bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of triple-negative breast cancer aggressiveness by LGALS3BP via inhibition of the TNF-α–TAK1–MMP9 axis
Authors: Sun Eun-Gene , Vijayan Veena , Park Mi-Ra , Yoo Kyung Hyun , Cho Sang-Hee , Bae Woo-Kyun , Shim Hyun-Jeong , Hwang Jun-Eul , Park In-Kyu , Chung Ik-Joo
Published: April 2023

Transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which is highly expressed and aberrantly activated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), plays a pivotal role in metastasis and progression. This makes it a potential therapeutic target for TNBC. Previously, we reported lectin galactoside-binding soluble 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP) as a negative regulator of TAK1 signaling in the inflammatory response and inflammation-associated cancer progression. However, the role of LGALS3BP and its molecular interaction with TAK1 in TNBC remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of action of LGALS3BP in TNBC progression and determine the therapeutic potential of nanoparticle-mediated delivery of LGALS3BP in TNBC. We found that LGALS3BP overexpression suppressed the overall aggressive phenotype of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. LGALS3BP inhibited TNF-α-mediated gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), which encodes a protein crucial for lung metastasis in TNBC patients. Mechanistically, LGALS3BP suppressed TNF-α-mediated activation of TAK1, a key kinase linking TNF-α stimulation and MMP9 expression in TNBC. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery enabled tumor-specific targeting and inhibited TAK1 phosphorylation and MMP9 expression in tumor tissues, suppressing primary tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Our findings reveal a novel role of LGALS3BP in TNBC progression and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of nanoparticle-mediated delivery of LGALS3BP in TNBC.
Vascular mimicry induced by m6A mediated IGFL2-AS1/AR axis contributes to pazopanib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Bo , Xie Mingyue , Zhou Yong , Li Tian , Liu Wanting , Yu Wenjing , Jia Man , Yu Shuang , Chen Lixuan , Dai Rongyang , Wang Ronghao
Published: April 2023

Metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a lethal sub-type of kidney cancer. Vascular mimicry (VM) has been postulated as an alternative route to supply tumors with nutrients, playing key role in tumor development. Whether VM development is linked to pazopanib efficacy, however, remains unclear. Here, our in vitro and in vivo models identified that VM development was profoundly increased in pazopanib resistant ccRCC as compared to the sensitive controls, which was due to the activation of IGFL2-AS1/AR/TWIST1 signaling. IGFL2-AS1, a m6A modified long coding RNA, was demethylated by METTL3/METTL14 complex and stabilized owing to its failing recognition by YTHDF2 upon chronic pazopanib treatment. Further mechanistic dissection illustrated that IGFL2-AS1 physically interacted with the 5’-UTR AR mRNA and neutralized the negative regulation of 5’-uORF (upstream open reading frame) on AR translation. Indeed, IGFL2-AS1 short of AR binding region failed to promote AR expression, VM formation and pazopanib resistance. In vivo xenografted mouse model also elucidated that inhibition of AR activity with enzalutamide or silence of IGFL2-AS1 with siRNAs all led to retarded growth of pazopanib resistant ccRCC tumors. Together, these results suggest that IGFL2-AS1 may represent a key player to mediate pazopanib-induced VM formation of ccRCC cells via regulating AR expression and targeting this newly identified IGFL2-AS1/AR signaling may help us to better suppress ccRCC VM formation and to increase the therapeutic efficacy of pazopanib.
High-throughput screening of spike variants uncovers the key residues that alter the affinity and antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Luo Yufeng , Liu Shuo , Xue Jiguo , Yang Ye , Zhao Junxuan , Sun Ying , Wang Bolun , Yin Shenyi , Li Juan , Xia Yuchao , Ge Feixiang , Dong Jiqiao , Guo Lvze , Ye Buqing , Huang Weijin , Wang Youchun , Xi Jianzhong Jeff
Published: April 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has elicited a worldwide pandemic since late 2019. There has been ~675 million confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, leading to more than 6.8 million deaths as of March 1, 2023. Five SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) were tracked as they emerged and were subsequently characterized. However, it is still difficult to predict the next dominant variant due to the rapid evolution of its spike (S) glycoprotein, which affects the binding activity between cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and blocks the presenting epitope from humoral monoclonal antibody (mAb) recognition. Here, we established a robust mammalian cell-surface-display platform to study the interactions of S-ACE2 and S-mAb on a large scale. A lentivirus library of S variants was generated via in silico chip synthesis followed by site-directed saturation mutagenesis, after which the enriched candidates were acquired through single-cell fluorescence sorting and analyzed by third-generation DNA sequencing technologies. The mutational landscape provides a blueprint for understanding the key residues of the S protein binding affinity to ACE2 and mAb evasion. It was found that S205F, Y453F, Q493A, Q493M, Q498H, Q498Y, N501F, and N501T showed a 3–12-fold increase in infectivity, of which Y453F, Q493A, and Q498Y exhibited at least a 10-fold resistance to mAbs REGN10933, LY-CoV555, and REGN10987, respectively. These methods for mammalian cells may assist in the precise control of SARS-CoV-2 in the future.
Structural basis of impaired disaggregase function in the oxidation-sensitive SKD3 mutant causing 3-methylglutaconic aciduria
Authors: Lee Sukyeong , Lee Sang Bum , Sung Nuri , Xu Wendy W. , Chang Changsoo , Kim Hyun-Eui , Catic Andre , Tsai Francis T. F.
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria are critical to cellular and organismal health. To prevent damage, mitochondria have evolved protein quality control machines to survey and maintain the mitochondrial proteome. SKD3, also known as CLPB, is a ring-forming, ATP-fueled protein disaggregase essential for preserving mitochondrial integrity and structure. SKD3 deficiency causes 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type VII (MGCA7) and early death in infants, while mutations in the ATPase domain impair protein disaggregation with the observed loss-of-function correlating with disease severity. How mutations in the non-catalytic N-domain cause disease is unknown. Here, we show that the disease-associated N-domain mutation, Y272C, forms an intramolecular disulfide bond with Cys267 and severely impairs SKD3Y272C function under oxidizing conditions and in living cells. While Cys267 and Tyr272 are found in all SKD3 isoforms, isoform-1 features an additional α-helix that may compete with substrate-binding as suggested by crystal structure analyses and in silico modeling, underscoring the importance of the N-domain to SKD3 function.
Antichiral surface states in time-reversal-invariant photonic semimetals
Authors: Liu Jian-Wei , Shi Fu-Long , Shen Ke , Chen Xiao-Dong , Chen Ke , Chen Wen-Jie , Dong Jian-Wen
Published: April 2023

