bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and action of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor explored by electron microscopy
Authors: Unwin Nigel
Published: October 2003

The nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor is the transmitter‐gated ion channel at the nerve/muscle synapse. Electron microscopical experiments on isolated postsynaptic membranes have determined the structure of this channel and how the structure changes upon activation. When ACh enters the ligand‐binding domain it initiates rotations of the protein chains on opposite sides of the entrance to the membrane‐spanning pore. These rotations are communicated to the pore‐lining α‐helices and open the gate – a constricting hydrophobic girdle at the middle of the membrane – by breaking it apart. The movements are small and involve energetically favourable displacements parallel to the membrane plane.
Physical and functional interaction of the Werner syndrome protein with poly‐ADP ribosyl transferase
Authors: Adelfalk Caroline , Kontou Maria , Hirsch-Kauffmann Monica , Schweiger Manfred
Published: October 2003

Werner's syndrome is a rare disease of premature ageing. The WRN gene product defective in this disorder belongs to the RecQ helicase family and is thought to be involved in DNA metabolism. Another protein, which plays an important role in both DNA replication and repair, is the poly‐ADP ribosyl transferase. Here we demonstrate an interaction of these two proteins resulting in ADP‐ribosylation of the WRN protein. These results imply that WRN is involved in DNA replication and in DNA repair.
Invasive assessment of bacterial endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Peschel Thomas , Schönauer Martin , Thiele Holger , Anker Stefan , Schuler Gerhard , Niebauer Josef
Published: October 2003

Aims:

To test the hypothesis that during acute heart failure endotoxin might be increased in hepatic veins as a sign of bacterial or endotoxin translocation from the bowel into the blood stream.

Methods and results:

In patients with acute heart failure (NYHA IV; n=17) levels of endotoxin, soluble (s) CD14, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα and interleukin 6 (IL6)) were measured in blood drawn from an antecubital vein on admission and compared with age‐matched patients with stable chronic heart failure (n=21) and healthy volunteers (n=9). All levels were systemically elevated during acute heart failure (all P<0.05); once patients were stable enough to undergo cardiac catheterization, endotoxin was found to be significantly higher in hepatic veins (0.62±0.05 EU/ml) than left ventricles (0.46±0.04 EU/ml; P<0.05), whereas sCD14, TNFα and IL6 were not different between these sites. At follow‐up (29±6 days) endotoxin but not sCD14, TNFα or IL‐6 was significantly lower as compared to baseline (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Higher levels of endotoxin in hepatic veins as compared to the left ventricle during acute heart failure are suggestive of bacterial or endotoxin translocation from the bowel into the blood stream. This may lead to new treatment strategies. The lack of difference in TNFα levels between the pulmonary artery and the left ventricle sheds doubt on the heart as a source of systemically elevated TNFα levels.
Conducting International Research in Midwifery: A Workshop Held at the ICM Congress, Vienna, April 2002
Authors: Renfrew Mary J , Raisler Jeanne , Kennedy Holly Powell , Mudokwenyu‐Rawdon Christine , Prakasamma M.
Published: October 2003

A workshop on international research in midwifery was held at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Triennial Congress in Vienna, April 2002. Thirty‐five participants from 12 countries took part. The participants themselves defined the agenda, and subsequent discussion addressed the following issues: international research relationships and collaboration; ethical conduct in international research in midwifery; the role of the International Confederation of Midwives in international research; and identifying topics for an international midwifery research agenda. Recommendations arising from this workshop were as follows: develop guidelines and a code of ethics for the conduct of international research in midwifery; continue to actively support research and further develop that support; support education and capacity building for research at basic and continuing education levels; and update on a regular basis the priorities identified for collaborative international studies.
Ethylene and Auxin Control the Arabidopsis Response to Decreased Light Intensity
Authors: Vandenbussche Filip , Vriezen Willem H. , Smalle Jan , Laarhoven Lucas J.J. , Harren Frans J.M. , Van Der Straeten Dominique
Published: October 2003

Morphological responses of plants to shading have long been studied as a function of light quality, in particular the ratio of red to far red light that affects phytochrome activity. However, changes in light quantity are also expected to be important for the shading response because plants have to adapt to the reduction in overall energy input. Here, we present data on the involvement of auxin and ethylene in the response to low light intensities. Decreased light intensities coincided with increased ethylene production in Arabidopsis rosettes. This response was rapid because the plants reacted within minutes. In addition, ethylene- and auxin-insensitive mutants are impaired in their reaction to shading, which is reflected by a defect in leaf elevation and an aberrant leaf biomass allocation. On the molecular level, several auxin-inducible genes are up-regulated in wild-type Arabidopsis in response to a reduction in light intensity, including the primary auxin response gene IAA3 and a protein with similarity to AUX22 and the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase genes ACS6, ACS8, and ACS9 that are involved in ethylene biosynthesis. Taken together, the data show that ethylene and auxin signaling are required for the response to low light intensities.
Functional Characterization and Expression of a Cytosolic Iron-Superoxide Dismutase from Cowpea Root Nodules,
Authors: Moran Jose F. , James Euan K. , Rubio Maria C. , Sarath Gautam , Klucas Robert V. , Becana Manuel
Published: October 2003

