bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leptin receptor expression in fetal lung increases in late gestation in the baboon: a model for human pregnancy
Authors: Henson M C , Swan K F , Edwards D E , Hoyle G W , Purcell J , Castracane V D
Published: February 2004

Leptin produced by both adipose tissue and the placental trophoblast, has been proposed to regulate numerous aspects of human conceptus development. Although recent animal studies have suggested an additional role for the polypeptide in fetal lung maturation, no evidence has been reported in primates. Therefore, we employed the baboon (Papio sp.), a well-characterized primate model for human pregnancy, to determine the presence and ontogeny of leptin receptor in fetal lung with advancing gestation. Lungs were collected from fetal baboons, early in gestation (days 58–62, n = 4), at mid gestation (days 98–102, n = 4), and late in gestation (days 158–165, n = 4) (term 184 days). mRNA transcripts for leptin (LEP) and both long and short intracellular domain isoforms of the leptin receptor (LEP-RL and LEP-RS) were assessed by RT-PCR. leptin receptor protein was evaluated by immunoblotting and cell types expressing leptin receptor were identified in late pregnancy by immunohistochemistry. Fetal serum leptin concentrations, determined by RIA, remained relatively unchanged at 5.7 ± 1.1 ng/ml (mean ± s.e.m.) in mid pregnancy and 8.4 ± 3.0 ng/ml in late pregnancy (P > 0.05). Although leptin were detectable in fetal lung, no changes in transcript abundance were apparent with advancing gestation. However, transcripts for both LEP-RL and LEP-RS receptor isoforms increased several-fold (P < 0.05) in fetal lung between mid and late gestation, while leptin receptor protein was detectable only in late pregnancy. leptin receptor was localized in distal pulmonary epithelial cells, including type II pneumocytes. In conclusion, leptin is present in the fetal baboon and its receptor is enhanced during late gestation in cells responsible for the synthesis of pulmonary surfactant. Collectively, these and past findings may suggest a modulatory role for the polypeptide in pulmonary development and/or may identify leptin receptor as a physiological marker of primate fetal lung maturity.
Temporal expression and signalling of prostacyclin receptor in the human endometrium across the menstrual cycle
Authors: Battersby S , Critchley H O D , de Brum-Fernandes A J , Jabbour H N
Published: February 2004

Prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis and function in the human uterus has been implicated in the regulation of the process of normal and dysfunctional menstruation. PGI2synthesis is elevated during normal menstruation and is also associated with blood loss in women who suffer from heavy menses. This study was designed to outline further the role of PGI2in menstruation by investigating the temporal pattern and site of expression of prostaglandin I synthase (PGIS) and the prostacyclin receptor (IP receptor) in the non-pregnant human endometrium across the menstrual cycle. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated increased expression of PGIS and IP receptor during the menstrual phase of the cycle compared with all other phases (P< 0.05). Furthermore, PGIS and IP receptor were localised to the glandular epithelium, stromal and endothelial cells in the basal and functional layers of the endometrium. Functionality of the IP receptor in the human endometrium was assessed by measuring cAMP generation following treatment with 100 nmol l−1of the PGI2analogue, iloprost. cAMP generation was significantly higher in endometrial tissue collected during the proliferative compared with the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle (P< 0.05).

In conclusion, this study has confirmed increased expression and signalling of PGIS and IP receptor during the menstrual phase and outlines a potential autocrine/paracrine role for PGI2on several cellular compartments in the endometrium including the endothelium. This may underscore a pivotal role for PGI2receptor signalling in normal and dysfunctional menstruation.
Fetal bovine serum influences apoptosis and apoptosis-related gene expression in porcine parthenotes developing in vitro
Authors: Cui Xiang-Shun , Jeong Yu-Jeong , Lee Hwa-Young , Cheon Sun-Hong , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: February 2004

This study was conducted to determine the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), fetal bovine serum (FBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) on blastocoel formation, total cell number, apoptosis and Bcl-xL and Bak gene expression in porcine presumptive diploid parthenotes developingin vitro. The addition of 0.4% BSA to the culture medium enhanced the development of 2-cell or late 4-cell stage parthenotes to the blastocyst stage (P< 0.01) while FBS decreased the incidence of blastocoel formation. FBS also reduced the frequency of blastocysts developed from both 2-cell (P< 0.001) and late 4-cell (P< 0.05) embryos and increased the percentage of blastocysts undergoing apoptosis (P< 0.001). The relative abundance of Bcl-xL mRNA in presumptive diploid parthenotes in the control, PVA- and BSA-supplemented medium was similar to that ofin vivo-derived embryos, but was significantly higher than in parthenotes cultured with FBS supplement (P< 0.05). Bak mRNA significantly increased at the blastocyst stage in FBS-supplemented cells (P< 0.01). These results suggest that apoptosis-related gene expression is significantly affected by FBS, and that this may result in alteration of apoptosis and embryo viability of porcine embryos developingin vitro.
Requirement for an intact cytoskeleton for volume regulation in boar spermatozoa
Authors: Petrunkina A M , Hebel M , Waberski D , Weitze K F , Töpfer-Petersen E
Published: February 2004