Besides chiral edge states, the hallmark of quantum Hall insulators, antichiral edge states can exhibit unidirectional transport behavior but in topological semimetals. Although such edge states provide more flexibility for molding the flow of light, their realization usually suffers from time-reversal breaking. In this study, we propose the realization of antichiral surface states in a time-reversal-invariant manner and demonstrate our idea with a three-dimensional (3D) photonic metacrystal. Our system is a photonic semimetal possessing two asymmetrically dispersed Dirac nodal lines. Via dimension reduction, the nodal lines are rendered a pair of offset Dirac points. By introducing synthetic gauge flux, each two-dimensional (2D) subsystem with nonzero kz is analogous to a modified Haldane model, yielding a kz-dependent antichiral surface transport. Through microwave experiments, the bulk dispersion with asymmetric nodal lines and associated twisted ribbon surface states are demonstrated in our 3D time-reversal-invariant system. Although our idea is demonstrated in a photonic system, we propose a general approach to realize antichiral edge states in time-reversal-invariant systems. This approach can be easily extended to systems beyond photonics and may pave the way for further applications of antichiral transport.
Analyses of a chromosome-scale genome assembly reveal the origin and evolution of cultivated chrysanthemum
Authors: Song Aiping , Su Jiangshuo , Wang Haibin , Zhang Zhongren , Zhang Xingtan , Van de Peer Yves , Chen Fei , Fang Weimin , Guan Zhiyong , Zhang Fei , Wang Zhenxing , Wang Likai , Ding Baoqing , Zhao Shuang , Ding Lian , Liu Ye , Zhou Lijie , He Jun , Jia Diwen , Zhang Jiali , Chen Chuwen , Yu Zhongyu , Sun Daojin , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi
Published: April 2023

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) is a globally important ornamental plant with great economic, cultural, and symbolic value. However, research on chrysanthemum is challenging due to its complex genetic background. Here, we report a near-complete assembly and annotation for C. morifolium comprising 27 pseudochromosomes (8.15 Gb; scaffold N50 of 303.69 Mb). Comparative and evolutionary analyses reveal a whole-genome triplication (WGT) event shared by Chrysanthemum species approximately 6 million years ago (Mya) and the possible lineage-specific polyploidization of C. morifolium approximately 3 Mya. Multilevel evidence suggests that C. morifolium is likely a segmental allopolyploid. Furthermore, a combination of genomics and transcriptomics approaches demonstrate the C. morifolium genome can be used to identify genes underlying key ornamental traits. Phylogenetic analysis of CmCCD4a traces the flower colour breeding history of cultivated chrysanthemum. Genomic resources generated from this study could help to accelerate chrysanthemum genetic improvement.
Lung-specific MCEMP1 functions as an adaptor for KIT to promote SCF-mediated mast cell proliferation
Authors: Choi Youn Jung , Yoo Ji-Seung , Jung Kyle , Rice Logan , Kim Dokyun , Zlojutro Violetta , Frimel Matthew , Madden Evan , Choi Un Yung , Foo Suan-Sin , Choi Younho , Jiang Zhongyi , Johnson Holly , Kwak Mi-Jeong , Kang Seokmin , Hong Brian , Seo Gil Ju , Kim Stephanie , Lee Shin-Ae , Amini-Bavil-Olyaee Samad , Maazi Hadi , Akbari Omid , Asosingh Kewal , Jung Jae U.
Published: April 2023