An iron-superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) with an unusual subcellular localization, VuFeSOD, has been purified from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) nodules and leaves. The enzyme has two identical subunits of 27 kD that are not covalently bound. Comparison of its N-terminal sequence (NVAGINLL) with the cDNA-derived amino acid sequence showed that VuFeSOD is synthesized as a precursor with seven additional amino acids. The mature protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzyme was used to generate a polyclonal monospecific antibody. Phylogenetic and immunological data demonstrate that there are at least two types of FeSODs in plants. An enzyme homologous to VuFeSOD is present in soybean (Glycine max) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) nodules but not in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and pea (Pisum sativum) nodules. The latter two species also contain FeSODs in the leaves and nodules, but the enzymes are presumably localized to the chloroplasts and plastids. In contrast, immunoblots of the soluble nodule fraction and immunoelectron microscopy of cryo-processed nodule sections demonstrate that VuFeSOD is localized to the cytosol. Immunoblot analysis showed that the content of VuFeSOD protein increases in senescent nodules with active leghemoglobin degradation, suggesting a direct or indirect (free radical-mediated) role of the released Fe in enzyme induction. Therefore, contrary to the widely held view, FeSODs in plants are not restricted to the chloroplasts and may become an important defensive mechanism against the oxidative stress associated with senescence.
Expression and Maintenance of Embryogenic Potential Is Enhanced through Constitutive Expression ofAGAMOUS-Like 15
Authors: Harding Ellen W. , Tang Weining , Nichols Karl W. , Fernandez Donna E. , Perry Sharyn E.
Published: October 2003

The MADS domain protein AGL15 (AGAMOUS-Like 15) has been found to preferentially accumulate in angiosperm tissues derived from double fertilization (i.e. the embryo, suspensor, and endosperm) and in apomictic, somatic, and microspore embryos. Localization to the nuclei supports a role in gene regulation during this phase of the life cycle. To test whether AGL15 is involved in the promotion and maintenance of embryo identity, the embryogenic potential of transgenic plants that constitutively express AGL15 was assessed. Expression of AGL15 was found to enhance production of secondary embryos from cultured zygotic embryos, and constitutive expression led to long-term maintenance of development in this mode. Ectopic accumulation of AGL15 also promoted somatic embryo formation after germination from the shoot apical meristem of seedlings in culture. These results indicate that AGL15 is involved in support of development in an embryonic mode.
Isolation of a Crystal Matrix Protein Associated with Calcium Oxalate Precipitation in Vacuoles of Specialized Cells
Authors: Li Xingxiang , Zhang Dianzhong , Lynch-Holm Valerie J. , Okita Thomas W. , Franceschi Vincent R.
Published: October 2003

The formation of calcium (Ca) oxalate crystals is considered to be a high-capacity mechanism for regulating Ca in many plants. Ca oxalate precipitation is not a stochastic process, suggesting the involvement of specific biochemical and cellular mechanisms. Microautoradiography of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) tissue exposed to 3H-glutamate showed incorporation into developing crystals, indicating potential acidic proteins associated with the crystals. Dissolution of crystals leaves behind a crystal-shaped matrix “ghost” that is capable of precipitation of Ca oxalate in the original crystal morphology. To assess whether this matrix has a protein component, purified crystals were isolated and analyzed for internal protein. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of one major polypeptide of about 55 kD and two minor species of 60 and 63 kD. Amino acid analysis indicates the matrix protein is relatively high in acidic amino acids, a feature consistent with its solubility in formic acid but not at neutral pH. 45Ca-binding assays demonstrated the matrix protein has a strong affinity for Ca. Immunocytochemical localization using antibody raised to the isolated protein showed that the matrix protein is specific to crystal-forming cells. Within the vacuole, the surface and internal structures of two morphologically distinct Ca oxalate crystals, raphide and druse, were labeled by the antimatrix protein serum, as were the surfaces of isolated crystals. These results demonstrate that a specific Ca-binding protein exists as an integral component of Ca oxalate crystals, which holds important implications with respect to regulation of crystal formation.
Development of Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase as an Efficient Selection Marker forAgrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Maize
Authors: Li Xianggan , Volrath Sandy L. , Nicholl David B.G. , Chilcott Charles E. , Johnson Marie A. , Ward Eric R. , Law Marcus D.
Published: October 2003

In this article, we report the isolation of plant protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) genes and the isolation of herbicide-tolerant mutants. Subsequently, an Arabidopsis double mutant (Y426M + S305L) was used to develop a selectable marker system for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of maize (Zea mays) and to obtain multiple events tolerant to the PPO family of herbicides. Maize transformants were produced via butafenacil selection using a flexible light regime to increase selection pressure. Butafenacil selection per se did not change transgene copy number distribution relative to other selectable marker systems, but the most tolerant events identified in the greenhouse were more likely to contain multiple copies of the introduced mutant PPO gene. To date, more than 2,500 independent transgenic maize events have been produced using butafenacil selection. The high frequency of A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation via PPO selection enabled us to obtain single-copy transgenic maize lines tolerant to field levels of butafenacil.
Interaction of Cadmium with Glutathione and Photosynthesis in Developing Leaves and Chloroplasts of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel
Authors: Pietrini Fabrizio , Iannelli Maria A. , Pasqualini Stefania , Massacci Angelo
Published: October 2003

