bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors determining utilization of stem cell transplant for initial therapy of multiple myeloma by patient race: exploring intra-racial healthcare disparities
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Adu Yaw , Frank Ryan D. , Das Saurav , Hodge David O. , Fernandez Andre , Flott Caitlyn , Elliott Jamie , Parrondo Ricardo , Sher Taimur , Roy Vivek , Chanan-Khan Asher A.
Published: May 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) therapeutics have evolved tremendously in recent years, with significant improvement in patient outcomes. As newer treatment options are developed, stem cell transplant (SCT) remains an important modality that provides excellent disease control and delays the progression of disease. Over the years, SCT use has increased overall in the U.S., but two distinct gaps remain, including suboptimal use overall and racial-ethnic disparities. We evaluated the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to study what sociodemographic factors might play a role within a given racial-ethnic group leading to disparate SCT utilization, such that targeted approaches can be developed to optimize SCT use for all. In nearly 112,000 cases belonging to mutually exclusive categories of non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians (NHA), and others, we found certain factors including age, comorbidity index, payor type, facility type (academic vs. community) and facility volume to be uniformly associated with SCT use for all the racial-ethnic groups, while gender was not significant for any of the groups. There were several other factors that had a differential impact on SCT utilization among the various race-ethnicity groups studied, including year of diagnosis (significant for NHW, NHB, and Hispanics), income level (significant for NHW and Hispanics), literacy level (significant for NHW and NHB), and geographic location of the treatment facility (significant for NHW and NHA). The suboptimal SCT utilization overall in the U.S. suggests that there may be room for improvement for all, even including the majority NHW, while we continue to work on factors that lead to disparities for the traditionally underserved populations. This study helps identify sociodemographic factors that may play a role specifically in each group and paves the way to devise targeted solutions such that resource utilization and impact can be maximized.
The amyloid precursor protein and its derived fragments concomitantly contribute to the alterations of mitochondrial transport machinery in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Vaillant-Beuchot Loan , Eysert Fanny , Duval Blandine , Kinoshita Paula Fernanda , Pardossi-Piquard Raphaëlle , Bauer Charlotte , Eddarkaoui Sabiha , Buée Luc , Checler Frédéric , Chami Mounia
Published: May 2024

Mitochondria dysfunctions and mitophagy failure have been associated with several Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related molecular actors including amyloid beta (Aβ) and recently the amyloid precursor protein-C terminal fragments (APP-CTFs). The efficacy of the mitophagy process in neurons relies on regulated mitochondrial transport along axons involving a complex molecular machinery. The contribution of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its derived fragments to the mitochondrial transport machinery alterations in AD have not been investigated before. We report herein a change of the expression of mitochondrial transport proteins (SNPH and Miro1), motor adapters (TRANK1 and TRAK2), and components of the dynein and kinesin motors (i.e., IC1,2 and Kif5 (A, B, C) isoforms) by endogenous APP and by overexpression of APP carrying the familial Swedish mutation (APPswe). We show that APP-CTFs and Aβ concomitantly regulate the expression of a set of transport proteins as demonstrated in APPswe cells treated with β- and γ-secretase inhibitors and in cells Knock-down for presenilin 1 and 2. We further report the impact of APP-CTFs on the expression of transport proteins in AAV-injected C99 mice brains. Our data also indicate that both Aβ oligomers (Aβo) and APP-CTFs impair the colocalization of mitochondria and transport proteins. This has been demonstrated in differentiated SH-SY5Y naive cells treated with Aβo and in differentiated SH-SY5Y and murine primary neurons expressing APPswe and treated with the γ-secretase inhibitor. Importantly, we uncover that the expression of a set of transport proteins is modulated in a disease-dependent manner in 3xTgAD mice and in human sporadic AD brains. This study highlights molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial transport defects in AD that likely contribute to mitophagy failure and disease progression.
Autophagy caused by oxidative stress promotes TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Oh Se-Hyun , Yook Ju-Min , Jung Hee-Yeon , Choi Ji-Young , Cho Jang-Hee , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Chan-Duck , Kim Yong-Lim , Lim Jeong-Hoon
Published: May 2024

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the main causes of peritoneal fibrosis. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of EMT, specifically its relationship with autophagy, are still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the role of autophagy in transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). Primary cultured HPMCs were treated with TGF-β1 (2 and 5 ng/mL) and changes in autophagy markers and the relationship between autophagy and EMT were evaluated. We also identified changes in EMT- and autophagy-related signaling pathways after autophagy and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) inhibition. TGF-β1 increased the generation of NOX4 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HPMCs, resulting in mitochondrial damage. Treatment with GKT137831 (20 μM), a NOX1/4 inhibitor, reduced ROS in the mitochondria of HPMC cells and reduced TGF-β1-induced mitochondrial damage. Additionally, the indirect inhibition of autophagy by GKT137831 (20 μM) downregulated TGF-β1-induced EMT, whereas direct inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine (3-MA) (2 mM) or autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) gene silencing decreased the TGF-β1-induced EMT in HPMCs. The suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic 2/3 (Smad2/3), autophagy-related phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) class III, and protein kinase B (Akt) pathways, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and P38, were involved in TGF-β1-induced EMT. Autophagy and NOX4 inhibition suppressed the activation of these signaling pathways. Direct inhibition of autophagy and its indirect inhibition through the reduction of mitochondrial damage by upstream NOX4 inhibition reduced EMT in HPMCs. These results suggest that autophagy could serve as a therapeutic target for the prevention of peritoneal fibrosis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
Understanding how junction resistances impact the conduction mechanism in nano-networks
Authors: Gabbett Cian , Kelly Adam G. , Coleman Emmet , Doolan Luke , Carey Tian , Synnatschke Kevin , Liu Shixin , Dawson Anthony , O’Suilleabhain Domhnall , Munuera Jose , Caffrey Eoin , Boland John B. , Sofer Zdeněk , Ghosh Goutam , Kinge Sachin , Siebbeles Laurens D. A. , Yadav Neelam , Vij Jagdish K. , Aslam Muhammad Awais , Matkovic Aleksandar , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: May 2024

