bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gridized polynanomer catalysis with atomically dispersed iron achieve the nearly 100% selective electroreduction of CO2 to methanol
Authors: Xie Linghai , Yang Tonglin , Wang Tao , Zhang Weihao , Deng Fu , Zhong Chunxiao , Peng Qian , Liu Chao , Chen Xin , Zhang Zheng , Li Yang , Feng Yang , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Kuande , Zhang Chong , Wei Ying , Yang Fangqi , Huang Wei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to high-energy-density CH3OH (15.6 MJ/L) under ambient temperature and pressure provides a strategic pathway to achieve carbon neutrality and mitigate energy crisis1-4 (Fig. 1a). Although rationally designed nanocluster/alloy, single-atom catalysts, nanozyme and molecular catalysts have been continuously reported, both high selectivity and long-term recyclability are still rare that become the central challenges on the path to their commercialization 5,6. It is emerging to make multiscale design of both metal centers of active sites and their cross-scale surrounding environments under the crucial mechanism of pathway selection (Fig. 1b) 5,7-9. Herein, we reported the gridized nanomolecular and nanopolymer catalysts for high effective electroreduction of CO2 to CH3OH. An A-type nanogrid (A-grid) and its organic nanopolymers with atomically dispersed irons have been well identified with the unique catalytic active sites of Fe-N1C3Cl1. Fe-based A-grid catalyst (FeAG) achieved a world-record CH3OH selectivity of 96.8%. Notably, Fe-based A-grid nanopolymer (FePAG) catalyst exhibited a CH3OH Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 60.5%, a CH3OH selectivity of 98.3%, and a stability of up to 100 hours, outperforming currently reported molecular catalysts. The superior selectivity is probably attributed to the cooperation between the stronger *CO adsorption on FeAG and the super-hindrance that suppresses aggregates to guarantee the dispersion of single active sites. Our study provides new insights in the exploration of nanomolecular and polynanomer catalysis.
Efficacy of Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait stations against malaria in Western Province Zambia: epidemiological findings from a two-arm cluster randomized Phase III trial
Authors: Ashton Ruth A. , Saili Kochelani , Chishya Chama , Yikona Handrinah Banda , Arnzen Annie , Orange Erica , Chitoshi Chanda , Chulu John , Tobolo Titus , Ndalama Frank , Kyomuhangi Irene , Ngulube Willy , Moonga Hawela , Chirwa Jacob , Slutsker Laurence , Wagman Joseph , Chanda Javan , Miller John , Silumbe Kafula , Hamainza Busiku , Eisele Thomas P. , Yukich Joshua , Littrell Megan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background Attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) stations containing bait (to attract) and ingestion toxicant (to kill) sugar-foraging mosquitoes are hypothesized to reduce malaria transmission by shortening the lifespan of Anopheles vectors.Methods A two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) was conducted in Western Province Zambia. Seventy clusters of 250–350 households were assigned (1:1) by restricted randomization to an intervention arm (ATSB) or control arm (no ATSB) in the context of standard of care vector control (insecticide-treated nets and/or indoor residual spraying). Two ATSB stations (Westham Sarabi, 0.11% dinotefuran w/w) were maintained on exterior walls of eligible household structures for a 7-month deployment period (December-June) during the high malaria transmission season. The primary outcome was clinical malaria incidence among two consecutive seasonal cohorts of children aged 1–14 years, followed-up monthly from January-June in 2022 and 2023. Secondary outcome was Plasmodium falciparum prevalence among individuals aged over six months. Analysis compared clinical malaria incidence and prevalence between arms among the intention-to-treat population.Results ATSB coverage, assessed by cross-sectional survey, was 98.3% in March-April 2022 and 89.5% in March-April 2023. 4494 children contributed any follow-up time to the cohort, with 2313 incident malaria cases in the intervention arm (1.28 per child per six-month transmission season), and 2449 in the control arm (1.38 per child-season). The incidence rate ratio between the two arms was 0.91 (95% CI 0.72–1.15, p = 0.42). 2536 individuals participated in cross-sectional surveys, with prevalence of P. falciparum 50.7% in the intervention arm and 53.5% in the control arm. The odds ratio between the two arms was 0.89 (95% CI 0.66–1.18, p = 0.42). Secondary covariable-adjusted and subgroup analyses did not substantially alter the findings. No serious adverse events associated with the intervention were reported.Conclusions Two ATSB stations deployed per eligible structure for two consecutive transmission seasons did not result in a statistically significant reduction in clinical malaria incidence among children aged 1–14 years or in P. falciparum prevalence in rural western Zambia. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of ATSB stations in different settings and with different deployment strategies.Trial registration The trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04800055).
