bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number, position, and significance of the pseudouridines in the large subunit ribosomal RNA of Haloarcula marismortui and Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: DEL CAMPO MARK , RECINOS CLAUDIA , YANEZ GISCARD , POMERANTZ STEVEN C. , GUYMON REBECCA , CRAIN PAMELA F. , MCCLOSKEY JAMES A. , OFENGAND JAMES
Published: January 2005

The number and position of the pseudouridines of Haloarcula marismortui and Deinococcus radiodurans large subunit RNA have been determined by a combination of total nucleoside analysis by HPLC-mass spectrometry and pseudouridine sequencing by the reverse transcriptase method and by LC/MS/MS. Three pseudouridines were found in H. marismortui, located at positions 1956, 1958, and 2621 corresponding to Escherichia coli positions 1915, 1917, and 2586, respectively. The three pseudouridines are all in locations found in other organisms. Previous reports of a larger number of pseudouridines in this organism were incorrect. Three pseudouridines and one 3-methyl pseudouridine (m3Ψ) were found in D. radiodurans 23S RNA at positions 1894, 1898 (m3Ψ), 1900, and 2584, the m3Ψ site being determined by a novel application of mass spectrometry. These positions correspond to E. coli positions 1911, 1915, 1917, and 2605, which are also pseudouridines in E. coli (1915 is m3Ψ). The pseudouridines in the helix 69 loop, residues 1911, 1915, and 1917, are in positions highly conserved among all phyla. Pseudouridine 2584 in D. radiodurans is conserved in eubacteria and a chloroplast but is not found in archaea or eukaryotes, whereas pseudouridine 2621 in H. marismortui is more conserved in eukaryotes and is not found in eubacteria. All the pseudoridines are near, but not exactly at, nucleotides directly involved in various aspects of ribosome function. In addition, two D. radiodurans Ψ synthases responsible for the four Ψ were identified.
Art and design students employing aspects of the visual and metaphoric to structure and create meaning in writing. An insight from the MA dissertation-writing Intranet site at the Royal College of Art
Authors: Edwards Harriet
Published: January 2005

The article seeks to show how an emphasis on the visual within the Intranet site MADD (Matters around Art and Design Dissertation) brings the dissertation process a little closer to the A&D students’ practice, and how the interplay between visual and verbal is part of an expressive
idiom that is motivating and dynamic. The account is set within the context of the national writing project, ‘Writing Purposefully in Art and Design’ (Writing PAD) that is, ‘designed to promote the adoption of models of good practice that encourage inclusive approaches to
the purposes and possibilities of writing’. After highlighting some significant characteristics of the Writing PAD case studies, the article will focus on the ‘English for Academic Purposes’ background and highlight approaches relevant to the construction of the MADD site.
This will lead into a discussion of the uses of the visuals employed by the six students in the dissertations that they contributed to MADD. The article will end with implications for further developments.
Enriched Acoustic Environment after Noise Trauma Reduces Hearing Loss and Prevents Cortical Map Reorganization
Authors: Noreña Arnaud J. , Eggermont Jos J.
Published: January 2005

Exposure to sound of sufficient duration and level causes permanent damage to the peripheral auditory system, which results in the reorganization of the cortical tonotopic map. The changes are such that neurons with pre-exposure tuning to frequencies in the hearing loss range now become tuned to frequencies near the near-normal lower boundary of the hearing loss range, which thus becomes over represented. However, cats exposed to a traumatizing noise and immediately thereafter placed for a few weeks in an enriched acoustic environment presented a much-restricted hearing loss compared with similarly exposed cats that were placed for the same time in a quiet environment. The enriched environment spectrally matched the expected hearing loss range and was ∼40 dB above the level of the expected hearing loss. The hearing loss in the quiet environment-reared cats ranged from 6 to 32 kHz with the largest loss (on average, 40 dB) ranging from 24 to 32 kHz. In contrast, the hearing loss in the enriched-environment cats was restricted to 6-8 kHz at a level of, on average, 35 dB and with 16-32 kHz having normal thresholds. Despite the remaining hearing loss for the enriched-environment cats in the 6-8 kHz range, plastic tonotopic map changes in primary auditory cortex could no longer be demonstrated, suggesting that the enriched acoustic environment prevents this reorganization. This finding has implications for the treatment of hearing disorders, such as tinnitus, that have been linked to cortical tonotopic map reorganization.
Linking Out-of-Body Experience and Self Processing to Mental Own-Body Imagery at the Temporoparietal Junction
Authors: Blanke Olaf , Mohr Christine , Michel Christoph M. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Brugger Peter , Seeck Margitta , Landis Theodor , Thut Gregor
Published: January 2005

