bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of nanotechnology in air purifiers as a viable approach to protect against Corona virus
Authors: Mahmoudi Ali , Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Ahari Salmasi Marzieh , Bakhshi Ali , Bustan Arad , heydari Sahar , Rezayi Majid , Gheybi Fatemeh
Published: April 2023

The outbreak of COVID‐19 disease, the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome, is considered a worldwide public health concern. Although studies indicated that the virus could spread through respiratory particles or droplets in close contact, current research have revealed that the virus stays viable in aerosols for several hours. Numerous investigations have highlighted the protective role of air purifiers in the management of COVID‐19 transmission, however, there are still some doubts regarding the efficiency and safety of these technologies. According to those observations, using a proper ventilation system can extensively decrease the spread of COVID‐19. However, most of those strategies are currently in the experimental stages. This review aimed at summarising the safety and effectiveness of the recent approaches in this field including using nanofibres that prevent the spread of airborne viruses like SARS‐CoV‐2. Here, the efficacy of controlling COVID‐19 by means of combining multiple strategies is comprehensively discussed.
Retrospective Analysis of Prognostic Value of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for the Development of Glaucomatous Damage – One Year Follow-Up Retrospective
Observational Cohort Analysis
Authors: Bollinger Olivia , Gugleta Konstantin , Schmetterer L. , Hasler Pascal W. , Min Jacqueline Chua Yu , Kee Damon Wong Wing
Published: April 2023

Purpose Detecting glaucoma damage progression is an essential component of follow-ups in glaucoma patients. It is still unclear which of the currently available and routinely used
parameters of glaucoma damage heralds the loss of retinal ganglion cells first. We analysed local hospital data on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and looked for correlations
between the optical coherence tomography (OCT) structural, OCT angiography (OCTA), and visual field (VF) parameters.

Patients and Methods Results of eye examinations of POAG patients at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months were analysed. Inclusion criteria were, apart from the diagnosis of POAG,
availability and quality of all modalities of examination data and no surgical intervention on the eyes during the observation period. Data on VF mean defect (MD), OCT peripapillary nerve
fibre layer (RNFL), OCT macular ganglion cell layer, and OCTA, peripapillary and in the macula, were parameters of interest. Correlations of structural (OCT and OCTA) on one, and functional
parameters (VF MD) on the other side, at baseline and as changing over time (first 6 months vs. second 6 months) were performed.

Results All together, data from 78 eyes of 78 POAG patients were included in the analysis. Correlations at baseline were all highly significant (Spearmanʼs r-coefficients between
0.31 and 0.8, all p < 0.05). None of the correlations of parameter changes over time were significant (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion Whereas a robust correlation was observed at baseline between the structural (OCT and OCTA) and functional (VF MD) parameters, none of the examination modality could
predict a change in the other modalities during the 1-year period. Results confirm the necessity of regularly performing both the structural and functional examinations in our glaucoma
patients.
Posterior Corneal Asphericity and the Refractive Outcome after Combined Phacovitrectomy
Authors: Rabinovich Mark , Baumgartner Jean-Marc , Bovet Jerome
Published: April 2023

Background We assessed the correlation of posterior corneal asphericity and the refractive prediction error of the SRK-T and Barrett II Universal formulas for eyes following
phacovitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM).

Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 41 eyes of 41 patients following a combined phacovitrectomy with ILM peeling. Surgeries were performed by one fellowship-trained
vitreoretinal surgeon between 2016 and 2021.

Results Of the 41 patients, 41 eyes were included, with all having at least 1 month of postoperative data. Of the 41 eyes, 19 eyes were female (46%) and 22 were male (54%). The
average age of the study population was 77.5 ± 10.7 years. The mean axial length (AL) was 22.7 ± 4.6 mm and the mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 3 ± 0.8 mm. The mean posterior Q value
was − 0.29 ± 0.27. The mean absolute error (MAE) values 1-month postoperatively for the SRK-T and Barrett II Universal formulas were 0.73 and 0.65, respectively. Regression analysis yielded
a significant correlation between posterior corneal asphericity and SRK-T MAE (r = 0.35, R2 = 0.12, p < 0.05) only.

Conclusions Posterior corneal surface asphericity is correlated to the refractive error of the SRK-T formula for eyes following phacovitrectomy.
Changes in Anterior Segment Morphology and Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery in Non-glaucomatous Eyes
Authors: Giglio Rosa , Inferrera Leandro , De Giacinto Chiara , DʼAloisio Rossella , Beccastrini Andrea , Vinciguerra Alex Lucia , Perrotta Alberto Armando , Toro Mario Damiano , Zweifel Sandrine , Tognetto Daniele
Published: April 2023

Background It is known that cataract extraction is associated with a significant reduction in intraocular pressure, especially in narrow angled eyes; however, the modifications of
anterior segment parameters associated with this phenomenon have still not been completely defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in anterior segment anatomy and
intraocular pressure after cataract surgery in non-glaucomatous eyes.