Serotype distribution and molecular characterization of nonhemolytic and nonpigmented group B Streptococcus isolates in a southern Taiwan local hospital
Authors: Cheng Hui-Fang , Kuo Zhe-Yu , Lin Ching-Chiang , Chen Ho-Feng , Lo Horng-Ren , Shyu Huey-Wen , Wang Yi-Fen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Group B streptococci (GBS) are Gram-positive bacteria that are a leading cause of neonatal infections. Most invasive isolates are β-hemolytic, and hemolytic activity is critical for GBS virulence. Although nonhemolytic GBS strains are occasionally isolated, they are often thought to be virulence attenuated. Recent studies have observed that many nonhemolytic and nonpigmented (NH/NP) strains originated from invasive infections, including bacteremia and meningitis, in neonates or adults. The mutations causing NH/NP phenotype are predominantly localized in the cyl operon and abx1 gene. Previous studies on group B streptococci in Taiwan have focused on the serotype and genotype distribution. In this study, we investigated the serotype distribution of the NH/NP strains and detected the mutations of abx1. One hundred clinical GBS strains from non-invasive (vaginal and rectal swabs) and invasive infections (blood, urine and abscess), including 10 NH/NP isolates, were collected during 2019–2021 at Fooyin University Hospital. To confirm GBS isolates, we have developed a multiplex PCR method that detects GBS isolates, virulent strain ST-17 and virulent factor Srr1 simultaneously. The capsular serotypes III and VI were the most abundant in both the non-invasive specimens (vaginal and rectal swabs) and invasive specimens (urine, blood and abscess). The ST-17 isolates were more frequently associated with invasive infections (16.1%, 5/31) than non-invasive diseases or colonization (7.2%, 5/69). The NH/NP strains were more frequently associated with noninvasive diseases or colonization (10.1%, 7/69) but also observed in invasive infections (9.7%, 3/31). The NH/NP strains were isolated from various serotypes (Ia, III, V and VI) and five NH/NP isolates were serotype III. The virulence factor Srr1was detected in most of the NH/NP isolates (8/10) and one NH/NP isolate was ST-17. Abx1 mutations, including transitions, transversions and deletions, were observed in some NH/NP isolates, but some mutations also observed in hemolytic isolates. Five NH/NP isolates showed erythromycin and clindamycin resistant. These results indicate NH/NP GBS strains may have the potential for invasive infections and may show higher tendency to get mutated.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH9 alleviates pyroptosis by regulating NLPR3 ubiquitination following myocardial ischemia reperfusion
Authors: Lu Hongquan , Ding Cong , Ma Gang , Ma Lingkun , Lu Min , Wang Ping , Ruan Qiuyue , Li Yilin , Sun Wenjing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

NLRP3 inflammasome activation-induced pyroptosis has emerged as a key mediator of pathological myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its mediation of pyroptotic cell death following MI/R. The current research examined the impact of MARCH9 on NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis both in vitro following hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and in vivo using a MI/R mouse model. Wild-type and MARCH9-Tg mice underwent analysis through TTC, Evan's blue dye, and immunohistochemistry staining. H9c2 cells were transfected with si-MARCH9, while HEK293T cells received transfections of MARCH9 and NLRP3 overexpression plasmid, along with their respective mutants. Western blot analysis was utilized to quantify levels of MARCH9, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N. Protein interactions were assessed via immunoprecipitation, and protein colocalization within cells was observed using a confocal microscope. In this study, our data suggest that MARCH9 plays a key role in the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis during myocardial I/R injury. We also examine the function of MARCH9 as an E3 ubiquitin ligase specifically targeting NLRP3. The interaction between MARCH9 and NLRP3 results in the promotion of K48-linked polyubiquitination of NLRP3, ultimately leading to its proteasomal degradation and subsequent inhibition of NLRP3 activation. These findings provide novel insights into the involvement of MARCH9 in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptotic cell death.
The effects of resistance training vs high intensity interval training on body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life in survivors of breast cancer: a randomized trial
Authors: Bettariga Francesco , Taaffe Dennis R. , Garcia Cristina Crespo , Clay Timothy D. , Galvão Daniel A. , Newton Robert U. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose. Breast cancer treatments often lead to unfavourable changes in body composition, physical fitness, and quality of life (QoL). We compared the effects of resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on these outcomes in survivors of breast cancer.
Methods. Twenty-eight survivors of breast cancer, post-treatment (Stage I-III), aged 55.5 ± 8.8 years and body mass index 27.9 ± 5 kg/m2 were randomly allocated to a 12-week supervised RT or HIIT intervention, 3 days per week. Body composition, upper and lower body muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and QoL domains were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.