The spatial unity of self and body is challenged by various philosophical considerations and several phenomena, perhaps most notoriously the “out-of-body experience” (OBE) during which one's visual perspective and one's self are experienced to have departed from their habitual position within one's body. Although researchers started examining isolated aspects of the self, the neurocognitive processes of OBEs have not been investigated experimentally to further our understanding of the self. With the use of evoked potential mapping, we show the selective activation of the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) at 330-400 ms after stimulus onset when healthy volunteers imagined themselves in the position and visual perspective that generally are reported by people experiencing spontaneous OBEs. Interference with the TPJ by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at this time impaired mental transformation of one's own body in healthy volunteers relative to TMS over a control site. No such TMS effect was observed for imagined spatial transformations of external objects, suggesting the selective implication of the TPJ in mental imagery of one's own body. Finally, in an epileptic patient with OBEs originating from the TPJ, we show partial activation of the seizure focus during mental transformations of her body and visual perspective mimicking her OBE perceptions. These results suggest that the TPJ is a crucial structure for the conscious experience of the normal self, mediating spatial unity of self and body, and also suggest that impaired processing at the TPJ may lead to pathological selves such as OBEs.
Deletion of Connexin45 in Mouse Retinal Neurons Disrupts the Rod/Cone Signaling Pathway between AII Amacrine and ON Cone Bipolar Cells and Leads to Impaired Visual Transmission
Authors: Maxeiner Stephan , Dedek Karin , Janssen-Bienhold Ulrike , Ammermüller Josef , Brune Hendrik , Kirsch Taryn , Pieper Mario , Degen Joachim , Krüger Olaf , Willecke Klaus , Weiler Reto
Published: January 2005

Connexin45 (Cx45) is known to be expressed in the retina, but its functional analysis was problematic because general deletion of Cx45 coding DNA resulted in cardiovascular defects and embryonic lethality at embryonic day 10.5. We generated mice with neuron-directed deletion of Cx45 and concomitant activation of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). EGFP labeling was observed in bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cell populations. Intracellular microinjection of fluorescent dyes in EGFP-labeled somata combined with immunohistological markers revealed Cx45 expression in both ON and OFF cone bipolar cells. The scotopic electroretinogram of mutant mice revealed a normal a-wave but a 40% reduction in the b-wave amplitude, similar to that found in Cx36-deficient animals, suggesting a possible defect in the rod pathway of visual transmission. Indeed, neurotransmitter coupling between AII amacrine cells and Cx45-expressing cone bipolar cells was disrupted in Cx45-deficient mice. These data suggest that both Cx45 and Cx36 participate in the formation of functional heterotypic electrical synapses between these two types of retinal neurons that make up the major rod pathway.
Endogenous Ca2+Buffer Concentration and Ca2+Microdomains in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Müller Andreas , Kukley Maria , Stausberg Pia , Beck Heinz , Müller Wolfgang , Dietrich Dirk
Published: January 2005

Ca2+-binding proteins are ubiquitously expressed throughout the CNS and serve as valuable immunohistochemical markers for certain types of neurons. However, the functional role of most Ca2+-binding proteins has to date remained obscure because their concentration in central neurons is not known. In this study, we investigate the intracellular concentration of the widely expressed Ca2+-binding protein calbindin-D28kin adult hippocampal slices using patch-clamp recordings and immunohistochemistry. First, we show that calbindin-D28kfreely exchanges between patch pipette and cytoplasm during whole cell patch-clamp recordings with a time constant of ∼10 min. Substituting known concentrations of recombinant calbindin-D28kin patch pipettes enabled us to determine the endogenous calbindin-D28kconcentration by postrecording immunohistochemistry. Using this calibration procedure, we find that mature granule cells (doublecortin-) contain ∼40 μm, and newborn granule cells (doublecortin+) contain 0-20 μmcalbindin-D28k. CA3 stratum radiatum interneurons and CA1 pyramidal cells enclose ∼47 and ∼45 μmcalbindin-D28k, respectively. Numerical simulations showed that 40 μmcalbindin-D28kis capable of tuning Ca2+microdomains associated with action potentials at the mouth of single or clustered Ca2+channels: calbindin-D28kreduces the increment in free Ca2+at a distance of 100 and 200 nm by 20 and 35%, respectively, and strongly accelerates the collapse of the Ca2+gradient after cessation of Ca2+influx. These data suggest that calbindin-D28kequips hippocampal neurons with ∼160 μmmobile, high-affinity Ca2+-binding sites (κS∼200) that slow and reduce global Ca2+signals while they enhance the spatiotemporal fidelity of submicroscopic Ca2+signals.
Anti-CD11d Integrin Antibody Treatment Restores Normal Serotonergic Projections to the Dorsal, Intermediate, and Ventral Horns of the Injured Spinal Cord
Authors: Oatway Mark A. , Chen Yuhua , Bruce Jamie C. , Dekaban Gregory A. , Weaver Lynne C.
Published: January 2005

Spinal serotonergic pathways provide inhibitory and excitatory modulation of sensory, autonomic, and motor processing. After spinal cord injury (SCI), the acute inflammatory response is one process that damages descending pathways. Increases in serotonergic fiber density in spinal segments rostral and decreases caudal to the lesion have been observed previously and may contribute to neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction associated with SCI. We investigated the effect of an acute anti-inflammatory treatment on the density of serotonergic fibers rostral and caudal to a thoracic SCI lesion. This treatment, a monoclonal antibody to the CD11d subunit of the leukocyte CD11d/CD18 integrin, limits the trafficking of neutrophils and macrophages into the SCI site. In the dorsal horn, after treatment, the typically increased serotonin immunoreactivity rostral to injury was reduced, whereas that caudal to the lesion increased toward normal. Coincidently, mechanical allodynia in the dorsal trunk and hindpaws was significantly reduced. Increased serotonergic fiber density below the lesion also occurred in the intermediolateral cell column and ventral horn of treated rats, relative to controls. Improved locomotor recovery paralleled this increased serotonin. The treatment increased compact myelin in and near the lesion epicenter and increased serotonergic fiber bundles coursing around part of the lesion but had no consistent effect on the number of raphe-spinal neurons retrogradely labeled by tracer injection below the injury. In conclusion, this anti-CD11d integrin antibody treatment is neuroprotective after SCI, corresponding with improved patterns of intraspinal serotonergic innervation. The improvement in serotonergic fiber projections paralleled reduced mechanical allodynia and enhanced locomotor recovery.
Distinct γ2 Subunit Domains Mediate Clustering and Synaptic Function of Postsynaptic GABAAReceptors and Gephyrin
Authors: Alldred Melissa J. , Mulder-Rosi Jonas , Lingenfelter Sue E. , Chen Gong , Lüscher Bernhard
Published: January 2005

