bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular regeneration and skeletal muscle repair induced by long-term exposure to SDF-1α derived from engineered mesenchymal stem cells after hindlimb ischemia
Authors: Kim Jin-Ju , Park Jae-Hyun , Kim Hyeok , Sim Woo-Sup , Hong Seokbeom , Choi Yeon-Jik , Kim Hyo-Jin , Lee Soon Min , Kim Dongha , Kang Sun-woong , Ban Kiwon , Park Hun-Jun
Published: October 2023

Despite recent progress in medical and endovascular therapy, the prognosis for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains poor. In response, various stem cells and growth factors have been assessed for use in therapeutic neovascularization and limb salvage in CLI patients. However, the clinical outcomes of cell-based therapeutic angiogenesis have not provided the promised benefits, reinforcing the need for novel cell-based therapeutic angiogenic strategies to cure untreatable CLI. In the present study, we investigated genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human bone marrow that continuously secrete stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF1α-eMSCs) and demonstrated that intramuscular injection of SDF1α-eMSCs can provide long-term paracrine effects in limb ischemia and effectively contribute to vascular regeneration as well as skeletal muscle repair through increased phosphorylation of ERK and Akt within the SDF1α/CXCR4 axis. These results provide compelling evidence that genetically engineered MSCs with SDF-1α can be an effective strategy for successful limb salvage in limb ischemia.
A new era of stem cell and developmental biology: from blastoids to synthetic embryos and beyond
Authors: Kim Yunhee , Kim Inha , Shin Kunyoo
Published: October 2023

Recent discoveries in stem cell and developmental biology have introduced a new era marked by the generation of in vitro models that recapitulate early mammalian development, providing unprecedented opportunities for extensive research in embryogenesis. Here, we present an overview of current techniques that model early mammalian embryogenesis, specifically noting models created from stem cells derived from two significant species:Homo sapiens, for its high relevance, andMus musculus, a historically common and technically advanced model organism. We aim to provide a holistic understanding of these in vitro models by tracing the historical background of the progress made in stem cell biology and discussing the fundamental underlying principles. At each developmental stage, we present corresponding in vitro models that recapitulate the in vivo embryo and further discuss how these models may be used to model diseases. Through a discussion of these models as well as their potential applications and future challenges, we hope to demonstrate how these innovative advances in stem cell research may be further developed to actualize a model to be used in clinical practice.
Systemic antibiotics cause deterioration of emphysema associated with exaggerated inflammation and autophagy
Authors: Kim Na Hyun , Choi Bo-Yun , Kim Eun Sil , Kim Su Jung , Hong Jeong Yeon , Heo Sun-Hee , Jeong Jin-Yong , Kim Kyunggon , Yoo Hyun Ju , Sul Woo Jun , Lee Sei Won
Published: October 2023

The interaction between the microbial environment and the host is important for immune homeostasis. Recent research suggests that microbiota dysbiosis can be involved in respiratory diseases. Emphysema is a chronic inflammatory disease, but it is unclear whether dysbiosis caused by antibiotics can affect disease progression. Here, we tried to elucidate the effect of systemic antibiotics on smoking-exposed emphysema models. In this study, the antibiotic mixture caused more alveolar destruction and airspace expansion in the smoking group than in the smoking only or control groups. This emphysema aggravation as a result of antibiotic exposure was associated with increased levels of inflammatory cells, IL-6, IFNγ and protein concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Proteomics analysis indicated that autophagy could be involved in antibiotic-associated emphysema aggravation, and increased protein levels of LC3B, atg3, and atg7 were identified by Western blotting. In microbiome and metabolome analyses, the composition of the gut microbiota was different with smoking and antibiotic exposure, and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate and propionate, were reduced by antibiotic exposure. SCFA administration restored emphysema development with reduced inflammatory cells, IL-6, and IFNγ and decreased LC3B, atg3, and atg7 levels. In conclusion, antibiotics can aggravate emphysema, and inflammation and autophagy may be associated with this aggravation. This study provides important insight into the systemic impact of microbial dysbiosis and the therapeutic potential of utilizing the gut microbiota in emphysema.
Gastrodin overcomes chemoresistance via inhibiting Skp2-mediated glycolysis
Authors: Xie Li , Liao Jinzhuang , Liu Wenbin , Wang Ruirui , Li Xiaoying , Li Wei , Zhou Zhongsu
Published: October 2023

