bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Universal Free School Meals and School and Student Outcomes
Authors: Spill Maureen K. , Trivedi Rupal , Thoerig Rachel C. , Balalian Arin A. , Schwartz Marlene B. , Gundersen Craig , Odoms-Young Angela , Racine Elizabeth F. , Foster Margaret J. , Davis Julie S. , MacFarlane Amanda J. 
Published: August 2024

ImportanceThe White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health included expanding free school meals to all students, regardless of income, which has sparked debate in the United States.ObjectiveTo assess the association between universal free school meals (UFSMs) and school and student outcomes in the United States.Evidence ReviewAn expert panel–informed protocol was developed to evaluate intervention or cohort studies comparing UFSM programs, such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), with non-UFSM programs in US schools from August 2012 (excluding 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) in peer-reviewed publications or government reports. Outcomes included meal participation rates, attendance, dietary intake and quality, food waste, economic impact, food insecurity, anthropometrics, disciplinary actions, stigma, and shaming. A search of Medline, Econlit, Business Source Ultimate, ERIC, Agricola, Cab Abstracts, and CINAHL was performed in April 2024. Two researchers screened articles for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias, using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool, for each included study. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations was used to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.FindingsThe search identified 2784 records, with 6 studies included, representing more than 11 000 elementary, middle, and high schools. Nonrandomized intervention studies performed difference-in-difference or rate ratio analysis to investigate CEP participation rates, attendance, anthropometrics, and/or suspensions. CEP was associated with increased lunch (3 studies; moderate certainty) and breakfast (1 study; very low certainty) participation. School attendance was unchanged or improved in schools with CEP compared with schools without UFSM (2 studies; low certainty). CEP was associated with lower obesity prevalence (1 study; very low certainty) and fewer suspensions (1 study; very low certainty). Reasons for downgrading the certainty ratings included indirectness (data not fully representative of the United States) and inconsistency (small number of studies limiting ability to assess consistency). Despite the limitations, the evidence reflected well-designed longitudinal intervention studies appropriate for decision-making.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this systematic review, UFSMs were associated with increased meal participation, no or slight improvements in attendance, and decreased obesity prevalence and suspension rates; certainty of evidence was moderate for lunch participation and low or very low for other outcomes. Studies did not report several important outcomes, such as diet quality and food security, suggesting the need for more high-quality research encompassing policy-relevant indicators.
Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences and Biological Aging During Pregnancy and in Newborns
Authors: Dye Christian K. , Alschuler Daniel M. , Wu Haotian , Duarte Cristiane , Monk Catherine , Belsky Daniel W. , Lee Seonjoo , O’Donnell Kieran , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Scorza Pamela 
Published: August 2024

ImportanceAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), potentially traumatic experiences occurring before the age of 18 years, are associated with epigenetic aging later in life and may be transmitted across generations.ObjectiveTo test evidence of the transmission of biological embedding of life experience across generations by analyzing maternal ACEs and epigenetic clocks measured in mothers during pregnancy and in their children at birth.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsFor this cross-sectional study, data from the Accessible Resource for Integrated Epigenomic Studies (ARIES) substudy of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were analyzed. The ALSPAC study recruited 14 541 women who gave birth in the Avon Health District in the UK between April 1, 1991, and December 31, 1992. The ARIES substudy comprised 1018 mother-offspring dyads based on the availability of DNA samples profiled in 2014. Epigenetic age was estimated using DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks (including Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPACE) in mothers during pregnancy and the Knight and Bohlin cord blood epigenetic clocks in newborns. Analyses were performed between October 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023.ExposuresA composite measure of maternal ACEs was the primary exposure in both maternal and offspring models; as a secondary analysis, individual ACEs were measured separately. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to investigate depression during pregnancy as an exposure.Main Outcomes and MeasuresChanges in epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) were investigated as the primary outcome in maternal models during pregnancy. Changes in epigenetic gestational age acceleration (GAA) were the primary outcome in offspring analyses. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between maternal ACEs and both outcomes.ResultsThis study included 883 mother-child dyads. The mean (SD) maternal age at delivery was 29.8 (4.3) years. Pregnant women with higher ACE scores exhibited higher GrimAge EAA (β, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.33] years; P &amp;lt; .001). Maternal ACEs were not associated with GAA in newborns using P &amp;lt; .05 as a cutoff to determine statistical significance. Depression was associated with higher GrimAge EAA (β, 0.06 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.10] years; P = .01) in mothers during pregnancy, but not in newborns, and did not mediate the association between ACEs and EAA.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this study suggest that maternal ACEs may be associated with epigenetic aging later in life, including during pregnancy, supporting a role for maternal ACEs in offspring development and health later in life.
