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Decoding single-crystal lithium growth through solid electrolyte interphase omics

Association between weight-adjusted waist index and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between the weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), a novel obesity metric, and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, and to compare its predictive utility for COPD against conventional obesity indices. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). COPD diagnosis was based on self-report. The association between WWI and COPD was investigated using multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for key covariates including age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to explore potential non-linear relationships. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess WWI’s predictive performance. All statistical analyses were conducted using R software, accounting for the complex survey design and weighting. Results This study comprised 3,111 participants, among whom the prevalence of COPD was 8.5%. The findings indicated a significant positive association between WWI and the prevalence of COPD (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02–1.66). When analyzed by quartiles, a significant positive dose-response relationship was observed ( P for trend = 0.031). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that WWI had significantly better predictive performance for COPD (Area Under the Curve [AUC] = 0.662) than conventional obesity indices. Conclusion Our findings suggest a significant positive association between WWI and the self-reported prevalence of COPD. WWI shows promise as a simple, non-invasive anthropometric tool that may aid in identifying individuals with higher odds of having COPD in clinical and public health settings.

Status dystonicus is a distinct state characterized by pallidal beta-band activity

Has the “green” transformation of the Common Agricultural Policy affected the environmental sustainability of farms?

This study aims to quantify the level of environmental sustainability in EU farms using a synthetic measure of the environmental burden in agriculture and to assess the overall effectiveness of the “green” transformation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in enhancing farm sustainability. The Environmental Burden Index (EBI) was calculated for the average farm in a region using the TOPSIS method. The research hypothesis under investigation posits that environmental subsidies have contributed to a reduction in the environmental burden of agriculture. A panel regression model was estimated based on regional data from the EU FADN database covering the period 2004–2022 to identify the extent to which the “green” CAP transformation has impacted the environmental sustainability of farms. The research identified the EU regions that impose the lowest environmental burden in agriculture, with the leading regions primarily located in Italy. Furthermore, the estimated models revealed which types of subsidies benefit and hinder the environmental sustainability of farms. Notably, environmental subsidies were found to have a particularly positive impact on the EBI.

Confining iodide migration with quantified barrier for durable perovskite solar cells

GIP/GLP-1RA as adjunctive to automated insulin delivery in adults with Type 1 diabetes (the AID-JUNCT trial): Study protocol for a prospective, randomized, clinical trial

Background Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains a challenge, with 20−30% of adults achieving an A1c target of <7%. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 RA (GIP/GLP-1 RA) have emerged as a promising therapy in T1D. Previous studies have shown that patients with T1D can significantly improve glycemic control while experiencing a reduction in insulin dose and body weight when long-acting GLP-1RAs or GIP/GLP-1RAs are added to insulin therapy. However, randomized controlled trials (RCT) are still insufficient. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, open-label, superiority-controlled design that evaluates the safety and efficacy of adding tirzepatide to insulin therapy in participants with T1D under automated insulin delivery (AID) control. We will enroll 42 participants aged 18–65 years with confirmed T1D diagnosis ≥12 months, currently on AID insulin therapy for at least three months, with A1C ≥ 6.5% and ≤ 10%, and BMI ≥ 23 kg/m 2 . Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either tirzepatide with a target dosage of 5.0 mg (after titration) or standard of care (SoC) for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-measured percent time spent between 3.9 and 10.0 mmol/L (TIR) from baseline to follow-up after 16 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints include: the CGM-measured change in 24/7 percent time >10.0 mmol/L, > 13.9 mmol/L, < 3.9 mmol/L, < 3.0 mmol/L. The exploratory endpoints include: the change in body mass index (BMI), liver steatosis (MASLD), and body composition. Safety outcomes include severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and refractory gastrointestinal side effects. Discussion This is the first prospective study to investigate the safety and efficacy of tirzepatide (GIP/GLP1-RAs) as an adjuvant therapy to AID in T1D. This study may contribute unique data to significantly improving glucose and cardio-metabolic outcomes, re-directing attention to further treatment in T1D beyond insulin therapies.