Osmotically induced cell swelling triggers a chain of events leading to a net loss of major cell ions and water, resulting in cell volume recovery, a process known as regulatory volume decrease (RVD). In many cell types, there is an evidence that the cytoskeleton may play a role in the initial sensing and transduction of the signal of volume change. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that an intact microfilament and microtubule network is required for volume response and RVD in boar sperm before and after capacitation treatment and whether addition of cytochalasin D and colchicine to the capacitation medium would affect volumetric behaviour. Capacitation is a series of cellular and molecular alterations that enable the spermatozoon to fertilize an oocyte. Cell volume measurements of washed sperm suspensions were performed electronically in Hepes-buffered saline solutions of 300 and 180 mosmol/kg. After exposure to hypoosmotic conditions, boar sperm showed initial swelling (up to 150% of initial volume within 5 min), which was subsequently partially reversed (to about 120–130% after 20 min). Treatment with cytochalasin D led to reduced initial swelling (1 μmol/l) and loss of RVD in washed sperm (1–10 μmol/l) and at the beginning of incubation under capacitating conditions (5 μmol/l). Short treatment with 500 μmol/l colchicine affected the volume regulatory ability in sperm under capacitating conditions but not in washed sperm. No significant differences in cell volume response were observed after subsequent addition of cytochalasin D and colchicine to the suspensions of sperm incubated for 3 h under capacitating conditions. However, the incubation under capacitating conditions in the presence of cytochalasin D led to improved volume regulation at the end of the incubation period (23%). The microfilament network appears to be important for volume regulation in washed boar spermatozoa while intact microtubules do not seem to be necessary for osmotically induced RVD. The changes in cytoskeleton microfilament organization during capacitation, possibly affecting the osmotically induced volume response, appear to occur at the later stages of capacitation, whereas changes in microtubules, related to volume regulatory ability, may be programmed within the first stages of capacitation.
A neuroanatomical and neuroendocrinological study into the relationship between social status and the GnRH system in cooperatively breeding female Damaraland mole-rats, Cryptomys damarensis
Authors: Molteno A J , Kalló I , Bennett N C , King J A , Coen C W
Published: February 2004

The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system in female Damaraland mole-rats, Cryptomys damarensis, has been investigated to map the distribution of GnRH-immunoreactive (GnRH-IR) structures in the brain of this species and to assess whether changes in this system may mediate the inhibitory effect of social cues on fertility. The distribution of GnRH-IR cell bodies and fibres was similar to that of other mammals, forming a loose continuum along a septo-preoptico-infundibular pathway. GnRH-IR cell bodies were more abundant in the vicinity of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis than in the medial basal hypothalamus. GnRH-IR cells and fibres were also found in the subfornical organ. The cell bodies were typically unipolar or bipolar. No differences were found in the morphology or size of the cell bodies or in the number of cells between non-reproductive females and reproductive females living together in a colony. However, GnRH concentrations, measured in the brain by radioimmunoassay, were significantly higher in non-reproductive females than in reproductive females; this finding was complemented by the reduced immunoreactivity for GnRH in the median eminence and proximal pituitary stalk of reproductive females. In contrast, the concentrations of GnRH measured by radioimmunoassay in non-reproductive and reproductive males did not differ. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that GnRH release is inhibited in the non-reproductive females but not in the non-reproductive males of this species.
Neural transplantation in hypogonadal (hpg) mice – physiology and neurobiology
Authors: Charlton Harry
Published: February 2004

The hypogonadal (hpg) mouse mutant has a deletion in the region encoding the hypothalamic gonadotrophic hormone-releasing hormone decapeptide. As a consequence pituitary gonadotrophic hormone synthesis and release is severely curtailed and there is little or no post-natal gonadal development. Grafts of late fetal/early neonatal brain tissue containing the decapeptide-producing neurones into the third ventricle of hpg mice result, in a majority of animals, in a near normalisation of pituitary function with full spermatogenesis in male mice and full follicular and uterine development in females. The vast majority of positive responding females with vaginal opening and uterus growth show no evidence of spontaneous oestrous cycles, ovulation or corpora lutea. These female mice mate with normal males with many of them demonstrating reflex ovulation. In both male and female mutants with successful grafts there is an absence of gonadal steroid negative feedback upon the synthesis and secretion of pituitary gonadotrophic hormones. The releasing factor axon terminals from grafts within the third ventricle identified by immunohistochemical methods are targeted specifically to the median eminence. There is evidence for host innervation of grafts, but how specific this is for the control of gonadotrophic hormone-releasing hormone cell bodies remains to be elucidated.
Local interaction of prostaglandin F2α with endothelin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α on the release of progesterone and oxytocin in ovine corpora lutea in vivo: a possible implication for a luteolytic cascade
Authors: Ohtani M , Takase S , Wijayagunawardane M P B , Tetsuka M , Miyamoto A
Published: February 2004