Methods and Material This retrospective case series study included 64 eyes of 64 consecutive patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Anterior
segment parameters and intraocular pressure were assessed and compared before and 6 months after surgery. Anterior segment imaging was performed using Casia SS-1000 anterior segment optical
coherence tomography (Tomey, Nagoya, Japan). Anterior segment measurements included anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber width, anterior chamber volume, angle opening distance at 500 µm
anterior to the scleral spur, angle recess area 750 µm from the scleral spur, lens vault, trabecular iris space area at 500 µm from the scleral spur, and trabecular iris angle at 500 µm from
the scleral spur. Intraocular pressure was measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometer (Model AT 900 C/M, Haag-Streit, Bern, Switzerland). Anterior segment parameters and the
relationship of changes in intraocular pressure were also evaluated.

Results All anterior segment parameters increased significantly after surgery (p < 0.05). Both angle opening distance at 500 µm anterior to the scleral spur and anterior chamber
depth changes were positively correlated with the preoperative lens vault. The mean intraocular pressure significantly decreased from 14.91 mmHg (± 2.8 SD) to 12.91 mmHg (± 3.13 SD)
(p < 0.001). Changes in intraocular pressure correlated negatively with values for the width of the preoperative anterior chamber (r = − 0.533; p = 0.001).

Conclusion Cataract surgery led to significant widening of the anterior chamber angle and lowering of intraocular pressure. Further investigations are needed to better understand
whether anterior chamber width may be a new independent predictive factor for reduction in postoperative intraocular pressure.
Retrospective Comparison of the Myopia Master and the Lenstar LS900 Axial Length Measurements in Children with Myopia
Authors: Sivakumar Thibika , Palmowski-Wolfe Anja
Published: April 2023

Background This study is a retrospective analysis to compare ocular biometry measurements of axial length in children with myopia using Myopia Master (OCULUS, Wetzlar, Germany) and
Lenstar LS900 (HAAG-STREIT AG, Köniz, Switzerland).

Patients and Methods Axial length measurements obtained with both instruments within a 3-week period were collected retrospectively. Measurements were visualized with a Bland-Altman
plot. For statistical evaluation, a paired t-test was applied, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was established.

Results Sixty-one eyes from 31 myopic patients (59% male, 41% female) with a mean age of 11.34 ± 3.25 years (range: 6 – 18 years) were identified. Mean axial length was 24.7 mm (SD
1.29) with the Myopia Master and 24.69 mm (SD 1.30) with the Lenstar LS900 (Pearson correlation: r = 0.9991). The average difference of the axial length measurement between the two biometers
was 0.00 064 mm ± 0.056 SD (p = 0.9293).

Conclusion The axial length measured by Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900 did not differ significantly. Thus, previous values obtained with the Lenstar LS900 can be applied to assess
myopia progression.
Natural Course of Solar and Laser-Associated Retinal and Macular Injuries at a Primary Care Hospital in Switzerland
Authors: Wiest Maximilian Robert Justus , Gunzinger Jeanne Martine , Hamann Timothy , Fasler Katrin , Said Sadiq , Bajka Anahita , Muth Daniel Rudolf , Barthelmes Daniel , Blaser Frank , Zweifel Sandrine Anne
Published: April 2023

Background Solar and laser-associated retinopathies are rare occurrences. The two retinopathies are both photo-induced but differ in the involved intensity and duration of exposure.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and natural course of these two entities, with a focus on the changes in the outer retina over time.

Patients and Methods This retrospective analysis assessed patients with solar or laser maculopathy seen at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital Zurich in
Switzerland over the last 10 years. Visual acuity (VA; Snellen) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were reviewed and analyzed at baseline and last follow-up visit. Areas of
damaged outer retina, identified on en face OCT images as hyporeflective areas, were tagged and compared between visits. Descriptive analysis was performed by calculating mean values ±
standard deviation (SD). Statistical evaluation was done using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results Five patients with solar retinopathy and six patients with laser-associated retinopathy were identified. In the solar retinopathy group, mean VA at baseline was 0.80
(SD ± 0.37) and improved to 0.90 (SD ± 0.36). This was not statistically significant (p = 0.066). In the laser-associated retinopathy group, mean VA at baseline was 0.89 (SD ± 0.18) and
improved to 1.03 (SD ± 0.09), which was not statistically significant either (p = 0.063). At baseline, in OCT cross-sections, initial changes were observed in the interdigitation, myoid, and
ellipsoid zone, as well as the outer nuclear layer and the Henle fiber layer. At follow-up, most cases presented an alteration in the residual ellipsoid zone, with the degree of the
aforementioned alterations depending on the size of the initial defect. A decrease of the hyporeflective alterations measured in en face OCT scans was observed in both groups but was only
statistically significant in the laser-associated retinopathy group (p = 0.018 versus p = 0.172).

Conclusions OCT can help to detect and monitor solar and laser-associated retinal injuries. Most injuries are minor, with good functional restitution. Minor changes in the ellipsoid
zone often persist, even in cases with full visual recovery.
Analysis of Blood Flow in the Macula and Optic Nerve Head in Healthy Young Volunteers Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy
Authors: Bajka Anahita , Foa Nastasia , Sidhu Sophia , Rejdak Magdalena , Said Sadiq , Wiest Maximilian Robert Justus , Hamann Timothy , Muth Daniel , Blaser Frank , Zweifel Sandrine Anne
Published: April 2023

Purpose To assess optic nerve head (ONH) and macular blood flow in young healthy volunteers using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG).