Modulation of the concentration of postsynaptic GABAAreceptors contributes to functional plasticity of inhibitory synapses. The γ2 subunit of GABAAreceptor is specifically required for clustering of these receptors, for recruitment of the submembrane scaffold protein gephyrin to postsynaptic sites, and for postsynaptic function of GABAergic inhibitory synapses. To elucidate this mechanism, we here have mapped the γ2 subunit domains required for restoration of postsynaptic clustering and function of GABAAreceptors in γ2 subunit mutant neurons. Transfection of γ2-/-neurons with the γ2 subunit but not the α2 subunit rescues postsynaptic clustering of GABAAreceptors, results in recruitment of gephyrin to postsynaptic sites, and restores the amplitude and frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents to wild-type levels. Analogous analyses of chimeric γ2/α2 subunit constructs indicate, unexpectedly, that the fourth transmembrane domain of the γ2 subunit is required and sufficient for postsynaptic clustering of GABAAreceptors, whereas cytoplasmic γ2 subunit domains are dispensable. In contrast, both the major cytoplasmic loop and the fourth transmembrane domain of the γ2 subunit contribute to efficient recruitment of gephyrin to postsynaptic receptor clusters and are essential for restoration of miniature IPSCs. Our study points to a novel mechanism involved in targeting of GABAAreceptors and gephyrin to inhibitory synapses.
Chronic Cocaine Administration Switches Corticotropin-Releasing Factor2Receptor-Mediated Depression to Facilitation of Glutamatergic Transmission in the Lateral Septum
Authors: Liu Jie , Yu Baojian , Orozco-Cabal Luis , Grigoriadis Dimitri E. , Rivier Jean , Vale Wylie W. , Shinnick-Gallagher Patricia , Gallagher Joel P.
Published: January 2005

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin (Ucn I) are endogenous members among a family of CRF-related peptides that activate two different and synaptically localized G-protein-coupled receptors, CRF1and CRF2. These peptides and their receptors have been implicated in stress responses and stress with cocaine abuse.

In this study, we observed significant alterations in excitatory transmission and CRF-related peptide regulation of excitatory transmission in the lateral septum mediolateral nucleus (LSMLN) after chronic cocaine administration. In brain slice recordings from the LSMLN of control (saline-treated) rats, glutamatergic synaptic transmission was facilitated by activation of CRF1receptors with CRF but was depressed after activation of CRF2receptors with Ucn I. After acute withdrawal from a chronic cocaine administration regimen, CRF1activation remained facilitatory, but CRF2activation facilitated rather than depressed LSMLN EPSCs. These alterations in CRF2effects occurred through both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. In saline-treated rats, CRF1and CRF2coupled predominantly to protein kinase A signaling pathways, whereas after cocaine withdrawal, protein kinase C activity was more prominent and likely contributed to the CRF2-mediated presynaptic facilitation. Neither CRF nor Ucn I altered monosynaptic GABAA-mediated IPSCs before or after chronic cocaine administration, suggesting that loss of GABAA-mediated inhibition could not account for the facilitation. This switch in polarity of Ucn I-mediated neuromodulation, from a negative to positive regulation of excitatory glutamatergic transmission after chronic cocaine administration, could generate an imbalance in the brain reward circuitry associated with the LSMLN.
The Rates of the Elementary Reactions of NH(a1Δ) with NH3(X̃) and HN3(X̃). The Temperature Dependences
Authors: Adam L. , Hack W. , Olzmann Matthias
Published: January 2005

The reactions      NH(a) + HN3(X̃) → prod.       (1)

and                     NH(a) + NH3(X̃) → prod.       (2)

were studied in a quasi-static reaction cell in the temperature range 293 ≤ T/K ≤ 501 at a pressure of 10 mbar and 20 mbar, respectively, with He as the main carrier gas. The electronically excited reactant NH(a) was generated by laser-flash photolysis of HN3, at λ = 308 nm and detected by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). Also the ground state species NH(X) was detected by LIF.

From the measured concentration-time profiles of NH(a) under pseudo-first order conditions, the rate coefficients k
1(T) and k
2(T) were obtained.

For the rate coefficient k
1 a positive temperature dependence was observed:

k
1(T) = (8.1 ± 0.5) × 1013 exp[(−0.76 ± 0.05)/RT] cm3/mol s

with a small activation energy of E
A = 0.76 kJ/mol.