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) participate in the cascade of luteolysis. Thus, in the present study the interactions of ET-1 and TNFα with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on the release of progesterone and oxytocin (OT) within the corpus luteum (CL) were investigated. A microdialysis system (MDS) was surgically implanted in ovine CL (one MDS line/CL; 5–10 lines/ewe) formed after super-ovulation. A 4-h perfusion with PGF2α (0.01–1 μmol l −1) induced no clear effect on progesterone release, but acutely stimulated OT release in a dose-dependent manner. A perfusion of PGF2α (1 μmol l −1) increased ET-1 release over a period of 12 h. Two perfusions of ET-1 (0.1 μmol l−1) or a perfusion of ET-1 followed by TNFα (200 ng ml−1) decreased progesterone release (56–64% at 36–48 h). When the CL were pre-perfused with PGF2α (1 μmol l−1), two consecutive perfusions of ET-1 decreased progesterone release more rapidly. Similarly, a pre-perfusion with PGF2α followed by consecutive perfusions of ET-1 and then TNFα rapidly decreased progesterone release, with the inhibition most pronounced (35%) at 36–48 h. The simultaneous infusion of ET-1 with PGF2α induced a rapid decrease in progesterone release (36% at 36–48 h). In a further study, the possible second messenger systems involved in PGF2α action on the release of progesterone, OT and ET-1 were investigated. A perfusion with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA; 10 μmol l−1), A23187 (10 μmol l−1), or PGF2α + A23187 increased progesterone release during infusion, but decreased it after perfusion. All treatments induced a massive release of OT during infusion, and increased ET-1 release after infusion. These results show that ET-1 is capable of suppressing progesterone release in the PGF2α-primed ovine CL in vivo and thus ET-1 works as a local luteolysin together with PGF2α during the process of functional luteolysis. During structural luteolysis, TNFα may interact with PGF2α and ET-1 to cause a rapid drop in progesterone release and accelerate the process of luteolysis. This result supports the contention that ET-1 and TNFα interact with PGF2α as local luteolytic mediators in the ewe as previously suggested.
A flow cytometric assay for global estimation of tyrosine phosphorylation associated with capacitation of spermatozoa from two marsupial species, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Sidhu K S , Mate K E , Gunasekera T , Veal D , Hetherington L , Baker M A , Aitken R J , Rodger J C
Published: February 2004

The phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in cellular proteins is a major signal transduction event during sperm capacitation. In this study protein phosphorylation was monitored using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled antiphosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody and a flow cytometric procedure optimized for sperm. Using this technique, the correlation between tyrosine phosphorylation and sperm capacitation was examined in two marsupial species, the brushtail possum and the tammar wallaby and compared with that of ram spermatozoa. The levels of tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm from all three species were increased by the addition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and vandate, a phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor and were decreased by the addition of the phosphotyrosine kinase inhibitor, staurosporine. Oviductal conditioned media (CM) induced a progressive increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in both marsupial species and also induced morphological transition from a streamlined to a ‘T’-shape configuration in brushtail possum spermatozoa but not in tammar wallaby spermatozoa. Transition to the ‘T’-shape orientation associated with capacitation in marsupial spermatozoa was observed by 2 h of incubation in both species when tyrosine phosphorylation was increased by higher levels of cAMP i.e. 5 mM dibutyryl cAMP plus 3 mM pentoxyphylline. Thus the tyrosine phosphorylation trigger with CM may differ in these two marsupial species. Ram sperm tyrosine phosphorylation could be increased by addition of lower levels of cAMP (1 mM). These results support the finding that tyrosine phosphorylation is associated with sperm capacitation in marsupials. Similar results were obtained by using SDS PAGE/Western blot analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation in the brushtail possum spermatozoa. The specificity, efficiency and sensitivity of the procedure described here make it applicable for routine assessment of capacitation in large numbers of samples and in other species.
Intraoperative radiation therapy with 50 kV x‐rays: A multi‐institutional review
Authors: Sethi Anil , Gros Sebastien , Brodin Patrik , Ghavidel Beth , Chai Xuedong , Popovic Marija , Tomé Wolfgang Axel , Trichter Samuel , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhang Hualin , Uhl Valery
Published: January 2024

This report covers clinical implementation of a low kV intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) program with the INTRABEAM® System (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). Based on collective user experience from eight institutions, we discuss best methods of INTRABEAM quality assurance (QA) tests, commissioning measurements, clinical workflow, treatment planning, and potential avenues for research. The guide provides pertinent background information and clinical justification for IORT. It describes the INTRABEAM system and commissioning measurements along with a TG100 risk management analysis to ensure safety and accuracy of the IORT program. Following safety checks, dosimetry measurements are performed for verification of field flatness and symmetry, x‐ray output, and depth dose. Also discussed are dose linearity checks, beam isotropy, ion chamber measurements, calibration protocols, and in‐vivo dosimetry with optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters OSLDs, and radiochromic film. Emphasis is placed on the importance of routine QA procedures (daily, monthly, and annual) performed at regular intervals for a successful IORT program. For safe and accurate dose delivery, tests of important components of IORT clinical workflow are emphasized, such as, dose prescription, pre‐treatment QA, treatment setup, safety checks, radiation surveys, and independent checks of delivered dose. Challenges associated with in‐vivo dose measurements are discussed, along with special treatment procedures and shielding requirements. The importance of treatment planning in IORT is reviewed with reference to a Monte Carlo‐based commercial treatment planning system highlighting its main features and limitations. The report concludes with suggested topics for research including CT‐based image‐guided treatment planning and improved prescription dose accuracy. We hope that this multi‐institutional report will serve as a guidance document on the clinical implementation and use of INTRABEAM IORT.
An Emerging Approach of Age‐Related Hearing Loss Research: Application of Integrated Multi‐Omics Analysis
Authors: Liu Yue , Zeng Xianhai , Zhang Huasong
Published: January 2024

