bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vasoactive peptides as biomarkers for the prediction of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Neumann Roland P. , Gerull Roland , Hasler Pascal W. , Wellmann Sven , Schulzke Sven M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major complication in preterm infants. We assessed if plasma levels of midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 (CT-proET1) serve as early markers for subsequent ROP development in preterm infants <32 weeks gestation.

Methods
Prospective, two-centre, observational cohort study. MR-proANP and CT-proET1 were measured on day seven of life. Associations with ROP ≥ stage II were investigated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results
We included 224 infants born at median (IQR) 29.6 (27.1–30.8) weeks gestation and birth weight of 1160 (860–1435) g. Nineteen patients developed ROP ≥ stage II. MR-proANP and CT-proET1 levels were higher in these infants (median (IQR) 864 (659–1564) pmol/L and 348 (300–382) pmol/L, respectively) compared to infants without ROP (median (IQR) 299 (210–502) pmol/L and 196 (156–268) pmol/L, respectively; both P < 0.001). MR-proANP and CT-proET1 levels were significantly associated with ROP ≥ stage II in univariable logistic regression models and after adjusting for co-factors, including gestational age and birth weight z-score.

Conclusions
MR-proANP and CT-proET1 measured on day seven of life are strongly associated with ROP ≥ stage II in very preterm infants and might improve early prediction of ROP in the future.

Impact

Plasma levels of midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 measured on day seven of life in very preterm infants show a strong association with development of retinopathy of prematurity ≥ stage II.

Both biomarkers have the potential to improve early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity.