Networks of nanowires, nanotubes, and nanosheets are important for many applications in printed electronics. However, the network conductivity and mobility are usually limited by the resistance between the particles, often referred to as the junction resistance. Minimising the junction resistance has proven to be challenging, partly because it is difficult to measure. Here, we develop a simple model for electrical conduction in networks of 1D or 2D nanomaterials that allows us to extract junction and nanoparticle resistances from particle-size-dependent DC network resistivity data. We find junction resistances in porous networks to scale with nanoparticle resistivity and vary from 5 Ω for silver nanosheets to 24 GΩ for WS2 nanosheets. Moreover, our model allows junction and nanoparticle resistances to be obtained simultaneously from AC impedance spectra of semiconducting nanosheet networks. Through our model, we use the impedance data to directly link the high mobility of aligned networks of electrochemically exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets (≈ 7 cm2 V−1 s−1) to low junction resistances of ∼2.3 MΩ. Temperature-dependent impedance measurements also allow us to comprehensively investigate transport mechanisms within the network and quantitatively differentiate intra-nanosheet phonon-limited bandlike transport from inter-nanosheet hopping.
Biological fermentation pilot-scale systems and evaluation for commercial viability towards sustainable biohydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Quanguo , Jiao Youzhou , He Chao , Ruan Roger , Hu Jianjun , Ren Jingzheng , Toniolo Sara , Jiang Danping , Lu Chaoyang , Li Yameng , Man Yi , Zhang Huan , Zhang Zhiping , Xia Chenxi , Wang Yi , Jing Yanyan , Zhang Xueting , Lin Ruojue , Li Gang , Yue Jianzhi , Tahir Nadeem
Published: May 2024

Featuring high caloric value, clean-burning, and renewability, hydrogen is a fuel believed to be able to change energy structure worldwide. Biohydrogen production technologies effectively utilize waste biomass resources and produce high-purity hydrogen. Improvements have been made in the biohydrogen production process in recent years. However, there is a lack of operational data and sustainability analysis from pilot plants to provide a reference for commercial operations. In this report, based on spectrum coupling, thermal effect, and multiphase flow properties of hydrogen production, continuous pilot-scale biohydrogen production systems (dark and photo-fermentation) are established as a research subject. Then, pilot-scale hydrogen production systems are assessed in terms of sustainability. The system being evaluated, consumes 171,530 MJ of energy and emits 9.37 t of CO2 eq when producing 1 t H2, and has a payback period of 6.86 years. Our analysis also suggests future pathways towards effective biohydrogen production technology development and real-world implementation.
Structure and distinct supramolecular organization of a PSII-ACPII dimer from a cryptophyte alga Chroomonas placoidea
Authors: Mao Zhiyuan , Li Xingyue , Li Zhenhua , Shen Liangliang , Li Xiaoyi , Yang Yanyan , Wang Wenda , Kuang Tingyun , Shen Jian-Ren , Han Guangye
Published: May 2024

Cryptophyte algae are an evolutionarily distinct and ecologically important group of photosynthetic unicellular eukaryotes. Photosystem II (PSII) of cryptophyte algae associates with alloxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (ACPs) to act as the peripheral light-harvesting system, whose supramolecular organization is unknown. Here, we purify the PSII-ACPII supercomplex from a cryptophyte alga Chroomonas placoidea (C. placoidea), and analyze its structure at a resolution of 2.47 Å using cryo-electron microscopy. This structure reveals a dimeric organization of PSII-ACPII containing two PSII core monomers flanked by six symmetrically arranged ACPII subunits. The PSII core is conserved whereas the organization of ACPII subunits exhibits a distinct pattern, different from those observed so far in PSII of other algae and higher plants. Furthermore, we find a Chl a-binding antenna subunit, CCPII-S, which mediates interaction of ACPII with the PSII core. These results provide a structural basis for the assembly of antennas within the supercomplex and possible excitation energy transfer pathways in cryptophyte algal PSII, shedding light on the diversity of supramolecular organization of photosynthetic machinery.
Gouy phase and quantum interference with cross-Wigner functions for matter-waves
Authors: Marinho Lucas S. , Dieguez Pedro R. , Vieira Carlos H. S. , da Paz Irismar G.
Published: May 2024

