bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Models incorporating physical, laboratory and gut metabolite markers can be used to predict severe hepatic steatosis in MAFLD patients
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hsuan , Wang Ching‐Hsiang , Huang Yen‐Hsun , Shen Hsiao‐Chin , Wu Wei‐Kai , Yeh Hsiao‐Yun , Huang Chia‐Chang , Su Chien‐Wei , Yang Ying‐Ying , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Lin Han‐Chieh , Hou Ming‐Chih 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMetabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) induced‐severe hepatic steatosis poses significant health risks. Early prediction of this condition is crucial for prompt intervention. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tryptophan are gut metabolites correlated with MAFLD pathogenesis in the gut–liver axis. This study aims to construct prediction models for severe hepatic steatosis by including SCFAs and tryptophan metabolites. This study enrolled 83 participants from the outpatient department in 2023. Physical measurements, serum metabolic and inflammatory markers, metabolites of serum SCFAs and tryptophan were collected. Severe hepatic steatosis was diagnosed using vibration‐controlled transient elastography and abdominal sonography. All 40 (48.2%) participants diagnosed with severe hepatic steatosis had MAFLD, while approximately three‐quarters of those without severe hepatic steatosis had MAFLD. In comparison to the non‐severe hepatic steatosis group, individuals with severe hepatic steatosis exhibited higher levels of waist and arm circumference, serum triglyceride (TG), and lower levels of serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and AST/ALT ratio. They also had higher serum levels of lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein, isovaleric acid, and propionic acid, and lower levels of 3‐methylvaleric acid, indole‐3‐propionic acid, and indoxyl sulfate. Models incorporating these markers predicted severe hepatic steatosis. One model additionally included waist circumference and triglyceride‐glucose index, while the other incorporated arm circumference and TG/HDL‐C ratio. The area under the curve reached 0.958 and 0.938, respectively (p < 0.001). SCFAs and tryptophan metabolites are valuable in predicting severe hepatic steatosis. Further research is needed to investigate the roles of these metabolites in MAFLD.
Morphology of Nasal Septal Deviation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients and its Treatment Method
Authors: Miyamura Kosuke , Nakashima Daiki , Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Wada Kota , Capasso Robson , Chiba Shintaro 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesNasal septal deviation can cause nasal breathing issues, contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) development, and often hinders successful CPAP therapy. We hypothesized that although prevalent in the general population, nasal septal deviations differ structurally between OSA and non‐OSA patients. This study evaluated nasal septal deviation morphology in OSA versus non‐OSA patients using computed tomography (CT).MethodsWe consecutively enrolled 128 adult patients undergoing septoplasty for nasal obstruction between April and September 2019. Seven with trauma/surgery history were excluded. Polysomnography was performed preoperatively for those with significant sleep complaints. Using identical preoperative sinus CTs routines, we measured anterior, superior, and posterior deviation angles, comparing OSA and non‐OSA groups.ResultsWe studied 121 septoplasty patients (37 females, 84 males, mean age 45.73 ± 1.29 years), with 34 OSA and 87 non‐OSA. Anterior deviation angle was significantly greater in OSA (mean 9.1 ± 0.7°) versus non‐OSA (mean 6.5 ± 0.5°) groups (p = 0.001). However, no significant superior or posterior deviation differences existed between groups (p = 0.266 and 0.231, respectively). Multiple logistic regression showed anterior deviation as the only significant independent OSA predictive factor.ConclusionAmong the nasal septal deviations, only the anterior deviation was associated with the presence of OSA. Thus, the selection of a surgical technique for anterior deviation is an important consideration in patients with OSA.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Lead‐free Halide Perovskites With ≈100% PLQY and Dual‐Color Emission for White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Xiaoxi , Xia Mengling , Li Weiwei , Lu Ping , Zhang Xianghua , Xu Yinsheng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLead‐free halide perovskites (LHP) have attracted extensive attention in the field of next‐generation solid‐state lighting. However, single perovskite phosphor with tunable white‐light emission and ultra‐high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) are rare. Here, the tunable dual‐color emission LHP phosphor is developed with a near‐unity PLQY of 99.5%. The LHP phosphor comprises Cs2NaInCl6: Sb3+/Bi3+ and Cs2InCl5·H2O: Sb3+/Bi3+ crystals, with the transition between these two perovskite structures being adjustable by the concentration of Na+. The addition of NaCl inhibits the hydrolysis of the [Sb(H2O)Cl5]2− octahedron, resulting in 3D connected [SbCl6]3− octahedron with less Jahn‐Teller distortion, and the PLQY of LHP is greater than 90%. Finally, the white‐light diode device is fabricated by assembling the LHP with a ultraviolet light‐emitting diode chip and the white light‐emitting diode device achieved Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage color coordinates of (0.34, 0.33), correlated color temperature of 4936 K, and a high color rendering index of 92.9. The LHP perovskite exhibited multimodal luminescence when excited by 365, 335, and 310 nm UV light, showing the multi‐mode anti‐counterfeiting capabilities of the LHP crystals.
Achieving Luminous Efficiency Enhancement and Near‐Infrared Emission in Moisture‐Stable 0D Zinc‐Based Halides
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Xinyang , Liao Hanrui , Sun Jinxuan , Huang Xinru , Ju Haonan , Yang Hang , Cai Qingfeng , Su Fuyan , Zou Hua , Wei Yi , Li Guogang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractZero‐dimensional (0D) metal halides are attractive due to their structure‐dependent and tunable photoluminescence properties. Herein, a new 0D organic–inorganic hybrid Zn‐based halide, (C4H12N2)ZnBr4, featuring a long‐term stable crystal structure and moisture‐stable PL emission under various extreme conditions is reported. A strong electron–phonon coupling effect enables the Zn‐based halide to display highly efficient blue light at 472 nm with a large Stokes shift of 7385 cm−1. Intriguingly, heterovalent substitution of Cu+‐Zn2+ further enhances the photoluminescence quantum efficiency to 60% as the introduction of Cu+ effectively suppresses the nonradiative recombination process. Besides, the formation of twisted [SbBr4]− tetrahedra via Sb3+‐Zn2+ substitution help to achieve a broadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission (760 nm) with full width at half maxima (FWHM) of 203 nm, enabling the potential applications in night‐vision and nondestructive fruit damage inspection. Detailed structural and optical analyses are used to investigate the photophysical processes of different self‐trapped exciton (STE) emission for pristine and Cu+/Sb3+‐doped 0D metal halides. These findings advance the understanding of spectral regulation mechanism via heterovalent substitution and initiate more exploitation of luminescent metal halides for emerging applications.
Clickable Plastic Surfaces with Controllable Azide Surface Density
Authors: Amo Hikaru , Kanki Yusuke , Fujii Miku , Morita Kenta , Maruyama Tatsuo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the surface functionalization of plastic substrates through dip‐coating in azide‐functionalized polymer solutions, followed by a click reaction (i.e., strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition). Acrylic, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and nylon substrates are dip‐coated with a series of polymers containing various azide groups grafted onto the poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) backbone to examine structural effects on the surface density of clickable azide groups. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy confirm the subsequent click‐immobilization of cycloalkyne‐tagged fluorescein, which is quantified to calculate the surface density of clickable azide groups. Further investigations demonstrate that the surface density of azide groups can be controlled by manipulating the polymer ratio during dip‐coating, thus enabling the preparation of a linear surface gradient in terms of azide group density. Finally, the microcontact printing (µCP) method is employed to pattern the functionalized surfaces and quantify the functional molecules immobilized on the surface by µCP. This study highlights the adaptability of click chemistry and polymer coating techniques for the advanced functionalization of plastic surfaces for materials science and engineering applications.
Precise Control of Molecular Weight Characteristics of Charge‐Shifting Poly(2‐(N,N‐Dimethylamino)Ethylacrylate) Synthesized by Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization
Authors: Sivkova Radoslava , Konefal Rafal , Kostka Libor , Laga Richard , García‐Briones Gabriela S. , Kočková Olga , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Kubies Dana 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPoly(2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate) (PDMAEA) is a promising charge‐shifting polycation with the capacity to form a range of morphologically distinct polyelectrolyte assemblies. Nevertheless, the basic character of the monomer and its hydrolytic instability impedes its controlled synthesis to higher molecular weight (MW). Herein, the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of DMAEA is reported using a tert‐butanol/V70 initiator/trithiocarbonate‐based chain transfer agent (CTA) polymerization setup. The CTA instability is demonstrated in the presence of the unprotonated tertiary amino group of the DMAEA monomer, which limits the control over the conversion and MW of the polymer. In contrast, the shielding of the amino groups by their protonation leads to polymerization with high conversions and excellent control over MWs of polymer up to 100 000 g mol−1. Hydrolytic degradation study at pH values ranging from 5 to 9 reveals that both basic and protonated PDMAEA undergo a pH‐dependent hydrolysis. The proposed polymerization conditions provide a means of synthesizing PDMAEA with well‐controlled characteristics, which are beneficial for controlling the complexation processes during the formation of various polyelectrolyte assemblies.
Artificial Intelligence and the Development of “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Enterprises
Authors: Zhang Baizhen , Peng Biyu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT“Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” (SRUI) enterprises are a crucial part of the national innovation system and play a significant role in enhancing national core competitiveness by leveraging strengths and addressing weaknesses. Given the limited quantitative analysis on the productivity of SRUI enterprises in the academic field, this paper constructs an enterprise‐level artificial intelligence index based on text analysis and machine learning. Using panel data from 2018 to 2022, we investigate the impact of artificial intelligence on the productivity of SRUI small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The research findings indicate that (1) artificial intelligence significantly enhances the productivity of SRUI SMEs, and for each one standard deviation increase in artificial intelligence, the productivity level of SRUI enterprises will increase by 6.82%. (2) Mechanism tests reveal that artificial intelligence improves productivity by optimizing labor structure, improving labor resource allocation, stimulating endogenous motivation and innovation vitality within enterprises, and enhancing management level and investment efficiency. (3) Heterogeneity analysis indicates that at the regional level, artificial intelligence significantly boosts the productivity of enterprises with well‐developed network infrastructure and robust intellectual property protection systems. At the industry level, AI has a more pronounced effect on the productivity of technology‐intensive and competitive industries. Additionally, we also find that the impact of AI on productivity is more significant in enterprises with younger executive teams and executives with digital and intelligent education backgrounds. This study expands the research scope of productivity and provides valuable insights for the government to optimize digital economy policies and for enterprises to formulate digital innovation strategies.
The Use of Pedicular Arteriovenous Fistula (PAVF) in Microvascular Reconstruction to Enhance Flow Across the Microvascular Anastomoses
Authors: Odobescu Andrei , Basagaoglu Berkay , Dogaroiu Anca , Buntic Rudolph F , Zhang Andrew Y , Safa Bauback 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFree flap success rates have improved dramatically over the past three decades, setting a high standard for microvascular reconstruction. However, rates of arterial or venous thrombosis, and subsequent failure, remain high in burn and trauma reconstruction when compared to autologous breast reconstruction and other elective flaps. To address the higher failure rate, we use a novel vascular approach. We create a pedicular arteriovenous fistula (PAVF), allowing the flow to be enhanced across the microvascular anastomoses.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 13 consecutive patients with 14 free flaps who underwent PAVF creation by the first author, AO. All patients who required free tissue transfer for trauma and burn reconstruction were indicated for PAVF during this study period. The flaps in this study included ALT, fibula, parascapular, and partial latissimus. The perforator and pedicle for the flaps were dissected in the usual manner. Distal to the takeoff of the perforator to the flap, the pedicular artery and the larger of the accompanying veins were anastomosed to create the PAVF.ResultsPatients were followed for a mean of 171 days Thrombosis was a rare complication in the group with one venous thrombosis (n = 1, 7.14%) and no arterial thrombosis. The most common complication was return to the operating room n = 4 (28.57%), two of which secondary to hematomas (14.29%), one wound dehiscence and one venous thrombosis. This latter patient eventually had partial flap loss.DiscussionWe did not observe flap ischemia due to vascular steal, nor any venous congestion from pressurizing the venous outflow. As opposed to anticoagulation, flow enhancement aims to decrease the risk of thrombosis by reducing stasis. While further data is needed to compare the outcomes of venous enhanced flaps when compared to flaps treated prophylactically with anticoagulation, our initial data suggests that PAVF is a safe procedure and does not result in vascular steal or flap congestion.
The Sex Dependent and Independent Effects of Dietary Whey Proteins Are Passed from the Mother to the Offspring
Authors: Nilaweera Kanishka N. , Nychyk Oleksandr , McCarthy William , Moreira Luiza P. D. , Alabedallat Qusai M. , Purfied Deirdre , Doyle Jennifer , Cormican Paul , Santos Antonia , Yin Xiaofei , Tobin John , Speakman John R. , Berry Donagh , Brennan Lorraine , Cotter Paul D. 
Published: November 2024

