bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound Characterization and Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Ethanol Extract Spatholobus littoralis Hassk in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Hadanu Ruslin , Irwansyah  , Sartika G. P.  , Wahyuningrum Retno
Published: November 2023

The bajakah tampala plant (Spahtolobus littoralis Hassk) has been traditionally believed by the public to cure cancer, tumors, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, empirically the public does not yet know the chemical compound content and there have been no studies on biological activity tests, especially the antioxidants of bajakah tampala from Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi. The aim of this research is a qualitative analysis of the chemical compounds of the ethanol extract of bajakah tampala roots and testing of antioxidant activity. Analysis of the chemical compounds of the ethanol extract of bajakah tampala roots using an FT-IR spectrophotometer and LC-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity of the bajakah tampala root ethanol extract was tested using the DPPH immersion method and the absorption was measured using a UV-Viss spectrophotometer and using the positive control quercetin. The results of the research showed that the ethanol extract of bajakah tampala roots had 8 chemical components that were detected, namely compound 1 apocynoside I, compound 2 quercetin, compound 3 hexosylphingosine, compound 4 3-hydroxy-7-methoxybaicalein, compound 5 momor-cerebroside I, compound 6 ambronal, compound 7 stigmastan-3,6-dione, and compound 8 trilaurin. The ethanol extract of bajakah tampala roots has an antioxidant activity of 21.75 µg/mL which is lower, compared to the antioxidant activity of quercetin of 2.91 µg/mL as a positive control, however the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of bajakah tampala roots is still included in the very strong category.
Heterostrain‐Driven Bandgap Increase in Twisted WS2: A Nanoscale Study
Authors: van Heijst Sabrya E. , Bolhuis Maarten , Brokkelkamp Abel , Sangers Jeroen J. M. , Conesa‐Boj Sonia
Published: November 2023

Twisted 2D materials present an enticing platform for exploring diverse electronic properties owning to the tunability of their bandgap energy. However, the intricate relationship between local heterostrain fields, thickness, and bandgap energy remains insufficiently understood, particularly at the nanoscale. Here, it presents a comprehensive nanoscale study elucidating the remarkable sensitivity of the bandgap energy to both thickness and heterostrain fields within twisted WS2 nanostructures. This approach integrates electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS) enhanced by machine learning with 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Through this synergistic methodology, enhancements up to 20% in the bandgap energy is unveiled depending on the specimen thickness. This phenomenon is traced back to sizable deformation angles present within individual layers, which can be directly linked to distinct variations in local heterostrain fields. The findings represent a significant advancement in comprehending the electronic behavior of twisted 2D materials and introduce a novel methodological framework with far‐reaching implications for twistronics and the investigation of other materials within the nanoscience domain.
Liposomal Delivery of an Immunostimulatory CpG Induces Robust Antitumor Immunity and Long‐Term Immune Memory by Reprogramming Tumor‐Associated Macrophages
Authors: Kim Yujin , Lee Seojung , Jon Sangyong
Published: November 2023

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs)—representative immune‐suppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME)—are known to promote tumor progression and metastasis, and thus are considered an attractive target for cancer therapy. However, current TAM‐targeting strategies are insufficient to result in robust antitumor efficacy. Here, a small lipid nanoparticle encapsulating immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (SLNP@CpG) is reported as a new immunotherapeutic modality that can reprogram TAMs and further bridge innate‐to‐adaptive immunity. It is found that SLNP@CpG treatment enhances macrophage‐mediated phagocytosis of cancer cells and tumor antigen cross‐presentation, and skews the polarization state of macrophages in vitro. Intratumoral injection of SLNP@CpG into an established murine E.G7‐OVA tumor model significantly suppresses tumor growth and considerably prolongs survival, completely eradicating tumors in 83.3% of mice. Furthermore, tumor‐free mice resist rechallenge with E.G7‐OVA cancer cells through induction of immunological memory and long‐term antitumor immunity. SLNP@CpG even exerts antitumor efficacy in an aggressive B16‐F10 melanoma model by remodeling TME toward immune stimulation and tumor elimination. These findings suggest that, by modulating the function of TAMs and reshaping an immunosuppressive TME, the SLNP@CpG nanomedicine developed here may become a promising immunotherapeutic option applicable to a variety of tumors.
The Story of Ferumoxytol: Synthesis Production, Current Clinical Applications, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Long Mengmeng , Li Yan , He Hongliang , Gu Ning
Published: November 2023

Ferumoxytol, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009, is one of the intravenous iron oxide nanoparticles authorized for the treatment of iron deficiency in chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease. With its exceptional magnetic properties, catalytic activity, and immune activity, as well as good biocompatibility and safety, ferumoxytol has gained significant recognition in various biomedical diagnoses and treatments. Unlike most existing reviews on this topic, this review primarily focuses on the recent clinical and preclinical advances of ferumoxytol in disease treatment, spanning anemia, cancer, infectious inflammatory diseases, regenerative medicine application, magnetic stimulation for neural modulation, etc. Additionally, the newly discovered mechanisms associated with the biological effects of ferumoxytol are discussed, including its magnetic, catalytic, and immunomodulatory properties. Finally, the summary and future prospects concerning the treatment and application of ferumoxytol‐based nanotherapeutics are presented.
A Computer‐Aided Teleoperation System for Intuitively Controlling the Behavior of a Magnetic Millirobot within a Stomach Phantom
Authors: Liu Ruomao , Xiang Yuxuan , Wei Zihan , Zhang Jiachen
Published: November 2023