Methods This is a prospective single-center study conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich from May to November 2021. Young, healthy men aged ≥ 18
years without ocular or systemic diseases were included. A corrected visual acuity (VA) of 0.0 logMAR or better in both eyes and an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21 mmHg or lower were
required for inclusion. Subjects exceeding a spherical equivalent (SE) of ± 6 diopters (dpt) were excluded. Blood flow in the macula and the ONH was recorded using the Nidek LSFG RetFlow
device (Nidek Company, Ltd., Hirioshi-cho, Japan). Laser power was set to 0.5 Millivolts (mV). Mean blur rate (MBR) was recorded as a parameter for blood flow. MBR is a calculated parameter
that represents relative blood flow velocity correlated with the real anatomical blood flow rate. Colored heat maps of the recorded retinal area were generated automatically by the RetFlow
device.

Results Final analyses included 83 eyes of 43 male volunteers. Mean age was 21.9 years (SD ± 1.5, range: 20 to 29). Mean corrected VA was − 0.1 logMAR (SD ± 0.05, range: − 0.2 to
0.0), mean IOP was 15.4 mmHg (SD ± 2.5, range: 8.5 to 18.5), and mean SE was − 0.3 dpt (SD ± 1.2, range: − 5.0 to 1.2). Mean ONH MBR was 37.44 (SD ± 7.9, range: 22.5 to 53.5) and mean
macular MBR was 27.8 (SD ± 9.7, range: 6.4 to 57.7). Pearsonʼs Test showed a strong correlation between macular and papillary blood flow (p < 0.05, coefficient: 0.647).

Conclusion This study provides both ONH and macular blood flow data in a healthy young male population, showing a strong correlation between ONH and macular blood flow in the
examined eyes. Further investigations are required to assess the validity of MBR as a parameter for the combined evaluation of retinal blood flow at the macula and ONH in healthy volunteers
and patients with various diseases.
Preventive Inflammation Management with Steroids before Retreatment with Anti-VEGF after Severe Inflammation due to Brolucizumab
Authors: Karmy Badiaa El , Castro Daniela Gallo , Ambresin Aude
Published: April 2023

Purpose We report two successful cases of treatment by steroids after severe inflammation due to an intravitreal injection (IVI) of brolucizumab and their retreatment with another
type of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with steroid treatments to prevent severe inflammatory recurrence in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration
(AMD).

Clinical Cases, Case 1 An 88-year-old woman with exudative AMD in her left eye who had persistent subretinal fluid despite receiving an IVI, including ranibizumab and, subsequently,
aflibercept. A switch to brolucizumab was decided. Two weeks after the third dose, she had a visual loss decreasing from 20/40 to counting fingers at 50 cm. Fundus examination revealed
retinal whitening and perivenous sheathing. Fluoresceine angiography confirmed retinal arterial occlusion. Differential diagnoses were ruled out. She was treated with intravenous
methylprednisolone and prednisolone eye drops. Three months after the treatment, visual acuity improved to 20/80 with no intraocular inflammation but subretinal fluid recurred. IVI of
ranibizumab was rescheduled with preventive treatment by oral and local prednisolone without any inflammation recurrence.

Case 2 An 80-year-old man with exudative AMD in his right eye who had persistent subretinal fluid despite an IVI of aflibercept. Switching him to brolucizumab was decided. Two months
after the third dose, he had blurred vision with no pain. Visual acuity decreased from 20/20 to 20/25. Examination showed 1+ anterior chamber cells and hyalitis. We confirmed the diagnosis
of anterior uveitis with hyalitis. Differential diagnoses were ruled out. Treatment by prednisolone eye drops was initiated every 30 minutes for 1 day with a gradual decrease for 6 weeks.
One week later, visual acuity improved to 20/20 with no inflammation. Three weeks later, subretinal fluid due to AMD increased. The patient was retreated by aflibercept with prednisolone eye
drops, 48 hours before and after the IVI, with no recurrence of inflammation.

Discussion Brolucizumab is one of the latest FDA-approved anti-VEGF agents for wet AMD. Since its wider use, few cases of severe ocular inflammation have been reported in
post-marketing analysis. Because wet AMD recurrences should be expected after intraocular inflammation, insight is needed into treatment tolerance in cases that received further IVI
retreatment.

Conclusion Our cases demonstrate that an IVI reinjection with a different anti-VEGF drug for exudative AMD recurrence can be safely reperformed. The use of local steroids could be
effective in preventing recurrence of ocular inflammation after severe intraocular inflammation due to brolucizumab.
Colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma incidence during post-polypectomy surveillance: a national cohort study in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Authors: Sharp Linda , Rutter Matthew D. , Bonnington Stewart N. , Hungin A. Pali S. , Nickerson Claire , Wright Suzanne
Published: April 2023

Background Improved colonoscopy quality has led to debate about whether all post-polypectomy surveillance is justified. We evaluated surveillance within the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) to determine the yield of surveillance and identify predictive factors for surveillance outcome.

Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of individuals undergoing post-polypectomy surveillance between July 2006 and January 2017. BCSP records were linked to the National Cancer Registration Database to identify interval-type post-colonoscopy colorectal cancers (CRCs). Advanced adenoma and CRC at surveillance were documented. CRC incidence was compared with the general population using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Predictors of advanced adenomas at first surveillance (S1), and CRC during follow-up, were identified.

