bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors vs Incretin-Based Drugs and Risk of Fractures for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ko Hwa Yeon , Bea Sungho , Jeong Han Eol , Park Sohee , Cho Young Min , Kong Sung Hye , Shin Ju-Young 
Published: September 2023

ImportancePostmenopausal individuals with type 2 diabetes are susceptible to fractures due to the interaction of elevated blood glucose levels and a deficiency of the hormone estrogen. Despite continued concerns of fracture risks associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), existing evidence in this high-risk population is lacking.ObjectiveTo assess the risk of fractures associated with SGLT2i vs incretin-based drugs of dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA), separately, in postmenopausal individuals with type 2 diabetes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis active-comparator, new-user cohort study used nationwide claims data of Korea and took place from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020. Postmenopausal individuals (aged ≥45 years) with type 2 diabetes were included.ExposuresNew users of SGLT2i or comparator drugs.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was overall fractures, comprising vertebral, hip, humerus, and distal radius fractures. Patients were followed up from the day after drug initiation until the earliest of outcome occurrence, drug discontinuation (90-day grace period) or switch, death, or end of the study period. After propensity score fine stratification, hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated using weighted Cox models.ResultsAmong 37 530 (mean [SD] age, 60.6 [9.7] years) and 332 004 (mean [SD] age, 60.6 [9.9] years) new users of SGLT2i and DPP4i, respectively, a lower rate of incident overall fractures was presented with SGLT2i vs DPP4i (weighted HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.72-0.84). Among 111 835 (mean [SD] age, 61.4 [9.8] years) and 8177 (mean [SD] age, 61.1 [10.3] years) new users of SGLT2i and GLP1RA, respectively, no association with an increased risk of overall fractures was presented with SGLT2i vs GLP1RA (weighted HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.68-1.24). Results from several subgroup and sensitivity analyses presented consistent results from main analysis.Conclusions and relevanceThis population-based cohort study suggests that SGLT2i was not associated with an increased rate of incident fractures compared with DPP4i and GLP1RA, separately, among postmenopausal individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Glycated hemoglobin A1c, cerebral small vessel disease burden, and disease severity in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ma Xinxin , Li Shuhua , Liu Fengzhi , Du Yu , Chen Haibo , Su Wen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the glucose levels in PD and controls. We also examine whether glucose control is associated with PD severity regardless of diabetic status, and test whether the correlation is mediated by cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden.MethodsA total of 100 patients with idiopathic PD and 100 age‐ and sex‐matched controls who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled in this study. We collected the clinical data and blood parameters, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and blood lipid. Patients with PD were divided into early (n = 61) and advanced (n = 39) subgroups, based on Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stages. Differences between the PD and controls, PD with and without diabetes, and between two PD subgroups were compared. CSVD markers were assessed, including lacunes, white matter hyperintensities, enlarged perivascular spaces, and cerebral microbleeds. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to test the association between HbA1c and H&Y stages. Interaction between HbA1c and CSVD burden in relation to H&Y stages was also analyzed.ResultsPD group exhibited higher HbA1c (p < 0.001), lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001) and triglyceride (p = 0.049) than controls. Advanced PD patients showed higher HbA1c than early PD group (p = 0.022). Increasing HbA1c (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.03–2.32, p = 0.036) along with longer disease duration (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.27, p = 0.028) and higher UPDRS III score (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.11, p = 0.002) increased the risk of belonging to the higher H&Y stage. However, interaction between HbA1c and CSVD burden in relation to H&Y stages was not significant.InterpretationHbA1c is independently associated with H&Y stages in PD, and this correlation may not be mediated by CSVD burden.
Perpetually preoccupied: Applying interference framework to understand the effects of smartphone use and vibrations on an academic task
Authors: O'Toole Kathryn J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSmartphones are useful—albeit disruptive—devices. Cognitive control research conceptualizes smartphone disruption as external interference. Actively using a smartphone and hearing smartphone notifications while trying to accomplish a goal can impair performance. In the current project, performance was compared across these contexts. Participants were presented with reading passages and retention was assessed through a quiz. The reading portion was completed without interference (control), while a hidden smartphone vibrated, or while participants responded to text messages. Participants in the interference conditions performed equally poor and worse than those in the control condition. Completion time followed a different pattern. Participants in the vibration condition took longer to complete the quiz than those in the texting condition but did not differ from those in the control condition. Results are situated in Clapp and Gazzaley's (2012) interference framework and suggest that smartphone vibrations are an external stimulus that can trigger internal interference.