The Gouy phase is essential for accurately describing various wave phenomena, ranging from classical electromagnetic waves to matter waves and quantum optics. In this work, we employ phase-space methods based on the cross-Wigner transformation to analyze spatial and temporal interference in the evolution of matter waves characterized initially by a correlated Gaussian wave packet. First, we consider the cross-Wigner of the initial wave function with its free evolution, and second for the evolution through a double-slit arrangement. Different from the wave function which acquires a global Gouy phase, we find that the cross-Wigner acquires a Gouy phase difference due to different evolution times. The results suggest that temporal like-Gouy phase difference is important for an accurate description of temporal interference. Furthermore, we propose a technique based on the Wigner function to reconstruct the cross-Wigner from the spatial intensity interference term in a double-slit experiment with matter waves.
Linking grandiose and vulnerable narcissism to managerial work performance, through the lens of core personality traits and social desirability
Authors: Dåderman Anna M. , Kajonius Petri J.
Published: May 2024

While grandiose narcissism is well-studied, vulnerable narcissism remains largely unexplored in the workplace context. Our study aimed to compare grandiose and vulnerable narcissism among managers and people from the general population. Within the managerial sample, our objective was to examine how these traits diverge concerning core personality traits and socially desirable responses. Furthermore, we endeavored to explore their associations with individual managerial performance, encompassing task performance, contextual performance, and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Involving a pool of managerial participants (N = 344), we found that compared to the general population, managers exhibited higher levels of grandiose narcissism and lower levels of vulnerable narcissism. While both narcissistic variants had a minimal correlation (r = .02) with each other, they differentially predicted work performance. Notably, grandiose narcissism did not significantly predict any work performance dimension, whereas vulnerable narcissism, along with neuroticism, predicted higher CWB and lower task performance. Conscientiousness emerged as the strongest predictor of task performance. This study suggests that organizations might not benefit from managers with vulnerable narcissism. Understanding these distinct narcissistic variants offers insights into their impacts on managerial performance in work settings.
Structure classification of the proteins from Salmonella enterica pangenome revealed novel potential pathogenicity islands
Authors: Medvedev Kirill E. , Zhang Jing , Schaeffer R. Dustin , Kinch Lisa N. , Cong Qian , Grishin Nick V.
Published: May 2024

Salmonella enterica is a pathogenic bacterium known for causing severe typhoid fever in humans, making it important to study due to its potential health risks and significant impact on public health. This study provides evolutionary classification of proteins from Salmonella enterica pangenome. We classified 17,238 domains from 13,147 proteins from 79,758 Salmonella enterica strains and studied in detail domains of 272 proteins from 14 characterized Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs). Among SPIs-related proteins, 90 proteins function in the secretion machinery. 41% domains of SPI proteins have no previous sequence annotation. By comparing clinical and environmental isolates, we identified 3682 proteins that are overrepresented in clinical group that we consider as potentially pathogenic. Among domains of potentially pathogenic proteins only 50% domains were annotated by sequence methods previously. Moreover, 36% (1330 out of 3682) of potentially pathogenic proteins cannot be classified into Evolutionary Classification of Protein Domains database (ECOD). Among classified domains of potentially pathogenic proteins the most populated homology groups include helix-turn-helix (HTH), Immunoglobulin-related, and P-loop domains-related. Functional analysis revealed overrepresentation of these protein in biological processes related to viral entry into host cell, antibiotic biosynthesis, DNA metabolism and conformation change, and underrepresentation in translational processes. Analysis of the potentially pathogenic proteins indicates that they form 119 clusters or novel potential pathogenicity islands (NPPIs) within the Salmonella genome, suggesting their potential contribution to the bacterium’s virulence. One of the NPPIs revealed significant overrepresentation of potentially pathogenic proteins. Overall, our analysis revealed that identified potentially pathogenic proteins are poorly studied.
Study of graphene p-n junctions formed by the electrostatic modification of the SiO2 substrate
Authors: Nanayakkara Tharanga R. , Wijewardena U. Kushan , Kriisa Annika , Mani Ramesh G.
Published: May 2024

We study the transport properties of mm-scale CVD graphene p-n junctions, which are formed in a single gated graphene field effect transistor configuration. Here, an electrical-stressing-voltage technique served to modify the electrostatic potential in the SiO2/Si substrate and create the p-n junction. We examine the transport characteristics about the Dirac points that are localized in the perturbed and unperturbed regions in the graphene channel and note the quantitative differences in the Hall effect between the perturbed and unperturbed regions. The results also show that the longitudinal resistance is highly sensitive to the external magnetic field when the Hall bar device operates as a p-n junction.
Density-mediated foraging behavioral responses of Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Ponce Marco A. , Ranabhat Sabita , Bruce Alexander , Van Winkle Taylor , Campbell James F. , Morrison III William R.
Published: May 2024

Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica are cosmopolitan, destructive postharvest pests. Although research has investigated how high densities of T. castaneum affect attraction to the aggregation pheromone by conspecifics, research into the behavioral response of both species to food cues after high density exposure has been lacking despite its importance to foraging ecology. Our goal was to manipulate and observe the effects of crowding on the behavioral response of both species to common food and pheromonal stimuli and to determine how the headspace emission patterns from grain differed under increasing densities. Densities of colonies for both species was altered (10–500 adults) on a fixed quantity of food (10 g of flour or whole wheat), then the behavioral response to common food and pheromonal cues was evaluated in a wind tunnel and release-recapture experiment, while volatiles were examined through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Importantly, at least for T. castaneum, crowded conditions attenuate attraction to food-based stimuli, but not pheromonal stimuli. Crowding seemed to have no effect on R. dominica attraction to food and pheromonal stimuli in the wind tunnel, but exposure to high density cues did elicit 2.1–3.8-fold higher captures in traps. The relative composition and abundance of headspace volatiles emitted varied significantly with different densities of beetles and was also species-specific. Overall, our results have implications for expanding our understanding of the foraging ecology of two economically important pests.
The soybean plasma membrane GmDR1 protein conferring broad-spectrum disease and pest resistance regulates several receptor kinases and NLR proteins
Authors: Ngaki Micheline N. , Srivastava Subodh K. , Feifei Wang , Bhattacharyya Madan K.
Published: May 2024

Overexpression of Glycine max disease resistant 1 (GmDR1) exhibits broad-spectrum resistance against Fusarium virguliforme, Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode), Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (spider mites), and Aphis glycines Matsumura (soybean aphids) in soybean. To understand the mechanisms of broad-spectrum immunity mediated by GmDR1, the transcriptomes of a strong and a weak GmDR1-overexpressor following treatment with chitin, a pathogen- and pest-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) common to these organisms, were investigated. The strong and weak GmDR1-overexpressors exhibited altered expression of 6098 and 992 genes, respectively, as compared to the nontransgenic control following chitin treatment. However, only 192 chitin- and 115 buffer-responsive genes exhibited over two-fold changes in expression levels in both strong and weak GmDR1-overexpressors as compared to the control. MapMan analysis of the 192 chitin-responsive genes revealed 64 biotic stress-related genes, of which 53 were induced and 11 repressed as compared to the control. The 53 chitin-induced genes include nine genes that encode receptor kinases, 13 encode nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptor proteins, seven encode WRKY transcription factors, four ethylene response factors, and three MYB-like transcription factors. Investigation of a subset of these genes revealed three receptor protein kinases, seven NLR proteins, and one WRKY transcription factor genes that are induced following F. virguliforme and H. glycines infection. The integral plasma membrane GmDR1 protein most likely recognizes PAMPs including chitin and activates transcription of genes encoding receptor kinases, NLR proteins and defense-related genes. GmDR1 could be a pattern recognition receptor that regulates the expression of several NLRs for expression of PAMP-triggered immunity and/or priming the effector triggered immunity.
Release dynamics of nanodiamonds created by laser-driven shock-compression of polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Heuser Ben , Bergermann Armin , Stevenson Michael G. , Ranjan Divyanshu , He Zhiyu , Lütgert Julian , Schumacher Samuel , Bethkenhagen Mandy , Descamps Adrien , Galtier Eric , Gleason Arianna E. , Khaghani Dimitri , Glenn Griffin D. , Cunningham Eric F. , Glenzer Siegfried H. , Hartley Nicholas J. , Hernandez Jean-Alexis , Humphries Oliver S. , Katagiri Kento , Lee Hae Ja , McBride Emma E. , Miyanishi Kohei , Nagler Bob , Ofori-Okai Benjamin , Ozaki Norimasa , Pandolfi Silvia , Qu Chongbing , May Philipp Thomas , Redmer Ronald , Schoenwaelder Christopher , Sueda Keiichi , Yabuuchi Toshinori , Yabashi Makina , Lukic Bratislav , Rack Alexander , Zinta Lisa M. V. , Vinci Tommaso , Benuzzi-Mounaix Alessandra , Ravasio Alessandra , Kraus Dominik
Published: May 2024

Laser-driven dynamic compression experiments of plastic materials have found surprisingly fast formation of nanodiamonds (ND) via X-ray probing. This mechanism is relevant for planetary models, but could also open efficient synthesis routes for tailored NDs. We investigate the release mechanics of compressed NDs by molecular dynamics simulation of the isotropic expansion of finite size diamond from different P-T states. Analysing the structural integrity along different release paths via molecular dynamic simulations, we found substantial disintegration rates upon shock release, increasing with the on-Hugnoiot shock temperature. We also find that recrystallization can occur after the expansion and hence during the release, depending on subsequent cooling mechanisms. Our study suggests higher ND recovery rates from off-Hugoniot states, e.g., via double-shocks, due to faster cooling. Laser-driven shock compression experiments of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) samples with in situ X-ray probing at the simulated conditions found diamond signal that persists up to 11 ns after breakout. In the diffraction pattern, we observed peak shifts, which we attribute to thermal expansion of the NDs and thus a total release of pressure, which indicates the stability of the released NDs.
Vaccination status and self-reported side effects after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in relation to psychological and clinical variables in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Burian Katja , Heidler Felicita , Frahm Niklas , Hecker Michael , Langhorst Silvan Elias , Mashhadiakbar Pegah , Streckenbach Barbara , Baldt Julia , Meißner Janina , Richter Jörg , Zettl Uwe Klaus
Published: May 2024