Vasoactive peptides might allow to reduce the proportion of screened infants substantially.
Rituximab added to conditioning regimen significantly improves erythroid engraftment in major incompatible ABO-group hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Finazzi Maria Chiara , Weber Alessandra , Pavoni Chiara , Grassi Anna , Micò Maria Caterina , Algarotti Alessandra , Lussana Federico , Rambaldi Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractABO-group major incompatibility hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) increases the risk of delayed red cell engraftment and other immunological complications. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of pre-transplant infusion of rituximab in patients with ABO-incompatibility in improving red blood cell engraftment after HSCT, measured by time to reach transfusion independence. We performed a retrospective, single-center study including 131 consecutive patients transplanted with major or bidirectional ABO-incompatible grafts between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2019. Fifty-one patients received an infusion of rituximab during the conditioning regimen, while 80 patients did not receive any additional preventive treatment. Time to transfusion independence was significantly reduced for patients treated with rituximab (1 month, 95% CI, 0.5–2) compared with the control group (3.2 months, 95% CI 1.5–3.2, p = 0.02). By multivariable analysis, rituximab use was associated with a faster red blood cell (RBC) engraftment (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.17–3.03, p = 0.009), while a pre-transplant anti-donor isohemagglutinins titer >1:128 was associated with delayed transfusion independence (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.37-0.99, p = 0.05). Although limited by the retrospective nature of the study, the results of this analysis suggest that rituximab added to conditioning regimens is feasible, safe, and able to improve post-transplant red blood cell engraftment.
Ruxolitinib for the treatment of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease in children: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Baccelli Francesco , Gottardi Francesca , Muratore Edoardo , Leardini Davide , Grasso Antonio Giacomo , Gori Davide , Belotti Tamara , Prete Arcangelo , Masetti Riccardo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSteroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (SR-GvHD) represents a major complication of pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Ruxolitinib, a selective JAK 1–2 inhibitor, showed promising results in the treatment of SR-GvHD in adult trial, including patients >12 years old. This systematic review aims to evaluate ruxolitinib use for SR-GvHD in the pediatric population. Among the 12 studies included, ruxolitinib administration presented slight differences. Overall response rate (ORR) ranged from 45% to 100% in both acute and chronic GvHD. Complete response rates (CR) varied from 9% to 67% and from 0% to 28% in aGvHD and cGvHD, respectively. Individual-patient meta-analysis from 108 children under 12 years showed an ORR and CR for aGvHD of 74% and 56%, respectively, while in cGvHD ORR was 78% but with only 11% achieving CR. Treatment-related toxicities were observed in 20% of patients, including cytopenia, liver toxicity, and infections. Age, weight, graft source, previous lines of therapy, and dose did not significantly predict response, while a higher rate of toxicities was observed in aGvHD patients. In conclusion, ruxolitinib shows promising results in the treatment of SR-GvHD in children, including those under 12 years. Specific pediatric perspective trials are currently ongoing to definitely assess its efficacy and safety.
ALYREF-JunD-SLC7A5 axis promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression through epitranscriptome-metabolism reprogramming and immune evasion
Authors: Meng Qingbo , Xie Yuting , Sun Kang , He Lihong , Wu Hongkun , Zhang Qi , Liang Tingbo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a kind of tumor lacking nutrients due to its poor vascularity and desmoplasia. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells might achieve growth advantage through epitranscriptome reprogramming. However, the role of m5C in PDAC was not fully understood. We found that Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF), a reader of m5C modification, was overexpressed in PDAC, and associated with bad prognosis. In addition, the ALYREF expression was negatively related to CD8+ T cells infiltration in clinical samples. ALYREF knockdown decreased tumor growth in vivo partly dependent of immunity. ALYREF silencing decreased SLC7A5 expression and subsequently inactivated mTORC1 pathway, resulting in decreased tumor proliferation. Mechanically, ALYREF specifically recognized m5C sites in JunD mRNA, maintained the stabilization of JunD mRNA and subsequently upregulated transcription of SLC7A5. Since SLC7A5 was a key transporter of large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), overexpression of SLC7A5 on tumor cells depleted amino acid in microenvironment and restricted CD8+ T cells function. Moreover, ALYREF-JunD-SLC7A5 axis was overexpressed and negatively related with survival through TMA assays. In conclusion, this research revealed the relationship between m5C modification, amino acid transportation and immune microenvironment. ALYREF might be a novel target for PDAC metabolic vulnerability and immune surveillance.
DNA damage signalling histone H2AX is required for tumour growth
Authors: Contreras Lizbeth , García-Gaipo Lorena , Casar Berta , Gandarillas Alberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCancer most frequently develops in self-renewal tissues that are the target of genetic alterations due to mutagens or intrinsic DNA replication errors. Histone γH2AX has a critical role in the cellular DNA repair pathway cascade and contributes to genomic stability. However, the role of γH2AX in the ontology of cancer is unclear. We have investigated this issue in the epidermis, a self-renewal epithelium continuously exposed to genetic hazard and replication stress. Silencing H2AX caused cell cycle hyperactivation, impaired DNA repair and epidermal hyperplasia in the skin. However, mutagen-induced carcinogenesis was strikingly reduced in the absence of H2AX. KO tumours appeared significantly later than controls and were fewer, smaller and more benign. The stem cell marker Δp63 drastically diminished in the KO epidermis. We conclude that H2AX is required for tissue-making during both homoeostasis and tumourigenesis, possibly by contributing to the control and repair of stem cells. Therefore, although H2AX is thought to act as a tumour suppressor and our results show that it contributes to homeostasis, they also indicate that it is required for the development of cancer.
Intestinal microbiota composition of children with glycogen storage Type I patients
Authors: Gokalp Sabire , Dinleyici Ener Cagri , Muluk Cansu , Inci Asli , Aktas Emine , Okur Ilyas , Ezgu Fatih , Tumer Leyla 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim
Dietary therapy of glycogen storage disease I (GSD I) is based on frequent feeding, with a high intake of complex carbohydrates (supplied by uncooked cornstarch), restriction of sugars, and a lower amount of lipids. There is limited information about the dietary regimen in patients with GSD, which might affect the intestinal luminal pH and microbiota composition. The aim of this study to investigate the intestinal microbiota composition in patients with GSD receiving diet treatment.

Method
Twelve patients who were followed up with GSD I after the diagnosis receiving diet therapy and 11 healthy children have been enrolled. Intestinal microbiota composition was evaluated by 16 s rRNA gene sequencing.