Systematic Review of Health‐Related Quality of Life Impact in Juvenile Localized Scleroderma
Authors: Sanchez‐Espino Luis F. , Luca Nadia , Pope Elena , Laxer Ronald M. , Knight Andrea M. , Sibbald Cathryn 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThe prevalence and types of psychosocial complications of juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS), also known as morphea, an inflammatory and sclerosing disease involving the skin, fascia, muscle, and bone, are poorly understood.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2020 in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Skin Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature using the search terms “scleroderma, localized,” “Morphea,” “anxiety,” “depression,” “resilience,” “social stigma,” “quality of life,” “mood,” or “stress” and limited the search to pediatric patients and English language. Patient demographics, characteristics of JLS, and comorbidities were extracted. The outcomes included measures of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial functioning, evaluation of self‐perception, and the treatment burden of the study population. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021257124). Thematic synthesis generated descriptive analysis.ResultsThirteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: three retrospective cohort studies, two prospective cohort studies, and eight cross‐sectional studies. A total of 690 pediatric patients with JLS were included (n = 484 with linear scleroderma). Six studies used the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index, reporting little to no effect on HRQoL. One study used the Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents Questionnaire and did not find differences between children with JLS or atopic dermatitis and healthy controls. One study used a self‐perception questionnaire that showed normal self‐worth of patients with JLS. Two studies used focus groups, both reporting elevated levels of stress, decreased self‐worth, “feeling different,” and bullying/teasing in patients with JLS. These emotions were associated with skin symptoms (pain, itch, and tightness), physical limitations, and treatment burden.ConclusionOverall, quantitative studies did not report a statistically significant impairment in HRQoL in JLS. However, qualitative studies (focus groups) reported significant psychosocial impacts related to JLS. There is a need to develop a JLS‐specific tool for the HRQoL evaluation of this population.
Photothermal Excitation of Neurons Using MXene: Cellular Stress and Phototoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Wang Yingqiao , Hartung Jane E. , Goad Adam , Preisegger Matías A. , Chacon Benjamin , Gold Michael S. , Gogotsi Yury , Cohen‐Karni Tzahi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the communication of individual neurons necessitates precise control of neural activity. Photothermal modulation is a remote and non‐genetic technique to control neural activity with high spatiotemporal resolution. The local heat release by photothermally active nanomaterial will change the membrane properties of the interfaced neurons during light illumination. Recently, it is demonstrated that the two‐dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene is an outstanding candidate to photothermally excite neurons with low incident energy. However, the safety of using Ti3C2Tx for neural modulation is unknown. Here, the biosafety of Ti3C2Tx‐based photothermal modulation is thoroughly investigated, including assessments of plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial stress, and oxidative stress. It is demonstrated that culturing neurons on 25 µg cm−2 Ti3C2Tx films and illuminating them with laser pulses (635 nm) with different incident energies (2–10 µJ per pulse) and different pulse frequencies (1 pulse, 1 Hz, and 10 Hz) neither damage the cell membrane, induce cellular stress, nor generate oxidative stress. The threshold energy to cause damage (i.e., 14 µJ per pulse) exceeded the incident energy for neural excitation (<10 µJ per pulse). This multi‐assay safety evaluation provides crucial insights for guiding the establishment of light conditions and protocols in the clinical translation of photothermal modulation.