Lung mast cells are important in host defense, and excessive proliferation or activation of these cells can cause chronic inflammatory disorders like asthma. Two parallel pathways induced by KIT–stem cell factor (SCF) and FcεRI–immunoglobulin E interactions are critical for the proliferation and activation of mast cells, respectively. Here, we report that mast cell-expressed membrane protein1 (MCEMP1), a lung-specific surface protein, functions as an adaptor for KIT, which promotes SCF-mediated mast cell proliferation. MCEMP1 elicits intracellular signaling through its cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif and forms a complex with KIT to enhance its autophosphorylation and activation. Consequently, MCEMP1 deficiency impairs SCF-induced peritoneal mast cell proliferation in vitro and lung mast cell expansion in vivo.Mcemp1-deficient mice exhibit reduced airway inflammation and lung impairment in chronic asthma mouse models. This study shows lung-specific MCEMP1 as an adaptor for KIT to facilitate SCF-mediated mast cell proliferation.
Remote substituent effects on catalytic activity of metal-organic frameworks: a linker orbital energy model
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Meng Huan , Gao Xuejiao J. , Zheng Jia-Jia , Gao Xingfa
Published: April 2023

The Hammett equation is commonly used to theoretically depict the remote electronic effects of substituents on catalytic activities of metal nodes of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). However, the application of the theory to MOF catalysts usually encounters problems because it relies heavily on empirical parameters with unknown transferability. To develop an alternative prediction theory, the linker orbital energy model has been proposed by density functional theory calculations. The model provides a simple method to approximately depict the remote electronic substituent effects on catalytic activities of metal nodes of MOFs, and its general applicability to MOFs is supported by extensively revisiting the structure-activity relationships reported in the literatures. The model can be used to design catalytic activity of metal nodes of MOFs by engineering the electronic properties of linkers and substituents.
Stress corrosion cracking of X80 steel heat-affected zone in a near-neutral pH solution containing Bacillus cereus
Authors: Liu Bo , Yang Jike , Du Cuiwei , Liu Zhiyong , Wu Wei , Li Xiaogang
Published: April 2023

Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is observed to have varying effects on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) sensitivity of different microstructures in the simulated heat-affected zone (HAZ) of X80 steel. At open circuit potential (OCP), the SCC sensitivity of different microstructures increased from 3.40–7.49% in an abiotic medium to 10.22–15.17% in a biotic medium. At −0.9 V (SCE), it increased from 22.81–26.51% to 35.76–39.60%. The increment in SCC sensitivity upon exposure to B. cereus was highest in the coarse-grained HAZ (7.68 and 16.79% at OCP and −0.9 V, respectively), followed by the intercritical and fine-grained HAZs. Owing to differences in the phase composition, grain boundary type, dislocation density, and surface volta potential, the initial adhesion number and position of B. cereus in the microstructure of the HAZ were differed, resulting in different sensitivities to SCC.
Boundaries of quantum supremacy via random circuit sampling
Authors: Zlokapa Alexander , Villalonga Benjamin , Boixo Sergio , Lidar Daniel A.
Published: April 2023

Google’s quantum supremacy experiment heralded a transition point where quantum computers can evaluate a computational task, random circuit sampling, faster than classical supercomputers. We examine the constraints on the region of quantum advantage for quantum circuits with a larger number of qubits and gates than experimentally implemented. At near-term gate fidelities, we demonstrate that quantum supremacy is limited to circuits with a qubit count and circuit depth of a few hundred. Larger circuits encounter two distinct boundaries: a return of a classical advantage and practically infeasible quantum runtimes. Decreasing error rates cause the region of a quantum advantage to grow rapidly. At error rates required for early implementations of the surface code, the largest circuit size within the quantum supremacy regime coincides approximately with the smallest circuit size needed to implement error correction. Thus, the boundaries of quantum supremacy may fortuitously coincide with the advent of scalable, error-corrected quantum computing.
Error statistics and scalability of quantum error mitigation formulas
Authors: Qin Dayue , Chen Yanzhu , Li Ying
Published: April 2023

Quantum computing promises advantages over classical computing in many problems. Nevertheless, noise in quantum devices prevents most quantum algorithms from achieving the quantum advantage. Quantum error mitigation provides a variety of protocols to handle such noise using minimal qubit resources. While some of those protocols have been implemented in experiments for a few qubits, it remains unclear whether error mitigation will be effective in quantum circuits with tens to hundreds of qubits. In this paper, we apply statistics principles to quantum error mitigation and analyse the scaling behaviour of its intrinsic error. We find that the error increases linearly O(ϵN) with the gate number N before mitigation and sublinearly $$O({\epsilon }^{{\prime} }{N}^{\gamma })$$

O

(

ϵ

′

N

γ

)

after mitigation, where γ ≈ 0.5, ϵ is the error rate of a quantum gate, and $${\epsilon }^{{\prime} }$$

ϵ

′

is a protocol-dependent factor. The $$\sqrt{N}$$

N

scaling is a consequence of the law of large numbers, and it indicates that error mitigation can suppress the error by a larger factor in larger circuits. We propose the importance Clifford sampling as a key technique for error mitigation in large circuits to obtain this result.
The efficacious of AOP-based processes in concert with electrocoagulation in abatement of CECs from water/wastewater
Authors: Hajalifard Zeinab , Mousazadeh Milad , Khademi Sara , Khademi Nastaran , Jamadi Mehdi Hassanvand , Sillanpää Mika
Published: April 2023