Results. There were no significant differences at baseline between groups. Exercise attendance ranged from 81 to 85%. After 12 weeks, lean mass increased in the RT (mean difference [MD] = 0.6 kg, p = 0.049), while % fat mass decreased in the HIIT (MD = -0.6%, p = 0.039), with no significant differences between groups. Between-groups there were significant differences (p < 0.001) with improvement in chest press strength for RT (MD = 4.7 kg) and CRF for HIIT (MD = 1.9 ml/min/kg). There were significant within-group improvements (p < 0.001) in muscle strength and CRF for both RT and HIIT. QoL (global health, function, and symptoms) significantly improved (p < 0.05) in both groups, without any difference between groups. No major adverse events were noted.
Conclusion. Both exercise groups improved body composition, physical fitness, and QoL domains over 12 weeks of RT or HIIT, although mode-specific benefits were apparent with more substantial improvements in lean mass and muscle strength with RT and reductions in % fat mass and improved CRF with HIIT. Tailored exercise programs should address the specific health needs of each patient.
Exploring the Polygenic Landscape of Wool Traits in Turkish Merinos Through Multi-locus GWAS Approaches: Middle Anatolian Merino
Authors: Yaman Yalçın , ÖNALDI A. Taner , DOĞAN Şükrü , KIRBAŞ Mesut , BEHREM Sedat , KAL Yavuz 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The study investigates the genetic architecture of fibre diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) in Middle Anatolian Merino sheep using multi-locus genome-wide association study (GWAS) approaches. Heritability and variability analyses revealed contrasting patterns: FD showed moderate heritability (h² = 0.461) with low variability (CV = 7.570%), while SL exhibited low heritability (h² = 0.191) but high variability (CV = 24.437%). Genetic correlations indicated moderate positive relationships between FD and certain growth traits (rG = 0.385–0.455, p < 0.001), whereas SL showed weak, non-significant correlations with these traits. The correlation between FD and SL was also weak and non-significant (rG = -0.043, p = 0.383). Using four multi-locus GWAS methods (mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, and ISIS EM-BLASSO), which can detect polygenic effects on complex traits like wool quality, 18 SNPs for FD (7 co-detected) and 14 SNPs for SL (5 co-detected) were identified across multiple chromosomes. Post-hoc power analysis demonstrated strong statistical power for both traits (FD: 0.95, SL: 0.91). These results could guide future breeding strategies aimed at optimising both wool quality and growth performance. Further research is needed to validate these findings in other populations and to explore the biological relevance of the identified genomic regions.
Exploring the impact of a regional research infrastructure in England: a contributions analysis approach
Authors: Porter Bryony , Thompson Claire , Wills Wendy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
There is a need to critically examine both how research infrastructures interact with the populations they serve and the perceived effects of these interactions. This paper reports on a contributions analysis informed study of a research infrastructure and its place-based approach to working with local communities: the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England (NIHR ARC EoE). The aims were (1) to understand the perceived impact of the NIHR ARC EoE place-based approach (2) to explore its processes and challenges.
Methods
From April-June 2023 we interviewed 11 research staff from the infrastructure (NIHR ARC EoE) and nine community-based partners who had worked with NIHR ARC EoE since 2019. The interviews explored experiences of developing research partnerships, learnings, outcomes and challenges. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subject to a thematic analysis. The findings were subsequently mapped onto a Research Contributions Framework.
Results
The place-based approach was characterised as relationships-driven and a community-focused approach to building research infrastructure, which improved motivation and commitment to local involvement in research. Three perceived impacts were highlighted: working with underserved communities, cross-sector relationship development and building skills and research capacity. Key barriers included differing expectations of research timescales, a fear of problematising communities; and intensive resource requirements for developing foundational level relationships.
Conclusion
The place-based approach enabled opportunities to work with (rather than ‘do to’) communities previously underserved by research and where the development of trusting relationships was key. However, strategic efforts to dismantle bureaucratic barriers must be developed to maximise reach and potential. The findings present a novel approach understanding of the perceived impact of a place-based approach to working with communities. The value of a place-based approach is widely applicable to any research infrastructure aiming to collaborate, involve and engage communities in research.
Benign Meningiomas Develop Through a Four-Hit Mechanism
Authors: Devarajan Alex , Seah Carina , Zhang Jack , Vasan Vikram , Feng Rui , Chapman Emily , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Bederson Joshua , Shrivastava Raj 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Meningiomas are central nervous system tumors whose incidence increases with age. Benign meningioma pathogenesis involves germline or somatic mutation of target genes, such as NF2, leading to clonal expansion. We used an established cancer epidemiology model to investigate the number of rate-limiting steps sufficient for benign meningioma development.
Methods: Incidence data was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) for nonmalignant meningioma from 2004-2020. Age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 person-years were divided into 5-year bands. This was repeated for vestibular schwannomas as a negative control. The Armitage-Doll methodology was applied. Mathematical solutions correcting for volatile tumor microenvironments were applied to fit higher-order models using polynomial regression when appropriate. A 75:25 training:test split was utilized for validation.