For reaction (2) the rate coefficient

k
2(T) = (8.6 ± 0.6) × 1013 (T/298)−(0.6 ± 0.1) cm3/mol s

with a negative temperature dependence was measured indicating that the intermediate N2H4, which decomposes to 2 NH2, is formed without a barrier.

The rate of the quenching channel

NH(a) + NH3 → NH(X) + NH3       (2q)

has the same temperature dependence as the rate of the overall reaction (2). The contribution k
2

q
/k
2 = 0.008 over the temperature range 293 ≤ T/K ≤ 501.
Prevalence of Children Aged 6 to 23 Months Who Did Not Consume Animal Milk, Formula, or Solid or Semisolid Food During the Last 24 Hours Across Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Karlsson Omar , Kim Rockli , Subramanian S. V.
Published: February 2024

Importance

The introduction of solid or semisolid foods alongside breast milk plays a vital role in meeting nutritional requirements during early childhood, which is crucial for child growth and development. Understanding the prevalence of zero-food children (defined for research purposes as children aged 6 to 23 months who did not consume animal milk, formula, or solid or semisolid food during the last 24 hours) is essential for targeted interventions to improve feeding practices.

Objective

To estimate the percentage of zero-food children in 92 low- and middle-income countries.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed nationally representative cross-sectional household data of children aged 6 to 23 months from the Demographic and Health Surveys and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted between May 20, 2010, and January 27, 2022. Data were obtained from 92 low- and middle-income countries. Standardized procedures were followed to ensure data comparability and reliability. Both percentage and number of zero-food children were estimated.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome studied was defined as a binary variable indicating children aged 6 to 23 months who had not been fed any animal milk, formula, or solid or semisolid foods during the 24 hours before each survey, as reported by the mother or caretaker.

Results

A sample of 276 379 children aged 6 to 23 months (mean age, 14.2 months [95% CI, 14.15-14.26 months]) in 92 low- and middle-income countries was obtained, of whom 51.4% (95% CI, 51.1%-51.8%) were boys. The estimated percentage of zero-food children was 10.4% (95% CI, 10.1%-10.7%) in the pooled sample, ranging from 0.1% (95% CI, 0%-0.6%) in Costa Rica to 21.8% (95% CI, 19.3%-24.4%) in Guinea. The prevalence of zero-food children was particularly high in West and Central Africa, where the overall prevalence was 10.5% (95% CI, 10.1%-11.0%), and in India, where the prevalence was 19.3% (95% CI, 18.9%-19.8%). India accounted for almost half of zero-food children in this study.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of 276 379 children aged 6 to 23 months, substantial disparities in the estimates of food consumption across 92 low- and middle-income countries were found. The prevalence of zero-food children underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve infant and young child feeding practices and ensure optimal nutrition during this critical period of development. The issue is particularly urgent in West and Central Africa and India.
Gender Differences in Faculty Perceptions of Mentorship and Sponsorship
Authors: Cutter Christina M. , Griffith Kent A. , Settles Isis H. , Stewart Abigail J. , Kerr Eve A. , Feldman Eva L. , Jagsi Reshma
Published: February 2024

This survey study examines gender differences in mid- to senior-career faculty experiences of receiving and providing mentorship and sponsorship during early career development.
Telemedicine and Depression Screening After the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Garcia Maria E. , Neuhaus John , Livaudais-Toman Jennifer , Feldman Mitchell D. , Ochoa-Frongia Lisa , Khoong Elaine , Karliner Leah S.
Published: February 2024

This cohort study investigates the probability of depression screening by visit type and by patient demographic characteristics in a large health system during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Reasons for Nonparticipation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Authors: Terry Ana L. , Wambogo Edwina , Scanlon Kelley S. , Fryar Cheryl D. , Abelev Melissa , Reat Amanda , Ogden Cynthia L.
Published: February 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates reasons reported for not participating in or withdrawing participation from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children from 2019 to March 2020.
Emergency Department Volume and Delayed Diagnosis of Serious Pediatric Conditions
Authors: Michelson Kenneth A. , Rees Chris A. , Florin Todd A. , Bachur Richard G.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Diagnostic delays are common in the emergency department (ED) and may predispose to worse outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the association of annual pediatric volume in the ED with delayed diagnosis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included all children younger than 18 years treated at 954 EDs in 8 states with a first-time diagnosis of any of 23 acute, serious conditions: bacterial meningitis, compartment syndrome, complicated pneumonia, craniospinal abscess, deep neck infection, ectopic pregnancy, encephalitis, intussusception, Kawasaki disease, mastoiditis, myocarditis, necrotizing fasciitis, nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, orbital cellulitis, osteomyelitis, ovarian torsion, pulmonary embolism, pyloric stenosis, septic arthritis, sinus venous thrombosis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, stroke, or testicular torsion. Patients were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State ED and Inpatient Databases. Data were collected from January 2015 to December 2019, and data were analyzed from July to December 2023.

Exposure

Annual volume of children at the first ED visited.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Possible delayed diagnosis, defined as a patient with an ED discharge within 7 days prior to diagnosis. A secondary outcome was condition-specific complications. Rates of possible delayed diagnosis and complications were determined. The association of volume with delayed diagnosis across conditions was evaluated using conditional logistic regression matching on condition, age, and medical complexity. Condition-specific volume-delay associations were tested using hierarchical logistic models with log volume as the exposure, adjusting for age, sex, payer, medical complexity, and hospital urbanicity. The association of delayed diagnosis with complications by condition was then examined using logistic regressions.

