bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appetitive traits and food groups consumption in school-aged children: prospective associations from the Generation XXI birth cohort
Authors: Ferreira Pedro , Warkentin Sarah , Oliveira Andreia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Appetite can influence children’s dietary choices; however, this relationship in school-aged children is still unclear. We aimed to explore the prospective associations between child appetitive traits at age 7 and food consumption at 10 years of age.

Methods

The study included 3860 children from the Generation XXI birth cohort, recruited in 2005/2006 in Porto, Portugal. The Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire was used to evaluate children’s appetitive traits at 7 years. Food consumption was measured at 10 years through a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Logistic regression models were performed and adjusted for possible confounders.

Results

Children with greater Enjoyment of Food at 7 years were 36% more likely to eat fruits ≥ 2 times/day and 54% more likely to eat vegetables > 2.5 times/day at 10 years compared to those with less frequent consumption. Children who ate more in response to negative emotions had higher odds of consuming energy-dense foods (OR = 1.33; 99% CI 1.13–1.58) and salty snacks (OR = 1.28; 99% CI 1.08–1.51) 3 years later. Those with less ability to adjust intake (higher Satiety Responsiveness) and more selective about foods (higher Food Fussiness) at 7 years were less likely to consume vegetables frequently, and were more likely to consume energy-dense foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Conclusions

Children’s appetitive traits at 7 years were associated with the consumption of several food groups at 10 years of age. Eating more in response to negative emotions (Emotional Eating), with less ability to adjust intake (Satiety Responsiveness) and more food selectivity (Food Fussiness) were associated with worse dietary choices (in general, lower fruit and vegetables, and higher energy-dense foods and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption).

Level of evidence

Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Frailty and post-operative delirium influence on functional status in patients with hip fracture: the GIOG 2.0 study
Authors: Gandossi Chiara Maria , Zambon Antonella , Ferrara Maria Cristina , Tassistro Elena , Castoldi Giuseppe , Colombo Francesca , Mussi Chiara , Martini Emilio , Sergi Giuseppe , Coin Alessandra , Zatti Giovanni , Trevisan Caterina , Volpato Stefano , Ungar Andrea , Bellelli Giuseppe ,   GIOG 2.0 Study Group, Società Italiana di Gerontologia e Geriatria (SIGG), Lunardelli Maria Lia , Benvenuti Enrico , Maggi Stefania , Pilotto Alberto , Barone Antonella , Zurlo Amedeo , Pizzonia Monica , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Residori Luigi , Cena Paola , Mazzola Paolo , Corsi Maurizio , Greco Alessio , Galluccio Riccardo , Riccò Alice , Molteni Luca , Poli Andrea , Bendini Chiara , Ceccofiglio Alice , Rubbieri Gaia , Mannarino Giulio , Cartei Alessandro , Barghini Eleonora , Del Lungo Ilaria , Tognelli Silvia , Bandinelli Chiara , Venturelli Giulia , Cella Alberto , Ceolin Chiara , Haxhiaj Labjona , Laudisio Alice , Residori Luigi , Bonetto Martina , Valsecchi Maria Grazia
Published: August 2023

Background

This study analyzes the effect of frailty and Post-Operative Delirium (POD) on the functional status at hospital discharge and at 4-month follow-up in patients with hip fracture (HF).

Methods

Multicenter prospective observational study of older patients with HF admitted to 12 Italian Orthogeriatric centers (July 2019-August 2022). POD was assessed using the 4AT. A 26-item Frailty Index (FI) was created using data collected on admission. The outcome measures were Cumulated Ambulation Score (CAS) ≤ 2 at discharge and a telephone-administered CAS ≤ 2 after 4 months. Poisson regression models were used to assess the effect of frailty and POD on outcomes.

Results

984 patients (median age 84 years, IQR = 79–89) were recruited: 480 (48.7%) were frail at admission, 311 (31.6%) developed POD, and 158 (15.6%) had both frailty and POD. In a robust Poisson regression, frailty alone (Relative Risk, RR = 1.56, 95% Confidence Intervals, CI 1.19–2.04, p = 0.001) and its combination with POD (RR = 2.57, 95% CI 2.02–3.26, p < 0.001) were associated with poor functional status at discharge. At 4-month follow-up, the combination of frailty with POD (RR 3.65, 95% CI 1.85–7.2, p < 0.001) increased the risk of poor outcome more than frailty alone (RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.21–4.66, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

POD development exacerbates the negative effect that frailty exerts on functional outcomes in HF patients.
Application of laboratory-based rate of penetration model for polycrystalline diamond compact bit to geothermal well drilling
Authors: Miyazaki Kuniyuki , Takehara Takashi , Tsuduki Masatoshi
Published: August 2023

The modeling of the rate of penetration (ROP) considering the degradation of drilling performance owing to bit wear is essential for planning efficient and economical drilling. In the present study, a laboratory-based ROP model for a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit is reviewed and the applicability of the model to the field data obtained in the four drilling tests performed by drilling structural boring wells in geothermal regions is investigated. It is validated that, on the whole, a parameter representing bit performance exponentially decreased with drilled length, suggesting that the decrease in ROP owing to bit wear is appropriately considered by the model, except when inherent performance of a PDC bit is not sufficiently exerted for some reason, e.g., inefficient transport of cuttings. The findings of the present study are expected to contribute to the optimization of drilling plans, including appropriate bit selection and bit life estimation.
New developments in sunscreens
Authors: Aguilera José , Gracia-Cazaña Tamara , Gilaberte Yolanda
Published: August 2023