Results
A significant difference was found for beta-diversity between the GSD group and controls. A significantly lower abundance of Firmicutes and higher abundance of Actinobacteria was found in GSD group compared to the controls. Akkermansia, Pseudoalteromonas, Uruburella, and Castellaniella were dominant in the GSD patients at the genus level, while Faecalibacterium, Bacterioides, Gemmiger, Parabacteroides in the control group. At species level, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased, and Akkermansia muciniphila were dominant in children with GSD.

Discussion
There is a substantial change in the composition of the gut microbiota, reduction of F. prausnitzii and an increase of A. muciniphila in children with GSD receiving consumption of uncooked cornstarch. Alterations of the intestinal microbiota might be related with the disease itself or dietary restrictions in patients with GSD, however, in certain condition, dysbiosis can negatively affect the course and make it difficult to control the disease.
Creation of a point-of-care therapeutics sensor using protein engineering, electrochemical sensing and electronic integration
Authors: Cai Rong , Ngwadom Chiagoziem , Saxena Ravindra , Soman Jayashree , Bruggeman Chase , Hickey David P. , Verduzco Rafael , Ajo-Franklin Caroline M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPoint-of-care sensors, which are low-cost and user-friendly, play a crucial role in precision medicine by providing quick results for individuals. Here, we transform the conventional glucometer into a 4-hydroxytamoxifen therapeutic biosensor in which 4-hydroxytamoxifen modulates the electrical signal generated by glucose oxidation. To encode the 4-hydroxytamoxifen signal within glucose oxidation, we introduce the ligand-binding domain of estrogen receptor-alpha into pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent glucose dehydrogenase by constructing and screening a comprehensive protein insertion library. In addition to obtaining 4-hydroxytamoxifen regulatable engineered proteins, these results unveil the significance of both secondary and quaternary protein structures in propagation of conformational signals. By constructing an effective bioelectrochemical interface, we detect 4-hydroxytamoxifen in human blood samples as changes in the electrical signal and use this to develop an electrochemical algorithm to decode the 4-hydroxytamoxifen signal from glucose. To meet the miniaturization and signal amplification requirements for point-of-care use, we harness power from glucose oxidation to create a self-powered sensor. We also amplify the 4-hydroxytamoxifen signal using an organic electrochemical transistor, resulting in milliampere-level signals. Our work demonstrates a broad interdisciplinary approach to create a biosensor that capitalizes on recent innovations in protein engineering, electrochemical sensing, and electrical engineering.
Observation of geometric phase effect through backward angular oscillations in the H + HD → H2 + D reaction
Authors: Li Shihao , Huang Jiayu , Lu Zhibing , Shu Yiyang , Chen Wentao , Yuan Daofu , Wang Tao , Fu Bina , Zhang Zhaojun , Wang Xingan , Zhang Dong H. , Yang Xueming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQuantum interference between reaction pathways around a conical intersection (CI) is an ultrasensitive probe of detailed chemical reaction dynamics. Yet, for the hydrogen exchange reaction, the difference between contributions of the two reaction pathways increases substantially as the energy decreases, making the experimental observation of interference features at low energy exceedingly challenging. We report in this paper a combined experimental and theoretical study on the H + HD → H2 + D reaction at the collision energy of 1.72 eV. Although the roaming insertion pathway constitutes only a small fraction (0.088%) of the overall contribution, angular oscillatory patterns arising from the interference of reaction pathways were clearly observed in the backward scattering direction, providing direct evidence of the geometric phase effect at an energy of 0.81 eV below the CI. Furthermore, theoretical analysis reveals that the backward interference patterns are mainly contributed by two distinct groups of partial waves (J ~ 10 and J ~ 19). The well-separated partial waves and the geometric phase collectively influence the quantum reaction dynamics.
Midbrain signaling of identity prediction errors depends on orbitofrontal cortex networks