Aerobic glycolysis, a typical phenotype in human tumors, is associated with tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance. The present study demonstrated that cisplatin-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells exerted a stronger glycolysis ability, which was associated with hexokinase 2 (HK2) overexpression. Additionally, the tumor growth of OSCC cells was delayed in vivo and the glycolysis was notably decreased following HK2 knockdown. The natural compound screening revealed that gastrodin could be an effective candidate for OSCC therapy since it inhibited HK2-mediated glucose metabolism and promoted endogenous OSCC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, gastrodin could bind to protein kinase B (Akt) and suppress its activity, thus downregulating HK2 at the transcriptional level. Additionally, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) was highly expressed in OSCC cells, while K63-linked ubiquitination of Akt was inhibited in Skp2-depleted cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells. Gastrodin could also inhibit the cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells in vivo, particularly when combined with the Skp2 inhibitor, SZL P1-41. Overall, the aforementioned finding suggested that targeting the Skp2-Akt axis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating OSCC and overcoming chemoresistance.
Exogenous Ang-(1-7) inhibits autophagy via HIF-1α/THBS1/BECN1 axis to alleviate chronic intermittent hypoxia-enhanced airway remodelling of asthma
Authors: Zhou Jian Ping , Wang Yi , Li Shi Qi , Zhang Jia Qi , Lin Ying Ni , Sun Xian Wen , Zhou Li Na , Zhang Liu , Lu Fang Ying , Ding Yong Jie , Li Qing Yun
Published: October 2023

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)-induced chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) has been considered a risk factor for severe asthma. Airway remodelling, which could be modulated by autophagy, plays a key role in severe asthma. However, the extent of autophagy’s involvement in CIH-potentiated airway remodelling remains largely unexplored. Furthermore, we had found that angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] has therapeutic effects on airway remodelling in asthma, but the underlying mechanism is either unclear. This study aimed to explore how CIH aggravates asthma and mechanism of protective effects of Ang-(1-7) on airway remodelling, with a focus on autophagy. We observed that CIH promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), indicated by elevated EMT and fibrotic markers such as Snail and Collagen IV, both in vitro and in vivo. CIH intensified cell autophagy, evident from increased LC3B expression and reduced p62 levels. Ang-(1-7) reversed the CIH-enhanced expression of Snail, Collagen IV, and LC3B. To explore how CIH enhanced autophagy in cellular and animal model of asthma, overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) were identified in CIH-exposure mice lung compared with normal mice lung tissues from the GEO database. Finally, through chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation assays, we verified that Ang-(1-7) inhibits CIH-induced binding of HIF-1α to the promoter of THBS1, and also disrupts the protein-protein interaction between THBS1 and the autophagy-associated protein Beclin 1 (BECN1), ultimately leading to autophagy inhibition. Our findings suggest that exogenous Ang-(1-7) can inhibit autophagy via HIF-1α/THBS1/BECN1 axis, thereby alleviating CIH-enhanced airway remodelling in asthma. These findings imply the potential therapeutic effect of Ang-(1-7) in asthma with OSA.
2-Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as a new bioisostere of the phenyl ring
Authors: Levterov Vadym V. , Panasiuk Yaroslav , Sahun Kateryna , Stashkevych Oleksandr , Badlo Valentyn , Shablykin Oleh , Sadkova Iryna , Bortnichuk Lina , Klymenko-Ulianov Oleksii , Holota Yuliia , Lachmann Leonid , Borysko Petro , Horbatok Kateryna , Bodenchuk Iryna , Bas Yuliia , Dudenko Dmytro , Mykhailiuk Pavel K.
Published: October 2023