ScopeThe study assesses the metabolic impact of dietary whey proteins across generations.Method and resultsVirgin females are fed 20% energy whey proteins with 70% energy carbohydrates, which reduces body weight gain and visceral adipose compared to controls fed dietary casein. In contrast, the males are unresponsive. The effect is accentuated in reproductive females that also have reduced plasma levels of glucose. The responsive females have increased cecal levels of pyruvic and lactic acid, suggesting a greater catabolism of carbohydrates in the gut. While the male and female offspring born to mothers on whey proteins continue to reduce body weight gain, the female offspring further decreases the visceral and subcutaneous tissues and increases the gut capacity to breakdown dietary carbohydrates and proteins, whereas the male offspring are able to only decrease the visceral and increase protein catabolism in the gut. The ileum of male mice responded by reducing the gene expression for fibroblast growth factor 15 and increasing the expression of chymotrypsinogen B1.ConclusionThe effect of whey proteins on growth can be passed from the mother to the offspring without a sex preference, whereas the transmission of gut activity and adiposity are dependent on the sex of the offspring.
Quercetin Boosts Pulsatile Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Release to Improve Luteal Function via Inhibiting NF‐κB/NLRP3‐Mediated Neuron Pyroptosis
Authors: Shang Yujie , Han Di , Deng Kun , Zhou Huifang , Wu Minghua 
Published: November 2024