The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the vaccination campaign posed a challenge to patients with autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed for investigating whether psychological/sociodemographic/clinical characteristics of MS patients are associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status and self-reported vaccination side effects (SEs). We have asked patients with MS about their willingness to receive recommended standard vaccinations pre-pandemically since June 2019. Between 10/2021 and 01/2022, we surveyed 193 of these MS patients about their current SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, their perception of vaccination-related SEs, and reasons for and against SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. 75.6% of the patients declared their willingness to receive standard vaccinations before the pandemic. 84.5%, 78.2%, and 13.0% of the patients had received the first, second, and third SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, respectively, until the follow-up survey. The most common reason for not getting vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 was concern about possible side effects (82.1%), followed by the belief that the vaccines had not been adequately tested (64.3%). Vaccination-related SEs were reported by 52.8% of the patients. Younger age, higher education, lower degree of disability, relapsing disease course, shorter disease duration, not receiving a disease-modifying therapy and higher anxiety and depression levels were associated with the occurrence of certain vaccination-related SEs. Concerns about novel vaccines are widespread among MS patients and necessitate targeted education of the patients, especially to those with more severe psychopathological symptoms (anxiety or depression) and those who are generally skeptical of vaccination.
High temperature and nib acidification during cacao-controlled fermentation improve cadmium transfer from nibs to testa and the liquor’s flavor
Authors: Camargo Ivan D. , Rodriguez-Silva Lucero G. , Carreño-Olejua René , Montenegro Andrea C. , Quintana-Fuentes Lucas F.
Published: May 2024

Migration of nib Cd to the testa during fermentation can be achieved with high temperatures (> 45 °C) and low nib pH values (< 5.0) using spontaneous fermentation. However, this low pH can lead to low flavor quality. This study used three controlled temperature fermentation treatments on three cacao genotypes (CCN 51, ICS 95, and TCS 01) to test its effects on the nib pH, the migration of nib Cd to the testa, and the liquor flavor quality. All treatments were effective in reducing the total nib Cd concentration. Nevertheless, the treatment with the higher mean temperature (44.25 °C) and acidification (pH 4.66) reached the highest mean nib Cd reductions throughout fermentation, a 1.37 factor in TCS 01, promoting the development of fine-flavor cocoa sensorial notes. In unfermented beans, the Cd concentration of nibs was higher than that of the testa, and the Cd migration proceeded down the total concentration gradient. However, Cd migration was observed against the concentration gradient (testa Cd > nib Cd) from the fourth day. Cd migration could increase by extensive fermentation until the sixth day in high temperatures and probably by the adsorbent capacity of the testa. Genotype-by-treatment interactions were present for the nib Cd reduction, and a universal percentage of decrease of Cd for each genotype with fermentation cannot be expected. Selecting genotypes with highly adsorbent testa combined with controlled temperatures would help reduce the Cd concentration in the cacao raw material, improving its safety and quality.
Comprehensive analysis revealed P4Hs as new biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Zhou Huan , Lei Yulin , Luo Jing , Wang Jianmei , Peng Lin , Mou Kelin , Xiang Li , Luo Yuhao
Published: May 2024

Prolyl 4-hydroxylases (P4Hs) are a family of key modifying enzymes in collagen synthesis. P4Hs have been confirmed to be closely associated with tumor occurrence and development. However, the expression of P4Hs in head and neck cancer (HNSC) as well as its relationship with prognosis and tumor immunity infiltration has not yet been analyzed. We investigated the transcriptional expression, survival data, and immune infiltration of P4Hs in patients with HNSC from multiple databases. P4H1-3 expression was significantly higher in HNSC tumor tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, P4HA1 and P4HA2 were associated with tumor stage, patient prognosis, and immune cell infiltration. P4HA3 was related to patient prognosis and immune cell infiltration. Correlation experiments confirmed that P4HA1 may serve as a prognosis biomarker and plays a role in the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. These findings suggest that P4HA1-3 may be a novel biomarker for the prognosis and treatment of HNSC, which is expected to support the development of new therapies for patients with head and neck tumors and improve patient outcomes.
Development of an iPSC-derived tissue-resident macrophage-based platform for the in vitro immunocompatibility assessment of human tissue engineered matrices
Authors: Poulis Nikolaos , Martin Marcy , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Emmert Maximilian Y. , Fioretta Emanuela S.
Published: May 2024

Upon implanting tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs), blood-derived macrophages are believed to orchestrate the remodeling process. They initiate the immune response and mediate the remodeling of the TEHV, essential for the valve’s functionality. The exact role of another macrophage type, the tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs), has not been yet elucidated even though they maintain the homeostasis of native tissues. Here, we characterized the response of hTRM-like cells in contact with a human tissue engineered matrix (hTEM). HTEMs comprised intracellular peptides with potentially immunogenic properties in their ECM proteome. Human iPSC-derived macrophages (iMφs) could represent hTRM-like cells in vitro and circumvent the scarcity of human donor material. iMφs were derived and after stimulation they demonstrated polarization towards non-/inflammatory states. Next, they responded with increased IL-6/IL-1β secretion in separate 3/7-day cultures with longer production-time-hTEMs. We demonstrated that iMφs are a potential model for TRM-like cells for the assessment of hTEM immunocompatibility. They adopt distinct pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes, and both IL-6 and IL-1β secretion depends on hTEM composition. IL-6 provided the highest sensitivity to measure iMφs pro-inflammatory response. This platform could facilitate the in vitro immunocompatibility assessment of hTEMs and thereby showcase a potential way to achieve safer clinical translation of TEHVs.
Impact of functional electrical stimulation on nerve-damaged muscles by quantifying fat infiltration using deep learning
Authors: Walluks Kassandra , Praetorius Jan-Philipp , Arnold Dirk , Figge Marc Thilo
Published: May 2024