Combining electrocoagulation with another process is a potential strategy for increasing the efficiency of water and wastewater pollutant removal. The integration of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and electrocoagulation (EC) demonstrates improved performance. The mechanism of the EC combined with ozone (O3), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sulfate radicals, electrooxidation (EO), Fenton/electro-Fenton, and UV is discussed. This review sheds light on EC-AOP hybrid processes in terms of their mechanisms, development, challenges, and their potential application for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). The majority of the articles claimed improved performance of the EC process when combined with AOP as a pre-treatment, especially in terms of removing recalcitrant contaminants. For instance, the integrated EC-Fenton/photo-Fenton processes have been shown to be a promising treatment to virtually complete removal of the phenolic compounds in oil refinery wastewater. In EC-EO process, boron doped diamond (BDD) anode, despite being costly electrode, has the highest oxidation potential and is therefore the most suitable type for the mineralization of organic pollutants. PFASs are more effective at being removed from water through zinc and Ti4O7electrodes in EC-EO treatment. Furthermore, the peroxone and synergistic effects between O3and coagulants played almost equal dominant role to removal of ibuprofen using hybrid EC-O3. However, enough data for conducting these integrated processes at industrial scale or with real wastewaters do not exist, and so there is a lack for comprehensive and systematic approaches to address complexity of such systems. Although a great number of papers were focused on the degradation of effluents from different industries, viruses, and pharmaceuticals, there is not sufficient research in terms of the removal of herbicides, pesticides, microplastics, and micropollutants.
Perception, environmental determinants, and health complications of excess weight in India: a mixed methods approach
Authors: Barua Somdutta , Saikia Nandita
Published: April 2023

In light of the high and rising prevalence of obesity, we studied females and males aged 25–54 years with excess weight in the Kolkata metropolitan region, one of India's main cities, to understand the perception, environmental determinants and health complications of obesity. We resorted to primary fieldwork. The close-ended quantitative survey questionnaire was designed to capture the perception and health complications of the sampled population, while a semi-structured interview guide comprising open-ended questions was prepared to capture the target population’s in-depth views. Following the WHO guidelines on BMI and WC cut-off for Asian adults, the sampled population comprised females and males aged 25–54 with a waist circumference of 80 cm and 90 cm or higher, respectively, and a BMI of 25 or higher in the Kolkata metropolitan area. Using a concurrent mixed methods approach, we collected and analysed quantitative and qualitative data separately using descriptive statistics and inductive coding before combining them. In the study area, we completed 120 surveys and 18 in-depth interviews. Some environmental factors promoting obesity were the lack of access to healthy, fresh foods, lack of health awareness programmes, advertisements, and weather conditions in Kolkata. Interview participants also extended their concerns about food adulteration and the food industry. Participants confirmed that obesity could increase the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and heart disease. Further, participants felt squatting was challenging for them. Hypertension was the most common existing health complication found among the study participants. Participants suggested raising awareness, promoting and making access to healthy food and wellness programs more accessible, and regulating fast foods and sugary beverages at institutional, community and social/public policy levels to prevent obesity. Health education and better policies are required to combat obesity and related complications.
Virtual reality assessment of walking in a modifiable urban environment: a feasibility and acceptability study
Authors: Oselinsky Katrina , Spitzer Amanda N. , Yu Yiqing , Ortega Francisco R. , Malinin Laura H. , Curl Kelly A. , Leach Heather , Graham Dan J.
Published: April 2023

Physical activity is known to be one of the most health-beneficial behaviors, and salutogenic design modifications to the built environment can facilitate increased physical activity. Unfortunately, it is not often clear in advance which environmental and urban design implementations will generate increases in activities such as walking, and which will have little impact or even reduce walking. The present study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual reality (VR) model for pre-testing urban designs for their impact on walking. Using a wearable VR head-mounted display/computer, young adults (n = 40) walked freely through a large indoor gymnasium, simultaneously walking through a virtual model of an urban streetscape that was designed to be modifiable and allow for testing impacts on walking of various changes to the urban environment. The majority of participants found the experience to be acceptable: pleasant and nonaversive, and they walked freely through the VR model for approximately 20 min, on average. Using modifiable VR models to pre-test built-environment changes for their impacts on walking behavior appears to be a feasible and acceptable approach and worthy of continued research investigation.
Effects of repetitive twice-weekly transcranial direct current stimulations on fatigue and fatigability in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Linnhoff Stefanie , Haghikia Aiden , Zaehle Tino
Published: April 2023