The phenyl ring is a basic structural element in chemistry. Here, we show the design, synthesis, and validation of its new saturated bioisostere with improved physicochemical properties − 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. The design of the structure is based on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the previously used bioisosteres: bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and cubane. The key synthesis step is the iodocyclization of cyclohexane-containing alkenyl alcohols with molecular iodine in acetonitrile. 2-Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane core is incorporated into the structure of Imatinib and Vorinostat (SAHA) drugs instead of the phenyl ring. In Imatinib, such replacement leads to improvement of physicochemical properties: increased water solubility, enhanced metabolic stability, and reduced lipophilicity. In Vorinostat, such replacement results in a new bioactive analog of the drug. This study enhances the repertoire of available saturated bioisosteres of (hetero)aromatic rings for the use in drug discovery projects.
Estimating the contribution of CD4 T cell subset proliferation and differentiation to HIV persistence
Authors: Reeves Daniel B. , Bacchus-Souffan Charline , Fitch Mark , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Hoh Rebecca , Ahn Haelee , Stone Mars , Hecht Frederick , Martin Jeffrey , Deeks Steven G. , Hellerstein Marc K. , McCune Joseph M. , Schiffer Joshua T. , Hunt Peter W.
Published: October 2023

Persistence of HIV in people living with HIV (PWH) on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been linked to physiological mechanisms of CD4+ T cells. Here, in the same 37 male PWH on ART we measure longitudinal kinetics of HIV DNA and cell turnover rates in five CD4 cell subsets: naïve (TN), stem-cell- (TSCM), central- (TCM), transitional- (TTM), and effector-memory (TEM). HIV decreases in TTM and TEM but not in less-differentiated subsets. Cell turnover is ~10 times faster than HIV clearance in memory subsets, implying that cellular proliferation consistently creates HIV DNA. The optimal mathematical model for these integrated data sets posits HIV DNA also passages between CD4 cell subsets via cellular differentiation. Estimates are heterogeneous, but in an average participant’s year ~10 (in TN and TSCM) and ~104 (in TCM, TTM, TEM) proviruses are generated by proliferation while ~103 proviruses passage via cell differentiation (per million CD4). In simulations, therapies blocking proliferation and/or enhancing differentiation could reduce HIV DNA by 1-2 logs over 3 years. In summary, HIV exploits cellular proliferation and differentiation to persist during ART but clears faster in more proliferative/differentiated CD4 cell subsets and the same physiological mechanisms sustaining HIV might be temporarily modified to reduce it.
Hypersensitive MR angiography based on interlocking stratagem for diagnosis of cardiac-cerebral vascular diseases
Authors: Zhang Peisen , Cheng Junwei , Lu Yijie , Zhang Ni , Wu Xiaoai , Lin Hua , Li Wei , Wang Jian , Winnik Mitchell A. , Gan Zhihua , Hou Yi
Published: October 2023

Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography is one of the main diagnostic approaches for cardiac-cerebral vascular diseases. Nevertheless, the non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography suffers from its intrinsic problems derived from the blood flow-dependency, while the clinical Gd-chelating contrast agents are limited by their rapid vascular extravasation. Herein, we report a hypersensitive MR angiography strategy based on interlocking stratagem of zwitterionic Gd-chelate contrast agents (PAA-Gd). The longitudinal molar relaxivity of PAA-Gd was 4.6-times higher than that of individual Gd-chelates as well as appropriate blood half-life (73.8 min) and low immunogenicity, enabling sophisticated micro-vessels angiography with a resolution at the order of hundred micrometers. A series of animal models of cardiac-cerebrovascular diseases have been built for imaging studies on a 7.0 T MRI scanner, while the clinical translation potential of PAA-Gd has been evaluated on swine on a 3.0 T clinical MRI scanner. The current studies offer a promising strategy for precise diagnosis of vascular diseases.
Unchanged frequency and decreasing magnitude of outbursts from ice-dammed lakes in Alaska
Authors: Rick B. , McGrath D. , McCoy S. W. , Armstrong W. H.
Published: October 2023

Glacial lakes can form and grow due to glacial retreat, and rapid lake drainage can produce destructive floods. Outburst flood compilations show a temporal increase in frequency; however, recent studies highlight the role of observational bias, creating uncertainty about current and future glacial-lake hazards. Here, we focus on the Alaska region, which generated a third of previously documented outbursts globally. Using multitemporal satellite imagery, we documented 1150 drainages from 106 ice-dammed lakes between 1985 and 2020. Documented events became more frequent over time, however, accounting for increasing image availability reveals no significant increase occurred. Most lakes decreased in area and volume, suggesting a reduction in regional flood hazard. Our satellite-based approach documented 60% more events in a 35-year period than had previously been documented over 100 years. This suggests that outburst floods have historically been underreported and warrants systematic study of other regions.
Sustainably developing global blue carbon for climate change mitigation and economic benefits through international cooperation
Authors: Feng Cuicui , Ye Guanqiong , Zeng Jiangning , Zeng Jian , Jiang Qutu , He Liuyue , Zhang Yaowen , Xu Zhenci
Published: October 2023