Quantitative imaging in life sciences has evolved into a powerful approach combining advanced microscopy acquisition and automated analysis of image data. The focus of the present study is on the imaging-based evaluation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) influenced by long-term functional electrical stimulation (FES), which may assist the inspiration of patients with bilateral vocal fold paresis. To this end, muscle cross-sections of the PCA of sheep were examined by quantitative image analysis. Previous investigations of the muscle fibers and the collagen amount have not revealed signs of atrophy and fibrosis due to FES by a laryngeal pacemaker. It was therefore hypothesized that regardless of the stimulation parameters the fat in the muscle cross-sections would not be significantly altered. We here extending our previous investigations using quantitative imaging of intramuscular fat in cross-sections. In order to perform this analysis both reliably and faster than a qualitative evaluation and time-consuming manual annotation, the selection of the automated method was of crucial importance. To this end, our recently established deep neural network IMFSegNet, which provides more accurate results compared to standard machine learning approaches, was applied to more than 300 H&E stained muscle cross-sections from 22 sheep. It was found that there were no significant differences in the amount of intramuscular fat between the PCA with and without long-term FES, nor were any significant differences found between the low and high duty cycle stimulated groups. This study on a human-like animal model not only confirms the hypothesis that FES with the selected parameters has no negative impact on the PCA, but also demonstrates that objective and automated deep learning-based quantitative imaging is a powerful tool for such a challenging analysis.
Selection of optimal strategy for managing decentralized solar PV systems considering uncertain weather conditions
Authors: Chadly Assia , Aldayyani Hamed Yahya , Hamasha Mohammad M. , Amer Sa’ed , Maalouf Maher , Mayyas Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Solar power is a promising source of energy that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and renewable. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are the most common and mature technology used to harness solar energy. Unfortunately, these panels are prone to dust accumulation, which can have a significant impact on their efficiency. To maintain their effectiveness, solar photovoltaics s must be cleaned regularly. Eight main techniques are used to clean solar panels: natural, manual, mechanical, robotic, drone, coating, electrical, and acoustic. This study aims to identify the best cleaning method using multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS), and Preference Selection Index (PSI), this research evaluates all eight cleaning methods based on several criteria that are categorized under cost, performance, resource requirement, and safety in Abu Dhabi. The data are collected from surveys completed by experts in solar and sustainable energy. The AHP, QFD, and PSI results identified natural, manual, and surface coating as the best and most effective cleaning methods. Natural cleaning involves using rainwater primarily to remove dirt and dust; manual cleaning requires cleaning agents and wiping clothes; and surface coatings involve applying a layer of hydrophobic material to the panels to repel dust. Identifying the most effective cleaning method for dust removal from solar panels can ensure optimal efficiency recovery at minimal costs and resources.
Identification of nonlinear effects of background asymmetry on solitary oscillations in a cylindrical plasma
Authors: Kobayashi Taiki , Fujisawa Akihide , Nagashima Yoshihiko , Moon Chanho , Yamasaki Kotaro , Nishimura Daiki , Inagaki Sigeru , Shimizu Akihiro , Tokuzawa Tokihiko , Ido Takeshi
Published: May 2024

A symmetry-breaking in rotational spatial pattern of quasi-periodic solitary oscillations is revealed with tomography measurement of plasma emission, simultaneously with background asymmetry in stationary plasma structure. Although the oscillatory pattern deformation is a natural course in the presence of asymmetry, elaborate analyses identify existence unfeatured nonlinear effects of the background asymmetry, i.e., its nonlinear couplings with harmonic modes of rotational symmetry, to produce non-harmonic mode to break the symmetry and cause the oscillatory pattern to be chaotic. The findings suggest the unrecognized fundamental process for plasmas to be turbulent.
Different earthquake nucleation conditions revealed by stress drop and b-value mapping in the northern Chilean subduction zone
Authors: Folesky Jonas
Published: May 2024