We investigated how the presence of cadmium (Cd) at the emergence of Phragmites australis Trin. (Cav.) ex Steudel plants from rhizomes interacted with leaf and chloroplast physiological and biochemical processes. About 8.5 nmol Cd mg–1 chlorophyll was found in leaves, and 0.83 nmol Cd mg–1 chlorophyll was found in chloroplasts of plants treated with 50 μm Cd. As a result, a 30% loss of chlorophyll was measured concomitantly with a comparable percentage reduction in light-saturated photosynthesis. Rubisco content and activity were lowered by 10% and 60%, respectively. Antioxidant activity was stimulated by Cd treatment and was associated with an increase in the glutathione and pyridine pools, and with a larger pool of reduced glutathione. It is suggested that the glutathione pool and its predominance in the reduced state protected the activity of many key photosynthetic enzymes against the thiophilic binding of Cd. Chloroplast ultrastructure was not significantly altered with 50 μm treatment and the efficiency of photosystem II, measured as the fluorescence ratio Fv/Fm, remained high because F0 and Fm were proportionally decreased. In plants treated with 100 μm Cd, all effects were exacerbated, but Fv/Fm remained close to that of control leaves and the glutathione and pyridine nucleotides pools were lowered. The results suggest that glutathione exerted a direct important protective role on photosynthesis in the presence of Cd.
The Nitrilase ZmNIT2 Converts Indole-3-Acetonitrile to Indole-3-Acetic Acid
Authors: Park Woong June , Kriechbaumer Verena , Müller Axel , Piotrowski Markus , Meeley Robert B. , Gierl Alfons , Glawischnig Erich
Published: October 2003

We isolated two nitrilase genes, ZmNIT1 and ZmNIT2, from maize (Zea mays) that share 75% sequence identity on the amino acid level. Despite the relatively high homology to Arabidopsis NIT4, ZmNIT2 shows no activity toward β-cyano-alanine, the substrate of Arabidopsis NIT4, but instead hydrolyzes indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN) to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). ZmNIT2 converts IAN to IAA at least seven to 20 times more efficiently than AtNIT1/2/3. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed the gene expression of both nitrilases in maize kernels where high concentrations of IAA are synthesized tryptophan dependently. Nitrilase protein and endogenous nitrilase activity are present in maize kernels together with the substrate IAN. These results suggest a role for ZmNIT2 in auxin biosynthesis.
Functional Dissections between GAMYB and Dof Transcription Factors Suggest a Role for Protein-Protein Associations in the Gibberellin-Mediated Expression of the RAmy1A Gene in the Rice Aleurone
Authors: Washio Kenji
Published: October 2003

In the germinated cereal aleurone layer, gibberellic acids (GA) induce expression of a number of genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes that participate in the mobilization of stored molecules. Previous analyses suggest that the key events controlling the GA-regulated gene expression in the aleurone are formation of active transcription machinery referred to as the GA responsive complex, followed by recruiting GAMYB. In general, bipartite promoter contexts composed of the GA-responsive element and the pyrimidine box are observed within the regulatory regions of cereal GA-responsive genes. Protein factors that recognize each promoter sequence were identified and distinct effects on the GA-mediated activation of gene expression have been also investigated; however, the connection and intercalation between two promoter motifs remain obscure. In this study, I have evaluated cooperative function of GAMYB and a pyrimidine box-binding protein OsDOF3 that influenced the promoter activity of the most predominant GA-responsive gene (RAmy1A) of rice (Oryza sativa). Transient expression of OsDOF3 in the germinated aleurone prolonged GAMYB function on the reporter expression in the absence of GA. The synergistic effect required a set of DNA bindings of two proteins on the RAmy1A promoter region. The yeast two-hybrid assay showed the physical interaction of GAMYB and OsDOF3 in yeast cells, indicating that the association of GAMYB and OsDOF3 may be a functional unit in transcription regulation. The results showed the accessory function of OsDOF3 responsible for a dosage-dependent mediation of GA signaling that leads to high-level expression of physiological target genes.
Factors Influencing the Recombinational Expansion and Spread of Telomeric Tandem Arrays in
Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Natarajan Shobhana , Groff-Vindman Cindy , McEachern Michael J.
Published: October 2003

We have previously shown that DNA circles containing telomeric repeats and a marker gene can promote the recombinational elongation of telomeres in
Kluyveromyces lactis
by a mechanism proposed to involve rolling-circle DNA synthesis. Wild-type cells acquire a long tandem array at a single telomere, while telomerase deletion (
ter1-
Δ) cells, acquire an array and also spread it to multiple telomeres. In this study, we further examine the factors that affect the formation and spread of telomeric tandem arrays. We show that a telomerase
+
strain with short telomeres and high levels of subtelomeric gene conversion can efficiently form and spread arrays, while a telomere fusion mutant is not efficient at either process. This indicates that an elevated level of gene conversion near telomeres is required for spreading but that growth senescence and a tendency to elongate telomeres in the absence of exogenously added circles are not. Surprisingly, telomeric repeats are frequently deleted from a transforming
URA3
-telomere circle at or prior to the time of array formation by a mechanism dependent upon the presence of subtelomeric DNA in the circle. We further show that in a
ter1-
Δ strain, long tandem arrays can arise from telomeres initially containing a single-copy insert of the
URA3
-telomere sequence. However, the reduced rate of array formation in such strains suggests that single-copy inserts are not typical intermediates in arrays formed from
URA3
-telomere circles. Using heteroduplex circles, we have demonstrated that either strand of a
URA3
-telomere circle can be utilized to form telomeric tandem arrays. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that 100-nucleotide single-stranded telomeric circles of either strand can promote recombinational telomere elongation.
Chromosome Pairing Does Not Contribute to Nuclear Architecture in Vegetative Yeast Cells
Authors: Lorenz Alexander , Fuchs Jörg , Bürger Reinhard , Loidl Josef
Published: October 2003