AbstractScope: Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) is the main cause of infertility without an effective cure. Quercetin (QUE) is a bioactive flavonoid with antioxidant properties, while its role in treating LPD remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of QUE on infertility and menstrual disorders induced by LPD, thus further exploring the underlying mechanism.Methods and results: Mifepristone‐induced rats are used to explore the protective effects of QUE against LPD. QUE stimulates the spontaneous secretion of progesterone to improve luteal function and endometrial receptivity in LPD rats by activating the kisspeptin/GPR54 system to facilitate the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that the core mechanism of QUE in treating LPD is to attenuate the GnRH neuron pyroptosis by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway, which is further verified in LPD rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated GT1‐7, as QUE significantly reduces the expression of key factors concerning NF‐κB pathway and NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome.Conclusion: This study first proposes that neuron pyroptosis‐induced GnRH pulsatility disruption accounts for the pathogenesis of LPD, and QUE facilitates the pulse secretion of GnRH to boost the spontaneous progesterone secretion by inhibiting NF‐κB/NLRP3‐mediated neuron pyroptosis, which provides a new therapeutic target and strategy for LPD.
Lactobacillus fermentum MCC2760 Attenuates Heated Oil‐Induced Brain Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via Modulation of NRF2 and NF‐kB in Rats
Authors: Keremane Vyshali Ramesh , Yashwanthkumar Manasa Hassan , Uppin Vinayak , Halami Prakash , Talahalli Ramaprasad Ravichandra 
Published: November 2024