Topical sunscreen application is one of the most important photoprotection tool to prevent sun damaging effects in human skin at the short and long term. Although its efficacy and cosmeticity have significantly improved in recent years, a better understanding of the biological and clinical effects of longer wavelength radiation, such as long ultraviolet A (UVA I) and blue light, has driven scientists and companies to search for effective and safe filters and substances to protect against these newly identified forms of radiation. New technologies have sought to imbue sunscreen with novel properties, such as the reduction of calorific radiation. Cutaneous penetration by sunscreens can also be reduced using hydrogels or nanocrystals that envelop the filters, or by binding filters to nanocarriers such as alginate microparticles, cyclodextrins, and methacrylate polymers. Finally, researchers have looked to nature as a source of healthier products, such as plant products (e.g., mycosporines, scytonemin, and various flavonoids) and even fungal and bacterial melanin, which could potentially be used as substitutes or enhancers of current filters.

Graphical abstract
Investigation of the Causal Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and COVID-19: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Xiao Zhihan , Qian Yawei , Liu Yi , Huang Lifeng , Si Mingxuan , Wang Zichen , Zhang Tongyu , Chen Xiru , Cao Jing , Chen Liang , Liu Yang , Liu Weicheng , Xu Jing
Published: August 2023

Association between alcohol intake and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk has been explored in several observational studies, but the results are still controversial. These associations may be biased by reverse causation or confounded by other environmental exposures. To avoid potential biases, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) method to evaluate whether alcohol intake is the causal risk factor for COVID-19. Two-sample MR analyses were performed utilizing summary data from the UK Biobank with 38,984 COVID-19 patients and 1,644,784 control participants. Both inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and genetic risk score (GRS) methods were applied to estimate the relationship including COVID-19 vs. general population, hospitalized COVID-19 vs. not hospitalized COVID-19, hospitalized COVID-19 vs. general population, and severe COVID-19 vs. general population. Additionally, we conducted various sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of assumptions on the findings and ensure the robustness of the results. Using 80 single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables, we found that alcohol intake was not significantly associated with the occurrence of COVID-19 in both IVW and GRS methods (IVW: beta = 0.0372; 95% CI − 0.1817 to 0.2561; P = 0.74; GRS: beta = 0.0372, 95% CI − 0.1737 to 0.2481, P = 0.73). Furthermore, similar results were also observed in comparison hospitalized COVID-19 with not hospitalized COVID-19 (IVW: beta = − 0.3625; 95% CI − 1.4151 to 0.6900; P = 0.50; GRS: beta = − 0.3625, 95% CI − 1.3633 to 0.6383, P = 0.48), hospitalized COVID-19 with general population (IVW: beta = − 0.1203; 95% CI − 0.5997 to 0.3591; P = 0.62; GRS: beta = − 0.1203, 95% CI − 0.5352 to 0.2946, P = 0.57), and severe COVID-19 with general population (IVW: beta = 0.2963; 95% CI − 0.3682 to 0.9607; P = 0.38; GRS: beta = 0.2963, 95% CI − 0.3240 to 0.9166, P = 0.35). Besides, the heterogeneity and sensitivity tests suggested absence of bias due to pleiotropy. Our results highlight no evidence to support the causal role of alcohol consumption in COVID-19 risk. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to replicate our findings.
Nund Rishi
Authors: Bazaz Abir
Published: August 2023

Nund Rishi (1378–1440) is considered one of the most important Sufi poets from Kashmir. He is revered as the 'flag-bearer of Kashmir' ('Alamdār-e Kashmir), and his poems draw upon the hyperlocal imagery of the Kashmiri literary universe. Despite his popular status as a spiritual successor of Lal Ded, Nund Rishi's poetry has received next to no attention in modern scholarship. This book embodies Abir Bazaz's enduring engagement with the poetic corpus of Nund Rishi. By unpacking the cryptic philosophical and philological riddles in the poems, Bazaz unearths a negative theology in Nund Rishi's mystical poetry. He argues convincingly that the themes of Islam, Death, the Nothing and the Apocalyptic in these poems reveal an existential politics. Bazaz further suggests that the apophatic style of Nund Rishi's poems is in turn mirrored in mystical poetry across South Asia and the larger Indo-Persian world.
Bedfordshire Churches in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Cirket Alan F. , Underwood Andrew , Buck Anne , Cashman Bernard , Chapman Colin , Baker David , Bushby David , Welch Edwin , Moser Elizabeth , Stockdale Eric , Wellenreuther Herman , Collett-White James , McGregor Margaret , Marks Richard , Wildman Richard , Houfe Simon , Woods Sylvia
Published: August 2023

Three volumes of detailed description of Bedfordshire parish churches, presented with text from five important nineteenth-century sources; Appendices and Index complete the set.
Bedfordshire Clock and Watchmakers 1352-1880
Authors: Pickford Chris
Published: August 2023

The dictionary is preceded by an introduction on timekeeping and the history of clock- and watchmaking in Bedfordshire. Extracts are included from a selection of documents to illustrate the sources used in compiling the dictionary. They range over advertisements, Bedfordshire Quarter Sessions' records, bills and customers' financial accounts, churchwardens' accounts, clubs, insurance records and settlement examinations.

The biographical dictionary provides family details, apprenticeships, places of work and examples of the person's work, amongst much other information. Here will be found information about Thomas Tompion from Northill 'widely regarded as the greatest English clockmaker'.