Fatigue is associated with a dramatically decreased quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). It refers to a constant subjective feeling of exhaustion and performance decline, known as fatigability. However, inconsistency and heterogeneity in defining and assessing fatigue have led to limited advances in understanding and treating MS-associated fatigue. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising, non-pharmaceutical treatment strategy for subjective fatigue. However, whether repetitive tDCS also have long-term effects on time-on-task performance has not yet been investigated. This pseudorandomized, single-blinded, and sham-controlled study investigated tDCS effects on behavioral and electrophysiological parameters. 18 pwMS received eight twice-weekly 30 min stimulations over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Fatigability was operationalized as time-on-task-related changes in reaction time variability and P300 amplitude. Additionally, subjective trait and state fatigue ratings were assessed. The results revealed an overall decrease in subjective trait fatigue ratings that lasted at least four weeks after the stimulations. However, the ratings declined after both anodal and sham tDCS. No effects were found on subjective state fatigue and objective fatigability parameters. Linear Mixed Models and Bayesian Regression models likewise favored the absence of a tDCS effect on fatigability parameters. The results confirm the complex relationship between MS-associated fatigue and fatigability. Reliable and clinically relevant parameters need to be established to extend the potential of tDCS for treating fatigability. Furthermore, our results indicate that consecutive stimulations rather than twice-weekly stimulations should be the preferred stimulation scheme in future studies.
Thermal transport properties of porous silicon filled by ionic liquid nanocomposite system
Authors: Lishchuk Pavlo , Vashchuk Alina , Rogalsky Sergiy , Chepela Lesia , Borovyi Mykola , Lacroix David , Isaiev Mykola
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates thermal transport in a nanocomposite system consisting of a porous silicon matrix filled with ionic liquid. Firstly, the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of two imidazolium and one ammonium ionic liquids were evaluated using the photoacoustic approach in piezoelectric configuration and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Then, the thermal transport properties of the composite system "ionic liquid confined inside porous silicon matrix" were investigated with the photoacoustic approach in gas-microphone configuration. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement of the thermal conductivity of the composite system when compared to the individual components, i.e. (i) more than two times for pristine porous silicon and (ii) more than eight times for ionic liquids. These results provide new paths for innovative solutions in the field of thermal management, particularly in the development of highly efficient energy storage devices.
Partial substitution of red or processed meat with plant-based foods and the risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Maukonen Mirkka , Harald Kennet , Kaartinen Niina E. , Tapanainen Heli , Albanes Demetrius , Eriksson Johan , Härkänen Tommi , Jousilahti Pekka , Koskinen Seppo , Päivärinta Essi , Suikki Tiina , Tolonen Hanna , Pajari Anne-Maria , Männistö Satu
Published: April 2023

High consumption of red and processed meat has been associated with increased type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. These kinds of diets are also environmentally unsustainable. We examined a modeled association between a partial substitution of red meat or processed meat with plant-based foods (legumes, vegetables, fruit, cereals, or a combination of these) and T2D risk among Finnish adults. We used pooled data from five Finnish cohorts (n = 41,662, 22% women, aged ≥ 25 years, 10.9 years median follow-up with 1750 incident T2D cases). Diet was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. In the substitution models, 100 g/week of red meat or 50 g/week of processed meat were substituted with similar amounts of plant-based substitutes. Cohort-specific hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards multivariable model and pooled using a two-staged random-effects model. We observed small, but statistically significant, reductions in T2D risk in men when red or processed meat were partially substituted with fruits (red meat: HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–1.00, P = 0.049, processed meat: 0.99, 0.98–1.00, P = 0.005), cereals (red meat: 0.97, 0.95–0.99, P = 0.005, processed meat: 0.99, 0.98–1.00, P = 0.004) or combination of plant-based foods (only processed meat: 0.99, 0.98–1.00, P = 0.004) but not with legumes or vegetables. The findings of women were similar but not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that even small, easily implemented, shifts towards more sustainable diets may reduce T2D risk particularly in men.
m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns are involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zheng Peng-Fei , Hong Xiu-Qin , Liu Zheng-Yu , Zheng Zhao-Fen , Liu Peng , Chen Lu-Zhu
Published: April 2023

The role of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) remains largely unclear. This study first identified differential m6A regulators between ICM and healthy samples, and then systematically evaluated the effects of m6A modification on the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in ICM, including the infiltration of immune cells, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, and HALLMARKS pathways. A total of seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15 and YTHDF3, were identified using a random forest classifier. A diagnostic nomogram based on these seven key m6A regulators could effectively distinguish patients with ICM from healthy subjects. We further identified two distinct m6A modification patterns (m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B) that are mediated by these seven regulators. Meanwhile, we also noted that one m6A regulator, WTAP, was gradually upregulated, while the others were gradually downregulated in the m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. In addition, we observed that the degree of infiltration of the activated dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) T cells, and type-17 T helper (Th17) cells gradually increased in m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. Furthermore, m6A regulators, including FTO, YTHDC1, YTHDF3, FMR1, ZC3H13, and RBM15 were significantly negatively correlated with the above-mentioned immune cells. Additionally, several differential HLA genes and HALLMARKS signalling pathways between the m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B groups were also identified. These results suggest that m6A modification plays a key role in the complexity and diversity of the immune microenvironment in ICM, and seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15, and YTHDF3, may be novel biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of ICM. Immunotyping of patients with ICM will help to develop immunotherapy strategies with a higher level of accuracy for patients with a significant immune response.
Avatar-based patient monitoring improves information transfer, diagnostic confidence and reduces perceived workload in intensive care units: computer-based, multicentre comparison study
Authors: Bergauer Lisa , Braun Julia , Roche Tadzio Raoul , Meybohm Patrick , Hottenrott Sebastian , Zacharowski Kai , Raimann Florian Jürgen , Rivas Eva , López-Baamonde Manuel , Ganter Michael Thomas , Nöthiger Christoph Beat , Spahn Donat R. , Tscholl David Werner , Akbas Samira
Published: April 2023