Untethered magnetic millirobots with a characteristic length of a few millimeters can be wirelessly controlled. They exhibit promising potential in a wide variety of applications, particularly for tasks in clinic workspaces. However, magnetically controlling these robots is counter‐intuitive and requires a steep learning curve, hindering their wide adoption. Herein, a computer‐aided teleoperation platform is developed to operate a soft millirobot, with its feedback control being conducted behind‐the‐scenes, bridging the user's inputs directly with the millirobot's actions to offer an intuitive control. This system enables untrained users to conveniently control the position and actions of the millirobot inside a human stomach phantom by pointing‐and‐clicking on a real‐time video monitor or using a keyboard. The platform automatically materializes the user's instructions by maneuvering a robotic arm with a tip‐mounted magnet to exert a magnetic field to induce the desired response from the millirobot. Experiments show that the system allows the user to intuitively operate the millirobot and deliver its cargo without splitting their attention to monitor the workspace or to calculate the constantly changing control parameters. This platform can lower the barrier for healthcare practitioners without engineering expertise to adopt miniature robotic systems into their workflow and realize these systems’ promising potential.
Photothermal‐Driven Crawlable Soft Robot with Bionic Earthworm‐Like Bristle Structure
Authors: Lou Pengfei , Tian Linlin , Yao Miao , Nie Jun , He Yong
Published: November 2023

Remote stimuli‐responsive movable soft robots without the need for complex 3D deformation processes and specific working environments is an unsolved problem and urgent need. In this work, under the inspiration of mother nature, a novel strategy of simple combination of the bionic bristles structure and the photothermal‐driven reversible shape change liquid crystal polymer (LCP) actuator is proposed to work out this difficulty. The combination structure is designed as unique three parts with two bionic bristle units at the two ends and one LCP unit in the center with a soft connection between them. After matching the driving force and the resistance, the prepared soft robot can realize the earthworm‐like unidirectionally crawl on the paper surface upon near‐infrared light irradiation through the contracting and stretching of LCP with a maximum average speed of 4.4 mm min−1. What's more, the crawling speed of the soft robot can be regulated by varying the irradiation distance of near‐infrared light or the length of the actuators. This strategy realizes the type of remote wireless control soft robot and has potential application ability in other soft robots with various demands.
Variation and covariation of external shape and cross‐sectional geometry in the human metacarpus
Authors: Tanner Samuel B. , Bardo Ameline , Davies Thomas W. , Dunmore Christopher J. , Johnston Richard E. , Owen Nicholas J. , Kivell Tracy L. , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Analyses of external bone shape using geometric morphometrics (GM) and cross‐sectional geometry (CSG) are frequently employed to investigate bone structural variation and reconstruct activity in the past. However, the association between these methods has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we analyze whole bone shape and CSG variation of metacarpals 1–5 and test covariation between them.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed external metacarpal shape using GM and CSG of the diaphysis at three locations in metacarpals 1–5. The study sample includes three modern human groups: crew from the shipwrecked Mary Rose (n = 35 metacarpals), a Pre‐industrial group (n = 50), and a Post‐industrial group (n = 31). We tested group differences in metacarpal shape and CSG, as well as correlations between these two aspects of metacarpal bone structure.

Results

GM analysis demonstrated metacarpus external shape variation is predominately related to changes in diaphyseal width and articular surface size. Differences in external shape were found between the non‐pollical metacarpals of the Mary Rose and Pre‐industrial groups and between the third metacarpals of the Pre‐ and Post‐industrial groups. CSG results suggest the Mary Rose and Post‐industrial groups have stronger metacarpals than the Pre‐industrial group. Correlating CSG and external shape showed significant relationships between increasing external robusticity and biomechanical strength across non‐pollical metacarpals (r: 0.815–0.535; p ≤ 0.05).

Discussion

Differences in metacarpal cortical structure and external shape between human groups suggest differences in the type and frequency of manual activities. Combining these results with studies of entheses and kinematics of the hand will improve reconstructions of manual behavior in the past.
Luminescent Gold Nanoparticles with Discrete DNA Valences for Precisely Controlled Transport at the Subcellular Level
Authors: Nie Wenyan , He Kui , Zhao Zhipeng , Luo Xiaoxi , Liu Jinbin
Published: November 2023