Theoretical and Experimental Research on Active Suspension System with Time‐Delay Control
Authors: Wu Kaiwei , Ren Chuanbo , Li Lin , Sun Zehao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTime‐delay significantly impacts the control system's performance and even leads to the unexpected instability of the control system. This paper aims at the adverse effect of time‐delay on the control effect and stability of the active suspension system. This paper proposes to suppress vehicle body vibration by applying time‐delay displacement feedback. In this paper, the time‐delay control characteristics of the system are studied by combining theory with experiment. This paper first establishes the suspension system's dynamic Equation with time‐delay. Then, the frequency domain sweep method is used to analyze the stability of the control system. Finally, the time‐delay simulation model is established, and the single‐frequency excitation is used as the external excitation to compare with passive and backstepping control. The simulation results verify the superiority of the time‐delay control under external excitation. In this paper, through the 1/4 model bench test of the active suspension system, the simulation results and the test results under the same working conditions are compared, and it is found that the two have good consistency. The results show that the research is credible and can provide a reference for the actual design and application of active vehicle suspension controllers.
Self‐Reinforced Inductive Effect of Symmetric Bipolar Organic Molecule for High‐Performance Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Son Giyeong , Ri Vitalii , Shin Donghan , Jung YounJoon , Park Chan Beum , Kim Chunjoong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHerein, the self‐reinforced inductive effect derived from coexistence of both p‐ and n‐type redox‐active motifs in a single organic molecule is presented. Molecular orbital energy levels of each motif are dramatically tuned, which leads to the higher oxidation and the lower reduction potentials. The self‐reinforced inductive effect of the symmetric bipolar organic molecule, N,N’‐dimethylquinacridone (DMQA), is corroborated, by both experimental and theoretical methods. Furthermore, its redox mechanism and reaction pathway in the Li+‐battery system are scrutinized. DMQA shows excellent capacity retention at the operating voltage of 3.85 and 2.09 V (vs Li+/Li) when used as the cathode and anode, respectively. Successful operation of DMQA electrodes in a symmetric all‐organic battery is also demonstrated. The comprehensive insight into the energy storage capability of the symmetric bipolar organic molecule and its self‐reinforced inductive effect is provided. Thus, a new class of organic electrode materials for symmetric all‐organic batteries as well as conventional rechargeable batteries can be conceived.
Creating Polyploid Escherichia Coli and Its Application in Efficient L‐Threonine Production
Authors: Wang Sumeng , Chen Xuanmu , Jin Xin , Gu Fei , Jiang Wei , Qi Qingsheng , Liang Quanfeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractProkaryotic genomes are generally organized in haploid. In synthetic biological research, efficient chassis cells must be constructed to produce bio‐based products. Here, the essential division of the ftsZ gene to create functional polyploid E. coli is regulated. The artificial polyploid E. coli containing 2–4 chromosomes is confirmed through PCR amplification, terminator localization, and flow cytometry. The polyploid E. coli exhibits a larger cell size, and its low pH tolerance and acetate resistance are stronger than those of haploid E. coli. Transcriptome analysis shows that the genes of the cell's main functional pathways are significantly upregulated in the polyploid E. coli. These advantages of the polyploid E. coli results in the highest reported L‐threonine yield (160.3 g L−1) in fed‐batch fermentation to date. In summary, an easy and convenient method for constructing polyploid E. coli and demonstrated its application in L‐threonine production is developed. This work provides a new approach for creating an excellent host strain for biochemical production and studying the evolution of prokaryotes and their chromosome functions.
Btg2 Promotes Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis via Smad3‐Dependent Podocyte‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Dan Hu Qiong‐ , Wang Hong‐Lian , Liu Jian , He Tao , Tan Rui‐Zhi , Zhang Qiong , Su Hong‐Wei , Kantawong Fahsai , Lan Hui‐Yao , Wang Li 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPodocyte injury plays a critical role in the progression of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Here, it is reported that B‐cell translocation gene 2 (Btg2) promotes Adriamycin (ADR)‐induced FSGS via Smad3‐dependent podocyte‐mesenchymal transition. It is found that in FSGS patients and animal models, Btg2 is markedly upregulated by podocytes and correlated with progressive renal injury. Podocyte‐specific deletion of Btg2 protected against the onset of proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in ADR‐treated mice along with inhibition of EMT markers such as α‐SMA and vimentin while restoring epithelial marker E‐cadherin. In cultured MPC5 podocytes, overexpression of Btg2 largely promoted ADR and TGF‐β1‐induced EMT and fibrosis, which is further enhanced by overexpressing Btg2 but blocked by disrupting Btg2. Mechanistically, Btg2 is rapidly induced by TGF‐β1 and then bound Smad3 but not Smad2 to promote Smad3 signaling and podocyte EMT, which is again exacerbated by overexpressing Btg2 but blocked by deleting Btg2 in MPC5 podocytes. Interestingly, blockade of Smad3 signaling with a Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 is also capable of inhibiting Btg2 expression and Btg2‐mediated podocyte EMT, revealing a TGF‐β/Smad3‐Btg2 circuit mechanism in Btg2‐mediated podocyte injury in FSGS. In conclusion, Btg2 is pathogenic in FSGS and promotes podocyte injury via a Smad3‐dependent EMT pathway.