Non-equilibrium demixing and dissolution of chiral coacervates via intrinsic catalysis

Development of a new cell isolation device FlowMagicTM

Isolation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from blood typically involves a density gradient medium during density centrifugation. The problem of increasing red blood cell (RBC) and granulocyte (GRA) contamination during PBMC isolation as the elapsed time after blood collection increases remains unresolved. As a countermeasure against RBC contamination, hemolysis treatment is available; however, these extra steps are laborious, time-consuming, and could introduce artifacts. To overcome this challenge, we developed a novel isolation device, FlowMagic™, which features a proprietary two-layer insert structure designed to prevent RBC and GRA contamination during PBMC isolation from blood. The efficacy of this method was evaluated by isolating PBMCs from donors and analyzing immune cell populations by flow cytometry. Compared to SepMate (median (Q50) = 11.0, interquartile ranges (IQR): 8.8–19.5; p < 0.01) and Lymphoprep methods (Q50 = 9.3, IQR: 6.6–13.5; p < 0.01), FlowMagic™ achieved significantly greater reduction in RBC contamination to below detectable limits (Q50 = 0.0, IQR: 0.0–0.0), with sustained efficacy observed up to 72 hours post-collection. Additionally, the FlowMagic™ method (Q50 = 2.5, IQR: 0.5–3.4, at 48 hours, median = 4.5, IQR: 2.1–10.3, at 72 hours, respectively) significantly reduced GRA contamination compared with the SepMate (Q50 = 12.0, IQR: 7.8–25.5, at 48 hours, Q50 = 27.5, IQR: 12.3–29.0, at 72 hours, respectively; p < 0.01) and Lymphoprep methods (Q50 = 10.5, IQR: 6.9–19.8, at 48 hours, Q50 = 17.5, IQR: 13.3–23.5, at 72 hours, respectively; p < 0.01) at 48 and 72 hours after blood collection. Furthermore, the recovery rates of CD3 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , CD19 + , and CD16/56 + cells in the FlowMagic™-isolated PBMCs (Q50 = 8.6, 5.9, 2.5, 1.3, and 1.9, respectively) were significantly improved compared to those in SepMate- (Q50 = 2.2, 1.5, 0.7, 0.4, and 0.5, respectively; p < 0.01) and Lymphoprep-isolated PBMCs (Q50 = 2.4, 1.5, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.8, respectively; p < 0.01), even at 48 hours after blood collection. These findings suggest that the PBMC isolation method using FlowMagic™ is advantageous in preventing RBC and GRA contamination for research, diagnostic, and clinical applications.

Liquid-matter relaxor ferroelectrics by design

Accurate measurement of simulated slow and altered walking activity: Apple Watch best in class wearable devices

Background Wearable activity devices, widely used to monitor physical activity in non-injured populations, have shown potential in encouraging early ambulation and enhanced recovery in hospitalised patients. This study evaluated the accuracy of wearable devices in tracking step counts under simulated hospital conditions, seeking the optimal body location placement for individuals with altered gait. Methods This method comparison study involved healthy adults walking on a treadmill while performing slow and shuffling walking patterns. Twelve wearable devices were placed on the arm, waist, and leg, and their recorded step counts were compared to manual counts from filmed sessions, following Consumer Technology Association guidelines. Results The Apple Watch, particularly when worn on the waist, demonstrated the highest reliability and adaptability across walking patterns. Leg placement, which accounted for 10 of the top 20 device-position combinations, suggested that larger movement amplitudes improve step count accuracy, particularly during slow or altered gaits. Conclusion This study confirmed the Apple Watch to be the most accurate wearable step count device. The study provides new understanding as to the precision of commercially available devices and their placement, when aiming to improve and, or conduct research about, patient physical activity outcomes.

Genome-assisted identification of wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr.ace-4A/Lr30

Indirect associations of pain resilience and kinesiophobia with the relationship between physical activity and chronic pain