Ultrasmall luminescent gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with excellent capabilities to cross biological barriers offer great promise in designing intelligent model nanomedicines for investigating structure–property relationships at the subcellular level. However, the strict surface controllability of ultrasmall AuNPs is challenging because of their small size. Herein, we report a facile in situ method for precisely controlling DNA aptamer valences on the surface of luminescent AuNPs with emission in the second near‐infrared window using a phosphorothioate‐modified DNA aptamer, AS1411, as a template. The discrete DNA aptamer number of AS1411‐functionalized AuNPs (AS1411‐AuNPs, ≈1.8 nm) with emission at 1030 nm was controlled in one aptamer (V1), two aptamers (V2), and four aptamers (V4). It was then discovered that not only the tumor‐targeting efficiencies but also the subcellular transport of AS1411‐AuNPs were precisely dependent on valences. A slight increase in valence from V1 to V2 increased tumor‐targeting efficiencies and resulted in higher nucleus accumulation, whereas a further increase in valence (e.g., V4) significantly increased tumor‐targeting efficiencies and led to higher cytomembrane accumulation. These results provide a basis for the strict surface control of nanomedicines in the precise regulation of in vivo transport at the subcellular level and their translation into clinical practice in the future.
Effect of conductive layer on the performance of gel electrolyte‐based supercapacitors
Authors: Öztürk Tuğçe P. , Özdemir Onur B. , Gelir Ali , Keshtiban Nahid A. , Yargı Önder , Mucur Selin Pıravadılı , Seçgin Alper
Published: November 2023

Solid‐state electrolytes such a further novel finding is going to have great importance because of the disadvantages of liquid electrolytes such as electrochemical instability, low ion selectivity, and interface contact. It is anticipated that the use of solid‐state electrolytes including supercapacitors (SCs) will become widespread with decreasing self‐leakage and environmental damage more than liquid electrolytes. In this study, SCs with graphene/PEDOT: PSS coated electrodes and binary PVA gel electrolytes with a conductive layer were designed and the electrochemical performance of the configurations was characterized. The effects of the conductive layer between binary electrolytes and the concentration of the KOH solution in the electrolytes were studied. It was observed that the conductive layer used between the gel electrolytes causes additional charging at the electrolyte/conductive layer interface and behaves like a serially connected capacitor to the double‐layer capacitor. Interestingly, at a slow sweep rate (5 mV/s), the specific capacitance values of the assembled SCs decreased when a conductive layer was used but it increased when the sweep rate was fast (100 mV/s).
An epidemiologic study of penoscrotal transposition by maternal characteristics using data from the Texas birth defects registry
Authors: Allred Rachel P. , Nguyen Joanne , Agopian A. J. , Canfield Mark A. , Shumate Charles J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Penoscrotal transposition (PST) is an uncommon urogenital malformation in which the penis is mal‐positioned to be inferior to the scrotum. The purpose of this study was to explore PST risk by maternal characteristics and to describe co‐occurring congenital abnormalities in the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR).

Methods

We conducted a population‐based descriptive study examining occurrence of PST in the TBDR between 1999 and 2019. The primary outcome variable was PST diagnosis during infancy. Descriptive variables included maternal age, education, and race/ethnicity. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated within each maternal variable category using Poisson regression. Counts and percentages of cases with select co‐occurring congenital abnormalities were also calculated.

Results

Overall, 251 infants had PST, providing a prevalence of 0.61/10,000 live male births (95% CI: 0.53–0.68). PST prevalence was significantly lower among infants of mothers who had lower educational attainment (high school), who were younger (<25 vs. 25–34), and who were Hispanic (vs. non‐Hispanic White) and was significantly higher among older mothers (35+ vs. 25–39). Hypospadias was the most common co‐occurring genitourinary anomaly, affecting close to 70% of cases.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first investigation exploring the prevalence of PST in a population‐based birth defects registry. Our findings help to understand the risk for PST among select maternal demographic characteristics and may assist in generating hypotheses about the underlying etiology of this condition for future work.
Optical analysis of RE3+ (RE = Eu,Tb):MgLa2V2O9 nano‐phosphors
Authors: Hajira Shaik , Vijitha Jillela Santhosh , Dhoble Sanjay Janrao , Raju Borelli Deva Prasad , Reddy Busireddy Sudhakar
Published: November 2023

Red and green rare‐earth ion (RE3+) (RE = Eu, Tb):MgLa2V2O9 micro‐powder phosphors were produced utilizing a standard solid‐state chemical process. The X‐ray diffraction examination performed on the phosphors showed that they were crystalline and had a monoclinic structure. The particles grouped together, as shown in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Powder phosphors were examined using a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including photoluminescence (PL), Fourier‐transform infrared, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Brilliant red emission at 615 nm (5D0 → 7F2) having an excitation wavelength (λexci) of 396 nm (7F0 → 5L6) and green emission at 545 nm (5D4 → 7F5) having an λexci = 316 nm (5D4 → 7F2) have both been seen in the emission spectra of Tb3+:MgLa2V2O9 nano‐phosphors. The emission mechanism that is raised in Eu3+:MgLa2V2O9 and Tb3+:MgLa2V2O9 powder phosphors has been explained in an energy level diagram.
When online citizen science meets teaching: Storyfication of a science discovery game to teach, learn, and contribute to genomic research
Authors: Drogaris Chrisostomos , Butyaev Alexander , Nazarova Elena , Sarrazin‐Gendron Roman , Patel Harsh , Singh Akash , Kadota Brenden , Waldispühl Jérôme
Published: November 2023