Results 44 151 individuals (23 078 intermediate risk; 21 073 high risk) underwent 64 544 surveillance episodes. Advanced adenoma and CRC yields were, respectively, 10.0 % and 0.5 % at S1, 8.5 % and 0.4 % at S2, and 10.8 % and 0.4 % at S3. S1 yield was lowest in those with one index adenoma ≥ 10 mm (advanced adenoma 6.1 %; CRC 0.3 %). The SIR was 0.76 (95 %CI 0.66–0.88), accounted for by the intermediate risk group (intermediate risk SIR 0.61, 95 %CI 0.49–0.75; high risk SIR 0.95, 95 %CI 0.79–1.15). Adenoma multiplicity, presence of a large nonpedunculated adenoma, and greater villous component were associated with advanced adenoma at S1. Older age and multiplicity were significantly associated with CRC risk.

Conclusion This large, national analysis found low levels of CRC in those undergoing surveillance and low advanced adenoma yield in most subgroups. Less intensive surveillance in some subgroups is warranted, and surveillance may be avoided in those with a single large adenoma.
A Sulfoxide Reagent for Sulfinylative Cross-Coupling
Authors: Saito Fumito
Published: April 2023

I recently documented the strategic use of a sulfoxide reagent as a sulfur monoxide equivalent to enable one-pot, three-component syntheses of sulfoxides and sulfinamides. The sulfoxide reagent donates the SO unit upon the reaction with Grignard reagents (RMgX) as sulfenate anions (RSO–). The anionic sulfur intermediates can be readily transformed into sulfoxides and sulfinamides via trapping with appropriate carbon and nitrogen electrophiles. This Synpacts article highlights my first efforts to establish a general sulfinylative cross-coupling platform.

1 Introduction

2 Development of a Sulfoxide Reagent as a Sulfur Monoxide Equivalent

3 Conclusions and Future Directions
Geographical Variation in the Use of Oral Anticoagulation and Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland
Authors: Frost Lars , Halminen Olli , Lehto Mika , Airaksinen K E. Juhani , Andersson Tomas , Wändell Per , Holzmann Martin , Cordsen Pia , Vinter Nicklas , Johnsen Søren Paaske
Published: April 2023

Background Geographical mapping of variations in the treatment and outcomes of a disease is a valuable tool for identifying inequity. We examined international and intranational variations in initiating oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy and clinical outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Nordic countries. We also tracked real-world trends in initiating OAC and the clinical outcomes.

Methods We conducted a registry-based multinational cohort study of OAC-naive patients with an incident hospital diagnosis of AF in Denmark (N = 61,345), Sweden (N = 124,120), and Finland (N = 59,855) and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥1 in men and ≥2 in women between 2012 and 2017. Initiation of OAC therapy was defined as dispensing at least one prescription between 90 days before and 90 days after the AF diagnosis. Clinical outcomes included ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, intracranial bleeding, other major bleeding, and all-cause mortality.

Results The proportion of patients initiating OAC therapy ranged from 67.7% (95% CI: 67.5–68.0) in Sweden to 69.6% (95% CI: 69.2–70.0) in Finland, with intranational variation. The 1-year risk of stroke varied from 1.9% (95% CI: 1.8–2.0) in Sweden and Finland to 2.3% (95% CI: 2.2–2.4) in Denmark, with intranational variation. The initiation of OAC therapy increased with a preference for direct oral anticoagulants over warfarin. The risk of ischemic stroke decreased with no increase in intracranial and intracerebral bleeding.

Conclusion We documented inter- and intranational variation in initiating OAC therapy and clinical outcomes across Nordic countries. Adherence to structured care of patients with AF could reduce future variation.
Global Research Trends in Endometrial Hyperplasia (2002–2021): A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization Study
Authors: Mina Angeliki
Published: April 2023

Introduction This article quantifies the research contribution related to endometrial hyperplasia (EH).

Materials and Methods We searched the Scopus database in 2002 to 2021.

Results A total of 6,422 were retrieved; 1,906 were open access; 5,602 in English. The number of published papers showed rising productivity over the last 20 years ranging from 261 to 425. There were 5,034 research articles and 1,388 reviews. The most prolific authors were Zullo, F (30), Mirkin, S (28), Archer, DF (27), and Insabato, L (26). The top involved journals were the Gynecologic Oncology Journal (144), European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (114), and International Journal of Gynecological Pathology (105). The United States was the most dominant country, with 1,592 articles, followed by China (601) and Italy (435). The most actively involved institutions were the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (77), followed by Fudan University (63) and Harvard Medical School (62). The top funding sponsors were the National Cancer Institute (178), the National Institutes of Health (177), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (107). The top three most cited articles received 1,182, 746, and 600 citations, respectively.