Results

Of 58 998 included children, 37 211 (63.1%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 7.1 (5.8) years. A total of 6709 (11.4%) had a complex chronic condition. Delayed diagnosis occurred in 9296 (15.8%; 95% CI, 15.5-16.1). Each 2-fold increase in annual pediatric volume was associated with a 26.7% (95% CI, 22.5-30.7) decrease in possible delayed diagnosis. For 21 of 23 conditions (all except ectopic pregnancy and sinus venous thrombosis), there were decreased rates of possible delayed diagnosis with increasing ED volume. Condition-specific complications were 11.2% (95% CI, 3.1-20.0) more likely among patients with a possible delayed diagnosis compared with those without.

Conclusions and Relevance

EDs with fewer pediatric encounters had more possible delayed diagnoses across 23 serious conditions. Tools to support timely diagnosis in low-volume EDs are needed.
The Association Between C24:0/C16:0 Ceramide Ratio and Cardiorespiratory Fitness is Robust to Effect Modifications by Age and Sex
Authors: Zatloukal Jule , Zylla Stephanie , Markus Marcello R.P. , Ewert Ralf , Gläser Sven , Völzke Henry , Albrecht Diana , Friedrich Nele , Nauck Matthias , Peterson Linda R. , Jiang Xuntian , Schaffer Jean E. , Felix Stephan B. , Dörr Marcus , Bahls Martin , Gross Stefan
Published: February 2024

Ceramides and cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness are both related to cardiovascular diseases. The associations of three blood plasma ceramides (C16:0, C22:0, and C24:0) with CR fitness in the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐START‐1; n = 1,102; mean age 50.3 years, 51.5% women) are investigated. In addition, subgroup analysis according to age (</≥54 years) and sex (female/male) is performed. Ceramides are quantified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). CR fitness is assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Sex and age independent associations are found for higher levels of C24:0 and C24:0/C16:0 ratio with higher maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) kg−1 and oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold (VO2@AT1) as well as for the relation of C24:0/C16:0 with maximum workload (Wattmax kg−1). In contrast, age/sex subgroup specific inverse associations with Wattmax kg−1 are found in women <54 years for C22:0, while a positive association in men ≥54 years. Higher levels of C24:0 are associated with higher Wattmax kg−1, except for women <54 years, where no significant association can be found. The findings suggest that the use of single ceramides as cardiovascular biomarkers may be inferior, compared to ceramide ratio C24:0/C16:0. Therefore C24:0/C16:0 ratio may be a more suitable and robust cardiovascular biomarker and should be preferred over single ceramides.
Synthesis and Sintering of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3@Li2O–2B2O3 Core–Shell Solid Electrolyte Powders Prepared via One‐Pot Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Shin Seongmin , Kim Suyeon , Jung Dae Soo , Roh Kwang Chul , Chun Jinyoung , Kang Yun Chan , Kim Jung Hyun
Published: February 2024

Developing a rational design for oxide‐based solid electrolytes to promote ionic conductivity, decrease the sintering temperature, and improve stability with metallic Li is challenging. Herein, core–shell‐structured Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3@Li2O–2B2O3 (LATP–LBO) microspheres are prepared using one‐pot spray pyrolysis. Phase separation between crystalline LATP and amorphous LBO leads to the formation of a core–shell‐structured LATP–LBO composite. On the surface of LATP–LBO composite, the LBO shell forms a liquid phase during low‐temperature sintering, thereby enhancing the densification. The LBO shell also decreases the grain boundary resistance by forming a thin layer between the LATP grains, thus increasing the total ionic conductivity. Because Li‐ion conductive LBO occupies the grain boundary, a total ionic conductivity of 1.519 × 10−4 S cm−1 is achieved at a low sintering temperature of 700 °C. Additionally, the LBO shell provides good electrochemical stability for LATP with metallic Li. The improved ionic conductivity and chemical stability can be attributed to the synergistic advantages of the spherical morphology, core–shell structure, and uniformity of LBO.
MXene on Textile Substrates: A Review
Authors: Chauhan Vinay Kumar , Dubey Ragini , Pandey Ritu , Thennarasu Palaniyandi , Dubey Shantanu Kumar
Published: February 2024