There are several reports of a closer-than-random colocalization of homologous chromosomes in the vegetative nuclei of diploid budding yeast. Here, we studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) the nuclear distribution of chromosomes and found a slight tendency toward closer proximity between homologous (allelic) loci than between any nonhomologous chromosomal regions. We show that most of this preferential association is not due to vegetative (also known as somatic) pairing but is caused by the polar orientation of interphase chromosomes (Rabl orientation). We quantified the occasional loss of detectable fluorescence signals that is inherent to the FISH method. Signal loss leads to the occurrence of a single signal that may be misinterpreted as the close association of two homologous chromosomal sites. The nuclear distribution of homologous loci, when corrected for the influence of nuclear architecture and methodological faults, was not different or was only marginally different from a random relative positioning as predicted by computer simulation. We discuss here several possibilities for the residual homologous proximity that do not invoke homology-dependent vegetative pairing, and we conclude that, in diploid budding yeast, constitutive vegetative pairing is a negligible factor for the organization of the interphase nucleus.
Fission Yeast Sap1 Protein Is Essential for Chromosome Stability
Authors: de Lahondès Raynald , Ribes Veronique , Arcangioli Benoit
Published: October 2003

Sap1 is a dimeric sequence-specific DNA binding-protein, initially identified for its role in mating-type switching of the fission yeast
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
. The protein is relatively abundant, around 10,000 dimers/cell, and is localized in the nucleus.
sap1
+
is essential for viability, and transient overexpression is accompanied by rapid cell death, without an apparent checkpoint response and independently of mating-type switching. Time lapse video microscopy of living cells revealed that the loss of viability is accompanied by abnormal mitosis and chromosome fragmentation. Overexpression of the C terminus of Sap1 induces minichromosome loss associated with the “cut” phenotype (uncoupling mitosis and cytokinesis). These phenotypes are favored when the C terminus of Sap1 is overexpressed during DNA replication. Fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments demonstrated that the cut phenotype is related to precocious centromere separation, a typical marker for loss of cohesion. We propose that Sap1 is an architectural chromatin-associated protein, required for chromosome organization.
Regulation of
ENA1
Na
+
-ATPase Gene Expression by the Ppz1 Protein Phosphatase Is Mediated by the Calcineurin Pathway
Authors: Ruiz Amparo , Yenush Lynne , Ariño Joaquín
Published: October 2003

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strains lacking the Ppz1 protein phosphatase are salt tolerant and display increased expression of the
ENA1
Na
+
-ATPase gene, a major determinant for sodium extrusion, while cells devoid of the similar Ppz2 protein do not show these phenotypes. However, a
ppz1 ppz2
mutant displays higher levels of
ENA1
expression than the
ppz1
strain. We show here that the increased activity of the
ENA1
promoter in a
ppz1 ppz2
mutant maps to two regions: one region located at −751 to −667, containing a calcineurin-dependent response element (CDRE), and one downstream region (−573 to −490) whose activity responds to intracellular alkalinization. In contrast, the increased
ENA1
expression in a
ppz1
mutant is mediated solely by an intact calcineurin/Crz1 signaling pathway, on the basis that (i) this effect maps to a single region that contains the CDRE and (ii) it is blocked by the calcineurin inhibitor FK506, as well as by deletion of the
CNB1
or
CRZ1
gene. The calcineurin dependence of the increased
ENA1
expression of a
ppz1
mutant would suggest that Ppz1 could negatively regulate calcineurin activity. In agreement with this notion, a
ppz1
strain is calcium sensitive, and this mutation does not result in a decrease in the calcium hypertolerance of a
cnb1
mutant. It has been shown that
ENA1
can be induced by alkalinization of the medium and that a
ppz1 ppz2
strain has a higher intracellular pH. However, we present several lines of evidence that show that the gene expression profile of a
ppz1
mutant does not involve an alkalinization effect. In conclusion, we have identified a novel role for calcineurin, but not alkalinization, in the control of
ENA1
expression in
ppz1
mutants.
Dehydration‐Toughing Dual‐Solvent Gels with Viscoelastic Transition for Infectious Wound Treatment
Authors: Wang Liangyu , Liu Kuilong , Cui Shuai , Qiu Lin , Yang Dongzhi , Nie Jun , Ma Guiping
Published: January 2024