Conclusion This study defines the prolific researchers, institutions, journals, and countries as a good starting to bridge gaps in research activity.
Deep learning predictions of unsteady aerodynamic loads on an airfoil model pitched over the entire operating range
Authors: Mohamed Ayman , Wood David
Published: April 2023

For the design and certification of wind turbines, it is essential to provide fast and accurate unsteady aerodynamic load prediction models for the whole operational range of angle of attack, up to 180° for vertical-axis and 90° for horizontal-axis wind turbines. This work describes a computationally efficient unsteady forces prediction model based on a deep learning approach, namely the bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) algorithm, for an airfoil pitched over the full operational range of angles of attack up to 180°. No model has been developed to capture the unsteady forces at high angles of attack. Novel features based on operating conditions and the steady polars of the airfoil are used as inputs for the BiLSTM model. Direct measurements of steady and unsteady forces on a NACA 0021 airfoil model were conducted at reduced frequencies up to 0.075 and a Reynolds number of 120 000 in an open-jet wind tunnel for model learning and testing. The unsteady forces vary significantly from the steady values at high pitching amplitudes and post-stall angles, which, if not accounted for when simulating wind turbine performance, would result in inaccurate predictions. Furthermore, measurements revealed the effect of unsteady vorticity development and shedding on aerodynamic forces under forward and reverse flow conditions. The BiLSTM model is capable of capturing the underlying physics of unsteady aerodynamic forces under extreme operating conditions.
Self-assembling paclitaxel-mediated stimulation of tumor-associated macrophages for postoperative treatment of glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Feihu , Huang Qian , Su Hao , Sun Mingjiao , Wang Zeyu , Chen Ziqi , Zheng Mengzhen , Chakroun Rami W. , Monroe Maya K. , Chen Daiqing , Wang Zongyuan , Gorelick Noah , Serra Riccardo , Wang Han , Guan Yun , Suk Jung Soo , Tyler Betty , Brem Henry , Hanes Justin , Cui Honggang
Published: April 2023

The unique cancer-associated immunosuppression in brain, combined with a paucity of infiltrating T cells, contributes to the low response rate and poor treatment outcomes of T cell-based immunotherapy for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, we report on a self-assembling paclitaxel (PTX) filament (PF) hydrogel that stimulates macrophage-mediated immune response for local treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. Our results suggest that aqueous PF solutions containing aCD47 can be directly deposited into the tumor resection cavity, enabling seamless hydrogel filling of the cavity and long-term release of both therapeutics. The PTX PFs elicit an immune-stimulating tumor microenvironment (TME) and thus sensitizes tumor to the aCD47-mediated blockade of the antiphagocytic “don’t eat me” signal, which subsequently promotes tumor cell phagocytosis by macrophages and also triggers an antitumor T cell response. As adjuvant therapy after surgery, this aCD47/PF supramolecular hydrogel effectively suppresses primary brain tumor recurrence and prolongs overall survivals with minimal off-target side effects.
Conditional bribery: Insights from incentivized experiments across 18 nations
Authors: Dorrough Angela Rachael , Köbis Nils , Irlenbusch Bernd , Shalvi Shaul , Glöckner Andreas
Published: April 2023

Bribery, a grand global challenge, often occurs across national jurisdictions. Behavioral research studying bribery to inform anticorruption interventions, however, has merely examined bribery within single nations. Here, we report online experiments and provide insights into crossnational bribery. We ran a pilot study (across three nations) and a large, incentivized experiment using a bribery game played across 18 nations (
N
= 5,582, total number of incentivized decisions = 346,084). The results show that people offer disproportionally more bribes to interaction partners from nations with a high (vs. low) reputation for foreign bribery, measured by macrolevel indicators of corruption perceptions. People widely share nation-specific expectations about a nation’s bribery acceptance levels. However, these nation-specific expectations negatively correlate with actual bribe acceptance levels, suggesting shared yet inaccurate stereotypes about bribery tendencies. Moreover, the interaction partner’s national background (more than one’s own national background) drives people’s decision to offer or accept a bribe—a finding we label
conditional bribery.
Small-molecule targeting of GPCR-independent noncanonical G-protein signaling in cancer
Authors: Zhao Jingyi , DiGiacomo Vincent , Ferreras-Gutierrez Mariola , Dastjerdi Shiva , Ibáñez de Opakua Alain , Park Jong-Chan , Luebbers Alex , Chen Qingyan , Beeler Aaron , Blanco Francisco J. , Garcia-Marcos Mikel
Published: April 2023

Activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins (Gαβγ) by G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a quintessential mechanism of cell signaling widely targeted by clinically approved drugs. However, it has become evident that heterotrimeric G-proteins can also be activated via GPCR-independent mechanisms that remain untapped as pharmacological targets. GIV/Girdin has emerged as a prototypical non-GPCR activator of G proteins that promotes cancer metastasis. Here, we introduce IGGi-11, a first-in-class small-molecule inhibitor of noncanonical activation of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling. IGGi-11 binding to G-protein α-subunits (Gαi) specifically disrupted their engagement with GIV/Girdin, thereby blocking noncanonical G-protein signaling in tumor cells and inhibiting proinvasive traits of metastatic cancer cells. In contrast, IGGi-11 did not interfere with canonical G-protein signaling mechanisms triggered by GPCRs. By revealing that small molecules can selectively disable noncanonical mechanisms of G-protein activation dysregulated in disease, these findings warrant the exploration of therapeutic modalities in G-protein signaling that go beyond targeting GPCRs.
Programmed cell death-1 receptor-mediated regulation of Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
innate lymphoid cells within the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Lim Jing Xuan , Lai Chester Y. , Mallett Grace E. , McDonald David , Hulme Gillian , Laba Stephanie , Shapanis Andrew , Payne Megan , Patterson Warren , Alexander Michael , Coxhead Jonathan , Filby Andrew , Plummer Ruth , Lovat Penny E. , Sciume Giuseppe , Healy Eugene , Amarnath Shoba
Published: April 2023