The mevalonate pathway contributes to breast primary tumorigenesis and lung metastasis
Authors: Conde Javier , Fernández‐Pisonero Isabel , Lorenzo‐Martín L. Francisco , García‐Gómez Rocío , Casar Berta , Crespo Piero , Bustelo Xosé R. 
Published: August 2024

The mevalonate pathway plays an important role in breast cancer and other tumor types. However, many issues remain obscure as yet regarding its mechanism of regulation and action. In the present study, we report that the expression of mevalonate pathway enzymes is mediated by the RHO guanosine nucleotide exchange factors VAV2 and VAV3 in a RAC1‐ and sterol regulatory element‐binding factor (SREBF)‐dependent manner in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, in vivo tumorigenesis experiments indicated that the two most upstream steps of this metabolic pathway [3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase 1 (HMGCS1) and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR)] are important for primary tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and cell survival in breast cancer cells. HMGCR, but not HMGCS1, is also important for the extravasation and subsequent fitness of breast cancer cells in the lung parenchyma. Genome‐wide expression analyses revealed that HMGCR influences the expression of gene signatures linked to proliferation, metabolism, and immune responses. The HMGCR‐regulated gene signature predicts long‐term tumor recurrence but not metastasis in cohorts of nonsegregated and chemotherapy‐resistant breast cancer patients. These results reveal a hitherto unknown, VAV‐catalysis‐dependent mechanism involved in the regulation of the mevalonate pathway in breast cancer cells. They also identify specific mevalonate‐pathway‐dependent processes that contribute to the malignant features of breast cancer cells.
Setup errors analysis in iterative kV CBCT: A clinical study of cervical cancer treated with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy
Authors: Xiao Hui , Han Qiman , Wei Shuhua , Du Minghao , Deng Xiuwen , Zhang Nan , Li Chunxiao , Wang Junjie , Qu Ang , Jiang Ping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to analyze setup errors in pelvic Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for patients with non‐surgical primary cervical cancer, utilizing the onboard iterative kV cone beam CT (iCBCT) imaging system on the Varian Halcyon 2.0 ring gantry structure accelerator to enhance radiotherapy precision.MethodWe selected 132 cervical cancer patients who underwent VMAT with daily iCBCT imaging guidance. Before each treatment session, a registration method based on the bony structure was employed to acquire iCBCT images with the corresponding planning CT images. Following verification and adjustment of image registration results along the three axes (but not rotational), setup errors in the lateral (X‐axis), longitudinal (Y‐axis), and vertical (Z‐axis) directions were recorded for each patient. Subsequently, we analyzed 3642 iCBCT image setup errors.ResultsThe mean setup errors for the X, Y, and Z axes were 4.50 ± 3.79 mm, 6.08 ± 6.30 mm, and 1.48 ± 2.23 mm, respectively. Before correction with iCBCT, setup margins based on the Van Herk formula for the X, Y, and Z axes were 6.28, 12.52, and 3.26 mm, respectively. In individuals aged 60 years and older, setup errors in the X and Y axes were significantly larger than those in the younger group (p < 0.05). Additionally, there is no significant linear correlation between setup errors and treatment fraction numbers.ConclusionData analysis underscores the importance of precise Y‐axis setup for cervical cancer patients undergoing VMAT. Radiotherapy centers without daily iCBCT should appropriately extend the planning target volume (PTV) along the Y‐axis for cervical cancer patients receiving pelvic VMAT. Elderly patients exhibit significantly larger setup errors compared to younger counterparts. In conclusion, iCBCT‐guided radiotherapy is recommended for cervical cancer patients undergoing VMAT to improve setup precision.