Results: 222,509 cases of benign meningiomas were identified. We noted strong linear relationships between log-transformed incidence and age across the cohort and multiple subpopulations: male, white, black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian subpopulations all demonstrated R2=0.99. Slopes were between 3.1 and 3.4, suggesting a four-step process for benign meningioma development. Female patients exhibited nonlinear deviations, but the corrected model demonstrated R2=0.99 with a four-hit pathway. This model performed robustly on test data with R2=0.99. Vestibular schwannomas demonstrated a slope of 2.1 with R2=0.99, suggesting a separate three-step process.
Conclusion: Four mutations are uniquely required for the development of benign meningiomas. Correcting for volatile tumor microenvironments reliably accounted for nonlinear deviations in behavior. Further studies are warranted to elucidate genomic findings suggestive of key mutations in this pathway.
Funding: None.
Effect of probiotic supplementation on smokers: A therapeutic clinical trial
Authors: Sadeghi Nasim , Shams Shahram , Mirlohian Reyhaneh-Sadat , Haerifar Freshteh , Bakhshi-Kashi Mostafa , Ghaderi Amir 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Smoking enhances the risk of cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress and is a major cause of metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation. According to recent research, dysbiosis, or gut microbiota imbalances, may worsen many health problems. Probiotics have shown an ability to reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and alter gut microbiota. This study seeks to investigate the impact of probiotic supplementation on the blood lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory biomarkers, and insulin resistance in smokers.
Methods
At Matini Hospital, eighty smokers engaged in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 40 probiotic supplements or 40 placebos for 12 weeks. Clinical data measurements were conducted at baseline and after the intervention, including blood cholesterol levels, oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory biomarkers, and mental health assessments.
Results
Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic group exhibited substantial reductions in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels after 12 weeks (P < 0.05). Additionally, the probiotic group experienced a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in the levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total antioxidant capacity, plasma nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, glutathione, depression, anxiety, or nicotine dependence.
Conclusions
A 12-week duration of probiotic treatment in smokers led to significant enhancements in lipid profiles and a reduction in inflammatory markers. The findings suggest a possible advantage of probiotics in alleviating the metabolic and cardiovascular risk associated with smoking. The long-term effects of probiotics on cigarette smokers' health and the mechanisms behind these enhancements require additional research.
Trial Registration:
This research was registered for a clinical trial on the Iranian registration website (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170420033551N13) and the registration date is 2022-12-06.
Influence of Lipid Profiles on Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Nigerian Patients
Authors: Afolabi Habeeb Abiodun , Ojurongbe Taiwo Adetola , Ayelagbe Olubunmi G. , Akinleye Callistus , Ogunniran Muideen O. , Bashiru Kehinde Adekunle , Oyekale Adesola , Ajadi Jimoh Olawale , Ojurongbe Olusola , Adegoke Nurudeen A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally and is driven by complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Addressing this crisis requires a deep understanding of its diverse risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms to inform more effective prevention and treatment strategies. In this study, we evaluated 445 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels below 70 mg/dl to assess the association between T2DM and lipid parameters. We found that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) levels (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.13, p < 0.0001) and LDL/HDL-c ratio (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09, p = 0.0138) were significantly associated with T2DM in the overall cohort. Among females, non-HDL-c (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07–1.14, p < 0.0001) and LDL/HDL-c (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.0133) showed stronger associations with T2DM. LDL-c levels were correlated with T2DM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08–1.68, p = 0.0078). Triglyceride (TG) levels at optimal LDL-c (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05–1.16, p < 0.0001 in males; AOR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13–1.19, p < 0.0001 in females) and non-HDL-c (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.16, p < 0.0001 in males; AOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.14–1.19, p < 0.0001 in females) levels were consistently associated with higher T2DM risk. These findings highlight the critical need for personalized and sex-specific lipid management strategies in T2DM care to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Point spread function estimation with computed wavefronts for deconvolution of hyperspectral imaging data
Authors: Zabic Miroslav , Reifenrath Michel , Wegner Charlie , Bethge Hans , Landes Timm , Rudorf Sophia , Heinemann Dag 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems acquire images with spectral information over a wide range of wavelengths but are often affected by chromatic and other optical aberrations that degrade image quality. Deconvolution algorithms can improve the spatial resolution of HSI systems, yet retrieving the point spread function (PSF) is a crucial and challenging step. To address this challenge, we have developed a method for PSF estimation in HSI systems based on computed wavefronts. The proposed technique optimizes an image quality metric by modifying the shape of a computed wavefront using Zernike polynomials and subsequently calculating the corresponding PSFs for input into a deconvolution algorithm. This enables noise-free PSF estimation for the deconvolution of HSI data, leading to significantly improved spatial resolution and spatial co-registration of spectral channels over the entire wavelength range.