Appendices list the places of work in Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties of clock- and watchmakers (with a map) and of apprentices to the trade 1631-1881.
Precisely Synced Clocks Pave the Way for New Science
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: August 2023

Researchers working on Hawaiian mountain tops precisely synchronized two clocks with unprecedented efficiency, demonstrating the potential to create networks of such clocks for geodesy and more.
Drought Leads to More Fossil Fuel Emissions
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: August 2023

Hydropower lost in one area is often replaced by fossil fuel power produced elsewhere—and renewable energy sources may struggle to meet electricity demands caused by more frequent dry spells.
Loss of Pkd1 limits susceptibility to colitis and colorectal cancer
Authors: Nikonova Anna S. , Deneka Alexander Y. , Silva Flaviane N. , Pirestani Shabnam , Tricarico Rossella , Kiseleva Anna A. , Zhou Yan , Nicolas Emmanuelle , Flieder Douglas B. , Grivennikov Sergei I. , Golemis Erica A.
Published: August 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with an annual incidence of ~135,000 in the US, associated with ~50,000 deaths. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), associated with mutations disabling the PKD1 gene, affects as many as 1 in 1000. Intriguingly, some studies have suggested that individuals with germline mutations in PKD1 have reduced incidence of CRC, suggesting a genetic modifier function. Using mouse models, we here establish that loss of Pkd1 greatly reduces CRC incidence and tumor growth induced by loss of the tumor suppressor Apc. Growth of Pkd1−/−;Apc−/− organoids was reduced relative to Apc−/− organoids, indicating a cancer cell-intrinsic activity, even though Pkd1 loss enhanced activity of pro-oncogenic signaling pathways. Notably, Pkd1 loss increased colon barrier function, with Pkd1-deficient animals resistant to DSS-induced colitis, associated with upregulation of claudins that decrease permeability, and reduced T cell infiltration. Notably, Pkd1 loss caused greater sensitivity to activation of CFTR, a tumor suppressor in CRC, paralleling signaling relations in ADPKD. Overall, these data and other data suggest germline and somatic mutations in PKD1 may influence incidence, presentation, and treatment response in human CRC and other pathologies involving the colon.
Cannabidiol-induced crosstalk of apoptosis and macroautophagy in colorectal cancer cells involves p53 and Hsp70
Authors: Wang Fei , Dezfouli Ali Bashiri , Khosravi Mohammad , Sievert Wolfgang , Stangl Stefan , Schwab Melissa , Wu Zhiyuan , Steiger Katja , Ma Hu , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: August 2023

Although it has been established that cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, exerts antitumoral activities, the exact mechanism(s) via which tumor cells are killed by CBD are not well understood. This study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of CBD-induced mutual antagonism of apoptosis and macroautophagy using wild type (HCT116 p53wt, LS174T p53wt), knockout (HCT116 p53−/−) and mutant (SW480 p53mut) human colorectal cancer cells (CRC). CBD causes a more pronounced loss in the viability of p53wt cells than p53−/− and p53mut cells, and a 5-week treatment with CBD reduced the volume of HCT116 p53wt xenografts in mice, but had no effect on the volume of HCT116 p53−/− tumors. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that CBD only significantly elevates ROS production in cells harboring wild-type p53 (HCT116, LS174T) and that this is associated with an accumulation of PARP1. CBD-induced elevated ROS levels trigger G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, a reduction in CDK2, a p53-dependent caspase-8/9/3 activation and macroautophagy in p53wt cells. The ROS-induced macroautophagy which promotes the activation of keap1/Nrf2 pathway might be positively regulated by p53wt, since inhibition of p53 by pifithrin-α further attenuates autophagy after CBD treatment. Interestingly, an inhibition of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression significantly enhances caspase-3 mediated programmed cell death in p53wt cells, whereas autophagy—which is associated with a nuclear translocation of Nrf2—was blocked. Taken together, our results demonstrate an intricate interplay between apoptosis and macroautophagy in CBD-treated colorectal cancer cells, which is regulated by the complex interactions of p53wt and Hsp70.
Loss of Paip1 causes translation reduction and induces apoptotic cell death through ISR activation and Xrp1
Authors: Xue Maoguang , Cong Fei , Zheng Wanling , Xu Ruoqing , Liu Xiaoyu , Bao Hongcun , Sung Ying Ying , Xi Yongmei , He Feng , Ma Jun , Yang Xiaohang , Ge Wanzhong
Published: August 2023

Regulation of protein translation initiation is tightly associated with cell growth and survival. Here, we identify Paip1, the Drosophila homolog of the translation initiation factor PAIP1, and analyze its role during development. Through genetic analysis, we find that loss of Paip1 causes reduced protein translation and pupal lethality. Furthermore, tissue specific knockdown of Paip1 results in apoptotic cell death in the wing imaginal disc. Paip1 depletion leads to increased proteotoxic stress and activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway. Mechanistically, we show that loss of Paip1 promotes phosphorylation of eIF2α via the kinase PERK, leading to apoptotic cell death. Moreover, Paip1 depletion upregulates the transcription factor gene Xrp1, which contributes to apoptotic cell death and eIF2α phosphorylation. We further show that loss of Paip1 leads to an increase in Xrp1 translation mediated by its 5’UTR. These findings uncover a novel mechanism that links translation impairment to tissue homeostasis and establish a role of ISR activation and Xrp1 in promoting cell death.
Inhibition of EZH2 alleviates SAHA-induced senescence-associated secretion phenotype in small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Kong Sun-Hyok , Ma Lie , Yuan Qingxia , Liu Xiangxiang , Han Yu , Xiang Weifang , Liu Dong-Xu , Zhang Yu , Lu Jun
Published: August 2023