Retina as a potential biomarker for the early stage of Alzheimer's disease spectrum
Authors: Gao Rong , Luo Huan , Yan Su , Ba Li , Peng Sirui , Bu Bitao , Sun Xufang , Zhang Min 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the retinal microvasculature and structure in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and identify the potential biomarker for the early stage of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) spectrum.MethodsIn this study, 35 patients with SCD, 36 with cognitive impairment, and 29 with normal cognition (NC) were enrolled. Optical coherence tomography angiography was employed to assess retinal vascular density, fovea avascular zone area, and retinal thickness. The parameters reflecting retinal perfusion and structure were compared among the three groups. In addition, the association between retinal parameters, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and peripheral blood biomarkers in the SCD stage was analyzed.ResultsThe superficial vascular complex (SVC) vascular density in the macula and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the peripapillary were significantly reduced in individuals with SCD compared to NC. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between macular ganglion cell complex thickness and CBF in SCD.InterpretationThe retinal microvasculature and structure exhibit alterations in individuals with SCD. Macular ganglion cell complex thickness demonstrates correlations with cerebral perfusion. The retina holds potential as a novel biomarker for early detection of AD.
A Nanoparticle ZnMn2O4/Graphene Composite Cathode Doubles the Reversible Capacity in an Aqueous Zn‐Ion Battery
Authors: Katsuyama Yuto , Ooka Chie , Zhu Ruijie , Iimura Reona , Matsui Masaki , Kaner Richard B. , Honma Itaru , Kobayashi Hiroaki 
Published: August 2024

AbstractZinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising grid‐scale energy storage devices owing to their low cost, high energy/power densities, high safety, benign environmental impact, etc. Among various cathode materials, ZnMn2O4 spinel has attracted attention because of its high theoretical capacity (448 mAh g−1) associated with the two‐electron redox reaction of Mn ions (2+/4+), a higher voltage (≈1.4 V vs Zn/Zn2+) than V2O5‐based cathodes (≈1.0 V), and better cyclability among manganese oxide‐based cathodes. However, so far only the one‐electron reaction of Mn ions is used with ZnMn2O4 spinel (≈224 mAh g−1), impairing its attractive features. In this study, the two‐electron reaction is successfully enabled by synthesizing ultrasmall ZnMn2O4 spinel nanoparticles (≈5 nm) composited with graphene (US‐ZMO/G) via a rapid room‐temperature alcohol reduction process, achieving the reversible capacity of 445 mAh g−1 at the second cycle. As far as it is known, the US‐ZMO/G composite achieves the highest gravimetric energy/power densities among cathodes for ZIBs. The combination of high capacity and high voltage enables an outstanding energy density approaching that of lithium‐ion batteries.
Development of A 3D Lung Tumor Model For Cell Death Assessment in Microwave Ablation
Authors: Gallagher Laura B. , Mitra Tapas , Ward Victoria , Tarpey Ruth , Brennan Benjamin , Farina Laura , Ruvio Giuseppe , Lowery Aoife , Duffy Garry P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPrimary lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Recent statistics estimate 1.8 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year. Despite significant advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the 5‐year survival rate remains at just 18%. Thermal ablation is an established treatment that is safe and effective. It refers to the local application of controlled heat to induce irreversible cell injury and ultimately tumor apoptosis and necrosis. This approach is particularly suitable for the treatment of small tumors in patients who are not suitable for surgery. However, the lack of suitable benchtop models to assess ablation devices complicates prognostic prediction and the development of effective treatment strategies. In this context, the development of a 3D lung tumor model is presented using a cancer cell‐laden hydrogel composed of 2% hyaluronic acid–tyramine (HA‐TA) and 0.5% agarose, resulting in a tumor mimetic of clinically relevant size. This innovative model provides a valuable platform for testing ablation devices and provides insights that can significantly improve prognostic ability and refine treatment approaches for lung cancer patients.
