decreased in differentiated MES‐GSCs. We assumed that miR‐505‐5p/‐3p would play distinctive roles in MES‐GSCs and performed loss‐of‐function experiments targeting miR‐505‐5p/‐3p. Knockdown of miR‐505‐5p/‐3p increased proliferation and promoted differentiation in MES‐GSCs while suppressing invasion, temozolomide resistance, and enhancing apoptosis in MES‐GSCs. Mechanistically, miR‐505‐5p/‐3p directly targets the 3′ UTR of AUF1, leading to its repression in MES‐GSCs. Notably, AUF1 expression levels were significantly lower in MES‐GSCs compared with those in PN‐GSCs, glioma cell lines, and normal brain tissues. Co‐inhibition of AUF1 expression with miR‐505‐5p/‐3p knockdown ameliorated the observed cellular phenotypes caused by miR‐505‐5p/‐3p knockdown in MES‐GSCs. These results suggest that miR‐505‐5p/‐3p exerts MES‐GSC‐specific roles in regulating proliferation, differentiation, invasion, apoptosis, and temozolomide resistance by repressing AUF1 expression.
MERIDA HRES: A new high‐resolution reanalysis dataset for Italy
Authors: Viterbo Francesca , Sperati Simone , Vitali Bruno , D'Amico Filippo , Cavalleri Francesco , Bonanno Riccardo , Lacavalla Matteo
Published: November 2024

Power utilities are increasingly emphasizing the need for high‐resolution reanalysis datasets to develop resilience plans for protecting and managing infrastructure against extreme weather events. In response, Ricerca Sul Sistema Energetico (RSE) S.p.A. created the new MEteorological Reanalysis Italian DAtaset (MERIDA) High‐RESolution (HRES) reanalysis, a 4‐km resolution dataset with explicit convection specifically designed for Italy. This dataset, publicly available from 1986 to the present, has been evaluated and compared with the previously developed MERIDA reanalysis dataset (7‐km resolution over Italy) and ERA5, the global reanalysis driver. The validation is conducted across different scales (i.e., from climatology to single extreme events) and for multiple variables (i.e., 2‐meter temperature, daily total precipitation, and 10‐meter wind speed). Specific cases, such as a convective storm in July 2016 in northern Italy near Bergamo and the more synoptically driven Vaia storm in October 2018, are analyzed to illustrate the dataset's potential in capturing precipitation and wind extremes. Additionally, the Arbus wildfire event in Sardinia is examined to showcase a multivariable application for assessing fire weather hazards. Through performance maps and statistical analyses, the ability of MERIDA HRES to represent both long‐term statistics and extreme events is highlighted. Despite a consistent cold temperature bias across Italy, with higher peaks over mountainous regions, the performance of precipitation and wind outperforms that of both MERIDA and ERA5 in all analyzed cases. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of this product for multiple applications in Italy.
Sural‐to‐medial femoral cutaneous amplitude ratio in early diagnosis of uremic neuropathy
Authors: Deveci Şule , Matur Zeliha , Mermi Dibek Dilara , Oge Ali Emre
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Medial femoral cutaneous (MFC) sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) can be easily recorded using distal stimulation. This study aimed to identify a new parameter using MFC SNAPs for the early electrophysiological diagnosis of length‐dependent axonal polyneuropathy (LDAP) associated with uremic neuropathy.

Methods

Patients with chronic renal failure who were referred to the electrodiagnostic laboratory due to symptoms suggesting polyneuropathy were included. Assessments encompassed neurological examination, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test. Antidromic radial, median, ulnar, MFC, sural, and superficial peroneal sensory; median, ulnar, tibial, and peroneal motor nerve conduction studies were performed. Sural‐to‐radial amplitude ratio (SRAR) and sural‐to‐medial femoral cutaneous amplitude ratio (SMFCAR) were calculated, and their diagnostic sensitivities were compared with the age and sex matched healthy controls.

Results

Thirty‐two chronic renal failure patients (mean age 60.0 ± 9.6 years) and 37 controls (60.6 ± 9 years) were included. MNSI indicated clinical polyneuropathy in 59.4% of patients, while sural SNAP amplitude was diagnostic in 78%. Median SRAR and SMFCAR values were significantly lower in patients than controls (p < .001 for both). The cut‐off values for SMFCAR and SRAR were <1.82 and <0.30, respectively, both with a sensitivity of 59% and a specificity of 94%.

Discussion

Sural SNAP is the most sensitive parameter in the diagnosis of LDAP. SMFCAR is not superior to SRAR. If the sural SNAP amplitude is normal, SMFCAR can serve as an alternative to SRAR in dialysis patients with bilateral arteriovenous fistulae or in those unable to undergo radial NCS.
Improving thermal conductivity of butylpyridine latex‐based composites by modified single‐layer graphene
Authors: Xie Yanxia , Xu Yaning , Du Yuting , Zhou Zihao , Shi Jie , Zuo Hongmei , Zou Lihua
Published: November 2024

Chelated titanate (CT) modified single‐layer graphene (CTMSG), exhibiting much better static and dynamic stability due to the synergy of physical and chemical bonds, was mixed with butadiene‐vinylpyridine latex (BL) to prepare composite (CTMSG‐BL) film to enhance its thermal conductivity. Furthermore, CTMSG‐BL was complexed with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric to promote the thermal conductivity of the composite (CTMSG‐BL/PET). Compared with the samples without CTMSG, the thermal conductivity of CTMSG‐BL (CTMSG content: 0.2 wt%) and CTMSG‐BL/PET increased from 3.52 to 4.35 W/(m·K) and from 1.91 to 2.56 W/(m·K), improved by 19.1% and 34.0%. This benefits from the excellent orientation alignment of single‐layer graphene (SG) in BL film and the highly efficient construction of the thermal conductivity pathway. The CTMSG‐BL emulsion is suitable for preparing heat‐resistant thermal conductive film with a thickness of micro‐nano meter (~0.6 μm) by impregnation process because of the low viscosity of the CTMSG‐BL emulsion (3.61 mPa·s) and the good heat resistance of the pyridine groups of BL with average pyrolysis temperature about 444 °C. The CTMSG‐BL film and CTMSG‐BL/PET composites have excellent heat conduction and dissipation properties, exhibiting broad application prospects in thermal interface materials, aerospace, and transport.

Highlights

The static and dynamic stability of the CTMSG was significantly improved.

Low viscosity CTMSG‐BL is suitable for preparing thermally conductive films.

With the addition of CTMSG, the thermal conductivity of BL improved by 19.0%.

With addition of CTMSG, the thermal conductivity of BL/PET improved by 34%.
Isekai as a Reflection of College Student Transition Theory
Authors: Waggoner Emilie
Published: November 2024

In the isekai genre, characters are transported to another world where they must learn new cultural norms, create new relationships, and work through the changes that come with who they are in this new world. The transition of characters in isekai from their world to a new one mirrors the transition college students experience as they move from high school to college, albeit one with less magic. As anime continues to gain high school and college‐aged fans, the narrative of how isekai characters move through their transition could be highly impactful to fans who are experiencing their own transition into the new world of higher education. By incorporating case studies and using the theoretical frameworks of Schlossberg's transition theory (1981) and marginality and mattering (1989), readers of this article can understand and explain how isekai characters can be powerful examples of role modeling positive transitional approaches and act as a guide through transitional stages for fans experiencing their transition from the world of high school to the world of higher education.