MXenes have emerged as a promising 2D material on account of their diverse properties and applications, especially in portable, wearable, and flexible smart textiles. This review presents the different properties of MXene, the development of electroconductive MXene‐based fibers, different types of MXene‐based fibers, and fabrics suitable for treatment with MXene. Interactions of natural and man‐made fibers with MXenes have been presented. Functional fibers have been incorporated into textiles, promoting the creation of strain sensors, pressure sensors, antennas, and heaters. Textiles with wearable multifunctional properties, such as humidity sensors, actuators, and electromagnetic interference shielding, are very promising for use in MXene‐based intelligent garments.
Electrochemically Enhanced Antimicrobial Action of Plasma‐Activated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Dressings
Authors: Sabrin Sumyea , Hong Sung‐Ha , KC Sushil Kumar , Oh Jun‐Seok , Derrick‐Roberts Ainslie L.K. , Karmokar Debabrata K. , Habibullah Habibullah , Short Robert D. , Ghimire Bhagirath , Fitridge Robert , Szili Endre J.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents and explains the principle behind anelectrochemical method to enhance the antimicrobial action of plasma‐activated hydrogel therapy (PAHT) in the context of wound decontamination. The process involves grounding and hydratingpoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel films during treatment with a helium (He) plasma jet. This electrochemically enhances production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is amajor antibacterial agent produced in the PVA hydrogel. Production of H2O2 is shownto be electrically enhanced through electron dissociation reactions, and through reactions associated with excited state species, metastables and ultra‐violet (UV) photolysis. H2O2 production is chemically enhanced through the He flow of the plasma jet dehydrating the PVA hydrogel, which fuels the electrochemical dependent reactions associated with H2O2 production. The electrochemical process produces an unprecedented 3.4 mM of H2O2 in the PVA hydrogel. Production of other molecules such as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are also enhanced by the same method. The electrochemically enhanced PAHT is highly effective ateradicating common wound pathogens Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mildly effective against Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, this study shows that the new PAHT dressing offers a promising alternative to antibiotics and silver‐based dressings for controlling infection and stimulating healing in wounds.
Micro/Nano Encapsulated Phase Change Materials: Preparation, Principle, and Emerging Advances in Medical Field
Authors: Yuan Kunjie , Chen Qiuyang , Qin Mulin , Gao Shan , Wang Qi , Gao Song , Xiong Feng , Lv Yang , Zou Ruqiang
Published: February 2024

Due to the unique thermal absorption and release capabilities, phase‐change materials (PCMs) are used in various industrial fields, such as photo‐thermal storage and building‐energy saving. In recent years, more and more research has been dedicated to applying PCMs to the medical field with substantial progress, opening new avenues for disease treatment and healthcare. The safety and reliability of PCMs may be taken into serious consider for continuous application in the medical field, while the relevant review on the related development is currently lacking. In this work, the methods for enhancing the applicability and reliability of PCMs in the medical field are systematically summarized, including microencapsulation, electrospinning technology, and porous framework encapsulation, which effectively address the issues of liquid leakage. Subsequently, the emerging advances of PCMs in medical healthcare, including medical dressings treatment, drug delivery, cold chain transport, and bio‐bone cement are summarized. By exploring and analyzing the encapsulation methods, principles as well as the emerging advances of PCMs in medical field, the challenges and perspectives promoting the applications are identified, presenting the guidelines for further development.
Hail to Daniell Cell: From Electrometallurgy to Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Yuan Hongyan , Luan Jingyi , Liu Jie , Zhong Cheng
Published: February 2024

Daniell cell is the first battery to be used in practice and is considered to be the first practice of electrometallurgy, which is the bridge connecting electrometallurgy and electrochemical energy storage. Although Daniell cell is later replaced by other batteries due to the unrechargeable characteristic and the self‐discharge side reaction, the research on the electrode based on the deposition/dissolution mechanism inspired by Daniell cell has never been stopped due to its incomparable advantages compared with the electrodes based on the ion insertion/extraction mechanism and the solid‐phase redox reaction mechanism. In recent years, increased focus has been placed on the research of deposition/dissolution battery (DDB), in which two deposition/dissolution chemistries are coupled. In this review, the evolution process from the origin of electrometallurgy to the discovery of energy storage batteries of DDBs is briefly introduced. Furthermore, two main types of DDBs, including Pb‐based DDBs and Mn‐based DDBs, are analyzed systematically, and the critical issues and solutions are outlined and discussed in depth. Finally, personal perspectives on the future research directions are highlighted, aiming to provide guidance for performance improvement and the practical application of DDBs.
Neutrophil Granulopoiesis Optimized Through Ex Vivo Expansion of Hematopoietic Progenitors in Engineered 3D Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogels
Authors: Cirves Evan , Vargas Alex , Wheeler Erika E. , Leach Jonathan Kent , Simon Scott I. , Gonzalez‐Fernandez Tomas
Published: February 2024

Neutrophils are the first line of defense of the innate immune system. In response to methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in the skin, hematopoietic stem, and progenitor cells (HSPCs) traffic to wounds and undergo extramedullary granulopoiesis, producing neutrophils necessary to resolve the infection. This prompted the engineering of a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel that encapsulates HSPCs within a matrix amenable to subcutaneous delivery. The authors study the influence of hydrogel mechanical properties to produce an artificial niche for granulocyte‐monocyte progenitors (GMPs) to efficiently expand into functional neutrophils that can populate infected tissue. Lin‐cKIT+ HSPCs, harvested from fluorescent neutrophil reporter mice, are encapsulated in GelMA hydrogels of varying polymer concentration and UV‐crosslinked to produce HSPC‐laden gels of specific stiffness and mesh sizes. Softer 5% GelMA gels yield the most viable progenitors and effective cell‐matrix interactions. Compared to suspension culture, 5% GelMA results in a twofold expansion of mature neutrophils that retain antimicrobial functions including degranulation, phagocytosis, and ROS production. When implanted dermally in C57BL/6J mice, luciferase‐expressing neutrophils expanded in GelMA hydrogels are visualized at the site of implantation for over 5 days. They demonstrate the potential of GelMA hydrogels for delivering HSPCs directly to the site of skin infection to promote local granulopoiesis.
Modulating Lipid Nanoparticles with Histidinamide‐Conjugated Cholesterol for Improved Intracellular Delivery of mRNA
Authors: Jung Onesun , Jung Hye‐youn , Thuy Le Thi , Choi Minyoung , Kim Seongyeon , Jeon Hae‐Geun , Yang Jihyun , Kim Seok‐Min , Kim Tae‐Don , Lee Eunjung , Kim Yoonkyung , Choi Joon Sig
Published: February 2024