Background Pain is associated with a decrease in physical activity for most individuals. Nevertheless, some individuals manage to maintain physical activity levels despite pain. While the exact psychological mechanisms behind this are unknown, it may possibly be due to low kinesiophobia and high pain resilience levels. This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect associations of pain resilience and kinesiophobia with the relationship between pain and physical activity. Methods In this cross-sectional study data were collected from 172 participants suffering from chronic pain. Three path models were fitted to assess the indirect associations between pain resilience and kinesiophobia in the relationship between physical activity and musculoskeletal pain individually and simultaneously. Additionally, a linear regression model was fitted to examine the impact of psychological predictors of physical activity while accounting for musculoskeletal pain. Results Significant proportions of the association between musculoskeletal pain on physical activity occurred through both pain resilience and kinesiophobia. Nevertheless, when examined simultaneously, only the indirect associations via pain resilience remained significant. Similarly, when predicting physical activity levels, only high levels of pain resilience and male gender were associated with increased physical activity levels, whereas kinesiophobia was not. Conclusions This highlights the central role pain resilience plays in retaining physical activity levels when faced with chronic pain. It also implies that pain resilience predicts physical activity levels beyond pain intensity, kinesiophobia, pain duration, and pain spread. It is, therefore, imperative to examine avenues of increasing pain resilience among individuals suffering from chronic pain, not only to improve their pain, but also their overall health and well-being. This possibly bears implications for clinical practice and may inform treatment approaches, whereby pain resilience may be boosted to increase physical activity levels. Nevertheless, given the cross-sectional design, longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to confirm the causal pathways.

The role of cytochrome bc1 inhibitors in future tuberculosis treatment regimens

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) remains the foremost cause of death from infectious diseases globally, prompting ongoing efforts to improve treatment options. This includes developing compounds with novel modes of action and identifying optimal treatment regimens that allow for treatment shortening. One promising strategy involves targeting cytochrome bc 1 oxidase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis , a key enzyme in the respiratory chain. In this study, we evaluate the potential of cytochrome bc 1 inhibitors as partner drugs in TB combination regimens. Using a relapsing mouse model, we demonstrate that these inhibitors enhance regimen sterilisation and significantly reduce the time required for effective treatment. We also propose several novel combination strategies for both multidrug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB, where cytochrome bc 1 inhibitors contribute to sterilisation and improved treatment outcomes. Furthermore, M. tuberculosis clinical isolates exhibited heightened susceptibility to cytochrome bc 1 inhibitors compared to laboratory-adapted strains, highlighting the importance of using clinical isolates in TB drug discovery to better reflect the diversity of TB populations. These findings emphasise the potential of cytochrome bc 1 inhibition in the development of more effective and shorter treatment regimens for TB, supporting the need for further clinical investigation.

Sexual orientation and gender identity data: An observational study assessing the feasibility of SOGI collection in clinical research and patient assistance programs

Purpose Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people often experience significant health disparities and poor health outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection in 2 distinct survey settings: (1) clinical research and (2) patient assistance programs. Materials and methods In this survey study, participants completed 1 of 2 separate, distinct, self-reported, optional, United States–based surveys: (1) an in-person survey at clinical research sites for a cough or cardiac study between December 2022 to December 2023 (sponsored by Genentech) or (2) a web-based patient assistance program survey from a patient assistance program between January 2023 to December 2023 (sponsored by the Genentech Patient Foundation). Results Of 33 clinical research survey participants, 100% of participants answered SOGI-related questions, leading to a non-response rate of 0%. Most (87.88%) participants identified as cisgender; 84.85% identified as heterosexual, 3.03% bisexual, 3.03% gay, 3.03% questioning, and 6.06% preferred not to answer. Of 8499 patient assistance program survey participants, 99.54% answered gender identity questions (non-response rate of 0.46%) and 95.92% answered sexual orientation questions (non-response rate of 4.08%). Gender identities in the patient assistance program survey included 61.30% female, 34.22% male, 0.12% genderqueer, 0.06% transgender male, 0.14% none of the options, and 4.16% “Prefer not to answer.” Self-reported non-heterosexual orientations included bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, questioning, “Prefer not to answer,” and something else. Conclusions These findings suggest that patients in both survey settings are willing to self-disclose sexual orientation and gender identity information. These results underscore the rationale for adopting SOGI data collection in these settings. Clinical trials NCT05660850, ISRCTN10520571

A planar chiral organoselenium enabled enantioselective intramolecular oxidation of trisubstituted olefins

Maternal morbidity profile in hospitalizations in the Unified Health System in São Paulo, Brazil: Analysis using data mining, 2014 to 2019