As one of the most common otologic diseases in the elderly, age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) usually characterized by hearing loss and cognitive disorders, which have a significant impact on the elderly's physical and mental health and quality of life. However, as a typical disease of aging, it is unclear why aging causes widespread hearing impairment in the elderly. As molecular biological experiments have been conducted for research recently, ARHL is gradually established at various levels with the application and development of integrated multi‐omics analysis in the studies of ARHL. Here, the recent progress in the application of multi‐omics analysis in the molecular mechanisms of ARHL development and therapeutic regimens, including the combined analysis of different omics, such as transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, to screen for risk sites, risk genes, and differences in lipid metabolism, etc., is outlined and the integrated histological data further promote the profound understanding of the disease process as well as physiological mechanisms of ARHL. The advantages and disadvantages of multi‐omics analysis in disease research are also discussed and the authors speculate on the future prospects and applications of this part‐to‐whole approach, which may provide more comprehensive guidance for ARHL and aging disease prevention and treatment.
Oriented Growth for Efficient and Scalable Perovskite Solar Cells by Vapor–Solid Reaction
Authors: Duan Changyu , Zhong Jialing , Hu Shenghan , Dou Yichen , Lu Jianfeng , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Ku Zhiliang
Published: January 2024

The precise control and understanding of crystal orientation in perovskite polycrystalline films are crucial for the development of efficient and stable devices. However, achieving this control remains a significant challenge. Herein, a PbI2 oriented growth strategy is developed, combined with in situ vapor–solid reaction transformations, to achieve oriented growth of full‐vacuum perovskite films. Grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) analysis revealed the general pattern of PbI2 oriented vapor growth and in situ vapor–solid reaction transformation in this two‐step process. The resulting preferred orientation has effectively reduced trap state density, optimizing the carrier dynamics. As a result, champion efficiencies of 22.11% (0.148 cm2), 20.60% (1 cm2), and 19.41% (5 × 5 cm2 mini‐modules) are achieved, which are the highest value for perovskite based on vapor–solid reaction. Additionally, the oriented growth method is applicable to a variety of guide layers and is extended to 30 × 30 cm2 film, demonstrating the universality and scalability of the method.
Reconfigurable Growth of Engineered Living Materials
Authors: Wang Suitu , Lim Sangmin , Tasmim Seelay , Kalairaj Manivannan Sivaperuman , Rivera‐Tarazona Laura K. , Abdelrahman Mustafa K. , Javed Mahjabeen , George Sasha M. , Lee Yoo Jin , Jawed M. Khalid , Ware Taylor H.
Published: January 2024

The growth of multicellular organisms is a process akin to additive manufacturing where cellular proliferation and mechanical boundary conditions, among other factors, drive morphogenesis. Engineers have limited ability to engineer morphogenesis to manufacture goods or to reconfigure materials comprised of biomass. Herein, a method that uses biological processes to grow and regrow magnetic engineered living materials (mELMs) into desired geometries is reported. These composites contain Saccharomyces cerevisiae and magnetic particles within a hydrogel matrix. The reconfigurable manufacturing process relies on the growth of living cells, magnetic forces, and elastic recovery of the hydrogel. The mELM then adopts a form in an external magnetic field. Yeast within the material proliferates, resulting in 259 ± 14% volume expansion. Yeast proliferation fixes the magnetic deformation, even when the magnetic field is removed. The shape fixity can be up to 99.3 ± 0.3%. The grown mELM can recover up to 73.9 ± 1.9% of the original form by removing yeast cell walls. The directed growth and recovery process can be repeated at least five times. This work enables ELMs to be processed and reprocessed into user‐defined geometries without external material deposition.
Piezocatalytic Schottky Junction Treats Atherosclerosis by a Biomimetic Trojan Horse Strategy
Authors: Cheng Jingyun , Pan Wenqi , Zheng Yi , Zhang Jingyi , Chen Liang , Huang Hui , Chen Yu , Wu Rong
Published: January 2024

The atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque is characterized by the foamy macrophage burden, involving impaired cholesterol efflux and deficient efferocytosis. Correspondingly, piezocatalytic therapy is an emerging solution for eliminating the foamy macrophage burden with satisfactory spatiotemporal controllability and deep penetration depth. Herein, a biomimetic Trojan horse (Au‐ZnO@MM) is engineered by coating the macrophage membrane (MM) onto the surface of a rod‐like Au‐ZnO Schottky Junction to effectively relieve the atherosclerotic progression. These Trojan horses with the coating of MM are actively transported into subsistent foamy macrophages and generate abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) via ultrasound‐activated piezocatalysis. ROS‐initiated autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction induce substantial cell apoptosis, alleviating the burden of subsistent foamy macrophages. The resulting apoptotic fragments further significantly facilitate cholesterol excretion and trigger efferocytosis of intraplaque fresh macrophages. Ultimately, the biomimetic Au‐ZnO@MM piezocatalyst not only inhibits the foaming capacity of macrophages, but also improves the function of removing cell debris, which can stabilize atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque. Meanwhile, the plasmon resonance effect of integrated gold nanoparticles enables favorable photoacoustic molecular imaging for real‐time image‐guided atherosclerotic therapy. This proposed biomimetic Trojan horse strategy provides the paradigm of employing ultrasound‐activated piezocatalytic methodology for enhanced atherosclerotic theranostics.
Reversible Surface Engineering of Cellulose Elementary Fibrils: From Ultralong Nanocelluloses to Advanced Cellulosic Materials
Authors: Zhou Meng , Chen Dongzhi , Chen Qianqian , Chen Pan , Song Guangjie , Chang Chunyu
Published: January 2024