Authors: Liu Qingfang , Zhao Yao , Attanti Sumedha , Voss Joel L. , Schoenbaum Geoffrey , Kahnt Thorsten 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOutcome-guided behavior requires knowledge about the identity of future rewards. Previous work across species has shown that the dopaminergic midbrain responds to violations in expected reward identity and that the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) represents reward identity expectations. Here we used network-targeted transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a trans-reinforcer reversal learning task to test the hypothesis that outcome expectations in the lateral OFC contribute to the computation of identity prediction errors (iPE) in the midbrain. Network-targeted TMS aiming at lateral OFC reduced the global connectedness of the lateral OFC and impaired reward identity learning in the first block of trials. Critically, TMS disrupted neural representations of expected reward identity in the OFC and modulated iPE responses in the midbrain. These results support the idea that iPE signals in the dopaminergic midbrain are computed based on outcome expectations represented in the lateral OFC.
Induced neural phase precession through exogenous electric fields
Authors: Wischnewski Miles , Tran Harry , Zhao Zhihe , Shirinpour Sina , Haigh Zachary J. , Rotteveel Jonna , Perera Nipun D. , Alekseichuk Ivan , Zimmermann Jan , Opitz Alexander 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe gradual shifting of preferred neural spiking relative to local field potentials (LFPs), known as phase precession, plays a prominent role in neural coding. Correlations between the phase precession and behavior have been observed throughout various brain regions. As such, phase precession is suggested to be a global neural mechanism that promotes local neuroplasticity. However, causal evidence and neuroplastic mechanisms of phase precession are lacking so far. Here we show a causal link between LFP dynamics and phase precession. In three experiments, we modulated LFPs in humans, a non-human primate, and computational models using alternating current stimulation. We show that continuous stimulation of motor cortex oscillations in humans lead to a gradual phase shift of maximal corticospinal excitability by ~90°. Further, exogenous alternating current stimulation induced phase precession in a subset of entrained neurons (~30%) in the non-human primate. Multiscale modeling of realistic neural circuits suggests that alternating current stimulation-induced phase precession is driven by NMDA-mediated synaptic plasticity. Altogether, the three experiments provide mechanistic and causal evidence for phase precession as a global neocortical process. Alternating current-induced phase precession and consequently synaptic plasticity is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic neuromodulation methods.
Pore evolution mechanisms during directed energy deposition additive manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Kai , Chen Yunhui , Marussi Sebastian , Fan Xianqiang , Fitzpatrick Maureen , Bhagavath Shishira , Majkut Marta , Lukic Bratislav , Jakata Kudakwashe , Rack Alexander , Jones Martyn A. , Shinjo Junji , Panwisawas Chinnapat , Leung Chu Lun Alex , Lee Peter D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPorosity in directed energy deposition (DED) deteriorates mechanical performances of components, limiting safety-critical applications. However, how pores arise and evolve in DED remains unclear. Here, we reveal pore evolution mechanisms during DED using in situ X-ray imaging and multi-physics modelling. We quantify five mechanisms contributing to pore formation, migration, pushing, growth, removal and entrapment: (i) bubbles from gas atomised powder enter the melt pool, and then migrate circularly or laterally; (ii) small bubbles can escape from the pool surface, or coalesce into larger bubbles, or be entrapped by solidification fronts; (iii) larger coalesced bubbles can remain in the pool for long periods, pushed by the solid/liquid interface; (iv) Marangoni surface shear flow overcomes buoyancy, keeping larger bubbles from popping out; and (v) once large bubbles reach critical sizes they escape from the pool surface or are trapped in DED tracks. These mechanisms can guide the development of pore minimisation strategies.
Vestigial singlet pairing in a fluctuating magnetic triplet superconductor and its implications for graphene superlattices
Authors: Poduval Prathyush P. , Scheurer Mathias S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStacking and twisting graphene layers allows to create and control a two-dimensional electron liquid with strong correlations. Experiments indicate that these systems exhibit strong tendencies towards both magnetism and triplet superconductivity. Motivated by this phenomenology, we study a 2D model of fluctuating triplet pairing and spin magnetism. Individually, their respective order parameters, d and N, cannot order at finite temperature. Nonetheless, the model exhibits a variety of vestigial phases, including charge-4e superconductivity and broken time-reversal symmetry. Our main focus is on a phase characterized by finite d ⋅ N, which has the same symmetries as the BCS state, a Meissner effect, and metastable supercurrents, yet rather different spectral properties: most notably, the suppression of the electronic density of states at the Fermi level can resemble that of either a fully gapped or nodal superconductor, depending on parameters. This provides a possible explanation for recent tunneling experiments in the superconducting phase of graphene moiré systems.