Patient monitoring is the foundation of intensive care medicine. High workload and information overload can impair situation awareness of staff, thus leading to loss of important information about patients’ conditions. To facilitate mental processing of patient monitoring data, we developed the Visual-Patient-avatar Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a virtual patient model animated from vital signs and patient installation data. It incorporates user-centred design principles to foster situation awareness. This study investigated the avatar’s effects on information transfer measured by performance, diagnostic confidence and perceived workload. This computer-based study compared Visual-Patient-avatar ICU and conventional monitor modality for the first time. We recruited 25 nurses and 25 physicians from five centres. The participants completed an equal number of scenarios in both modalities. Information transfer, as the primary outcome, was defined as correctly assessing vital signs and installations. Secondary outcomes included diagnostic confidence and perceived workload. For analysis, we used mixed models and matched odds ratios. Comparing 250 within-subject cases revealed that Visual-Patient-avatar ICU led to a higher rate of correctly assessed vital signs and installations [rate ratio (RR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.19–1.31; P < 0.001], strengthened diagnostic confidence [odds ratio (OR) 3.32; 95% CI 2.15–5.11, P < 0.001] and lowered perceived workload (coefficient − 7.62; 95% CI − 9.17 to − 6.07; P < 0.001) than conventional modality. Using Visual-Patient-avatar ICU, participants retrieved more information with higher diagnostic confidence and lower perceived workload compared to the current industry standard monitor.
Atmospheric NOx oxidation as major sources for nitrous acid (HONO)
Authors: Song Min , Zhao Xiaoxi , Liu Pengfei , Mu Jichun , He Guangzhi , Zhang Chenglong , Tong Shengrui , Xue Chaoyang , Zhao Xiujuan , Ge Maofa , Mu Yujing
Published: April 2023

Nitrous acid (HONO) is the major precursor of hydroxyl (OH) radicals to initiate tropospheric chemistry leading to formation of secondary pollutants. The sources of atmospheric HONO, however, are not fully understood. Here we show two additional HONO sources that stem from atmospheric oxidation of nitrogen oxide (NOx= NO + NO2). Nitric acid (HNO3) formed from photooxidation of NO2can be converted into HONO with a yield of ~53%, and dark NO oxidation by NO3radicals in the presence of H2O produces HONO with a yield of 2%. The diurnal variations of HONO levels from field observations in the urban (Beijing) and rural (Wangdu) areas of the North China Plain can be well reproduced by the WRF-Chem model when the two new HONO sources are taken into account. The findings imply that atmospheric NOxoxidation pathways are the major sources for HONO, which can significantly accelerate ozone formation in polluted regions as well.
PUREE: accurate pan-cancer tumor purity estimation from gene expression data
Authors: Revkov Egor , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Sung Ken Wing-Kin , Skanderup Anders Jacobsen
Published: April 2023

Tumors are complex masses composed of malignant and non-malignant cells. Variation in tumor purity (proportion of cancer cells in a sample) can both confound integrative analysis and enable studies of tumor heterogeneity. Here we developed PUREE, which uses a weakly supervised learning approach to infer tumor purity from a tumor gene expression profile. PUREE was trained on gene expression data and genomic consensus purity estimates from 7864 solid tumor samples. PUREE predicted purity with high accuracy across distinct solid tumor types and generalized to tumor samples from unseen tumor types and cohorts. Gene features of PUREE were further validated using single-cell RNA-seq data from distinct tumor types. In a comprehensive benchmark, PUREE outperformed existing transcriptome-based purity estimation approaches. Overall, PUREE is a highly accurate and versatile method for estimating tumor purity and interrogating tumor heterogeneity from bulk tumor gene expression data, which can complement genomics-based approaches or be used in settings where genomic data is unavailable.
Near-infrared hyperspectral imaging to map collagen content in prehistoric bones for radiocarbon dating
Authors: Malegori Cristina , Sciutto Giorgia , Oliveri Paolo , Prati Silvia , Gatti Lucrezia , Catelli Emilio , Benazzi Stefano , Cercatillo Silvia , Paleček Dragana , Mazzeo Rocco , Talamo Sahra
Published: April 2023

Many of the rarest prehistoric bones found by archaeologists are enormously precious and are considered to be part of our cultural and historical patrimony. Radiocarbon dating is a well-established technique that estimates the ages of bones by analysing the collagen still present. However, this method is destructive, and its use must be limited. In this study, we used imaging technology to quantify the presence of collagen in bone samples in a non-destructive way to select the most suitable samples (or sample regions) to be submitted to radiocarbon dating analysis. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) that was connected to a camera with hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was used along with a chemometric model to create chemical images of the distribution of collagen in ancient bones. This model quantifies the collagen at every pixel and thus provides a chemical mapping of collagen content. Our results will offer significant advances for the study of human evolution as we will be able to minimise the destruction of valuable bone material, which is under the protection and enhancement of European cultural heritage and thus allow us to contextualise the valuable object by providing an accurate calendar age.
Widespread presence of chlorinated paraffins in consumer products
Authors: Kutarna Steven , Du Xuan , Diamond Miriam L. , Blum Arlene , Peng Hui
Published: April 2023

Prohibited short-chain chlorinated paraffins were widely detected in indoor consumer products.
A light-operated integrated DNA walker–origami system beyond bridge burning
Authors: Liu Xiao Rui , Loh Iong Ying , Siti Winna , Too Hon Lin , Anderson Tommy , Wang Zhisong
Published: April 2023