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are supramolecular assemblies of cellulose chains that provide outstanding mechanical support and structural functions for cellulosic organisms. However, traditional chemical pretreatments and mechanical defibrillation of natural cellulose produce irreversible surface functionalization and adverse effects of morphology of the CNFs, respectively, which limit the utilization of CNFs in nanoassembly and surface functionalization. Herein, this work presents a facile and energetically efficient surface engineering strategy to completely exfoliate cellulose elementary fibrils from various bioresources, which provides CNFs with ultrahigh aspect ratios (≈1400) and reversible surface. During the mild process of swelling and esterification, the crystallinity and the morphology of the elementary fibrils are retained, resulting in high yields (98%) with low energy consumption (12.4 kJ g−1). In particular, on the CNF surface, the surface hydroxyl groups are restored by removal of the carboxyl moieties via saponification, which offers a significant opportunity for reconstitution of stronger hydrogen bonding interfaces. Therefore, the resultant CNFs can be used as sustainable building blocks for construction of multidimensional advanced cellulosic materials, e.g., 1D filaments, 2D films, and 3D aerogels. The proposed surface engineering strategy provides a new platform for fully utilizing the characteristics of the cellulose elementary fibrils in the development of high‐performance cellulosic materials.
Redox Flow Iontophoresis for Continuous Drug Delivery
Authors: Naegele Tobias E. , Gurke Johannes , Rognin Etienne , Willis‐Fox Niamh , Dennis Anthony , Tao Xudong , Daly Ronan , Keyser Ulrich F. , Malliaras George G.
Published: January 2024

Drug delivery into the brain and spinal cord is fundamentally limited by the blood‐brain barrier which impedes the use of the vast majority of drugs. Implants based on iontophoresis use an applied voltage to deliver charged drug molecules, allowing solvent‐free delivery directly into the site of interest and overcoming issues associated with systemic exposure to the drug. However, during continuous delivery over long periods, electrochemical reactions occur at the electrodes leading to corrosive gas formation. Here, the concept of redox flow iontophoresis is presented, where a redox mediator solution is used to control electrode reactions and sustain continuous delivery for theoretically unlimited duration. As a proof‐of‐concept, a redox flow iontophoresis‐based brain implant that can continuously deliver the cancer drug doxorubicin at stable rates exceeding 2 nmol min−1 is demonstrated. This new concept enables the continuous delivery of various potent drugs into the brain and spinal cord and therefore has the potential to improve treatment options for various diseases.
Fully Enclosed Composite Micro/Nano‐Package for High‐Quality Micro‐LED Display Pixels and In Situ Nanoimprint Technology
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Fan Yu , Wang Botao , Yang Huan , Shao Jinyou
Published: January 2024

Micro/mini‐light emitting diode (LED) arrays are regarded as the most promising next generation of display devices. However, the inherent Lambertian radiation of LED chips results in a significant pixel crosstalk. To improve the display quality, high‐quality micro/mini‐LED display pixels with fully enclosed composite micro/nano‐packages and in situ nanoimprint technology are proposed and demonstrated in this work. The nanoimprint template is designed as a composite structure comprising an intermediate sandwich cavity array and thin‐bottom nanostructure layer. Contact is maintained between the template and LED chips array substrate. By vacuuming the sealed sandwich cavities, the thin‐bottom nanostructure layer is deformed to drive the upward protrusion of the liquid optical polymer. Moreover, the nanocavities on the thin nanostructure layer are fully filled by the polymer, forming a composite micro/nano‐package. The characteristics of the composite micro/nano‐package, such as the aperture and protrusion height, can be flexibly adjusted by changing the template structure or process parameters. A 6 × 8 array LED chips display device enclosed by a composite micro/nanopackage is developed. The divergence angle of the single LED chip decreases to 72° from the original 138°, the light‐extraction efficiency increases18.4%, and the luminescence spectrum and current‐voltage characteristics changes only minimally.
Macrophage CREBZF Orchestrates Inflammatory Response to Potentiate Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Yuxiao , Su Weitong , Liu Zhengshuai , Hu Zhimin , Shen Jiaxin , Zheng Zengpeng , Ding Dong , Huang Wei , Li Wenjing , Cai Genxiang , Wei Shuang , Li Ni , Fang Xia , Li Hong , Qin Jun , Zhang Haibing , Xiao Yichuan , Bi Yan , Cui Aoyuan , Zhang Chunxiang , Li Yu
Published: January 2024