Coverage enhancement accelerates acidic CO2 electrolysis at ampere-level current with high energy and carbon efficiencies
Authors: Yu Xiaohan , Xu Yuting , Li Le , Zhang Mingzhe , Qin Wenhao , Che Fanglin , Zhong Miao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAcidic CO2 electroreduction (CO2R) using renewable electricity holds promise for high-efficiency generation of storable liquid chemicals with up to 100% CO2 utilization. However, the strong parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) limits its selectivity and energy efficiency (EE), especially at ampere-level current densities. Here we present that enhancing CO2R intermediate coverage on catalysts promotes CO2R and concurrently suppresses HER. We identified and engineered robust Cu6Sn5 catalysts with strong *OCHO affinity and weak *H binding, achieving 91% Faradaic efficiency (FE) for formic acid (FA) production at 1.2 A cm−2 and pH 1. Notably, the single-pass carbon efficiency reaches a new benchmark of 77.4% at 0.5 A cm−2 over 300 hours. In situ electrochemical Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed Cu6Sn5 enhances *OCHO coverage ~2.8× compared to Sn at pH 1. Using a cation-free, solid-state-electrolyte-based membrane-electrode-assembly, we produce 0.36 M pure FA at 88% FE over 130 hours with a marked full-cell EE of 37%.
Toward stabilization of formamidinium lead iodide perovskites by defect control and composition engineering
Authors: Liang Yuhang , Li Feng , Cui Xiangyuan , Lv Taoyuze , Stampfl Catherine , Ringer Simon P. , Yang Xudong , Huang Jun , Zheng Rongkun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhase instability poses a serious challenge to the commercialization of formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3)-based solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Here, we combine density functional theory and machine learning molecular dynamics simulations, to investigate the mechanism driving the undesired α-δ phase transition of FAPbI3. Prevalent iodine vacancies and interstitials can significantly expedite the structural transition kinetics by inducing robust covalency during transition states. Extrinsically, the detrimental roles of atmospheric moisture and oxygen in degrading the FAPbI3 perovskite phase are also rationalized. Significantly, we discover the compositional design principles by categorizing that A-site engineering primarily governs thermodynamics, whereas B-site doping can effectively manipulate the kinetics of the phase transition in FAPbI3, highlighting lanthanide ions as promising B-site substitutes. A-B mixed doping emerges as an efficient strategy to synergistically stabilize α-FAPbI3, as experimentally demonstrated by substantially higher initial optoelectronic characteristics and significantly enhanced phase stability in Cs-Eu doped FAPbI3 as compared to its Cs-doped counterpart. This study provides scientific guidance for the design and optimization of long-term stable FAPbI3-based solar cells and other optoelectronic devices through defect control and synergetic composition engineering.
Rapid deep learning-assisted predictive diagnostics for point-of-care testing
Authors: Lee Seungmin , Park Jeong Soo , Woo Hyowon , Yoo Yong Kyoung , Lee Dongho , Chung Seok , Yoon Dae Sung , Lee Ki- Baek , Lee Jeong Hoon 
Published: February 2024

AbstractProminent techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and rapid kits are currently being explored to both enhance sensitivity and reduce assay time for diagnostic tests. Existing commercial molecular methods typically take several hours, while immunoassays can range from several hours to tens of minutes. Rapid diagnostics are crucial in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT). We propose an approach that integrates a time-series deep learning architecture and AI-based verification, for the enhanced result analysis of lateral flow assays. This approach is applicable to both infectious diseases and non-infectious biomarkers. In blind tests using clinical samples, our method achieved diagnostic times as short as 2 minutes, exceeding the accuracy of human analysis at 15 minutes. Furthermore, our technique significantly reduces assay time to just 1-2 minutes in the POCT setting. This advancement has the potential to greatly enhance POCT diagnostics, enabling both healthcare professionals and non-experts to make rapid, accurate decisions.