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play a key role in tissue-mediated immunity and can be controlled by coreceptor signaling. Here, we define a subset of ILCs that are Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
and are present within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We show programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1) expression on ILCs within TME is found in Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
ILCs. PD-1 significantly controlled the proliferation and function of Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
ILCs in multiple murine and human tumors. We found tumor-derived lactate enhanced PD-1 expression on Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
ILCs within the TME, which resulted in dampened the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling along with increased fatty acid uptake. In line with these metabolic changes, PD-1-deficient Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
ILCs expressed significantly increased IFNγ and granzyme B and K. Furthermore, PD-1-deficient Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
ILCs contributed toward diminished tumor growth in an experimental murine model of melanoma. These data demonstrate that PD-1 can regulate antitumor responses of Tbet
+
NK1.1
−
ILCs within the TME.
Parvalbumin interneuron activity drives fast inhibition-induced vasoconstriction followed by slow substance P-mediated vasodilation
Authors: Vo Thanh Tan , Im Geun Ho , Han Kayoung , Suh Minah , Drew Patrick J. , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: April 2023

The role of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in vascular control is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the hemodynamic responses elicited by optogenetic stimulation of PV interneurons using electrophysiology, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), wide-field optical imaging (OIS), and pharmacological applications. As a control, forepaw stimulation was used. Stimulation of PV interneurons in the somatosensory cortex evoked a biphasic fMRI response in the photostimulation site and negative fMRI signals in projection regions. Activation of PV neurons engaged two separable neurovascular mechanisms in the stimulation site. First, an early vasoconstrictive response caused by the PV-driven inhibition is sensitive to the brain state affected by anesthesia or wakefulness. Second, a later ultraslow vasodilation lasting a minute is closely dependent on the sum of interneuron multiunit activities, but is not due to increased metabolism, neural or vascular rebound, or increased glial activity. The ultraslow response is mediated by neuropeptide substance P (SP) released from PV neurons under anesthesia, but disappears during wakefulness, suggesting that SP signaling is important for vascular regulation during sleep. Our findings provide a comprehensive perspective about the role of PV neurons in controlling the vascular response.
Geometry-mediated bridging drives nonadhesive stripe wound healing
Authors: Xu Hongmei , Huo Yucheng , Zhou Quan , Wang Lianghao Abraham , Cai Pingqiang , Doss Bryant , Huang Changjin , Hsia K. Jimmy
Published: April 2023

Wound healing through reepithelialization of gaps is of profound importance to the medical community. One critical mechanism identified by researchers for closing non-cell-adhesive gaps is the accumulation of actin cables around concave edges and the resulting purse-string constriction. However, the studies to date have not separated the gap-edge curvature effect from the gap size effect. Here, we fabricate micropatterned hydrogel substrates with long, straight, and wavy non-cell-adhesive stripes of different gap widths to investigate the stripe edge curvature and stripe width effects on the reepithelialization of Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Our results show that MDCK cell reepithelization is closely regulated by the gap geometry and may occur through different pathways. In addition to purse-string contraction, we identify gap bridging either via cell protrusion or by lamellipodium extension as critical cellular and molecular mechanisms for wavy gap closure. Cell migration in the direction perpendicular to wound front, sufficiently small gap size to allow bridging, and sufficiently high negative curvature at cell bridges for actin cable constriction are necessary/sufficient conditions for gap closure. Our experiments demonstrate that straight stripes rarely induce cell migration perpendicular to wound front, but wavy stripes do; cell protrusion and lamellipodia extension can help establish bridges over gaps of about five times the cell size, but not significantly beyond. Such discoveries deepen our understanding of mechanobiology of cell responses to curvature and help guide development of biophysical strategies for tissue repair, plastic surgery, and better wound management.
Carbon dioxide/bicarbonate is required for sensitive inactivation of mammalian glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Winterbourn Christine C. , Peskin Alexander V. , Kleffmann Torsten , Radi Rafael , Pace Paul E.
Published: April 2023

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) contains an active site Cys and is one of the most sensitive cellular enzymes to oxidative inactivation and redox regulation. Here, we show that inactivation by hydrogen peroxide is strongly enhanced in the presence of carbon dioxide/bicarbonate. Inactivation of isolated mammalian GAPDH by H
2
O
2
increased with increasing bicarbonate concentration and was sevenfold faster in 25 mM (physiological) bicarbonate compared with bicarbonate-free buffer of the same pH. H
2
O
2
reacts reversibly with CO
2
to form a more reactive oxidant, peroxymonocarbonate (HCO
4
−
), which is most likely responsible for the enhanced inactivation. However, to account for the extent of enhancement, we propose that GAPDH must facilitate formation and/or targeting of HCO
4
−
to promote its own inactivation. Inactivation of intracellular GAPDH was also strongly enhanced by bicarbonate: treatment of Jurkat cells with 20 µM H
2
O
2
in 25 mM bicarbonate buffer for 5 min caused almost complete GAPDH inactivation, but no loss of activity when bicarbonate was not present. H
2
O
2
-dependent GAPDH inhibition in bicarbonate buffer was observed even in the presence of reduced peroxiredoxin 2 and there was a significant increase in cellular glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate/dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Our results identify an unrecognized role for bicarbonate in enabling H
2
O
2
to influence inactivation of GAPDH and potentially reroute glucose metabolism from glycolysis to the pentose phosphate pathway and NAPDH production. They also demonstrate what could be wider interplay between CO
2
and H
2
O
2
in redox biology and the potential for variations in CO
2
metabolism to influence oxidative responses and redox signaling.
Marginal specificity in protein interactions constrains evolution of a paralogous family
Authors: Ghose Dia A. , Przydzial Kaitlyn E. , Mahoney Emily M. , Keating Amy E. , Laub Michael T.
Published: April 2023