Integrating rationally designed DNA molecular walkers and DNA origami platforms is a promising route towards advanced nano-robotics of diverse functions.
Systematic study of FFF materials for digitalizing chemical reactors with 3D printing: superior performance of carbon-filled polyamide
Authors: Korabelnikova Victoria A. , Gordeev Evgeniy G. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: April 2023

A simple methodology for testing FFF parts was developed to examine key factors for chemical applications. Carbon-filled polyamide (PA6-CF) was found superior for digital design of chemical reactors due to advantageous combination of properties.
Deciphering the parameters to produce highly reproducible and scalable iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Avasthi Ashish , Caro Carlos , Garcia-Martin María Luisa , Pernia Leal Manuel
Published: April 2023

This article introduces a modified method to yield small IONPs (∼4 nm) with high reproducibility and scalability after revisiting established synthesis methods and investigating the effect of variations in several parameters involved in these methods.
Targeting multidrug resistant Staphylococcus infections with bacterial histidine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Espinasse Adeline , Goswami Manibarsha , Yang Junshu , Vorasin Onanong , Ji Yinduo , Carlson Erin E.
Published: April 2023

We report an anti-virulence strategy to target methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The most potent lead decreased the lesion size caused by a MRSA skin infection by 65% in a mouse model.
Recent advances in Prussian blue-based photothermal therapy in cancer treatment
Authors: Tang Kaiyuan , Li Xiao , Hu Yanling , Zhang Xiaonan , Lu Nan , Fang Qiang , Shao Jinjun , Li Shengke , Xiu Weijun , Song Yanni , Yang Dongliang , Zhang Junjie
Published: April 2023

A review discusses the recent applications of Prussian blue nanomaterials in photothermal treatment and photothermal-based multimodal cancer treatment. Additionally, the potential obstacles to future research and clinical translation are discussed.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on particulate matter oxidative potential at urban backgroundversustraffic sites
Authors: Borlaza Lucille Joanna S. , Ngoc Thuy Vy Dinh , Grange Stuart , Socquet Stéphane , Moussu Emmanuel , Mary Gladys , Favez Olivier , Hueglin Christoph , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc , Uzu Gaëlle
Published: April 2023

During the lockdown period, the oxidative potential of PM decreased in a traffic site but not in an urban site due to sustained contributions from residential heating emissions. Random forest modelling is useful in predicting business-as-usual levels for air quality studies.
Promoted photo-Fenton reactivity through electron transfer between non-contacted Au nanoparticles and Fe2O3 nanowires in a confined space
Authors: Jin Shuang , Zhang Yi-Fei , Du Xin-Jie , Huang Qiang , Chen Zhe
Published: April 2023

Regulating the distance of Fe2O3 nanowires and Au nanoparticles achieves the oriented generation of ˙OH and ˙O2− for efficient degradation of contaminants.
Preparation of polyaspartamide-based adhesive hydrogels via Schiff base reaction with aldehyde-functionalized dextran
Authors: Hegazy Hend A. , Moon Hwi Hyun , Lee Dong-Hyun , Bhang Suk Ho , Kim Youn-Chul , Song Changsik , Kim Ji-Heung
Published: April 2023

The hydrogel synthesized from biocompatible polyaspartamide, and oxidized dextran had stronger adhesion properties when tested on porcine skin than the commercially available fibrin glue.
A fluorine functionalised phosphine based solid additive for morphology control and achieving efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Subbiah Jegadesan , Jones David J.
Published: April 2023

A volatile solid additive (tris(pentafluorophenyl)phosphine) is used to modulate the nanoscale phase-separated morphology of a photoactive layer to fabricate an efficient organic photovoltaic device with a power conversion efficiency of 16.9%.
Stacking influence on the in-plane magnetic anisotropy in a 2D magnetic system
Authors: Ruiz-Gómez Sandra , Pérez Lucas , Mascaraque Arantzazu , Santos Benito , El Gabaly Farid , Schmid Andreas K. , de la Figuera Juan
Published: April 2023

The influence of the stacking of three atoms thick islands of Co on Ru(0001) is studied by spin-polarized low-energy electron microscopy (SPLEEM). It decreases by two orders of magnitude by changing the stacking sequence from fcc to hcp.
Operandosurface optical nanometrology reveals diazonium salts’ visible photografting mechanism
Authors: Maillot Baptiste , Johnson Madelyn , Audibert Jean-Frédéric , Miomandre Fabien , Brasiliense Vitor
Published: April 2023

Quantitative phase imaging is used to investigate direct diazonium salts’ photografting kinetics. By analyzing the influence of several parameters (excitation wavelength, fluency, precursor concentration,etc.), the reaction mechanism is determined.
Synthesis of cyclopropanes through gold-catalyzed [2 + 1] cycloaddition of allenamides with sulfoxonium ylides
Authors: Hong Tong , Liu Yongchun , Zhao Kun , Cheng Song , Liu Qingsong , Zhang Shuting , Zhong Ying , Li Xiaoxiao , Zhao Zhigang
Published: April 2023