Chemotherapy has been widely used in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatment in the past decades. However, SCLC is easy to recur after chemotherapy. The senescence of cancer cells during chemotherapy is one of the effective therapeutic strategies to inhibit the progression of cancer. Nevertheless, the senescence-associated secretion phenotype (SASP) promotes chronic inflammation of the cancer microenvironment and further accelerates the progression of tumors. Therefore, inducing the senescence of cancer cells and inhibiting the production of SASP factors during anticancer treatment have become effective therapeutic strategies to improve the anticancer effect of drugs. Here we reported that SCLC cells treated with an FDA-approved HDAC inhibitor SAHA underwent senescence and displayed remarkable SASP. In particular, SAHA promoted the formation of cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCFs) in SCLC cells. The increased CCFs in SAHA-treated SCLC cells were related to nuclear porin Tpr, which activated the cGAS-STING pathway, and promoted the secretion of SASP in cancer cells. Inhibition of EZH2 suppressed the increase of CCFs in SAHA-treated SCLC cells, weakened the production of SASP, and increased the antiproliferative effect of SAHA. Overall, our work affords new insight into the secretion of SASP in SCLC and establishes a foundation for constructing a new therapeutic strategy for SCLC patients.
Multi-PGS enhances polygenic prediction by combining 937 polygenic scores
Authors: Albiñana Clara , Zhu Zhihong , Schork Andrew J. , Ingason Andrés , Aschard Hugues , Brikell Isabell , Bulik Cynthia M. , Petersen Liselotte V. , Agerbo Esben , Grove Jakob , Nordentoft Merete , Hougaard David M. , Werge Thomas , Børglum Anders D. , Mortensen Preben Bo , McGrath John J. , Neale Benjamin M. , Privé Florian , Vilhjálmsson Bjarni J.
Published: August 2023

The predictive performance of polygenic scores (PGS) is largely dependent on the number of samples available to train the PGS. Increasing the sample size for a specific phenotype is expensive and takes time, but this sample size can be effectively increased by using genetically correlated phenotypes. We propose a framework to generate multi-PGS from thousands of publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with no need to individually select the most relevant ones. In this study, the multi-PGS framework increases prediction accuracy over single PGS for all included psychiatric disorders and other available outcomes, with prediction R2 increases of up to 9-fold for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder compared to a single PGS. We also generate multi-PGS for phenotypes without an existing GWAS and for case-case predictions. We benchmark the multi-PGS framework against other methods and highlight its potential application to new emerging biobanks.
Acoustic microbubble propulsion, train-like assembly and cargo transport
Authors: Janiak Jakub , Li Yuyang , Ferry Yann , Doinikov Alexander A. , Ahmed Daniel
Published: August 2023

Achieving controlled mobility of microparticles in viscous fluids can become pivotal in biologics, biotechniques, and biomedical applications. The self-assembly, trapping, and transport of microparticles are being explored in active matter, micro and nanorobotics, and microfluidics; however, little work has been done in acoustics, particularly in active matter and robotics. This study reports the discovery and characterization of microbubble behaviors in a viscous gel that is confined to a slight opening between glass boundaries in an acoustic field. Where incident waves encounter a narrow slit, acoustic pressure is amplified, causing the microbubbles to nucleate and cavitate within it. Intermittent activation transforms microbubbles from spherical to ellipsoidal, allowing them to be trapped within the interstice. Continuous activation propels ellipsoidal microbubbles through shape and volume modes that is developed at their surfaces. Ensembles of microbubbles self-assemble into a train-like arrangement, which in turn capture, transport, and release microparticles.
The NAC transcription factors SNAP1/2/3/4 are central regulators mediating high nitrogen responses in mature nodules of soybean
Authors: Wang Xin , Qiu Zhimin , Zhu Wenjun , Wang Nan , Bai Mengyan , Kuang Huaqin , Cai Chenlin , Zhong Xiangbin , Kong Fanjiang , Lü Peitao , Guan Yuefeng
Published: August 2023

Legumes can utilize atmospheric nitrogen via symbiotic nitrogen fixation, but this process is inhibited by high soil inorganic nitrogen. So far, how high nitrogen inhibits N2 fixation in mature nodules is still poorly understood. Here we construct a co-expression network in soybean nodule and find that a dynamic and reversible transcriptional network underlies the high N inhibition of N2 fixation. Intriguingly, several NAC transcription factors (TFs), designated as Soybean Nitrogen Associated NAPs (SNAPs), are amongst the most connected hub TFs. The nodules of snap1/2/3/4 quadruple mutants show less sensitivity to the high nitrogen inhibition of nitrogenase activity and acceleration of senescence. Integrative analysis shows that these SNAP TFs largely influence the high nitrogen transcriptional response through direct regulation of a subnetwork of senescence-associated genes and transcriptional regulators. We propose that the SNAP-mediated transcriptional network may trigger nodule senescence in response to high nitrogen.
Combined PD-L1/TGFβ blockade allows expansion and differentiation of stem cell-like CD8 T cells in immune excluded tumors
Authors: Castiglioni Alessandra , Yang Yagai , Williams Katherine , Gogineni Alvin , Lane Ryan S. , Wang Amber W. , Shyer Justin A. , Zhang Zhe , Mittman Stephanie , Gutierrez Alan , Astarita Jillian L. , Thai Minh , Hung Jeffrey , Yang Yeqing Angela , Pourmohamad Tony , Himmels Patricia , De Simone Marco , Elstrott Justin , Capietto Aude-Hélène , Cubas Rafael , Modrusan Zora , Sandoval Wendy , Ziai James , Gould Stephen E. , Fu Wenxian , Wang Yulei , Koerber James T. , Sanjabi Shomyseh , Mellman Ira , Turley Shannon J. , Müller Sören
Published: August 2023