In the last decade, video games became a common vehicle for citizen science initiatives in life science, allowing participants to contribute to real scientific data analysis while learning about it. Since 2010, our scientific discovery game (SDG) Phylo enlists participants in comparative genomic data analysis. It is frequently used as a learning tool, but the activities were difficult to aggregate to build a coherent teaching activity. Here, we describe a strategy and series of recipes to facilitate the integration of SDGs in courses and implement this approach in Phylo. We developed new roles and functionalities enabling instructors to create assignments and monitor the progress of students. A story mode progressively introduces comparative genomics concepts, allowing users to learn and contribute to the analysis of real genomic sequences. Preliminary results from a user study suggest this framework may help to boost user motivation and clarify pedagogical objectives.
Comparative Analysis of Organic Extracts Bioactivity from Two Limonium. Mill Species Growing Wild in Tunisian Salty Marshes
Authors: Rahmani Rami , Debouba Mohamed , Aydi Sameh Sassi , Aydi Samir , Bouajila Jalloul
Published: November 2023

Limonium. Mill is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family. The present study aimed to compare two Limonium species (L. pruinosum Kuntze and L. tunetanum (Barratte & Bonnet) Maire) in terms of their chemical composition and bioactivity. Chemical profiling showed that the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of both species were the most enriched with total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents. The TFC were higher in L. tunetanum compared to L. pruinosum. HPLC‐DAD analysis showed that distinctly the gallic acid and L‐tyrosine 7‐amido‐4‐methylcoumarin were the main compounds for L. pruinosum and L. tunetanum, respectively. For both Limonium. Mil species, the MeOH extracts displayed the highest antioxidant with IC50 of 7.7 and 8.4 μg/mL for L. pruinosum and L. tunetanum, respectively. The highest anti‐15‐lipoxygnase activity was recorded in the ethyl acetate (IC50=14.2 μg/mL) and Methanol (IC50=15.6 μg/mL) extracts for L. pruinosum. However, for L. tunetanum the best activity was recorded for dichloromethane extract (IC50=10.4 μg/mL). L. pruinosum extracts displayed the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 and HCT‐116 cell lines compared to L. tunetanum ones. The obtained bioactivity discrepancy between Limonium. Mill species was discussed in relation to the organic extract chemical richness.
A New Clerodane from the Leaves of Croton krabas and Its Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Linphosan Chaiwat , Uk‐at Sunita , Setsuwan Phiraphon , Srisupattanakul Pattanasak , Boonyarat Chantana , Poopasit Kitisak , Limtragool Oue‐artorn
Published: November 2023

Chromatographic separation of the leaves of Croton krabas resulted in the isolation of one new clerodane, crotoeurin D (1), along with two known compounds, 6S‐crotoeurin C (2) and blumenol A (3). Their structures were determined based on extensive nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data analysis and mass spectrometry. The absolute configuration of the new clerodane was assigned by nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy correlations and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compound 1 exhibited significant acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Moreover, the binding modes of 1 revealed that its structure formed strong hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the active sites of both enzymes.
An Artificial Metalloenzyme for Atroposelective Metathesis**
Authors: Vornholt Tobias , Jončev Zlatko , Sabatino Valerio , Panke Sven , Ward Thomas R. , Sparr Christof , Jeschek Markus
Published: November 2023

Atropisomers – separable conformers that arise from restricted single‐bond rotation – are frequently encountered in medicinal chemistry. However, preparing such compounds with the desired configuration can be challenging. Herein, we present a biocatalytic strategy for achieving atroposelective synthesis relying on artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs). Based on the biotin‐streptavidin technology, we constructed ruthenium‐bearing ArMs capable of producing atropisomeric binaphthalene compounds through ring‐closing metathesis in aqueous media. Further, we show that atroposelectivity can be fine‐tuned by engineering two close‐lying amino acid residues within the streptavidin host protein. The resulting ArMs promote product formation with enantiomeric ratios of up to 81 : 19, while small‐molecule catalysts for atroposelective metathesis under aqueous reaction conditions are yet unknown. This study represents the first demonstration that stereoselective metathesis can be achieved by an artificial metalloenzyme.
Direct Synthesis of Phosphoryltriacetates from White Phosphorus via Visible Light Catalysis
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Wei , Huangfu Xinlei , Wei Junnian , Yu Jiangxi , Zhang Wen‐Xiong
Published: November 2023

Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) are widely used in many fields. However, traditional synthetic routes in the industry usually involve multistep and hazardous procedures. Therefore, it's of great significance to construct such compounds in an environmentally‐friendly and facile way. Herein, a photoredox catalytic method has been developed to construct novel phosphoryltriacetates. Using fac‐Ir(ppy)3 (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine) as the photocatalyst and blue LEDs (456 nm) as the light source, white phosphorus can react with α‐bromo esters smoothly to generate phosphoryltriacetates in moderate to good yields. This one‐step approach features mild reaction conditions and simple operational process without chlorination.
Silicon Chalcogenide Cage Compounds: New Structures Derived from the Bicyclic Silicon(I) Ring Compound Si4{N(SiMe3)Mes}4
Authors: Quest Michael , Hepp Alexander , Daniliuc C. G. , Lips Felicitas
Published: November 2023