The evolution of novel functions in biology relies heavily on gene duplication and divergence, creating large paralogous protein families. Selective pressure to avoid detrimental cross-talk often results in paralogs that exhibit exquisite specificity for their interaction partners. But how robust or sensitive is this specificity to mutation? Here, using deep mutational scanning, we demonstrate that a paralogous family of bacterial signaling proteins exhibits marginal specificity, such that many individual substitutions give rise to substantial cross-talk between normally insulated pathways. Our results indicate that sequence space is locally crowded despite overall sparseness, and we provide evidence that this crowding has constrained the evolution of bacterial signaling proteins. These findings underscore how evolution selects for “good enough” rather than optimized phenotypes, leading to restrictions on the subsequent evolution of paralogs.
The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 contributes to ultrasound neuromodulation
Authors: Zhu Jiejun , Xian Quanxiang , Hou Xuandi , Wong Kin Fung , Zhu Tingting , Chen Zihao , He Dongming , Kala Shashwati , Murugappan Suresh , Jing Jianing , Wu Yong , Zhao Xinyi , Li Danni , Guo Jinghui , Qiu Zhihai , Sun Lei
Published: April 2023

Transcranial low-intensity ultrasound is a promising neuromodulation modality, with the advantages of noninvasiveness, deep penetration, and high spatiotemporal accuracy. However, the underlying biological mechanism of ultrasonic neuromodulation remains unclear, hindering the development of efficacious treatments. Here, the well-known Piezo1 was studied through a conditional knockout mouse model as a major mediator for ultrasound neuromodulation ex vivo and in vivo. We showed that Piezo1 knockout (P1KO) in the right motor cortex of mice significantly reduced ultrasound-induced neuronal calcium responses, limb movement, and muscle electromyogram (EMG) responses. We also detected higher Piezo1 expression in the central amygdala (CEA), which was found to be more sensitive to ultrasound stimulation than the cortex was. Knocking out the Piezo1 in CEA neurons showed a significant reduction of response under ultrasound stimulation, while knocking out astrocytic Piezo1 showed no-obvious changes in neuronal responses. Additionally, we excluded an auditory confound by monitoring auditory cortical activation and using smooth waveform ultrasound with randomized parameters to stimulate P1KO ipsilateral and contralateral regions of the same brain and recording evoked movement in the corresponding limb. Thus, we demonstrate that Piezo1 is functionally expressed in different brain regions and that it is an important mediator of ultrasound neuromodulation in the brain, laying the ground for further mechanistic studies of ultrasound.
Responses to English compliments on language ability
Authors: Alharbi Randa Saleh Maine , Strauss Pat , Grant Lynn
Published: April 2023

Employing a cross-generational perspective, this study attempts to deepen our understanding of the politeness
strategies Saudi females use when responding to compliments in English from an English speaker. The study investigated how Saudi
females from two generations respond to compliments in an educational setting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Participants
included sixty-two female undergraduate students and sixty-four female lecturers from one university in the KSA. Following a mixed
methods approach, the study included two primary sources of data: a quantitative Discourse Completion Task questionnaire for
eliciting compliment responses (CRs) from the two generations; and qualitative semi-structured interviews with six participants
from each group. Findings indicate that participants from both groups tended to accept compliments although there was a tendency
to question the sincerity of the compliments.
Millennial identity work in BlablaCar online reviews
Authors: Hernández-López María de la O
Published: April 2023

In the age of Internet communication, car sharing as well as other types of sharing (accommodation, offices, etc.)
has led to the emergence of the so-called sharing economy platforms, such as BlaBlaCar. Previous studies have demonstrated that
millennials (i.e., those born between 1981 and 1999) are the most representative generational cohort regarding their interests in
activities organized around BlaBlaCar and similar sites (Činjarević, Kožo and Berberović
2019). One direct consequence of this fact is that the way in which millennials communicate in this particular affinity
space (Gee 2005; Jenkins 2006) may be highly
informative of their discursive identities (Bucholtz and Hall 2005).

Against this backdrop, this study examines 1,000 online reviews taken from www.BlablaCar.es, in order to, first, understand how millennials conceptualize
their experiences in BlaBlaCar; second, examine how identity emerges through labels and implicatures (Bucholtz and Hall 2005); and third, discuss and understand the relationship between the discourse
identity shaped in BlaBlaCar reviews and millennials’ social identity. The findings reveal that BlaBlaCar reviews are highly
informative of users’ identities and their relational needs. Also, these reviews no longer comply with traditional definitions of
‘consumer reviews’, and a re-conceptualization is needed.
SLE is not a one-size-fits-all disease
Authors: Ehrenstein Michael R. , Shipa Muhammad
Published: April 2023

In this Viewpoint we discuss how experimental medicine applied in the setting of clinical trials can address unmet need in the prototypic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to improve outcomes for patients.
High sensitivity ethanol vapor sensor based on a nematic liquid crystal film embedded optical fiber Sagnac interferometer
Authors: Li Yuxin , Chen Hailiang , Li Hongwei , Fan Xiaoya , Li Baocheng
Published: April 2023