Chronic adipose tissue inflammation accompanied by macrophage accumulation and activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in humans. The transcriptional coregulator CREBZF is a key factor in hepatic metabolism, yet its role in modulating adipose tissue inflammation and type 2 diabetes remains elusive. The present study demonstrates that overnutrition‐induced CREBZF links adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) proinflammatory activation to insulin resistance. CREBZF deficiency in macrophages, not in neutrophils, attenuates macrophage infiltration in adipose, proinflammatory activation, and hyperglycemia in diet‐induced insulin‐resistant mice. The coculture assays show that macrophage CREBZF deficiency improves insulin sensitivity in primary adipocytes and adipose tissue. Mechanistically, CREBZF competitively inhibits the binding of IκBα to p65, resulting in enhanced NF‐κB activity. In addition, bromocriptine is identified as a small molecule inhibitor of CREBZF in macrophages, which suppresses the proinflammatory phenotype and improves metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, CREBZF is highly expressed in ATM of obese humans and mice, which is positively correlated with proinflammatory genes and insulin resistance in humans. This study identifies a previously unknown role of CREBZF coupling ATM activation to systemic insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Unnatural Amino Acid‐Based Ionic Liquid Enables Oral Treatment of Nonsense Mutation Disease in Mice
Authors: Shi Yujie , Shi Ningning , Yang Yuelin , Zheng Zhetao , Xia Qing
Published: January 2024

This investigation addresses the challenge of suboptimal unnatural amino acid (UAA) utilization in the site‐specific suppression of nonsense mutations through genetic code expansion, which is crucial for protein restoration and precise property tailoring. A facile and economical oral liquid formulation is developed by converting UAAs into ionic liquids, significantly enhancing their bioavailability and tissue accumulation. Empirical data reveal a 10‐fold increase in bioavailability and up to a 13‐fold rise in focal tissue accumulation, alongside marked improvements in UAA incorporation efficiency. A 4‐week oral administration in mdx mice, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), demonstrates the formulation's unprecedented therapeutic potential, with up to 40% dystrophin expression restoration and 75% recovery of normal fiber functions, surpassing existing treatments and exhibiting substantial long‐term safety. This study presents a potent oral dosage form that dramatically improves UAA incorporation into target proteins in vivo, offering a significant advance in the treatment of nonsense mutation‐mediated disorders and holding considerable promise for clinical translation.
Sidewinder‐Inspired Self‐Adjusting, Lateral‐Rolling Soft Robots for Autonomous Terrain Exploration
Authors: Kim Young Been , Yang Shu , Kim Dae Seok
Published: January 2024

Helical structures of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) hold promise in soft robotics for self‐regulated rolling motions. The understanding of their motion paths and potentials for terrain exploration remains limited. This study introduces a self‐adjusting, lateral‐rolling soft robot inspired by sidewinder snakes. The spring‐like LCE helical filaments (HFs) autonomously respond to thermal cues, demonstrating dynamic and sustainable locomotion with adaptive rolling along non‐linear paths. By fine‐tuning the diameter, pitch, and modulus of the LCE HFs, and the environmental temperature, the movements of the LCE HFs, allowing for exploration of diverse terrains over a 600 cm2 area within a few minutes, can be programmed. LCE HFs are showcased to navigate through over nine obstacles, including maze escaping, terrain exploration, target hunting, and successfully surmounting staircases through adaptable rolling.
On the hunt for metalloenzyme inhibitors: Investigating the presence of metal‐coordinating compounds in screening libraries and chemical spaces
Authors: Schuck Bruna , Brenk Ruth
Published: January 2024

Metalloenzymes play vital roles in various biological processes, requiring the search for inhibitors to develop treatment options for diverse diseases. While compound library screening is a conventional approach, the exploration of virtual chemical spaces housing trillions of compounds has emerged as an alternative strategy. In this study, we investigated the suitability of selected screening libraries and chemical spaces for discovering inhibitors of metalloenzymes featuring common ions (Mg2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+). First, metal‐coordinating groups from ligands interacting with ions in the Protein Data Bank were extracted. Subsequently, the prevalence of these groups in two focused screening libraries (Life Chemicals' chelator library, comprising 6,428 compounds, and Otava's chelator fragment library, with 1,784 fragments) as well as two chemical spaces (GalaXi and REAL space, containing billions of virtual products) was investigated. In total, 1,223 metal‐coordinating groups were identified, with about a quarter of these groups found within the examined libraries and spaces. Our results indicate that these can serve as valuable starting points for drug discovery targeting metalloenzymes. In addition, this study suggests ways to improve libraries and spaces for better success in finding potential inhibitors for metalloenzymes.
Distribution, Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Genus Malaxis
Authors: Rautela Kalpana , Kumar Ashish , Rana Suresh K. , Jugran Arun K. , Bhatt Indra D.
Published: January 2024