Stress drop is an earthquake property indicative for the characteristic relation of slip to fault dimension. It is furthermore affected by fault strength, fault topography, the presence of fluids, rupture size, slip, and velocity. In this article, the stress drop image of an entire subduction zone, namely for the seismically highly active northernmost part of Chile, is combined with mapped b-values and their corresponding magnitude distribution in order to better constrain the conditions under which earthquakes of different provenances may nucleate. The underlying recent earthquake catalog contains over 180,000 events, covering 15 years of seismicity, from which more than 50,000 stress drop estimates were computed. Their spatial average segments the subduction zone into different parts, i.e., average stress drop between seismotectonic areas is different, although this difference is small compared to the natural scatter of stress drop values. By considering stress drop variations, b-value map, magnitude distribution, and thermal models, candidate earthquake nucleation mechanisms are identified which can explain the observed distributions. This is done for two exemplary regions: (1) The plate interface, where principally lower stress drop events are found, while at the same time a high spatial heterogeneity of stress drop values is observed. This indicates relatively smooth or lubricated rupture surfaces, and locally it suggests the existence of alternating regions controlled by strong asperities, weaker material, or creep. (2) The highly active intermediate depth (ID) seismicity region, where the variation of stress drop and b-value point to a gradual change of nucleation mechanism from dehydration embrittlement at the top of the ID cloud, over dehydration driven stress transfer in its central part, to thermal runaway shear mechanisms at its bottom. In both cases, the combination of stress drop and b-value distribution helps to better understand the origin and the differences of the observed seismicity.
Continuous blood exchange in rats as a novel approach for experimental investigation
Authors: Pei Siya , Wang Yanjie , Zhang Zhimin , Mei Cheng , Yin Wenyu , Fu Xiangjie , Yan Danyang , Zhu Yuanyuan , Lin Tianli , Zhou Yiran , Li Ning
Published: May 2024

Blood exchange therapy, specifically Whole blood exchange (WBE), is increasingly being utilized in clinical settings to effectively treat a range of diseases. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement to establish convenient and clinically applicable animal models that can facilitate the exploration of blood exchange therapy mechanisms. Our study conducted continuous WBE in rats through femoral and tail vein catheterization using dual-directional syringe pumps. To demonstrate the applicability of continuous WBE, drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) was induced through phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (PHZ) injection. Notability, the rats of DIHA + WBE group all survived and recovered within the subsequent period. After the implementation of continuous WBE therapy day (Day 1), the DIHA + WBE group exhibited a statistically significant increase in red blood cells (RBC) (P = 0.0343) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels (P = 0.0090) compared to DIHA group. The rats in the DIHA + WBE group exhibited a faster recovery rate compared to the DIHA group, indicating the successful establishment of a continuous blood exchange protocol. This experimental approach demonstrates not just promising efficacy in the treatment of DIHA and offers a valuable tool for investigating the underlying mechanisms of blood exchange. Furthermore, it has a great potential to the advancement of biomedical research such as drug delivery exploration.
Circ_0001671 regulates prostate cancer progression through miR-27b-3p/BLM axis
Authors: Yang Lihong , Ruan Yong , Chen Bin , Zhu Yuhang , Xu Houqiang
Published: May 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among males globally. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its progression remain inadequately elucidated. The present study sought to investigate the role and underlying molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0001671 (circ_0001671) in the pathogenic behavior of PCa cells. Guided by the ceRNA theory, miR-27b-3p was employed to identify circRNAs that could potentially regulate Bloom Syndrome Protein (BLM). A series of experimental approaches including bioinformatics, luciferase assays, Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), RNA-pulldown, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) were utilized to validate the miRNA sponge function of circ_0001671. Divergent primer PCR, RNase R treatments, and Sanger sequencing were conducted for the identification of circ_0001671. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to validate gene expression levels. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the functional role of circ_0001671 in PCa cells.It was observed that the expression levels of circ_0001671 and BLM were significantly elevated in PCa tissues and cell lines, whereas miR-27b-3p showed decreased expression. Circ_0001671 was found to promote cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibiting apoptosis. In vivo assays confirmed that circ_0001671 facilitated tumor growth. Further mechanistic studies revealed that circ_0001671 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for BLM by sponging miR-27b-3p. The oncogenic role of circ_0001671 in PCa was shown to be modulated through the miR-27b-3p/BLM axis. In conclusion, circ_0001671 exerts an oncogenic effect in prostate cancer through the regulation of BLM by sponging miR-27b-3p, thus suggesting a novel molecular target for the treatment of PCa.
Changes in subset distribution and impaired function of circulating natural killer cells in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Zu Shujin , Lu Yan , Xing Rui , Chen Xiang , Zhang Longyi
Published: May 2024

Natural killer (NK) cells are closely associated with malignant tumor progression and metastasis. However, studies on their relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the absolute counts, phenotypes, and function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC using multiparametric flow cytometry. The distribution of NK cell subsets in the peripheral circulation of patients with CRC was significantly altered relative to the control group. This is shown by the decreased frequency and absolute count of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells with antitumor effects, contrary to the increased frequency of CD56bright NK and CD56dimCD16- NK cells with poor or ineffective antitumor effects. NK cells in patients with CRC were functionally impaired, with decreased intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ secretion and a significantly lower percentage of cell surface granzyme B and perforin expression. In addition, IFN-γ expression decreased significantly with the tumor stage progression. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the absolute counts, phenotypes, and functional markers of NK cells, we found an altered subset distribution and impaired function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC.
LC3-associated phagocytosis of neutrophils triggers tumor ferroptotic cell death in glioblastoma
Authors: Lu Tong , Yee Patricia P , Chih Stephen Y , Tang Miaolu , Chen Han , Aregawi Dawit G , Glantz Michael J , Zacharia Brad E , Wang Hong-Gang , Li Wei
Published: May 2024