Interferometric optical fiber sensors have become the preferred choice for ethanol vapor detection because of their high sensitivity and figure of merit. However, the response time of interferometric fiber optic ethanol vapor sensors is very long. To address this issue, we experimentally investigated an ethanol vapor sensor based on a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) film embedded optical fiber Sagnac interferometer. The high birefringent NLC film, which worked as the sensing media of ethanol vapor for its absorption of ethanol vapor, was penetrated into the Sagnac ring to generate the spectral interference. The results showed that the measurement sensitivity of ethanol gas concentration reached 2.22 pm ppm−1. The detection range was about 1210 ppm–10 000 ppm. Most importantly, the response time of the proposed sensor is only 15 s. The designed sensor, which showed the advantages of fast response, high sensitivity, and stability, could be a competitive candidate for ethanol vapor sensing.
Lattice instability and magnetic phase transitions in strongly correlated MnAs
Authors: Petkov Valeri , Zafar Adeel , Tadisetti Durga R , Abeykoon Milinda AM
Published: April 2023

Using variable temperature x-ray total scattering in magnetic field, we study the interaction between lattice and magnetic degrees of freedom in MnAs, which loses its ferromagnetic order and hexagonal (‘H’) lattice symmetry at 318 K to recover the latter and become a true paramagnet when the temperature is increased to 400 K. Our results show that the 318 K transition is accompanied by highly anisotropic displacements of Mn atoms that appear as a lattice degree of freedom bridging the ‘H’ and orthorhombic phases of MnAs. This is a rare example of a lowering of an average crystal symmetry due to an increased displacive disorder emerging on heating. Our results also show that magnetic and lattice degrees of freedom appear coupled but not necessarily equivalent control variables for triggering phase transitions in strongly correlated systems in general and in particular in MnAs.
Design and development of cost-effective fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor package
Authors: Khan Raja Yasir Mehmood , Ullah Rahim , Faisal Muhammad
Published: April 2023

A cost-effective fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensor package was designed and developed with two distinct sensing probes and demodulation schemes. U-shaped and capillary shape probes were designed and tested using an optical spectrum analyzer and two different indiginously developed intensity demodulation schemes. The temperature sensitivities were measured as 12.94 ± 0.15 pm °C−1, 11.57 ± 0.12 pm °C−1, and 12.03 ± 0.14 pm °C−1 for a bare FBG and for FBGs encapsulated in the U-shaped and capillary probes, respectively, with negligible hysteresis and a repeatability of 1 °C–3 °C. The performance of the probes was demonstrated by twin-FBG intensity demodulation schemes, the range of which was increased up to 181.50 °C with a resolution of 0.120 °C by the development of a CFBG-FBG intensity demodulation scheme.
El-Numodis: a new tool to model dislocation and surface interactions
Authors: Gonzalez Joa Javier Antonio , Dupuy Laurent , Råback Peter , Fivel Marc , Perez Michel , Amodeo Jonathan
Published: April 2023

While surfaces are known to have a limited impact on the mechanical properties of crystalline materials at the macroscopic scale, they play a key role at small-scale behaving alternatively as sources or sinks of various plastic deformation processes. In this study, we present a new tool called El-Numodis that relies on the superposition method to couple the discrete dislocation dynamics code Numodis to Elmer, an open-source finite-element-modeling tool. After few years of development, El-Numodis allows now for the simulation of small-scale object deformation and mechanical properties based on a large set of surface-related processes including stress-free boundaries, mirrored dislocations and a Monte-Carlo based dislocation nucleation mechanism. Here we present the main features of the code as well as numerical test-cases and benchmarks going from classical boundary value problems to tensile tests on model thin film.
Probe sonication-assisted rapid synthesis of highly fluorescent sulfur quantum dots
Authors: Kadian Sachin , Chaulagain Narendra , Joshi Naveen Narasimhachar , Alam Kazi M , Cui Kai , Shankar Karthik , Manik Gaurav , Narayan Roger J
Published: April 2023

A new type of heavy-metal free single-element nanomaterial, called sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), has gained significant attention due to its advantages over traditional semiconductor QDs for several biomedical and optoelectronic applications. A straightforward and rapid synthesis approach for preparing highly fluorescent SQDs is needed to utilize this nanomaterial for technological applications. Until now, only a few synthesis approaches have been reported; however, these approaches are associated with long reaction times and low quantum yields (QY). Herein, we propose a novel optimized strategy to synthesize SQDs using a mix of probe sonication and heating, which reduces the reaction time usually needed from 125 h to a mere 15 min. The investigation employs cavitation and vibration effects of high energy acoustic waves to break down the bulk sulfur into nano-sized particles in the presence of highly alkaline medium and oleic acid. In contrast to previous reports, the obtained SQDs exhibited excellent aqueous solubility, desirable photostability, and a relatively high photoluminescence QY up to 10.4% without the need of any post-treatment. Additionally, the as-synthesized SQDs show excitation-dependent emission and excellent stability in different pH (2–12) and temperature (20 °C–80 °C) environments. Hence, this strategy opens a new pathway for rapid synthesis of SQDs and may facilitate the use of these materials for biomedical and optoelectronic applications.