TGFβ signaling is associated with non-response to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced cancers, particularly in the immune-excluded phenotype. While previous work demonstrates that converting tumors from excluded to inflamed phenotypes requires attenuation of PD-L1 and TGFβ signaling, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that TGFβ and PD-L1 restrain intratumoral stem cell-like CD8 T cell (TSCL) expansion and replacement of progenitor-exhausted and dysfunctional CD8 T cells with non-exhausted T effector cells in the EMT6 tumor model in female mice. Upon combined TGFβ/PD-L1 blockade IFNγhiCD8 T effector cells show enhanced motility and accumulate in the tumor. Ensuing IFNγ signaling transforms myeloid, stromal, and tumor niches to yield an immune-supportive ecosystem. Blocking IFNγ abolishes the anti-PD-L1/anti-TGFβ therapy efficacy. Our data suggest that TGFβ works with PD-L1 to prevent TSCLexpansion and replacement of exhausted CD8 T cells, thereby maintaining the T cell compartment in a dysfunctional state.
Neurexin-3 subsynaptic densities are spatially distinct from Neurexin-1 and essential for excitatory synapse nanoscale organization in the hippocampus
Authors: Lloyd Brian A , Han Ying , Roth Rebecca , Zhang Bo , Aoto Jason
Published: August 2023

Proteins critical for synaptic transmission are non-uniformly distributed and assembled into regions of high density called subsynaptic densities (SSDs) that transsynaptically align in nanocolumns. Neurexin-1 and neurexin-3 are essential presynaptic adhesion molecules that non-redundantly control NMDAR- and AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission, respectively, via transsynaptic interactions with distinct postsynaptic ligands. Despite their functional relevance, fundamental questions regarding the nanoscale properties of individual neurexins, their influence on the subsynaptic organization of excitatory synapses and the mechanisms controlling how individual neurexins engage in precise transsynaptic interactions are unknown. Using Double Helix 3D dSTORM and neurexin mouse models, we identify neurexin-3 as a critical presynaptic adhesion molecule that regulates excitatory synapse nano-organization in hippocampus. Furthermore, endogenous neurexin-1 and neurexin-3 form discrete and non-overlapping SSDs that are enriched opposite their postsynaptic ligands. Thus, the nanoscale organization of neurexin-1 and neurexin-3 may explain how individual neurexins signal in parallel to govern different synaptic properties.
A rare case of brominated small molecule acceptors for high-efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Liang Huazhe , Bi Xingqi , Chen Hongbin , He Tengfei , Lin Yi , Zhang Yunxin , Ma Kangqiao , Feng Wanying , Ma Zaifei , Long Guankui , Li Chenxi , Kan Bin , Zhang Hongtao , Rakitin Oleg A. , Wan Xiangjian , Yao Zhaoyang , Chen Yongsheng
Published: August 2023

Given that bromine possesses similar properties but extra merits of easily synthesizing and polarizing comparing to homomorphic fluorine and chlorine, it is quite surprising very rare high-performance brominated small molecule acceptors have been reported. This may be caused by undesirable film morphologies stemming from relatively larger steric hindrance and excessive crystallinity of bromides. To maximize the advantages of bromides while circumventing weaknesses, three acceptors (CH20, CH21 and CH22) are constructed with stepwise brominating on central units rather than conventional end groups, thus enhancing intermolecular packing, crystallinity and dielectric constant of them without damaging the favorable intermolecular packing through end groups. Consequently, PM6:CH22-based binary organic solar cells render the highest efficiency of 19.06% for brominated acceptors, more excitingly, a record-breaking efficiency of 15.70% when further thickening active layers to ~500 nm. By exhibiting such a rare high-performance brominated acceptor, our work highlights the great potential for achieving record-breaking organic solar cells through delicately brominating.
Active-feedback quantum control of an integrated low-frequency mechanical resonator
Authors: Guo Jingkun , Chang Jin , Yao Xiong , Gröblacher Simon
Published: August 2023

Preparing a massive mechanical resonator in a state with quantum limited motional energy provides a promising platform for studying fundamental physics with macroscopic systems and allows to realize a variety of applications, including precise sensing. While several demonstrations of such ground-state cooled systems have been achieved, in particular in sideband-resolved cavity optomechanics, for many systems overcoming the heating from the thermal bath remains a major challenge. In contrast, optomechanical systems in the sideband-unresolved limit are much easier to realize due to the relaxed requirements on their optical properties, and the possibility to use a feedback control schemes to reduce the motional energy. The achievable thermal occupation is ultimately limited by the correlation between the measurement precision and the back-action from the measurement. Here, we demonstrate measurement-based feedback cooling on a fully integrated optomechanical device fabricated using a pick-and-place method, operating in the deep sideband-unresolved limit. With the large optomechanical interaction and a low thermal decoherence rate, we achieve a minimal average phonon occupation of 0.76 when pre-cooled with liquid helium and 3.5 with liquid nitrogen. Significant sideband asymmetry for both bath temperatures verifies the quantum character of the mechanical motion. Our method and device are ideally suited for sensing applications directly operating at the quantum limit, greatly simplifying the operation of an optomechanical system in this regime.
Self-supervised learning with application for infant cerebellum segmentation and analysis
Authors: Sun Yue , Wang Limei , Gao Kun , Ying Shihui , Lin Weili , Humphreys Kathryn L. , Li Gang , Niu Sijie , Liu Mingxia , Wang Li
Published: August 2023