An Ultra‐Robust and 3D Proton Transport Pathways iHOF with Single‐Crystal Superprotonic Conductivity Around 0.4 S cm−1
Authors: Cao Xiao‐Jie , Cao Li‐Hui , Bai Xiang‐Tian , Hou Xiao‐Ying , Li Hai‐Yang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe weak intermolecular forces of hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) make it relatively difficult to synthesize and design HOFs with superprotonic conductivity and robustness. The self‐assembly of ionic hydrogen bonding organic frameworks (iHOFs) through acid–base pairing strategies are possible on account of the rich hydrogen bonding, strong ionic bonding, and π–π stacking interactions and so on. Herein, a case of iHOF (iHOF‐16) with a three‐dimensional (3D) hydrogen bonding network is reported, the doughty ionic bond interactions in the structure and π–π stacking interactions between layers make it exhibits excellent thermal and chemical stability, it can maintain high crystallinity and robust structure even under extreme conditions. Importantly, iHOF‐16 exhibits highly anisotropic proton conductivity of 0.388, 5.56 × 10−3, and 3.25 × 10−4 S cm−1 in the direction of a‐axis, b‐axis, and c‐axis, respectively. The proton transfer paths of single crystal on each axis are calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and, supported by joint experimental–theoretical calculations, protons are most easily transported in the a‐axis direction resulting in superprotonic conductivity. The present study provides a promising approach for the design of stable superprotonic conductivity materials through a simple yet effective charge‐assisted synthesis strategy.
Advancements of Flexoelectric Materials and Their Implementations in Flexoelectric Devices
Authors: Liang Xu , Dong Huiting , Wang Yifan , Ma Qianqian , Shang Hongxing , Hu Shuling , Shen Shengping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFlexoelectricity, a universal electromechanical coupling phenomenon, has triggered new feasibilities of advancements in functional materials, especially for nanoscale materials. The strong flexoelectric response is initially discovered in ceramic materials with high permittivity, and then the past decades have witnessed the expansion of flexoelectricity to a broader range of material systems including semiconductors, polymers, and soft elastomers, which in turn raise emerging applications of flexoelectricity. Moreover, flexoelectricity is demonstrated to be significantly enhanced in thin films and nanostructures where ultra‐high strain gradients are easier to achieve, rendering flexoelectricity attractive for modifying the functional properties of advanced materials and devices at the nanoscale. To provide a comprehensive drawing of the above aspects, this review highlights the recent progress of flexoelectricity in diverse materials, covering the characterization of flexoelectricity, the fundamental mechanisms of the enhancement flexoelectric response as well as the multi‐functional applications. Finally, some open questions and perspectives are presented, underlining the fascinating future of this field.
Instant Disinfecting Face Masks Utilizing Electroporation Powered by Respiration‐Driven Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Sim Moh Terng , Ee Zhi Yin , Lim Yuan Hao , Sia Tee Sheng , Ong Daniel Tze Kheng , Koay Jason Soon Chye , Goh Boon Tong , Yong Yoong Soon , Aw Kean Chin , Tan Swee Tiam , Gan Wee Chen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWearing face masks is an effective non‐pharmaceutical strategy to inhibit the transmission of airborne diseases. Nonetheless, most commercial face masks lack disinfecting capabilities, posing risks of secondary transmission, while those with antimicrobial coatings are incapable of instant pathogen inactivation. Herein, a proof‐of‐concept instant disinfecting face mask is demonstrated consisting of a Cu(OH)2‐nanowire electroporation filter powered by a respiration‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (R‐TENG). The R‐TENG comprises electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. A dome‐shaped PVA membrane is specifically designed to maximize the effective contact area. Coupling the novel dome‐shape design with maximized β‐phase crystallites of PVDF, the enhanced R‐TENG generates an open‐circuit voltage of 120 V under the normal breathing rate of an adult, resulting in an amplified electric field of 19 MV m−1 at the nanowire tips of the electroporation filter. Under this high localized electric field, effective inactivation of bacteria (>99.9%) is achieved via a synergy of electroporation and physical penetration. Conversely, when the R‐TENG is disconnected, only partial inactivation (90%–99%) via physical penetration is realized. For the first time, it shows that R‐TENG powered electroporation is a viable solution to achieve instant, effective disinfection, paving the way for next‐generation face masks.