We report a facile protocol for the synthesis of cyclopropanes through gold-catalyzed [2 + 1] cycloaddition of allenamides with sulfoxonium ylides.
Copper-catalyzed intermolecular carboesterification of unactivated aliphatic alkenes with α-carbonyl alkyl bromides via a SET process: efficient synthesis of γ-lactones
Authors: Feng Cancan , Zhu Youcai , Liu Zhen , Yang Fan , Wu Yangjie
Published: April 2023

A novel and efficient copper-catalyzed carboesterification of unactivated alkenes with α-carbonyl alkyl bromides for the synthesis of γ-lactones derivatives has been developed.
First-principles study on electronic states of In2Se3/Au heterostructure controlled by strain engineering
Authors: Han Sha , Xia Cai-Juan , Li Min , Zhao Xu-Mei , Zhang Guo-Qing , Li Lian-Bi , Su Yao-Heng , Fang Qing-Long
Published: April 2023

The development of low-dimensional multifunctional devices has become increasingly important as the size of field-effect transistors decreases.
Magneto-structural studies on a number of doubly end-on cyanate and azide bridged dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes with {N3O} donor Schiff base ligands
Authors: Jana Narayan Ch. , Jagodič Marko , Brandão Paula , Patra Moumita , Herchel Radovan , Jagličić Zvonko , Panja Anangamohan
Published: April 2023

Two new doubly μ1,1-N3 bridged and six new doubly μ1,1-NCO bridged NiII complexes displaying a high degree of magneto-structural correlation.
First report oftrans-A2B-corrole derived from a lapachone derivative: photophysical, TD-DFT and photobiological assays
Authors: Rodrigues Bruna M. , Diniz Carlos C. , da Rocha Vinicius N. , Köhler Mateus H. , Brandão Guilherme P. , Machado Luana A. , da Silva Júnior Eufranio N. , Iglesias Bernardo A.
Published: April 2023

Photophysical properties of novel corroles containing lapachol units. DFT calculations and electrochemical analysis were conducted to better understand the corrole molecular structures. Corrole derivatives do not form aggregates in solution and generate ROS species.
Reactions of noble-metal oxides in ionic liquids near room temperature
Authors: Liebertseder Mareike , Donsbach Carsten , Feldmann Claus
Published: April 2023

The NHC complexes (C8H14N2)CuCl, (C8H14N2)AgI, (C6H10N2)AuCl, [(C8H14N2)2Hg][CuCl3], [(C8H14N2)2Hg][AgCl3], and [EMIm][Ag2I2Cl] with infinite d10–d10 interactions are prepared by reacting Ag2O, Au2O3 and HgO with CuCl, CuI, AgCl, AgI, AuCl and AuI at 20–80 °C.
Extraction of phytochemicals from the pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) by reverse iontophoresis
Authors: Moore Kieran , Reeksting Shaun B. , Nair Vimal , Pannakal Steve T. , Roy Nita , Eilstein Joan , Grégoire Sébastien , Delgado-Charro M. Begoña , Guy Richard H.
Published: April 2023

Reverse iontophoresis facilitated the extraction of phytochemicals from intact pomegranates in a non-destructive manner. These phytochemicals were subsequently identified using liquid chromatography coupled to untargeted mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Unraveling the catalytic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease with allosteric modulation of C270 mutation using multiscale computational approaches
Authors: Shao Qiang , Xiong Muya , Li Jiameng , Hu Hangchen , Su Haixia , Xu Yechun
Published: April 2023

This theoretical study sheds light on the proteolysis mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 PLproand how the C270R mutation affects the proteolysis activity, paving the way for understanding the function of PLproand design of novel allosteric inhibitors.
Exploring Au(i) involving halogen bonding with N-heterocyclic carbene Au(i) aryl complexes in crystalline media
Authors: Mikherdov Alexander S. , Jin Mingoo , Ito Hajime
Published: April 2023

The halogen bonding involving the Au(i) metal center was systematically studied using a series of nine co-crystals between NHC Au(i) aryl complexes and iodoperfluoroarenes through XRD and solid-state NMR techniques, as well as DFT calculations.
Prediction of sustainable aviation fuel properties for liquid hydrocarbons from hydrotreating biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis derived organic intermediates
Authors: Watanasiri Suphat , Paulechka Eugene , Iisa Kristiina , Christensen Earl , Muzny Chris , Dutta Abhijit
Published: April 2023

Prediction of fuel properties of the jet boiling range product after hydrotreating biomass-derived catalytic fast pyrolysis oil enables research, development, and adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) via pyrolytic conversion.
Operando FTIR study of the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 in the presence of water vapor over Pt/TiO2: on the role of surface residual C-species
Authors: Dankar Joudy , Pagis Céline , Rivallan Mickael , El-Roz Mohamad
Published: April 2023

Benchmark TiO2 and Pt/TiO2 photocatalysts were investigated by performing operando FTIR spectroscopy to shed light on catalytic pathways influencing photoreduction of CO2 in the vapor phase.
Atomically dispersed rhodium on ordered macroporous In2O3 for the highly sensitive detection of ethanol and the sensing mechanism
Authors: Gu Fubo , Zhang Lanlan , Hong Song , Han Dongmei , Wang Zhihua
Published: April 2023

Atomically dispersed rhodium on three-dimensionally ordered macroporous In2O3 significantly improves the sensitivity and the detection limit of ethanol.