The genus Malaxis (family Orchidaceae), comprises nearly 183 species available across the globe. The plants of this genus have long been employed in traditional medical practices because of their numerous biological properties, like the treatment of infertility, hemostasis, burning sensation, bleeding diathesis, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, febrifuge, tuberculosis, etc. Various reports highlight their phytochemical composition and biological activities. However, there is a lack of systematic review on the distribution, phytochemistry, and biological properties of this genus. Hence, this study aims to conduct a thorough and critical review of Malaxis species, covering data published from 1965 to 2022 with nearly 90 articles. Also, it examines different bioactive compounds, their chemistry, and pharmacotherapeutics as well as their traditional uses. A total of 189 unique compounds, including the oil constituents were recorded from Malaxis species. The highest active ingredients were obtained from Malaxis acuminata (103) followed by Malaxis muscifera (49) and Malaxis rheedei (33). In conclusion, this review offers an overview of the current state of knowledge on Malaxis species and highlights prospects for future research projects on them. Additionally, it recommends the promotion of domestication studies for rare medicinal orchids like Malaxis and the prompt implementation of conservation measures.
Exploring the (Dis)‐Similarities of Half‐Cell and Full Cell Zero‐Gap Electrolyzers for the CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Chanda Vimanshu , Blaudszun Dennis , Hoof Lucas , Sanjuán Ignacio , Pellumbi Kevinjeorjios , junge Puring Kai , Andronescu Corina , Apfel Ulf‐Peter
Published: January 2024

Carbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2R) is a promising technology for mitigating industrial CO2 emissions and generating valuable chemicals using renewable energy sources. Recent advances have centered on fine‐tuning catalyst materials and their micro‐environments, stimulating interest within the CO2R community. However, testing novel catalyst materials often occurs under conditions different from those relevant to industrial applications. In this study, we explore the transferability of CO2R results obtained using Ag‐based gas diffusion electrode (GDEs) in an easy to fabricate, assemble and test zero‐gap half‐cell (ZGHC) to a zero‐gap electrolyzer (ZGE). Our investigation reveals that the transferability of results is not only influenced by the reactor design, but also partially dependent on the type of additive used in the catalyst layer of the GDE. Moreover, we show that the humidity of the CO2 is a crucial operational parameter that not only impacts the selectivity of the electrode but also influences its stability during testing in the ZGHC. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensively considering operational conditions as well as reactor designs when comparing results between the ZGHC and ZGE, presenting finally a pathway on how to minimize such differences.
Achieving a superior Na storage performance of Fe‐based Prussian blue cathode by coating perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride amine
Authors: Fu Xin‐Yuan , Zhang Lu‐Lu , Chen Zhao‐Yao , Xu Yunkai , Wu Junxiu , Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Ding Xiao‐Kai , Yang Xue‐Lin , Lu Jun
Published: January 2024

Fe‐based Prussian blue (Fe‐PB) cathode material shows great application potential in sodium (Na)‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, long cycle life, low cost, and simple preparation process. However, the crystalline water and vacancies of Fe‐PB lattice, the low electrical conductivity, and the dissolution of metal ions lead to limited capacity and poor cycling stability. In this work, a perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride amine (PTCDA) coating layer is successfully fabricated on the surface of Fe‐PB by a liquid‐phase method. The aminated PTCDA (PTCA) coating not only increases the specific surface area and electronic conductivity but also effectively reduces the crystalline water and vacancies, which avoids the erosion of Fe‐PB by electrolyte. Consequently, the PTCA layer reduces the charge transfer resistance, enhances the Na‐ion diffusion coefficient, and improves the structure stability. The PTCA‐coated Fe‐PB exhibits superior Na storage performance with a first discharge capacity of 145.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. Long cycling tests exhibit minimal capacity decay of 0.027% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1. Therefore, this PTCA coating strategy has shown promising competence in enhancing the electrochemical performance of Fe‐PB, which can potentially serve as a universal electrode coating strategy for Na‐ion batteries.
Nitrogen‐doped microporous graphite‐enhanced copper plasmonic effect for solar evaporation
Authors: Wu Xintao , Li Chengcheng , Zhang Ziqi , Cao Yang , Wang Jieqiong , Tian Xinlong , Liu Zhongxin , Shen Yijun , Zhang Mingxin , Huang Wei
Published: January 2024

Water scarcity is a global challenge, and solar evaporation technology offers a promising and eco‐friendly solution for freshwater production. Photothermal conversion materials (PCMs) are crucial for solar evaporation. Improving photothermal conversion efficiency and reducing water evaporation enthalpy are the two key strategies for the designing of PCMs. The desired PCMs that combine both of these properties remain a challenging task, even with the latest advancements in the field. Herein, we developed copper nanoparticles (NPs) with different conjugated nitrogen‐doped microporous carbon coatings (Cu@C–N) as PCMs. The microporous carbon enveloping layer provides a highly efficient pathway for water transport and a nanoconfined environment that protects Cu NPs and facilitates the evaporation of water clusters, reducing the enthalpy of water evaporation. Meanwhile, the conjugated nitrogen nodes form strong metal‐organic coordination bonds with the surface of copper NPs, acting as an energy bridge to achieve rapid energy transfer and provide high solar‐to‐vapor conversion efficiency. The Cu@C–N exhibited up to 89.4% solar‐to‐vapor conversion efficiency and an evaporation rate of 1.94 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiation, outperforming conventional PCMs, including carbon‐based materials and semiconductor materials. These findings offer an efficient design scheme for high‐performance PCMs essential for solar evaporators to address global water scarcity.
Geometric and Electronic Engineering in Co/VN Nanoparticles to Boost Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis for Aqueous/Flexible Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Luo Zuyang , Gong Junlin , Li Qiuxia , Wei Fengli , Liu Baofa , Taylor Isimjan Tayirjan , Yang Xiulin
Published: January 2024