Reconfigurable Magnetic Liquid Metal Microrobots: A Regenerable Solution for the Capture and Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics
Authors: Wu Xianghua , Peng Xia , Ren Long , Guan Jianguo , Pumera Martin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe pervasive presence of micro/nanoplastics in the environment is a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, demanding effective remediation strategies. Traditional methods for extracting these pollutants from water are often inadequate, typically leaving environmentally harmful residues. In response, this work introduces an innovative approach using reconfigurable and regenerable liquid metal microrobots (LiquidBots) that are magnetically driven to actively sequester micro/nanoplastics from aquatic environments. These LiquidBots utilize a coating of gallium oxide for enhanced adhesion and electrostatic interaction to capture over 80% of nanoplastics present in the solution. Additionally, the LiquidBots can be easily regenerated through sonication, which dislodges captured nanoplastics, allowing the microrobots to be reused. This novel technology offers a highly efficient, adaptable, and sustainable solution to combat the micro/nanoplastic pollution crisis.
Integration of ZnS: Mn2⁺ Microparticles into Electrospun PVDF‐Based Nanofibers for Enhanced Mechanoluminescence
Authors: Wang Zhongxiang , Tai Youyi , Ye Zuyang , Nam Jin , Yin Yadong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIncorporating mechanoluminescent (ML) materials into piezoelectric polymer nanofibers enables the development of advanced pressure sensors and human–machine interactive devices by providing mechanical flexibility and enhancing processibility. This study demonstrates that introducing water during the electrospinning process significantly improves the piezoelectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based polymers, attributed to the enhanced formation of piezoelectrically active β‐phases. A biphasic relationship between piezoelectricity and water concentration is revealed, with an optimal water concentration of 4 wt.% for both polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) and polyvinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene (PVDF‐TrFE). Furthermore, the inclusion of water in the electrospinning solution facilitates the integration of ZnS: Mn2+ mechanoluminescent microparticles into the polymer fibers, resulting in fibrous composite membranes with significantly enhanced mechano‐optical responses. After thermal annealing, the fibrous membrane by electrospinning PVDF‐TrFE and ZnS: Mn2+ microparticles with 8 wt.% water addition demonstrates the best ML performance with high light emission intensity and reduced pressure threshold down to 18 kPa. This exceptional performance can be attributed to the local electric field generated by the encapsulation of microparticles within the PVDF‐TrFE fibers, which facilitates electroluminescence and subsequently boosts the overall light emission.
Functional‐Nanochannel‐Based Artificial Postsynaptic Membrane for Neural Signal Transduction
Authors: Wang Senyao , Zhang Wenyuan , Wu Minghui , Wu Yitian , Xu Guoheng , Liu Wenchao , Mei Tingting , Chen Lu , Xiao Kai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBiological‐machine interface (BMI) devices represent a significant step toward adaptive and cognitive technologies. However, current BMI devices emphasize the analysis of electrophysiology and often overlook the chemical information of neurotransmitters in the process of signaling between neurons. To bridge this gap, a light‐gated artificial postsynaptic membrane (APM) is introduced, capable of reading dopamine (DA) released from rat pheochromocytoma cells and regulate neural signal transmission. Like the biological postsynaptic membrane, the APM is a porous membrane functionalized by DA‐specific aptamers and azobenzene (Azo) molecules in different regions. Azo molecules act as a light‐responsive trigger that controls DA release, while DA‐specific aptamers capture DA, which converts its concentration information into an ionic current signal. By light‐enhanced responses to DA exocytosis from rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, the APM confirms its ability to communicate with biological systems, which lays the foundation for developing biological‐machine interaction systems with more advanced functionalities.