Accurate tissue segmentation is critical to characterize early cerebellar development in the first two postnatal years. However, challenges in tissue segmentation arising from tightly-folded cortex, low and dynamic tissue contrast, and large inter-site data heterogeneity have limited our understanding of early cerebellar development. In this paper, we propose an accurate self-supervised learning framework for infant cerebellum segmentation. We validate its accuracy using 358 subjects from three datasets. Our results suggest the first six months exhibit the most rapid and dynamic changes, with gray matter (GM) playing a dominant role in cerebellar growth over white matter (WM). We also find both GM and WM volumes are larger in males than females, and GM and WM volumes are larger in autistic males than neurotypical males. Application of our method to a larger population will fuel more cerebellar studies, ultimately advancing our comprehension of its structure and function in neurotypical and disordered development.
Design of mechanical-robust phosphorescence materials through covalent click reaction
Authors: Tian Rui , Gao Shuo , Li Kaitao , Lu Chao
Published: August 2023

It remains a great challenge to engineer materials with strong and stable interactions for the simultaneously mechanical-robust and room temperature phosphorescence-efficient materials. In this work, we demonstrate a covalent cross-linking strategy to engineer mechanical-robust room temperature phosphorescence materials through the B–O click reaction between chromophores, polyvinyl alcohol matrix and inorganic layered double hydroxide nanosheets. Through the covalent cross-linkage between the organic polyvinyl alcohol and inorganic layered double hydroxide, a polymeric composite with ultralong lifetime up to 1.45 s is acquired based on the inhibited non-radiative transition of chromophores. Simultaneously, decent mechanical strength of 97.9 MPa can be realized for the composite materials due to the dissipated loading stress through the covalent-bond-accommodated interfacial interaction. These cross-linked composites also exhibit flexibility, processability, scalability and phosphorescence responses towards the mechanical deformation. It is anticipated that the proposed covalent click reaction could provide a platform for the design and modulation of composites with multi-functionality and long-term durability.
Ab initio-based metric for predicting the protectiveness of surface films in aqueous media
Authors: Gorelik Rachel , Singh Arunima K.
Published: August 2023

Materials can passivate by forming surface films when placed in aqueous media. However, these films may or may not be stable, and their stability can be predicted by a metric called the Pilling-Bedworth Ratio (PBR). In this article, we extend PBR to predict passivation protectiveness of multi-component materials. We then evaluate this PBR (ePBR)’s effectiveness by comparing its predictions against experimental studies of 21 multi-element materials of diverse chemistries, with agreement for 17 of the materials. Finally, we encode the methodology to compute ePBR in a web-application to predict the protectiveness of 140,000+ materials in the Materials Project database.
ReCANVo: A database of real-world communicative and affective nonverbal vocalizations
Authors: Johnson Kristina T. , Narain Jaya , Quatieri Thomas , Maes Pattie , Picard Rosalind W.
Published: August 2023

Nonverbal vocalizations, such as sighs, grunts, and yells, are informative expressions within typical verbal speech. Likewise, individuals who produce 0–10 spoken words or word approximations (“minimally speaking” individuals) convey rich affective and communicative information through nonverbal vocalizations even without verbal speech. Yet, despite their rich content, little to no data exists on the vocal expressions of this population. Here, we present ReCANVo: Real-World Communicative and Affective Nonverbal Vocalizations - a novel dataset of non-speech vocalizations labeled by function from minimally speaking individuals. The ReCANVo database contains over 7000 vocalizations spanning communicative and affective functions from eight minimally speaking individuals, along with communication profiles for each participant. Vocalizations were recorded in real-world settings and labeled in real-time by a close family member who knew the communicator well and had access to contextual information while labeling. ReCANVo is a novel database of nonverbal vocalizations from minimally speaking individuals, the largest available dataset of nonverbal vocalizations, and one of the only affective speech datasets collected amidst daily life across contexts.
GRAPE: A multi-modal dataset of longitudinal follow-up visual field and fundus images for glaucoma management
Authors: Huang Xiaoling , Kong Xiangyin , Shen Ziyan , Ouyang Jing , Li Yunxiang , Jin Kai , Ye Juan
Published: August 2023

As one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, glaucoma is characterized by structural damage and functional loss. Glaucoma patients often have a long follow-up and prognosis prediction is an important part in treatment. However, existing public glaucoma datasets are almost cross-sectional, concentrating on segmentation on optic disc (OD) and glaucoma diagnosis. With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the deep learning model can already provide accurate prediction of future visual field (VF) and its progression with the support of longitudinal datasets. Here, we proposed a public longitudinal glaucoma real-world appraisal progression ensemble (GRAPE) dataset. The GRAPE dataset contains 1115 follow-up records from 263 eyes, with VFs, fundus images, OCT measurements and clinical information, and OD segmentation and VF progression are annotated. Two baseline models demonstrated the feasibility in prediction of VF and its progression. This dataset will advance AI research in glaucoma management.
Immobilization of α-transglucosidase on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles and its application for production of isomaltooligosaccharide from the potato peel
Authors: Maurya Rohit , Ali Usman , Kaul Sunaina , Bhaiyya Raja , Singh Ravindra Pal , Mazumder Koushik
Published: August 2023