The bicyclic silicon(I) ring compound Si4{N(SiMe3)Mes}4 (2) was used as starting material in reactions with chalcogens and chalcogen transfer agents at low temperatures. This resulted in the selective formation of new cage compounds. With Me3NO, a silicon oxide with adamantane‐type cage 3 was isolated that represents the first isolated T4 silsesquioxane. Reactions with propylenesulfide and red selenium gave direct access to defect heterocubane‐type cages 4 and 5 with three Si−Si bonds wherein the silicon atoms adopt different low oxidation states of +I and +III. A reaction with elemental tellurium even occurs below room temperature to provide ditelluro−tetrasila−tricyclohexane 6.
Enantioselective adsorption of ibuprofen enantiomers using chiral‐active carbon nanoparticles induced S‐α‐methylbenzylamine
Authors: Zhao Zhenbo , Liao Min , Hu Gang , Zeng Siwen , Ge Li , Yang Kedi
Published: November 2023

The chiral media is crucial to the chiral recognition and separation of enantiomers. In this study, we report the preparation of novel chiral carbon nanoparticles (CCNPs) via surface passivation using glucose as the carbon source and S‐(−)‐α‐methylbenzylamine as the chiral ligand. The structures of the obtained CCNPs are characterized via FT‐IR, Raman spectroscopy, DLS, XPS, XRD, TEM, and zeta potential analysis. These CCNPs could be employed as the chiral adsorbent and used for the enantioselective adsorption of the ibuprofen enantiomers. The results demonstrated that the CCNPs could selectively adsorb R‐enantiomer from ibuprofen racemate solution and give an enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of about 50% under an optimal adsorption condition. Moreover, the regeneration efficiency of the CCNPs remained above e.e. of 43% after the fifth cycle. The present work confirmed that the prepared CCNPs show great potential in the enantioselective separation of ibuprofen racemate.
In Vitro Peanut Culture: From Seed to Seed
Authors: Faustinelli Paola C.
Published: November 2023

In vitro plants are widely used in biotechnology studies. In general, tissue culture requires special skills in order to obtain healthy and fertile axenic plants. Peanuts are considered recalcitrant, meaning they are difficult to regenerate under in vitro conditions. Thus, in vitro completion of the peanut plant cycle is the limiting factor in projects that require plant and seed recovery when applying molecular tools such as CRISPR. The protocols presented here allow for obtaining multiple shoots by micropropagation and inducing these shoots to produce flowers that successfully result in fertile pegs and pods, completing the life cycle under in vitro conditions. This is a significant step to perform studies that require axenic conditions in their entirety. These protocols outline the steps required to micropropagate Georgia 06G peanut plants under aseptic conditions, prepare culture medium, maintain shoot multiplication cultures, induce flowering and pegging, and maintain culture conditions to allow the development of pods. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Seed sterilization and germination

Basic Protocol 2: Shoot multiplication

Basic Protocol 3: Flower induction

Basic Protocol 4: Peg formation
Lowering Sodium‐Storage Lattice Strains of Layered Oxide Cathodes by Pushing Charge Transfer on Anions
Authors: Li Na , Yin Wen , Wang Baotian , Wang Fangwei , Xiao Xiaoling , Zhao Jinkui , Zhao Enyue
Published: November 2023

Due to a high energy density, layered transition‐metal oxides have gained much attention as the promising sodium‐ion batteries cathodes. However, they readily suffer from multiple phase transitions during the Na extraction process, resulting in large lattice strains which are the origin of cycled‐structure degradations. Here, we demonstrate that the Na‐storage lattice strains of layered oxides can be reduced by pushing charge transfer on anions (O2−). Specifically, the designed O3‐type Ru‐based model compound, which shows an increased charge transfer on anions, displays retarded O3–P3–O1 multiple phase transitions and obviously reduced lattice strains upon cycling as directly revealed by a combination of ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, in situ X‐ray diffraction and geometric phase analysis. Meanwhile, the stable Na‐storage lattice structure leads to a superior cycling stability with an excellent capacity retention of 84% and ultralow voltage decay of 0.2 mV/cycle after 300 cycles. More broadly, our work highlights an intrinsically structure‐regulation strategy to enable a stable cycling structure of layered oxides meanwhile increasing the materials' redox activity and Na‐diffusion kinetics.
Water level control on coastal landform distribution and associated processes in a highly fluctuating shallow lake (Gallocanta Lake, NE Spain)
Authors: Gracia Francisco‐Javier , Castañeda Carmen , Simarro Gonzalo , Calvete Daniel , Latorre Borja
Published: November 2023