Recently, mRNA‐based therapeutics, including vaccines, have gained significant attention in the field of gene therapy for treating various diseases. Among the various mRNA delivery vehicles, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising vehicles for packaging and delivering mRNA with low immunogenicity. However, while mRNA delivery has several advantages, the delivery efficiency and stability of LNPs remain challenging for mRNA therapy. In this study, an ionizable helper cholesterol analog, 3β[L‐histidinamide‐carbamoyl] cholesterol (Hchol) lipid is developed and incorporated into LNPs instead of cholesterol to enhance the LNP potency. The pKa values of the Hchol‐LNPs are ≈6.03 and 6.61 in MC3‐ and SM102‐based lipid formulations. Notably, the Hchol‐LNPs significantly improve the delivery efficiency by enhancing the endosomal escape of mRNA. Additionally, the Hchol‐LNPs are more effective in a red blood cell hemolysis at pH 5.5, indicating a synergistic effect of the protonated imidazole groups of Hchol and cholesterol on endosomal membrane destabilization. Furthermore, mRNA delivery is substantially enhanced in mice treated with Hchol‐LNPs. Importantly, LNP‐encapsulated SARS‐CoV‐2 spike mRNA vaccinations induce potent antigen‐specific antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2. Overall, incorporating Hchol into LNP formulations enables efficient endosomal escape and stability, leading to an mRNA delivery vehicle with a higher delivery efficiency.
Materiobiomodulated ROS Therapy for De Novo Hair Growth
Authors: Bai Long , Wang Yifei , Wang Kun , Chen Xiaoqian , Zhao Yuzheng , Liu Changsheng , Qu Xue
Published: February 2024

Hair loss is characterized by the inability of hair follicles (HFs) to enter the telogen‐anagen transition (TAT) and lack of de novo HFs. Current pharmaceutical therapies and surgical modalities have been largely limited to regulating hair regrowth efficiently without side effects and lacking treatment compliance. Here, this work proposes a materiobiomodulation therapy (MBMT), wherein polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles with redox activity can be modulated to have a stoichiometric ROS (H2O2) donating ability. These nanoparticles can intracellularly deliver ROS with high‐efficiency via the clathrin‐dependent endocytosis process. Utilizing homozygote transgenic HyPerion (a genetically‐encoded H2O2 biosensor) mice, this work also achieves in vivo dynamic monitoring of intracellular H2O2 elevation induced by ROS donators. Subcutaneous administration with ROS donators results in rapid onset of TAT and subsequent hair regrowth with a specific ROS “hormesis effect.” Mechanistically, ROS activate β‐catenin‐dependent Wnt signaling, upregulating hair follicle stem cell expression. This work further develops a microneedles patch for transdermal ROS delivery, demonstrating long‐term, low‐dose ROS release. Unlike photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), MBMT requires no external stimuli, providing a convenient and efficient approach for clinical hair loss treatment. This material‐HF communication implicates new avenues in HF‐related diseases, achieving targeted ROS delivery with minimal side effects.
Sub‐Diffraction Correlation of Quantum Emitters and Local Strain Fields in Strain‐Engineered WSe2 Monolayers
Authors: Xu David D. , Vong Albert F. , Utama M. Iqbal Bakti , Lebedev Dmitry , Ananth Riddhi , Hersam Mark C. , Weiss Emily A. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: February 2024

Strain‐engineering in atomically thin metal dichalcogenides is a useful method for realizing single‐photon emitters (SPEs) for quantum technologies. Correlating SPE position with local strain topography is challenging due to localization inaccuracies from the diffraction limit. Currently, SPEs are assumed to be positioned at the highest strained location and are typically identified by randomly screening narrow‐linewidth emitters, of which only a few are spectrally pure. In this work, hyperspectral quantum emitter localization microscopy is used to locate 33 SPEs in nanoparticle‐strained WSe2 monolayers with sub‐diffraction‐limit resolution (≈30 nm) and correlate their positions with the underlying strain field via image registration. In this system, spectrally pure emitters are not concentrated at the highest strain location due to spectral contamination; instead, isolable SPEs are distributed away from points of peak strain with an average displacement of 240 nm. These observations point toward a need for a change in the design rules for strain‐engineered SPEs and constitute a key step toward realizing next‐generation quantum optical architectures.
Online Radiation Beam Tracking by Using Full‐Inorganic Scintillating Fibers
Authors: Lv Shichao , Zhang Feng , Li Xueliang , Jiang Tianzhi , Yang Zhenlei , Li Jin , Zhu Hongliang , Guo Junpeng , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng
Published: February 2024