Benzotriazole‐Based D–π–A‐Type Photovoltaic Polymers Break Through 17% Efficiency
Authors: Du Mengzhen , Tang Ailing , Yu Jiagui , Geng Yanfang , Wang Zongtao , Guo Qiang , Zhong Yufei , Lu Shirong , Zhou Erjun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBenzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (BTA) unit is one of the most classic electron‐accepting units (A) to construct donor (D)‐π‐A‐type photovoltaic polymers. However, the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on BTA‐containing polymers is restricted to 15–16%, lagging other promising polymers. Thus, investigating the structure‐performance relationship and breaking the efficiency bottleneck of BTA‐based polymers is challenging but critical. Herein, the effects of fusing two thiophene rings at D (PE52), π (PE4), and A (PE39) units of a classic D–π–A‐type BTA‐containing polymer J52‐Cl, respectively, on the backbone conformation, crystallinity, molecular stacking, and photovoltaic performance are systematically investigated. When blended with a BTA‐containing non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA), Y18, all three polymers with extending conjugated backbones can decrease the energy loss of photovoltaic devices. Notably, PE4, with a linear backbone conformation, realizes the champion PCE of 17.08%, with a short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 26.83 mA cm−2, a large breakthrough for BTA‐based photovoltaic polymers. What's more, the photovoltaic device based on PE4:Y18 combination fabricated by a non‐halogenated solvent of o‐xylene also displays an excellent PCE of 16.87%. The results indicate that fusing thiophene rings to BTA‐polymers, especially at π‐bridge, is a simple and effective method to improve the photovoltaic performance via modulating the molecular conformation and crystallinity.
Bio‐ecological studies on two cichlids in the Brimsu reservoir of Ghana
Authors: Agyekumwaa Elizabeth , Debrah Sefah Joseph , Mireku Kwadwo Kesse 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough small‐scale fisheries and aquaculture provide opportunities to increase fish yield to supplement rural food and income, they remain undeveloped in Ghana. To contribute towards the development of the sectors, this study sought to assess the biology and ecology of Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon melanotheron in the Brimsu reservoir to provide the requisite information for their management. From the results, mean temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and transparency of the reservoir were 30.03 ± 0.27°C, 3.78 ± 0.38 mg/L, 8.30 ± 0.21 and 69.79 ± 1.76 cm, respectively. S. melanotheron had a sex ratio of 1:1.36; with mean condition factors of 2.177 ± 0.089 and 2.06 ± 0.029 (p = 0.08) for males and females, respectively. The sex ratio of O. niloticus was 1.45: 1; with mean condition factors of 2.208 ± 0.012 and 2.257 ± 0.014 (p = 0.07) for males and females, respectively. Both species exhibited positive allometric growth with no significant differences between the condition factors for males and females. In addition, there was no significant difference between the sex ratios for S. melanotheron but the number of males of O. niloticus was significantly higher than the females (p ˂ 0.05). Size at sexual maturity (Lm), form factor (a3.0), growth coefficient (K), asymptotic length (L∞) and natural mortality (M) of S. melanotheron were 18.00 cm, 0.020, 0.42 year−1, 30.32 cm and 0.64 year−1, respectively. For O. niloticus Lm, a3.0, K, L∞ and M were 18.57 cm, 0.0223, 0.26 year−1, 38.42 cm and 0.41 year−1, respectively. However, the catch per unit effort for O. niloticus was higher than that of S. melanotheron throughout the study period. The conditions of the reservoir were favourable for the growth of these cichlids. It is recommended that measures should be put in place for the sustainable management and exploitation of fish stocks.