In this study, the production of isomaltooligosaccharide from potato peel starch was carried out in three steps: liquefaction, saccharification, and transglucosylation. Further, cloning α-transglucosidase gene from Aspergillus niger (GH31 family), transforming into E. coli BL21 (DE3), overexpressing and purifying the resulting protein for the production of α-transglucosidase. The generated α-transglucosidase was then bound with magnetic nanoparticles, which improved reusability up to 5 cycles with more than 60% activity. All the modifications were characterized using the following methods: Fourier transform infra-red analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis. Further, the optimum conditions for transglucosylation were determined by RSM as follows: enzyme-to-substrate ratio 6.9 U g−1, reaction time 9 h, temperature 45 °C, and pH 5.5 with a yield of 70 g l−1 (± 2.1). MALDI-TOF–MS analysis showed DP of the IMOs in ranges of 2–10. The detailed structural characterization of isomaltooligosaccharide by GC–MS and NMR suggested the α-(1 → 4) and α-(1 → 6)-D-Glcp residues as major constituents along with minor α-(1 → 2) and α-(1 → 3) -D-Glcp residues.
Integrating data from asymmetric multi-models can identify drought-resistant groundnut genotypes for drought hot-spot locations
Authors: Ajay B. C. , Kumar Narendra , Kona Praveen , Gangadhar K. , Rani Kirti , Rajanna G. A. , Bera S. K.
Published: August 2023

Water/drought stress experiments are frequently conducted under imposed stress or rainout shelters, while natural drought hot-spot investigations are rare. The “drought hot spot” in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, is appropriate for drought stress evaluation due to its hot, arid environment, limited rainfall, with over 50% rainfall variability. According to reports, 30 out of 200 groundnut cultivars in India are supposed to possess drought-tolerant characteristics. However, these cultivars are yet to be evaluated in areas that are prone to drought. This study tested these drought-tolerant genotypes in naturally drought-prone areas of Anantapur under rainfed conditions from Kharif 2017 to 2019. Pod yield and rainfall-use-efficiency (RUE) were measured for these genotypes. Genotype and genotype*environment interactions affected pod yield and RUE (GEI). The AMMI model exhibits significant season-to-season variability within the same area with environmental vectors > 90° angles. GGE biplot suggested the 2018 wet season for drought-resistant cultivar identification. Kadiri5 and GPBD5 were the most drought-tolerant cultivars for cultivation in Anantapur and adjacent regions. These types could also be used to generate drought-tolerant groundnut variants for drought-prone regions.
Investigating the role of task relevance during rhythmic sampling of spatial locations
Authors: van der Werf Olof J. , Schuhmann Teresa , de Graaf Tom , Ten Oever Sanne , Sack Alexander T.
Published: August 2023

Recently it has been discovered that visuospatial attention operates rhythmically, rather than being stably employed over time. A low-frequency 7–8 Hz rhythmic mechanism coordinates periodic windows to sample relevant locations and to shift towards other, less relevant locations in a visual scene. Rhythmic sampling theories would predict that when two locations are relevant 8 Hz sampling mechanisms split into two, effectively resulting in a 4 Hz sampling frequency at each location. Therefore, it is expected that rhythmic sampling is influenced by the relative importance of locations for the task at hand. To test this, we employed an orienting task with an arrow cue, where participants were asked to respond to a target presented in one visual field. The cue-to-target interval was systematically varied, allowing us to assess whether performance follows a rhythmic pattern across cue-to-target delays. We manipulated a location’s task relevance by altering the validity of the cue, thereby predicting the correct location in 60%, 80% or 100% of trials. Results revealed significant 4 Hz performance fluctuations at cued right visual field targets with low cue validity (60%), suggesting regular sampling of both locations. With high cue validity (80%), we observed a peak at 8 Hz towards non-cued targets, although not significant. These results were in line with our hypothesis suggesting a goal-directed balancing of attentional sampling (cued location) and shifting (non-cued location) depending on the relevance of locations in a visual scene. However, considering the hemifield specificity of the effect together with the absence of expected effects for cued trials in the high valid conditions we further discuss the interpretation of the data.
Radon measurement and age-independent effective dose attributed to ingestion of bottled water in Iran: sensitivity analysis
Authors: Pourshabanian Mina , Nasseri Simin , Nodehi Ramin Nabizadeh , Hosseini Sara Sadat , Mahvi Amir Hossein
Published: August 2023