The modulus of traditional biomedical hydrogels increases exponentially meditated by dehydration‐stiffing mechanism, which leads to the failure of interface matching between hydrogels and soft tissue wounds. It is found in the study that the dual‐solvent gels exhibit dehydration‐toughening mechanism with the slowly increasing modulus that are always match the soft tissue wounds. Therefore, dual‐solvent glycerol hydrogels (GCFen‐gly DGHs) are prepared with hydrophobically modified catechol chitosan (hmCSC) and gelatin based on the supramolecular interactions. GCFen‐gly DGHs exhibit excellent water retention capacity with a total solvent content exceeding 80%, permanent skin‐like modulus within a range of 0.45 to 4.13 kPa, and stable photothermal antibacterial abilities against S, aureus, E. coli, as well as MRSA. Infectious full‐thickness rat skin defect model and tissue section analysis indicate that GCFen‐gly DGHs are able to accelerate infectious wound healing by alleviating the inflammatory response, promoting granulation tissue growth, re‐epithelialization, collagen deposition, and vascular regeneration. As a result, GCFen‐gly DGHs is expected to become the next‐generation biological gel materials for infectious wound treatment.
Development of Inverse‐Opal‐Structured Charge‐Deficient Co9S8@nitrogen‐Doped‐Carbon to Catalytically Enable High Energy and High Power for the Two‐Electron Transfer I+/I− Electrode
Authors: Hu Tao , Zhao Yuanyuan , Yang Yihan , Lv Haiming , Zhong Rong , Ding Feng , Mo Funian , Hu Haibo , Zhi Chunyi , Liang Guojin
Published: January 2024

The iodine (I) electrode involving two‐electron transfer chemistry by converting between I+ and I−, has the potential to deliver theoretically doubled capacity and higher working voltage platforms, thus achieving higher energy density. However, owing to the slow kinetics of the cascade two‐electron transfer reactions, the system suffers from large overpotentials and low power density, especially at high working currents and low temperatures. Here, an inverse‐opal‐structured cobalt sulfide@nitrogen‐doped‐carbon (Co9S8@NC) catalyst with unique charge‐deficient states is developed to promote the reaction kinetics of the I−/I+ electrode. The charge‐deficient Co9S8@NC catalyst not only enables strong physicochemical adsorption with the iodine species but also significantly reduces the activation energy and interfacial charge transfer resistance of the cascade I+/I0/I− conversion reaction. Consequently, the prototypical Zn‖I+/I0/I− battery equipped with the Co9S8@NC catalyst can deliver a high energy density of 554 Wh kg−1 and a stable cycle life of 5000 cycles at 30 °C. Moreover, at a subzero temperature of −30 °C, the battery can exhibit enhanced kinetics and a high power density of 1514 W kg−1, high energy density of 485 Wh kg−1.
Boron‐ and Silane‐Based Electron Transport–Type Host Materials for Long‐Lifetime Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Park Jinho , Moon Junyoung , Jo Unhyeok , Han Seungwon , Lee Dong Ryun , Ahn Han Jin , Kim Jun Yun , Baek Ji‐Ho , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: January 2024

Developing new host materials is crucial to enhance the performance of blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), but achieving long operational lifetimes for OLEDs has been challenging. In this study, boron‐ and silane‐based electron transport–type (n‐type) host materials, 5,9‐dioxa‐13b‐boranaphtho[3,2,1‐de]anthracen‐7‐yltriphenylsilane (BO‐pSi) and 2,12‐bis(triphenylsilyl)‐5,9‐dioxa‐13b‐boranaphtho[3,2,1‐de]anthracene (BO‐2mSi), derived from boron‐ and oxygen‐based 5,9‐dioxa‐13b‐boranaphtho[3,2,1‐de]anthracene (DOBNA) are developed. The DOBNA derivatives are modified with a triphenylsilyl blocking group to alleviate intermolecular interactions arising from the planar structure of DOBNA. The DOBNA derivatives maintain high triplet energy even in the solid state and show thermally activated delayed fluorescence features with electron transport properties. BO‐pSi is used as an n‐type host and exhibits a long operational lifetime of ≈5000 h up to 50% of the initial luminance of blue phosphorescent OLEDs. Furthermore, BO‐2mSi demonstrates a high external quantum efficiency of 7.1%, a small full width at half maximum of 33 nm, and a pure‐violet color coordinate of (0.16, 0.02) while maintaining color purity even at high doping concentrations up to 50 wt%.
Nanoparticle Targeting in Chemo‐Resistant Ovarian Cancer Reveals Dual Axis of Therapeutic Vulnerability Involving Cholesterol Uptake and Cell Redox Balance
Authors: Wang Yinu , Calvert Andrea E. , Cardenas Horacio , Rink Jonathon S. , Nahotko Dominik , Qiang Wenan , Ndukwe C. Estelle , Chen Fukai , Keathley Russell , Zhang Yaqi , Cheng Ji‐Xin , Thaxton C. Shad , Matei Daniela
Published: January 2024