ScopeReusing deep‐fried oil is a common practice to cut costs, and their consumption may affect brain function. Hence, the study investigates the modulatory potential of Lactobacillus fermentum MCC2760 (LF) on heated oil‐induced brain oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation that may have a bearing on cognition in experimental rats.Methods and resultsFemale Wistar rats are fed with diets containing native sunflower oil (N‐SFO), native canola oil (N‐CNO), heated sunflower oil (H‐SFO), heated canola oil (H‐CNO), heated sunflower oil with probiotic (H‐SFO + LF), or heated canola oil with probiotic (H‐CNO + LF} for 60 days. Compared to respective controls, heated oils significantly (p < 0.05) increased OS by decreasing antioxidant defense enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) activity. Further, heated oil elevates brain expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), prostaglandin‐E receptor 4 (EP‐4), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS‐2), followed by an increased production of proinflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandin E2 [PGE2] and leukotriene B4 [LTB4]) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α], monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 [MCP‐1], interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], and interleukin‐6 [IL‐6]). The increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF‐kB) in heated oil‐fed groups’ brains corroborates the heightened inflammatory response. Heated oils decrease neurotrophins and neuron development markers. However, administration of LF abrogates the heated oil‐induced alterations significantly (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study is novel in demonstrating the protective role of probiotic LF against heated‐oil‐induced brain OS and inflammation in rats.
Solving Multi‐Term Time‐Fractional Diffusion Equations Using a High‐Order Fractional Finite Difference Scheme Accompanied by Neural Network Techniques
Authors: Mostajeran Farinaz , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis article is devoted to solving multi‐term time‐fractional diffusion equations with a high‐order finite difference scheme. We approximate the temporal fractional derivatives by the L1‐2‐3 formula, an expansion of the L1 formula with higher accuracy. We employ neural network strategies and automatic differentiation techniques for approximating integer‐order derivatives. In the present work, we propose very important lemmas and theorems to prove the unconditional stability and convergence of the proposed scheme. Extensive numerical experiments for one‐ and two‐dimensional problems, especially for curved boundaries, confirm the theoretical convergence orders. Comparisons with fractional physics‐informed neural networks and finite difference methods in solving the multi‐term time‐fractional diffusion equations demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method. It is also illustrated that the proposed scheme can efficiently and accurately extract the pattern of the solutions even when noise corruption up to ten percent is imposed on the forcing term.
Colonial management drives ecological change following the exclusion of Indigenous stewardship in a Stoney Iyethka montane grassland, Canadian Rocky Mountains
Authors: Schepens Gabriel , Seider Jordan H. , Wesley Barry L. , Mathews Darcy L. , Starzomski Brian M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