A comprehensive study was made to measure the radon concentration in bottled water available in Iran market. The 222Rn concentration in 70 bottled water samples were measured by the sniffing mode technique and RTM 1688-2 (SARAD, Germany) in immediate sampling time and 3 months later for determination of radon decay. The measured radon concentration ranged from 0.003 to 0.618 Bq L−1 in bottled water samples, which were much lower than the recommended value for radon in drinking water by WHO (100 Bq L−1) and United states environmental protection agency (USEPA) (11.1 Bq L−1). The annual effective dose of 222Rn due to ingestion bottled water was also evaluated in this research. The mean annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in bottled water for adults, children, and infants were estimated to vary from 5.30 × 10−4 mSv−1, 4.90 × 10−4 mSv−1, and 2.15 × 10−4 mSv−1, respectively. Overall, this study indicated that the Iranian people receive no significant radiological risk due to exposure to radon concentration in bottled water brands common consumed in Iranian market.
Performance of neuroretinal rim thickness measurement by Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography in myopic eyes
Authors: Lam Andrew K. C. , Lai H. C. , Sung Y. K. , Lam W. H. , Tiu C. M.
Published: August 2023

Neuroretinal rim (NRR) measurement can aid the diagnosis of glaucoma. A few studies reported that Cirrus optical coherence tomography (OCT) had NRR segmentation errors. The current study investigated segmentation success of NRR in myopic eyes using the Cirrus built-in software and to determine the number of acquisitions required to identify NRR thinning. Right eye of 87 healthy adult myopes had an optic disc scanned using Cirrus HD-OCT for five successive acquisitions. A masked examiner evaluated 36 radial line images of each scan to screen for segmentation errors using the built-in software at the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) and/or internal limiting membrane (ILM). Participants with three accurate NRR acquisitions had their average NRR thickness determined. This result was compared with average of the two acquisitions and the first acquisition. Among 435 OCT scans of the optic disc (87 eyes × 5 acquisitions), 129 (29.7%) scans had segmentation errors that occurred mainly at the ILM. The inferior-temporal and superior meridians had slightly more segmentation errors than other meridians, independent of axial length, amount of myopia, or presence of peripapillary atrophy. Sixty-five eyes (74.7%) had at least three accurate NRR measurements. The three acquisitions had high reliability in NRR thickness in the four quadrants (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.990, coefficient of variation < 3.9%). NRR difference between the first acquisition and the average of three acquisitions was small (mean difference 2 ± 13 μm, 95% limits of agreement within ± 30 μm) among the four quadrants. Segmentation errors in NRR measurements appeared regardless of axial length, amount of myopia, or presence of peripapillary atrophy. Cirrus segmentation lines should be manually inspected when measuring NRR thickness.
Non-communicable disease comorbidities in HIV patients: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea as a neglected issue
Authors: Hadavandsiri Fatemeh , Shafaati Maryam , Mohammad Nejad Safieh , Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi Mohammad , Najafi Arezu , Mirzaei Mohammad , Narouee Sakineh , Akbarpour Samaneh
Published: August 2023

The present study evaluates the non-communicable disease (NCD) patterns and related risk factors among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Iran. This national cross-sectional survey study was conducted on 1173 confirmed PLWHs with a mean age of 35.35 (56.82 Over 50 years old, 33.90 Under 50 years old) admitted from 15 different provinces in the country. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of factors with having at least one NCD comorbidity. From 1173 PLWH, 225(19.18%) participants experienced at least one NCD (15.20% and 38.69% among under- and over-50-year-old patients, respectively). The prevalence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea among all patients was 1.59%, 2.05%, 1.55%, and 10.26%, respectively. The similar prevalence for each NCD among those over 50 years was 10.11%, 15.71%, 9.01%, 25.44%, and 1.01%, 1.12%, 1.04%, and 9.23% among those under 50 years, respectively. The odds of being at risk of at least one NCD stood higher in patients over 50 years (ORadj = 2.93, 95% CI 1.96–4.37), married (ORadj = 2.48, 95% CI 1.41–4.35), divorced or widowed (ORadj = 2.78, 95% CI 1.48–5.20), and obese (ORadj = 3.82, 95% CI 2.46–5.91). According to our findings regarding the prevalence of NCDs among patients under 50 years of age, we recommend that policymakers give greater consideration to this group in the screening and care programs for NCDs since adults and the elderly are both vulnerable to the risk factors for developing NCDs.
The influence of calcitriol and methylprednisolone on podocytes function in minimal change disease in vitro model
Authors: Grubczak Kamil , Starosz Aleksandra , Makowska Barbara , Parfienowicz Zuzanna , Krętowska Magdalena , Naumnik Beata , Moniuszko Marcin
Published: August 2023

Minimal change disease (MCD), considered one of the major causes of nephrotic syndrome, is a complex pathological condition with disturbances in podocytes’ foot processes. Numerous studies suggested the essential role of vitamin D3 in maintaining proper glomerulus function. However, the data on direct potential of that compound in reference to podocytes are scarce. Thus, here we assessed the influence of calcitriol (active vitamin D3) on podocyte function, apart from commonly used steroids (methylprednisolone). CIHP-1 podocyte cell line was used to implement the LPS-PAN-induced MCD in vitro model. Viability, podocyte-related slit diaphragm proteins, morphology, function as a barrier was evaluated using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, confocal microscopy, and TEER analysis. Calcitriol or methylprednisolone did not affect cell viability. Podocyte-related proteins demonstrated different responses to in vitro treatment compared to previously reported changes in total glomeruli. Podocyte morphology was partially restored in the presence of the tested compounds. In addition, TEER analysis revealed improvement of LPS-PAN-induced cells' function as a barrier when vitamin D3 or steroid was used. In conclusion, a significant potential for modulation of MCD in vitro model podocytes with calcitriol or selected steroids was reported. Further studies on vitamin D3 in context of podocyte-related phenomenon accompanying MCD are of great importance.