Shallow lakes in semi‐arid environments are very sensitive to hydrological alterations associated with climate change. Their shorelines and geometry can change according to water level fluctuations. Gallocanta Lake (NE Spain) is a typical example of such lacustrine conditions because it is exposed to strong winds parallel to its elongation axis and is located in a semi‐arid Mediterranean environment. In this work, a high‐resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of the area is used to compare the distribution of coastal forms (beaches, barrier islands, deltas, lagoons, etc.) with the frequency at which different water levels are attained. As a result, a clear relationship is obtained between presently active forms and the water levels most frequently reached in the lake. It is deduced that, once formed, the surrounding coastal plains related to these coastal forms control the permanence of water around a given height interval, favouring the development of these morphologies, in a positive feedback mechanism only broken by subsequent climate warming and lake water lowering. The hydrodynamic conditions responsible for activating the coastal forms have been analysed by applying a mathematical model of wind‐driven currents in the lake that predicts the present erosional/progradational trends associated with them. The combination of the different results obtained was used to generate a synthetic map of active coastal processes and trends along the lake shore during high water episodes, with two versions according to the two dominant wind scenarios in the region. The distribution of erosion/sedimentation trends along the lake shores has helped to propose the existence of longitudinal littoral cells, each one recording different shoreline trend (retreat, progradation, and stability), depending on the prevailing wind scenario. This synthetic scheme can be useful for predicting the eco‐morphological trends of the lake shore and adapting the present management practices in this protected area accordingly.
Depolymerization of actin filaments by Cucurbitacin I through binding G‐actin
Authors: Haciosmanoglu Aldogan Ebru , Önsü Kemal Alper , Saylan Cemil Can , Günçer Başak , Baday Sefer , Bektaş Muhammet
Published: November 2023

Cucurbitacins have high economic value as they are a major source of food and have pharmacological properties. Cucurbitacin I (CuI) is a plant‐derived natural tetracyclic triterpenoid compound that shows an anticancer effect via inhibiting the JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway. The actin cytoskeleton is the most abundant protein in cells and regulates critical events through reorganization in cells. In this study, it is aimed at determining the direct effect of CuI on actin dynamics. The fluorescence profile of G‐actin in the presence of CuI (1–200 nM) shifted to a higher temperature, suggesting that G‐actin binds CuI and that G‐actin–CuI is more thermally stable than the ligand‐free form. CuI dose‐dependently inhibited the polymerization of F‐actin in vitro and disrupted actin filaments in endothelial cells. Docking and MD simulations suggested that CuI binds to the binding site formed by residues I136, I175, D154, and A138 that are at the interface of monomers in F‐actin. The migration ability of cells treated with CuI for 24 h was significantly lower than the control group (p < .001). This study reveals the molecular mechanisms of CuI in the regulation of actin dynamics by binding G‐actin. More importantly, this study indicates a novel role of CuI as an actin‐targeting drug by binding directly to G‐actin and may contribute to the mode of action of CuI on anticancer activities.
Treating amblyopia using altered reality enhances the fine‐scale functional correlations in early visual areas
Authors: Dong Xue , Liu Lijuan , Du Xinxin , Wang Yue , Zhang Peng , Li Zhihao , Bao Min
Published: November 2023

Amblyopia is a developmental visual disorder that causes substantial visual deficits. Studies using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging have disclosed abnormal brain functional connectivity (FC) both across long‐range cortical sites and within the visual cortex in amblyopes, which is considered to be related to impaired visual functions. However, little work has examined whether restoring the vision of amblyopes accompanies with an improvement of FC. Here in adult amblyopes and healthy participants, we compared their brain FC before and after an altered‐reality adaptation training. Before the training, the voxel‐wise FCs of amblyopia patients were substantially weaker than those of healthy control participants both within and across the early visual areas. After the training, visual acuities improved in amblyopes but not in the control participants. The effect kept strengthening in the subsequent month without further adaptation. Importantly, we observed enhanced voxel‐wise FC both within and across the early visual areas of amblyopes. Moreover, the enhancement continued for at least 1 month. These results suggest that the effective treatment can improve both the amblyopes' vision and functional connections in the visual cortex.
Identification and validation of immune‐related methylated genes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zou Zhenning , Li Rujia , Huang Xueshan , Chen Mei , Tan Jingyi , Wu Minhua
Published: November 2023

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignancy occurring in the head and neck. Identification of immune‐related methylated biomarkers might be helpful for NPC detection and prognostic evaluation.

Methods

A co‐methylation network based on WGCNA was constructed to identify modules associated with NPC and immune cells. In combination with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune‐related genes from ImmPort database, the candidate immune‐related methylated genes (IRMGs) were obtained.

Results

Our combined analysis identified 12 IRMGs. Among them, both the methylation and mRNA expression of CCL28, CSK, and PRKCB were correlated with the infiltration of B cells. CD1D, CR2, and GDF10 were favorable markers. Demethylation experiments validated that downregulation of GDF10, PRKCB, SLC40A1, and TGFBR3 in NPC resulted from promoter hypermethylation. Additionally, a diagnostic model was developed and exhibited high discriminative accuracy.

Conclusions

These results provided a group of immune‐related methylated biomarkers that may help with the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.
Developing responsive disciplinary literacies for student teaching in social studies
Authors: Ortmann Lisa L. , Stumme‐Berg Sydney
Published: November 2023

This collaborative, single‐case study explores the ways a social studies teacher candidate conceptualizes and applies disciplinary literacy (DL) teaching in practicum and student teaching experiences. Through qualitative inquiry of data collected at multiple points in the teacher education program, DL teaching was represented across six themes: skills‐based theory of literacy; deep engagement with content; flow verses disruption; responsiveness; placement impact; pandemic influence. Findings affirm research that teacher candidates can be successful at implementing culturally responsive DL instruction, even in post‐pandemic teaching contexts, with structured supervision. Implications for small programs of teacher education, secondary content area teacher preparation, and student teaching supervision are discussed.
An investigation study on the interpretation of ultrasonic medical reports using OpenAI's GPT‐3.5‐turbo model
Authors: Wang Wen hui , Wang Shi yu , Huang Jia yan , Liu Xiao di , Yang Jie , Liao Min , Lu Qiang , Wu Zhe
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Ultrasound medical reports are an important means of diagnosing diseases and assessing treatment effectiveness. However, their professional terms and complex sentences often make it difficult for ordinary people to understand. Therefore, this study explores the clinical value of using artificial intelligence systems based on ChatGPT to interpret ultrasound medical reports.