Modulating metal‐metal and metal‐support interactions is one of the potent tools for augmenting catalytic performance. Herein, highly active Co/VN nanoparticles are well dispersed on three‐dimensional porous carbon nanofoam (Co/VN@NC) with the assistance of dicyandiamide. Studies certify that the consequential disordered carbon substrate reinforces the confinement of electrons, while the coupling of diverse components optimizes charge redistribution among species. Besides, theoretical analyses confirm that the regulated electron configuration can significantly tune the binding strength between the active sites and intermediates, thus optimizing reaction energy barriers. Therefore, Co/VN@NC exhibits a competitive potential difference (ΔE, 0.65 V) between the half‐wave potential of ORR and OER potential at 10 mA cm−2, outperforming Pt/C+RuO2 (0.67 V). Further, catalyst‐based aqueous/flexible ZABs present superior performances with peak power densities of 156 and 85 mW cm−2, superior to Pt/C‐based counterparts (128 and 73 mW cm−2). This research provides a pivotal foundation for the evolution of bifunctional catalysts in the energy sector.
Goal‐Oriented Two‐Layered Kernel Models as Automated Surrogates for Surface Kinetics in Reactor Simulations
Authors: Döppel Felix , Wenzel Tizian , Herkert Robin , Haasdonk Bernard , Votsmeier Martin
Published: January 2024

Multi‐scale modeling allows the description of real reactive systems under industrially relevant conditions. However, its application to rational catalyst and reactor design is hindered by the prohibitively high computational cost associated with the chemical kinetics on the catalyst scale. Here, the computational cost is drastically reduced by introducing goal‐oriented kernel models that serve as surrogates for the chemical kinetics. This special model type allows for automated training set design and reliable results, even outside the training region. Therefore, it can be envisioned as a plug‐and‐play solution for accelerating reactive flow simulations with guaranteed accuracy.
The motor apparatus of head movements in the Oleander hawkmoth (Daphnis nerii, Lepidoptera)
Authors: Prusty Agnish D. , Sane Sanjay P.
Published: January 2024

Head movements of insects play a vital role in diverse locomotory behaviors including flying and walking. Because insect eyes move minimally within their sockets, their head movements are essential to reduce visual blur and maintain a stable gaze. As in most vertebrates, gaze stabilization behavior in insects requires the integration of both visual and mechanosensory feedback by the neck motor neurons. Although visual feedback is derived from the optic flow over the retina of their compound eyes, mechanosensory feedback is derived from their organs of balance, similar to the vestibular system in vertebrates. In Diptera, vestibular feedback is derived from the halteres—modified hindwings that evolved into mechanosensory organs—and is integrated with visual feedback to actuate compensatory head movements. However, non‐Dipteran insects, including Lepidoptera, lack halteres. In these insects, vestibular feedback is obtained from the antennal Johnston's organs but it is not well‐understood how it integrates with visual feedback during head movements. Indeed, although head movements are well‐studied in flies, the underlying motor apparatus in non‐Dipteran taxa has received relatively less attention. As a first step toward understanding compensatory head movements in the Oleander hawkmoth Daphnis nerii, we image the anatomy and architecture of their neck joint sclerites and muscles using X‐ray microtomography, and the associated motor neurons using fluorescent dye fills and confocal microscopy. Based on these morphological data, we propose testable hypotheses about the putative function of specific neck muscles during head movements, which can shed light on their role in neck movements and gaze stabilization.
Using tissue clearing and light sheet fluorescence microscopy for the three‐dimensional analysis of sensory and sympathetic nerve endings that innervate bone and dental tissue of mice
Authors: Thai Jenny , Fuller‐Jackson John‐Paul , Ivanusic Jason J.
Published: January 2024

Bone and dental tissues are richly innervated by sensory and sympathetic neurons. However, the characterization of the morphology, molecular phenotype, and distribution of nerves that innervate hard tissue has so far mostly been limited to thin histological sections. This approach does not adequately capture dispersed neuronal projections due to the loss of important structural information during three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction. In this study, we modified the immunolabeling‐enabled imaging of solvent‐cleared organs (iDISCO/iDISCO+) clearing protocol to image high‐resolution neuronal structures in whole femurs and mandibles collected from perfused C57Bl/6 mice. Axons and their nerve terminal endings were immunolabeled with antibodies directed against protein gene product 9.5 (pan‐neuronal marker), calcitonin gene–related peptide (peptidergic nociceptor marker), or tyrosine hydroxylase (sympathetic neuron marker). Volume imaging was performed using light sheet fluorescence microscopy. We report high‐quality immunolabeling of the axons and nerve terminal endings for both sensory and sympathetic neurons that innervate the mouse femur and mandible. Importantly, we are able to follow their projections through full 3D volumes, highlight how extensive their distribution is, and show regional differences in innervation patterns for different parts of each bone (and surrounding tissues). Mapping the distribution of sensory and sympathetic axons, and their nerve terminal endings, in different bony compartments may be important in further elucidating their roles in health and disease.