Platinum (Pt)‐based chemotherapy is the main treatment for ovarian cancer (OC); however, most patients develop Pt resistance (Pt‐R). This work shows that Pt‐R OC cells increase intracellular cholesterol through uptake via the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor type B‐1 (SR‐B1). SR‐B1 blockade using synthetic cholesterol‐poor HDL‐like nanoparticles (HDL NPs) diminished cholesterol uptake leading to cell death and inhibition of tumor growth. Reduced cholesterol accumulation in cancer cells induces lipid oxidative stress through the reduction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) leading to ferroptosis. In turn, GPx4 depletion induces decreased cholesterol uptake through SR‐B1 and re‐sensitizes OC cells to Pt. Mechanistically, GPx4 knockdown causes lower expression of the histone acetyltransferase EP300, leading to reduced deposition of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27Ac) on the sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2 (SREBF2) promoter and suppressing expression of this key transcription factor involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. SREBF2 downregulation leads to decreased SR‐B1 expression and diminished cholesterol uptake. Thus, chemoresistance and cancer cell survival under high ROS burden obligates high GPx4 and SR‐B1 expression through SREBF2. Targeting SR‐B1 to modulate cholesterol uptake inhibits this axis and causes ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo in Pt‐R OC.
Advanced Characterization Techniques on Mechanism Understanding and Effect Evaluation in Zinc Anode Protection
Authors: Zhu Yue , Li Haoyu , Rao Yuan , Guo Shaohua , Zhou Haoshen
Published: January 2024

The growing environmental pollution issues and continuous energy dilemma call for high‐performance energy storage systems (ESSs). While the inevitable safety concerns appear and restrict the application of lithium‐ion batteries in large‐scale ESSs. Contrastively, zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) attract increasing attention due to the inherent advantages of high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the poor stability and reversibility of Zn anodes bring severe difficulty for its practical application. Considerable efforts are devoted in the anode modification, such as electrolyte adjustment, interfacial engineering, and anode structure design, but there is still a fuzzy field concerning the reaction process, regulation mechanism, and modified effect. Reviewing the history, the development of various electrodes greatly depends on the breakthrough in advanced characterization technologies, while the summarizations of technological advances in the Zn anode are still deficient. Hence, this review concentrates on the recent progress in various characterization techniques and related strategies of anode protection. The information is especially highlighted that each technique can offer the crucial or auxiliary role they play in proving specific issues. Furthermore, the opinions on current limitations and future directions of common characterization techniques are also discussed in detail, aiming to give a comprehensive perspective in designing advanced zinc anodes.
Temperature‐controlled radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of chronic rhinitis: Two‐year outcomes from a prospective multicenter trial
Authors: Takashima Masayoshi , Stolovitzky J. Pablo , Ow Randall A. , Silvers Stacey L. , McDuffie Chad M. , Dean Marc , Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Minimally invasive temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) ablation of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) demonstrated a significant larger treatment effect on the symptom burden of chronic rhinitis patients than a sham control (no energy delivery) at the 3‐month primary endpoint of this trial.

Methods

Two‐year posttreatment outcomes for patients treated in a prospective, multicenter, patient‐blinded randomized controlled trial were determined by combining the index active treatment‐arm and index control‐arm crossover patients into a single group (after the primary endpoint) to evaluate the treatment effect durability and long‐term effects on concomitant chronic rhinitis medication usage.

Results

The mean baseline reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) was 8.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9–8.6; N = 104). At 2 years (N = 79), the mean change in rTNSS was −5.3 (95% CI, −5.8 to −4.8; p < 0.001; 64.6% improvement). The 2‐year responder rate (≥30% improvement in rTNSS) was 87.3% (95% CI, 78.0–93.8). All four components of the rTNSS (rhinorrhea, congestion, sneezing, and nasal itching) showed significant improvement over baseline, with rhinorrhea and congestion showing the most improvement. Postnasal drip and cough symptoms were also significantly improved. At 2 years, 81.0% (95% CI, 70.6–89.0) reported a minimal clinically important difference of ≥0.4‐point improvement in the mini‐rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score. Of 56 patients using chronic rhinitis medications at baseline, 25 of 56 (44.6%) either stopped all medication use (7/56 [12.5%]) or stopped/decreased (18/56 [32.1%]) use of ≥1 medication class at 2 years. No serious adverse events related to the device/procedure were reported over 2 years.

To determine the potential effect of patients who left the trial over 2 years on the responder rate, the responder statuses of the 14 patients with follow‐up data who were lost to follow‐up/withdrew/died were imputed by the last observation carried forward and the responder statuses of all nine patients who had an additional nasal procedure were imputed to nonresponder, resulting in a 2‐year responder rate of 79.4% (95% CI, 70.3–86.8).

Conclusion

TCRF ablation of the PNN is safe and resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in chronic rhinitis symptom burden through 2 years and a substantial reduction in concomitant medication burden.
Large‐Scale Continuous and In Situ Photosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Sulfur‐Functionalized Polymer Catalyst for Water Treatment
Authors: Chu Chengcheng , Chen Zhong , Yao Ducheng , Liu Xinru , Cai Mingjie , Mao Shun
Published: January 2024

Photocatalytic H2O2 generation system based on polymer catalyst receives increasing attention in recent years; however, the insufficient charge separation efficiency and low oxygen adsorption/activation capacity severely limit their potential application. In this study, a sulfur (C=S) functionalized polymer catalyst is reported through a green water‐mediated and catalyst‐free multi‐component reactions (MCRs) route. The sulfur functional group endows the polymer with a suitable energy band and facilitates the separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pair. The reported polymer achieves a high H2O2 production efficiency (3132 μmol g−1 h−1) in pure water without oxygen aeration. To demonstrate their potential in in situ wastewater treatment, a panel reactor system (20×20 cm) is constructed for large‐scale production of H2O2, which realizes continuous degradation of emerging pollutants including antibiotics and bisphenol A under natural sunlight irradiation condition. The H2O2 utilization efficiency of the photo‐self‐Fenton system using in situ generated H2O2 is found 7.9 times higher than that of the traditional photo‐Fenton system. This study offers new insights in green synthesis and design of functional polymer photocatalyst, and demonstrates the feasibility of panel reactor system for large‐scale continuous H2O2 photocatalytic production and water treatment.
Identification of Direct Anchoring Sites for Monoatomic Dispersion of Precious Metals (Pt, Pd, Ag) on CeO2 Support
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Kai , Li Bolang , Wang Chunxue , Li Zhao , Zhang Yan , Shan Wenpo , Yu Yunbo , Zhang Changbin , Fu Qiang , Ning Ping , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiao Cheng , He Hong
Published: January 2024