Necrosis in solid tumors is commonly associated with poor prognostic but how these lesions expand remains unclear. Studies have found that neutrophils associate with and contribute to necrosis development in glioblastoma by inducing tumor cell ferroptosis through transferring myeloperoxidase-containing granules. However, the mechanism of neutrophilic granule transfer remains elusive. We performed an unbiased small molecule screen and found that statins inhibit neutrophil-induced tumor cell death by blocking the neutrophilic granule transfer. Further, we identified a novel process wherein neutrophils are engulfed by tumor cells before releasing myeloperoxidase-containing contents into tumor cells. This neutrophil engulfment is initiated by integrin-mediated adhesion, and further mediated by LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), which can be blocked by inhibiting the Vps34-UVRAG-RUBCN-containing PI3K complex. Myeloperoxidase inhibition or Vps34 depletion resulted in reduced necrosis formation and prolonged mouse survival in an orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model. Thus, our study unveils a critical role for LAP-mediated neutrophil internalization in facilitating the transfer of neutrophilic granules, which in turn triggers tumor cell death and necrosis expansion. Targeting this process holds promise for improving glioblastoma prognosis.
Dy2NiRuO6 perovskite with high activity and durability for the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic electrolyte
Authors: Rodríguez-García Isabel , Gómez de la Fuente José Luis , Galyamin Dmitry , Tolosana-Moranchel Álvaro , Kayser Paula , Salam Mohamed Abdel , Alonso José Antonio , Calle-Vallejo Federico , Rojas Sergio , Retuerto María
Published: May 2024

This work reports a family of Ru-based perovskites for acid OER. Dy2NiRuO6 displays the highest activity and stability for more than 400 OER cycles. Its high activity is related to short Ru–O bonds and to a surface local ratio of Ni : Ru close to 1 : 1.
Screening potential dye sensitizers for water splitting photocatalysts using a genetic algorithm
Authors: Liu Tao , Chen Linjiang , Wang Xiaoyan , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: May 2024

Genetic algorithm-enabled high-throughput screening of dye molecules for water splitting.
Assessing hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for intramolecular excimer formation
Authors: Juneja Shreya , Pandey Siddharth
Published: May 2024

Spectroscopic evidence of classical excimer emission from a pyrene-terminated diene solute provides substantiation for the propensity toward viable cyclization events exhibiting kinetically-favored dynamics within hydrophobic DESs.
Defect effects on the electronic, valley, and magnetic properties of the two-dimensional ferrovalley material VSi2N4
Authors: Liu Ming-Yang , Li Guang-Qiang , He Yao , Xiong Kai
Published: May 2024

Defect can affect the electronic, valley, and magnetic properties of 2D ferrovalley material VSi2N4.
Synthesis of Ru(ii) and Os(ii) photosensitizers bearing one 9,10-diamino-1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene scaffold
Authors: De Kreijger Simon , Cauët Emilie , Elias Benjamin , Troian-Gautier Ludovic
Published: May 2024

Eight Ru(ii) and Os(ii) photosensitizers bearing a common 9,10-disubstituted-1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene backbone are spectroscopically characterized and the most promising candidates were investigated for guanosine-5′-monophosphate oxidation.
Correction: Single molecule magnet features in luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers with heptacoordinate Dy/Yb(iii) ions as nodes
Authors: Dong Xiang-Tao , Yu Meng-Qing , Peng Yong-Bo , Zhou Guo-Xing , Peng Guo , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: May 2024

Correction for ‘Single molecule magnet features in luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers with heptacoordinate Dy/Yb(iii) ions as nodes’ by Xiang-Tao Dong et al., Dalton Trans., 2023, 52, 12686–12694, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3DT02106H.
Correction: Multi-angle tracking synthetic kinetics of phase evolution in Li-rich Mn-based cathodes
Authors: Xu Shenyang , Chen Zhefeng , Zhao Wenguang , Ren Wenju , Hou Chenxin , Liu Jiajie , Wang Wu , Yin Chong , Tan Xinghua , Lou Xiaobing , Yao Xiangming , Gao Zhihai , Liu Hao , Wang Lu , Yin Zuwei , Qiu Bao , Hu Bingwen , Li Tianyi , Dong Cheng , Pan Feng , Zhang Mingjian
Published: May 2024

Correction for ‘Multi-angle tracking synthetic kinetics of phase evolution in Li-rich Mn-based cathodes’ by Shenyang Xu et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ee04199a.
Enhanced power factor and suppressed lattice thermal conductivity of CoSb3 skutterudite via Ni substitution and nanostructuring for high thermoelectric performance
Authors: Annie Victoria Rose R. , Sidharth D. , Arivanandhan M. , Jayavel R.
Published: May 2024

Ni substitution reduced the grain size and enhanced the carrier concentration of CoSb3, which resulted in high power factor and low thermal conductivity and thereby enhanced the zT of the material.
Neodymium niobate nanospheres on functionalized carbon nanofibers: a nanoengineering approach for highly sensitive vanillin detection
Authors: Priscillal I. Jenisha Daisy , Wang Sea-Fue
Published: May 2024

Vanillin (VAN), the primary aroma compound in vanilla, contributes significantly to sensory delight; however, its unrestrained presence poses notable health risks.