Methods

In this study, a combination of online and offline questionnaires were used to survey both physicians and non‐medical individuals. The questionnaires evaluated ChatGPT's interpretation of ultrasound reports from both professional and comprehensibility perspectives, and the results were analyzed using Excel spreadsheets. Additionally, a portion of the research content was evaluated using the Likert Scale 5‐point method in the questionnaire.

Results

According to survey results, 67.4% of surveyed doctors believe that using ChatGPT for interpreting ultrasound medical reports can help improve work efficiency. At the same time, 69.72% of non‐medical professionals believe it is necessary to enhance their understanding of medical ultrasound reports through ChatGPT interpretation, and 62.58% support the application of ChatGPT to ultrasound medical reports. The non‐medical group's understanding of ultrasound medical reports significantly improved (p < 0.01) after implementing ChatGPT, However, 67.49% of the general public are concerned about ChatGPT's imperfect functionality, which may cause misleading information. This reflects that the public's trust in new technology is not high enough, and they are also worried about possible privacy leaks and security issues with ChatGPT technology.

Conclusions

The higher acceptance and support of non‐medical individuals for the interpretation of medical reports by ChatGPT might be due to the system's natural language processing abilities that allow them to better understand and evaluate report contents. However, the expertise and experience of physicians are still irreplaceable. This suggests that the ChatGPT‐based ultrasound medical report interpretation system has certain clinical value and application prospects, but further optimization is necessary to address its shortcomings in data quality and professionalism. This study provides a reference and inspiration for promoting the application and development of ultrasound technology and artificial intelligence systems in the medical field.
Developing and assessing the use of demonstration videos in the preclinical simulation laboratory
Authors: Forni Rochelle , Gad Mario , Yansane Alfa‐Ibrahim , White Joel M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to report the development of a preclinical simulation laboratory Demonstration Video Series (DVS) for the 2021–2022 academic year, measure its usage and usefulness, and compare these findings to the usage and usefulness of the existing didactic lecture videos.

Methods

The DVS videos were intended to be viewed before each preclinical simulation laboratory session along with the pre‐existing didactic lectures (DL) by University of California San Francisco (UCSF) learners. Usage measurements included the percentage of the class that viewed each video, the number of views that each video received, and the average duration of each video that was watched. Usefulness of the videos was measured by a survey that assessed learner perspective on knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge during the simulation lab exercises. Both usage and usefulness of the DVS were then compared to the usage and usefulness of the DL. Both descriptive statistics and independent sample hypothesis tests were performed to compare the differences in proportion between DVS and DL mediums.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in terms of both usage and usefulness of the DVS compared to the DL, with DVS being utilized more overall. With an 81% response rate, survey analysis revealed statistically significant differences among the learners’ perspectives on the usefulness of the DVS compared to the DL, with a clear preference for the DVS over the DL and an overwhelmingly positive perception of the DVS.

Conclusion

The DVS was found to be a valuable addition to the preclinical laboratory sessions for first‐year learners.
SGLT2 is upregulated to acquire cisplatin resistance and SGLT2 inhibition reduces cisplatin resistance in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Fujiyoshi Sunao , Honda Shohei , Ara Momoko , Kondo Takafumi , Kobayashi Nozomi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: November 2023

Background

Cancer cells can alter glucose metabolism and regulate the expression of glucose transporters. Hepatoblastoma patients undergo cisplatin‐based chemotherapy; however, 22.3% of patients develop cisplatin resistance and thus face a poor prognosis. We hypothesized that glucose transporters are associated with acquiring cisplatin resistance with increasing sugar intake inhibiting glucose transporters could reduce cisplatin resistance in hepatoblastoma patients.

Methods

We established cisplatin‐resistant HepG2 and HuH6 cells by continuous treatment with cisplatin. We evaluated the relationship between cisplatin resistance and glucose uptake. We used an expression array to select cisplatin‐resistant associated glucose transporters and selected sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). We used dapagliflozin as an SGLT2 inhibitor and evaluated glucose uptake and IC50 after dapagliflozin treatment in wild‐type and resistant hepatoblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We found a strong relationship between cisplatin resistance and glucose uptake. Additionally, SGLT2 was upregulated in resistant cells after cisplatin treatment. After dapagliflozin treatment, glucose uptake and cisplatin resistance decreased in resistant cells.