Liquid water discharge capability enhancement of hierarchical pore structure in metal foam flow field of proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Lin Yixiong , Sun Yun , Yang Chen , Zhang Wei , Wang Qinglian , Wan Zhongmin , Ye Changshen , Qiu Ting 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMetal foam flow field shows great potential for next‐generation proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell of high power density due to its well‐connected pore structure, high thermal and electrical conductivity. However, the complicated pore structure makes it a challenge for water management. To tackle this issue, a novel design of metal foam flow field with hierarchical pore structure was proposed. Based on lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), the structure‐performance relationship between hierarchical pore structure and water discharge capability of flow field was explored by using breakthrough time. Furthermore, an optimal hierarchical pore structure for metal foam flow field that shows superior water discharge capability was obtained. Compared with metal foam with uniform coarse pore structure, breakthrough time can be reduced roughly by 17.6% in the one with optimal hierarchical pore structures. This finding provides a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for developing metal foam flow field.
A recurrent KCNK4 variant in a dominant pedigree with hypertrichosis and gingival fibromatosis syndrome: Variable phenotypic expressivity and insights on patients' dental management
Authors: Elhossini Rasha M. , Sayed Inas M. , Hellal Usama Saad , Mahmoud Sarah A. M. , Aglan Mona S. , Hassib Nehal F. , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAbnormal hyperpolarization of the KCNK4 gene, expressed in the nervous system, brain, and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, leads to impaired neurotransmitter sensitivity, cardiac arrhythmias, and endocrine dysfunction, as well as, progressive cell proliferation. De novo gain of function variants in the KCNK4 gene were reported to cause a recognizable syndrome characterized by facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis, epilepsy, intellectual/developmental delay, and gingival overgrowth (FHEIG, OMIM# 618381). FHEIG is extremely rare with only three reported cases in the literature. Herein, we describe the first inherited KCNK4 variant (c.730G>C, p.Ala244Pro) in an Egyptian boy and his mother. Variable phenotypic expressivity was noted as the patient presented with the full‐blown picture of the syndrome while the mother presented only with hypertrichosis and gingival overgrowth without any neurological manifestations. The c.730G>C (p.Ala244Pro) variant was described before in a single patient and when comparing the phenotype with our patient, a phenotype–genotype correlation seems likely. Atrial fibrillation and joint laxity are new associated findings noted in our patient extending the clinical phenotype of the syndrome. Dental management was offered to the affected boy and a dramatic improvement was noted as the patient regained his smile, restored the mastication function, and resumed his psychological stability.
Biogenetic Chiral Deep Eutectic Solvents that Produce Self‐Assembled Chiroptical Materials
Authors: Wang Lin , Cheng Qiuhong , Hao Aiyou , Xing Pengyao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDeep eutectic solvents (DESs) show particular properties compared to ionic liquids and other traditional organic solvents. Controlled synthesis of chiral materials in DESs is unprecedented due to the complex interplays between DESs and solutes. In this work, all bio‐derived chiral DESs were prepared using choline chloride or cyclodextrin as hydrogen bonding acceptors and natural chiral acids as donors, which performed as chiral matrices for the rational synthesis of chiroptical materials by taking advantage of the efficient chirality transfer between the DESs and solutes. In a very selective manner, building units with molecular pockets could facilitate strong binding affinity towards chiral acid components of DESs disregarding the presence of competitive hydrogen bonding acceptors. Chirality transfer from DESs to nanoassemblies leads to chirality amplification in the presence of minimal amounts of entrapped chiral acids, thanks to the spontaneous symmetry breaking of solutes during aggregation. This work utilizes chiral DESs to control supramolecular chirality, and illustrates the structural basis for the fabrication of DES‐based chiral materials.