Monoatomic dispersion of precious metals on the surface of CeO2 nanocrystals is a highly practical approach for dramatically reducing the usage of precious metals while exploiting the unique properties of single‐atom catalysts. However, the specific atomic sites for anchoring precious metal atoms on the CeO2 support and underlying chemical mechanism remain partially unknown. Herein, we show that the terminal hydroxyls on the (100) surface are the most stable sites for anchoring Ag atoms on CeO2, indicating that CeO2 nanocubes are the most efficient substrates to achieve monoatomic dispersion of Ag. Importantly, the newly identified chemical mechanism for single‐metal‐atom dispersion on CeO2 nanocubes appears to be generic and can thus be extended to other precious metals (Pt and Pd). In fact, our experiments also show that atomically dispersed Pt/Pd species exhibit morphology‐ and temperature‐dependent CO selectivity in the catalytic CO2 hydrogenation reaction.
Acid‐Base Cascades in Zeotype Single Crystal for Sugar Conversion
Authors: Sun Pengyao , Wang Haiyong , Wang He , Ling Wenmeng , Liu Yong , Zhou Wenguang , Liao Yuhe , Wang Liang , Lin Yue , Wang Chenguang
Published: January 2024

The chemically catalyzed production of fructose syrup from high concentrations of glucose is crucial for the food industry and biorefining. In this work, a single crystal catalyst was synthesized via protective desilication of zeolite while incorporating indium. Glucose was isomerized in methanol at concentrations as high as 33 wt % before being hydrolyzed with water. The final fructose production was 54.9 %, with 89.1 % selectivity and 93.3 % sugar recovery, the highest isomerization rate at the highest concentration ever reported. Indium was present in the single‐crystal catalyst as oxide nanoparticles and boundary framework atoms, and it achieved intelligent cooperation in the production of fructose syrup in methanol by catalyzing isomerization and selective glycosidation, minimizing degradation due to fructose accumulation and eliminating side reactions. This study contributed to the advancement of the industrial practice of chemically catalyzed glucose isomerization.
Inscribing a new page in the history of Ukrainian psychoanalysis during the wartime: The call for contributions
Authors: Velykodna Mariana , Butsykin Yehor , Dorozhkin Valeriy , Lupis Alexander , Melnychuk Tetiana , Nalyvaiko Natalia , Pavlovska Olga , Pustovoyt Mykhaylo , Tkalych Marianna , Yakushko Oksana
Published: January 2024

This correspondence introduces several distinct current efforts by Ukrainian psychoanalytic practitioners and researchers from various clinical, scholarly, and applied fields to support the sustainable development of psychoanalytic training and work in the context of the ongoing 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Among these developments are (a) the translation of the classic and contemporary psychoanalytic texts into the Ukrainian language, (b) the promotion of Ukrainian psychoanalytic contributions within Ukraine and abroad, and (c) the support of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy as an evidence‐based practice to be officially recognized in Ukraine. The initiatives were integrated with the launch of a scholarly peer‐reviewed online open‐access journal—the Ukrainian Psychoanalytic Journal—which has been confirmed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science as a scientific periodical. In addition to describing these initiatives, this contribution serves as an invitation to international psychoanalytic audiences to contribute to these processes, including via workshops on psychoanalytic writing and publication, joint panel discussions, or collaborative research projects with Ukrainian psychoanalytic professionals. We also welcome submissions of original previously published (with copyright permission) or unpublished papers to be translated and published in the Ukrainian language.
Circular e‐waste ecosystems in necessity‐driven contexts: The impact of formal institutional voids
Authors: Derks Milou , Bidmon Christina , Ciulli Francesca
Published: January 2024

Recent studies suggest an ecosystem view is most appropriate for understanding the impact of institutional voids on entrepreneurial activities. Expanding the focus to the entrepreneurial ecosystem is crucial for tackling complex low‐ and middle‐income countries' (LMICs) environmental challenges, as the transition to circular e‐waste management, which are heavily impacted by the institutional environment. Moreover, most entrepreneurs in LMICs engage in circular practices out of economic necessity, rather than environmental reasons. However, scholars have overlooked the effects of institutional voids on entrepreneurial ecosystems' potential to grow and realize environmental benefits. This study investigates how formal institutional voids impact the evolution of circular ecosystems in necessity‐driven contexts in LMICs. We study the evolution of a circular e‐waste ecosystem in Kenya and uncover two key phases: emergence and growth. We show that formal institutional voids' impact differs across phases; regulatory and contract enforcement voids create opportunities for informal and private actors to establish e‐waste collection, repair, remanufacture, and recycle businesses, thereby facilitating the emergence of the circular ecosystem. However, labor market, capital market, product market, regulatory, and contract enforcement voids hamper its growth. Specifically, the lack of skills, equipment, guidelines, and financial incentives hinders advanced repairs and remanufactures and limits recycling opportunities, while the lack of formal e‐waste infrastructure increases illegal dumping and negatively impacts human health and the environment. We develop propositions and a phase model to explain the impact of formal institutional voids on the evolution of circular e‐waste ecosystems and the realization of environmental benefits in necessity‐driven contexts.
High‐Risk Behaviours, Suicide and Social Isolation in Street Adolescents in Iran: A Cross‐Sectional Descriptive Study
Authors: Ghelbash Zakiye , Ghasemloo Hamed , Ghelbash Tahereh , Sharifi Ehsan
Published: January 2024