Conclusions

Cisplatin‐resistant hepatoblastoma cells exhibited upregulated SGLT2 expression and activated glucose uptake to survive under cisplatin stress. SGLT2 inhibition decreased cellular resistance to cisplatin. SGLT2 inhibition with cisplatin therapy could be a novel therapeutic strategy for cisplatin‐resistant hepatoblastoma patients.
Free‐Water Imaging in Friedreich Ataxia Using Multi‐Compartment Models
Authors: Fernandez Lara , Corben Louise A. , Bilal Hiba , Delatycki Martin B. , Egan Gary F. , Harding Ian H.
Published: November 2023

Background

The neurological phenotype of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the cerebellum and brainstem. Novel neuroimaging approaches quantifying brain free‐water using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) are potentially more sensitive to these processes than standard imaging markers.

Objectives

To quantify the extent of free‐water and microstructural change in FRDA‐relevant brain regions using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and bitensor diffusion tensor imaging (btDTI).

Method

Multi‐shell dMRI was acquired from 14 individuals with FRDA and 14 controls. Free‐water measures from NODDI (FISO) and btDTI (FW) were compared between groups in the cerebellar cortex, dentate nuclei, cerebellar peduncles, and brainstem. The relative sensitivity of the free‐water measures to group differences was compared to microstructural measures of NODDI intracellular volume, free‐water corrected fractional anisotropy, and conventional uncorrected fractional anisotropy.

Results

In individuals with FRDA, FW was elevated in the cerebellar cortex, peduncles (excluding middle), dentate, and brainstem (P < 0.005). FISO was elevated primarily in the cerebellar lobules (P < 0.001). On average, FW effect sizes were larger than all other markers (mean ηρ2 = 0.43), although microstructural measures also had very large effects in the superior and inferior cerebellar peduncles and brainstem (ηρ2 > 0.37). Across all regions and metrics, effect sizes were largest in the superior cerebellar peduncles (ηρ2 > 0.46).

Conclusions

Multi‐compartment diffusion measures of free‐water and neurite integrity distinguish FRDA from controls with large effects. Free‐water magnitude in the brainstem and cerebellum provided the greatest distinction between groups. This study supports further applications of multi‐compartment diffusion modeling, and investigations of free‐water as a measure of disease expression and progression in FRDA. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Identification of a novel LMX1B nonsense variant associated with congenital talipes equinovarus by prenatal exome sequencing: A case report
Authors: Chen Jing , Xiang Qinqin , Xiao Xiao , Xu Bocheng , Xie Hanbing , Wang He , Yang Mei , Liu Shanling
Published: November 2023

Background

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is a rotational foot deformity that affects muscles, bones, connective tissue, and vascular or neurological tissues. The etiology of CTEV is complex and unclear, involving genetic and environmental factors. Nail‐patella syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by variants of the LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 beta gene (LMX1B, OMIM:602575). LMX1B plays a key role in the development of dorsal limb structures, the kidneys, and the eyes, and variants in this gene may manifest as hypoplastic or absent patella, dystrophic nails, and elbow and iliac horn dysplasia; glomerulopathy; and adult‐onset glaucoma, respectively. This study aimed to identify pathogenic variants in a fetus with isolated talipes equinovarus diagnosed by ultrasound in the second trimester, whose father exhibited dysplastic nails and congenital absence of bilateral patella.

Methods

Prenatal whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of the fetus and parents was performed to identify the genetic variant responsible for the fetal ultrasound abnormality, followed by validation using Sanger sequencing.

Results

A novel heterozygous nonsense variant in exon 6 of LMX1B (c.844C>T, p.Gln282*) was identified in the fetus and the affected father but was not detected in any unaffected family members. This nonsense variant resulted in a premature termination codon at position 282, which may be responsible for the clinical phenotype through the loss of function of the gene product.

Conclusions

Our study indicating that a fetus carrying a novel nonsense variant of LMX1B (c.844C>T, p.Gln282*) can exhibit isolated talipes equinovarus, which expands the LMX1B genotypic spectrum and is advantageous for genetic counseling.
Opposing roles for ADAMTS2 and ADAMTS14 in myofibroblast differentiation and function
Authors: Carter Edward P , Yoneten Kubra K , Gavara Nuria , Tyler Eleanor J , Gauthier Valentine , Murray Elizabeth R , ten Dijke Peter , Cameron Angus J , Pearce Oliver , Grose Richard P
Published: November 2023

Crosstalk between cancer and stellate cells is pivotal in pancreatic cancer, resulting in differentiation of stellate cells into myofibroblasts that drives tumour progression. To assess cooperative mechanisms in a 3D context, we generated chimeric spheroids using human and mouse cancer and stellate cells. Species‐specific deconvolution of bulk‐RNA sequencing data revealed cell type‐specific transcriptomes underpinning invasion. This dataset highlighted stellate‐specific expression of transcripts encoding the collagen‐processing enzymes ADAMTS2 and ADAMTS14. Strikingly, loss of ADAMTS2 reduced, while loss of ADAMTS14 promoted, myofibroblast differentiation and invasion independently of their primary role in collagen‐processing. Functional and proteomic analysis demonstrated that these two enzymes regulate myofibroblast differentiation through opposing roles in the regulation of transforming growth factor β availability, acting on the protease‐specific substrates, Serpin E2 and fibulin 2, for ADAMTS2 and ADAMTS14, respectively. Showcasing a broader complexity for these enzymes, we uncovered a novel regulatory axis governing malignant behaviour of the pancreatic cancer stroma. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.