Effective online monitoring of the spatial distribution of high‐energy radiation is of significant importance in various fields such as medical imaging, high‐energy physics, and homeland security. However, achieving radiation detectors with both high sensitivity and minimal disturbance is an enormous challenge. The present study introduces a solution to this bottleneck issue through the development of a full‐inorganic scintillating fiber, successfully demonstrating its application in constructing a radiation monitoring device. The scintillating fiber, activated with Ce3+ and fabricated using the melt‐in‐tube approach, is lightweight with a density of 2.5 g cm−3 and exhibits efficient scintillating emission with a light yield of 4000 photons MeV−1. These characteristics enable the achievement of radiation detection with high sensitivity while keeping disturbance to the incident radiation beam at a minimum. Furthermore, 2D and 3D radiation beam monitors are constructed based on these scintillating fibers, facilitating spatial radiation monitoring. The findings demonstrate that full‐inorganic scintillating fibers and devices offer a synergistic combination of high sensitivity and negligible disturbances. This progress not only introduces a novel full‐inorganic fiber for radiation detection but also suggests promising applications in various nuclear fields where 3D radiation beam tracking is essential.
Recent Progress in Functionalization of the Pyridine Ring through C−S Bond Formation under Transition Metal Catalyst Free Conditions
Authors: Tikhanova Olga A. , Bugaenko Dmitry I. , Karchava Alexander V.
Published: February 2024

Pyridines and quinolines substituted with sulfur‐containing functional groups are widely used as drugs, drug candidates, organic materials, N,S‐ligands and others. Traditional synthetic routes to produce these compounds are based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions and transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions of (pseudo)halopyridines. While effective in many cases, both approaches are limited due to using forcing conditions and expensive, specifically designed catalytic systems. In the last decade, a number of innovative methods for the functionalization of the pyridine ring via the formation of a C−S bond have been developed. Most of these methods proceed through the direct or indirect C−H functionalization of unfunctionalized pyridines, thus avoiding the use of oftentimes not readily available halopyridines as the starting materials. Deoxygenative C−H functionalization of pyridine‐N‐oxides and deaminative transformation of aminopyridines have been also employed for the introduction of diverse organosulfur functionality into the pyridine ring. All these processes can be easily performed under mild conditions, typically affording value pyridines and quinolines in good to high yields. Usually being highly chemo‐ and regioselective, these methods allow the late‐stage functionalization of complex molecules including drugs and natural products. In this Review, we summarize the most recent synthetic methods for functionalization of pyridines and fused pyridines with sulfur‐containing functional groups reported mostly since 2018. For a better understanding of the processes, the mechanisms of the described reactions are briefly discussed.
N, B, F – Engineered Nanocellulose – Cornstalks Aerogels for High‐Performance ORR/OER Materials
Authors: Liu Detao , Qian Zhiyun , Li Yinghui , Luo Yao , Liu Chaocheng , Cui Jiedong
Published: February 2024

Developing low‐cost, durable, and highly‐active bifunctional electrocatalysts from sustainable biomass for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a formidable challenge. Here, a novel approach is demonstrated for fabricating a porous biochar‐derived nanocellulose‐cornstalks aerogel by engineering of synergetic N, B, and F incorporation. Nanocellulose is used to disperse the carbonous cornstalks as the sufficiently nanostructured porous template, enabling the facile incorporation of N, B, and F to strengthen electron transfer efficiency and synergistically guarantee bifunctional ORR activity of a half‐wave potential of 0.845 V which outperforms the commercial Pt/C catalysts; moreover, it also shows an overpotential of 368 mV at 10 mA cm−2 by a maximum several or dozens of times compared to the exiting biomass‐derived electrocatalysts. The N, B, and F‐engineered agro‐forestry biomass with tailoring nanostructure that shows similarly high‐performance ORR/OER activity, directing the next generation of biomass‐derived electrocatalysts with ecological sustainability and cost‐effectivity.
A Dual‐domain Engineered Antibody for Efficient HBV Suppression and Immune Responses Restoration
Authors: Jiang Yichao , Chen Xiaoqing , Ye Xinya , Wen Can , Xu Tao , Yu Chao , Ning Wenjing , Wang Guosong , Xiang Xinchu , Liu Xiaomin , Wang Yalin , Chen Yuanzhi , Liu Xue , Shi Changrong , Liu Chao , Yuan Quan , Chen Yixin , Zhang Tianying , Luo Wenxin , Xia Ningshao
Published: February 2024

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major public health concern because of the inefficiency of currently approved therapies in clearing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Antibody‐based regimens have demonstrated potency regarding virus neutralization and HBsAg clearance. However, high dosages or frequent dosing are required for virologic control. In this study, a dual‐domain‐engineered anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapeutic antibody 73‐DY is developed that exhibits significantly improved efficacy regarding both serum and intrahepatic viral clearance. In HBV‐tolerant mice, administration of a single dose of 73‐DY at 2 mg kg−1 is sufficient to reduce serum HBsAg by over 3 log10 IU mL−1 and suppress HBsAg to < 100 IU mL−1 for two weeks, demonstrating a dose‐lowering advantage of at least tenfold. Furthermore, 10 mg kg−1 of 73‐DY sustainably suppressed serum viral levels to undetectable levels for ≈ 2 weeks. Molecular analyses indicate that the improved efficacy exhibited by 73‐DY is attributable to the synergy between fragment antigen binding (Fab) and fragment crystallizable (Fc) engineering, which conferred sustained viral suppression and robust viral eradication, respectively. Long‐term immunotherapy with reverse chimeric 73‐DY facilitated the restoration of anti‐HBV immune responses. This study provides a foundation for the development of next‐generation antibody‐based CHB therapies.