For millennia, Indigenous Peoples and their ecological stewardship have kept culturally important landscapes open, diverse and productive. Under colonization which suppresses stewardship activities, landscape vegetation patterns shift and areas previously stewarded by Indigenous Peoples are now undergoing successional change. As a case study, we document ecological change on the homelands of the Stoney Iyethka Nations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, where landscapes have changed dramatically over the past century of colonial management.

On the Stoney Iyethka traditional montane Egnuck Wida grasslands, we analysed vegetation change on both the landscape and plot level. Using oblique photographs taken in 1924 paired with 2021 satellite imagery, we compared past and present landscape vegetation cover and assessed drivers of succession. We also examined differences in vegetation class cover and plant community structure between surveys conducted in 1981, 1995 and 2020.

Nearly half (47%) of the landscape surveyed showed seral progression in vegetation class, which was not explained by topography, geology or climate warming. Grassland area decreased four‐fold between 1924 and 2021. Grassland retention was strongly related to management zoning, with greater losses in the crown‐managed ecological reserve than on lands that remain under Stoney Iyethka stewardship.

Vegetation plots surveyed reveal changes to plant community composition and shifts in dominant vegetation class. In plots previously composed primarily of forbs and graminoids, shrubs have become the dominant groundcover. Declines in historic vegetation include a loss of culturally important food, medicine and ceremonial plants to the Stoney Iyethka Nations.

The most likely explanation for these results is the displacement of Indigenous Peoples and their stewardship from the landscape. We demonstrate that the past century of colonial environmental management has altered ecological processes maintained on this landscape for millennia by Indigenous Peoples.

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