In Brazil, approximately 80% of births are publicly funded and are registered in the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). The SIH/SUS has morbidity data, but its use for maternal morbidity surveillance is still limited. The objective of this study was to apply data mining techniques to identify diagnoses registered in the SIH/SUS that alone or together are associated with maternal death. Obstetric hospitalizations at SIH/SUS of women aged 10–49 years from the largest state in Brazil (São Paulo) from 2014 to 2019 were analysed. Diagnoses were classified into 12 groups, adapting the WHO’s classification proposal of maternal deaths. Groups of diagnoses that were related to maternal death were identified using association rules with the Apriori algorithm. Of the 2,742,467 hospitalizations, 831 (0.03%) resulted in death. The most frequent diagnoses associated with death, alone or in combination, were non-obstetric complications (62.0%). Pregnancy-specific hypertensive complications (20.1%), pregnancy-related infections (19.9%) and haemorrhages (13.6%) were also present in hospitalizations resulting in death. The risk of death was more significant for non-obstetric complications, unknown causes and external causes, with lifts above 10. The risk of death was at least three times greater for groups of diagnoses related to the most frequent causes of maternal death in the country (complications of hypertension, infections, and haemorrhages). Uncomplicated abortion, gestational diabetes and other causes of non-obstetric hospitalization were only associated with maternal death when together with other diagnoses. The study reinforces the data mining technique as an innovative approach in the study of maternal mortality in the country. The results also reaffirm the importance of hypertensive, haemorrhagic and infectious causes for maternal death and highlight the relevance of non-obstetric causes for the surveillance of maternal morbidity since women with these diagnoses, alone or associated with other complications, had a higher risk of death.

Advancing sleep health equity through deep learning on large-scale nocturnal respiratory signals

Plasma-activated media inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and ameliorates intestinal fibrosis through the PPARγ/TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway

Inflammatory bowel disease often complicates intestinal lumen stenosis, and intestinal fibrosis is the core pathological process leading to its development. Currently, there are no effective drug treatments available to prevent or improve intestinal fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that PAM (plasma-activated media) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and improves skin fibrosis by regulating the PPARγ/TGF-β1 axis. However, it is unclear whether PAM can improve intestinal fibrosis. We used a gradient concentration of PAM to intervene in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse intestinal fibrosis model to evaluate its effects onalleviating fibrosis and explore the specific molecular mechanisms. In addition, we used PAM to intervene in the TGF-β1-induced rat intestinal crypt epithelial cell (IEC-6) EMT and fibrosis in an in vitro model to further explore the molecular mechanisms by which PAM improves intestinal fibrosis. We found that PAM can improve intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the PPARγ/TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway.

Efficient classical sampling from Gaussian boson sampling distributions on unweighted graphs

Type 2 diabetes remission and its predictors in an Indian cohort: A retrospective analysis of an intensive lifestyle intervention program

Predictors of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission following intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) are poorly characterized, especially in high-risk populations, such as India. This study aimed to identify the key predictors of T2D remission after an ILI in an Indian population. This retrospective analysis included 2384 patients with T2D (age 30–75 years; body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m² enrolled in an online one-year ILI program at the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic, India, between May 2021 and August 2023. The intervention included personalized plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management, and medical support. Remission was defined as maintaining glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) < 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) for ≥3 months without glucose-lowering medications. Anthropometric and biochemical data were extracted from clinical records. Predictors were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Post- intervention, 744 patients (31.2%) achieved remission The remission group showed significantly greater improvements in weight (−8.5% vs. −5.2%), BMI (−8.6% vs. −5.2%), HbA1c (−15.3% vs. −12.4%), fasting insulin (−26.6% vs. −11.4%), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (−37.3% vs. −19.7%), than the non-remission group (p <0.05). The predictors of remission included age (≤50 years), higher BMI (≥25 kg/m²), drug-naïve status, shorter disease duration (≤6 years), juice fasting, baseline HbA1c <7%, weight loss >10%, and post-intervention HOMA-IR <2.5 (p <0.05). Our findings demonstrate that a significant proportion of individuals with T2D can achieve remission through a comprehensive culturally adapted lifestyle program. The identification of both baseline and post-intervention predictors underscores the importance of early, personalized, and holistic care in diabetes management.