Street adolescents are exposed to many high‐risk behaviours such as drug abuse, risky sexual activity, violence and suicide. This issue is a challenge and concern in the health field in developing societies due to the lack of adequate welfare and support facilities. This study aimed to investigate high‐risk behaviours among street adolescents and the factors involved. This study was a cross‐sectional study of 124 street adolescents in Shiraz. Data were collected through four questionnaires: demographic information, Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), Iranian Adolescents Risk Scale (IARS) and Russell Social Isolation Scale in the form of interviews. The highest mean risky behaviour in these participants was 17.07 ± 3.31 for sexual intercourse. The lowest risky behaviour observed in adolescents was high‐risk driving, averaging 8.21 ± 2.59. According to the results, 31.5 per cent showed a high risk of suicidal ideation. Also, 68.5 per cent of these adolescents reported a tendency to severe isolation. In general, street adolescents in Iran are highly vulnerable to high‐risk behaviours. This group of adolescents needs comprehensive support programmes from education centres, the Welfare Department and the Ministry of Health.
Covid‐19‐related right hip monoarthritis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ismael Ayouba Tinni , Yves‐Zakari Kossi Odjo Dogbe , Tchenadoyo Bayala Yannick Laurent , Mamadou Boulama Malam Boulama , Nadège Yameogo Wendyam , Aziz Abdoul , Rachidou Aboubacar , Fanata Moussa
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

This article presents the case of a young patient with severe acute left hip pain who tested positive for COVID‐19. The diagnostic approach and management are presented, followed by a review of the literature. This 11‐year‐old student was admitted for acute left hip pain of abrupt onset, inflammatory, evolving for 24 h in a febrile context with no change in general condition. The initial workup revealed a hyperleukocytosis in the blood count, CRP 198.52 mg/L, and a 95 mm SV. The pelvic X‐ray was unremarkable, and the hip ultrasound showed synovial hypertrophy, with no effusion on Doppler examination. The situation worsened 24 h later with the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The chest X‐ray showed bilateral alveolar interstitial lung disease, and the CT scan showed hyperdensity and crazy paving. The COVID‐19 RDT test on a nasopharyngeal sample came back positive, as did the RT‐PCR. Death occurred a few hours later in acute respiratory distress. Our case is consistent with what has been reported in the literature, but requires further study on an international scale to better define the phenotype of the disease.
Sensitization profiles to house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus molecular allergens in the Lithuanian population: Understanding allergic sensitization patterns
Authors: Biliute Gabija , Miskinyte Monika , Miskiniene Asta , Zinkeviciene Aukse , Kvedariene Violeta
Published: January 2024

Background

House dust mite (HDM) allergy is a prevalent global health concern, with varying sensitization profiles observed across populations. We aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of molecular allergen sensitization patterns in the Lithuanian population, with a focus on Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), and investigate patterns of concomitant reactivity among different allergens to enhance the accuracy of HDM allergy diagnostics.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis of 1520 patient test results in Lithuania from 2020 to 2022 was performed. Sensitization patterns to major (Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 23) and minor (Der p 5, Der p 7, and Der p 21) Der p allergen components were described using molecular‐based diagnostics. Additionally, we investigated sensitization to allergen components from other allergen sources, including tropomyosins (Der p 10, Per a 7, Pen m 1, Ani s 3, Blo t 10) and arginine kinases (Pen m 2, Bla g 9, Der p 20).

Results

This study reveals a high prevalence of HDM sensitization in Lithuania ‐ 481 individuals (45.38% of the sensitized group) exhibited sensitization to at least one Der p allergen component. Importantly, within the sensitized group, 37.21% of patients were sensitized to Der p 5, Der p 7, or Der p 21 in addition to major allergenic components. Distinct sensitization patterns were observed across different age groups, indicating the influence of age‐related factors. Furthermore, we confirmed cross‐reactivity between Der p 5 and Blo t 5 as well as between Der p 21 and Blo t 21, emphasizing the clinical relevance of these associations. We also highlighted the complexity of sensitization patterns among tropomyosins and arginine kinases.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into HDM allergy sensitization profiles in Lithuania, emphasizing the importance of considering major and minor HDM allergen components for accurate diagnosis and management of HDM‐related allergic diseases. Differences between populations and age‐related factors impact sensitization patterns. Understanding concomitant reactivity among allergens, such as Der p 5 and Blo t 5, Der p 21 and Blo t 21, tropomyosins, and arginine kinases, is crucial for improving diagnostic strategies and developing targeted interventions for allergic individuals.