Blue carbon is the carbon storage in vegetated coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass. It is gaining global attention as its role in climate change mitigation and local welfare growth. However, a global assessment on the long-term spatiotemporal sustainable development status of blue carbon has not been conducted, and the relations among blue carbon ecosystems, driving forces for climate change mitigation, and socioeconomic interventions for development capacity on a global scale are still unclear. Here, we constructed a blue carbon development index (BCDI), comprising three subsystems: driving force, resource endowment, and development capacity, to assess the sustainable development level of 136 coastal countries’ blue carbon over 24 consecutive years and explore the relationship among subsystems. We further propose a cooperation model to explore the feasibility of global blue carbon cooperation and quantify benefit allocation to specific countries. The results showed an upward trend in BCDI scores with variations in regional performance over the past two decades, and we found a positive correlation between development capacity and blue carbon resource endowment. Based on the scenario simulations of global cooperation, we found that coastal countries could improve the global average BCDI score, add 2.96 Mt of annual carbon sequestration, and generate $136.34 million in 2030 under Global Deep Cooperation scenario compared with the Business-As-Usual scenario.
NaRuO2: Kitaev-Heisenberg exchange in triangular-lattice setting
Authors: Bhattacharyya Pritam , Bogdanov Nikolay A. , Nishimoto Satoshi , Wilson Stephen D. , Hozoi Liviu
Published: October 2023

Kitaev exchange, a new paradigm in quantum magnetism research, occurs for 90° metal-ligand-metal links, $${t}_{2g}^{5}$$

t

2
g

5

transition ions, and sizable spin-orbit coupling. It is being studied in honeycomb compounds but also on triangular lattices. While for the former it is known by now that the Kitaev intersite couplings are ferromagnetic, for the latter the situation is unclear. Here we pin down the exchange mechanisms and determine the effective coupling constants in the $${t}_{2g}^{5}$$

t

2
g

5

triangular-lattice material NaRuO2, recently found to host a quantum spin liquid ground state. We show that, compared to honeycomb compounds, the characteristic triangular-lattice cation surroundings dramatically affect exchange paths and effective coupling parameters, changing the Kitaev interactions to antiferromagnetic. Quantum chemical analysis combined with subsequent effective spin model simulations provide perspective onto the nature of the experimentally observed quantum spin liquid—it seemingly implies fairly large antiferromagnetic second-neighbor isotropic exchange, and the atypical proximity to ferromagnetic order is related to ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor Heisenberg coupling.
Widespread small grabens consistent with recent tectonism on Mercury
Authors: Man Benjamin , Rothery David A. , Balme Matthew R. , Conway Susan J. , Wright Jack
Published: October 2023

Since Mariner 10 first imaged Mercury in 1974, tectonic landforms dominated by shortening structures have been extensively documented. Contractional tectonism on Mercury is thought to have begun early in the planet’s history and is theorized to have continued throughout Mercury’s geological history, but observational evidence for recent tectonism is limited. Here we report the widespread occurrence of relatively young grabens on Mercury from global mapping of tectonic features using MESSENGER imagery. The identified grabens are about 10 to 150 m deep, tens of kilometres in length and generally less than 1 km wide. We find that the grabens occur as secondary tectonic features on larger compressional tectonic structures, which indicates continued activity of the parent structure. We estimate that they must be ~300 million years old or younger; otherwise, impact gardening would have masked their signature by burial and infilling. The widespread distribution of grabens and their young age supports the continued activity of Mercury’s shortening structures into geologically recent times and is consistent with thermochemical evolution models for a slowly cooling planetary interior and prolonged global contraction.
The positive–negative–competence (PNC) model of psychological responses to representations of robots
Authors: Krpan Dario , Booth Jonathan E. , Damien Andreea
Published: October 2023

Robots are becoming an increasingly prominent part of society. Despite their growing importance, there exists no overarching model that synthesizes people’s psychological reactions to robots and identifies what factors shape them. To address this, we created a taxonomy of affective, cognitive and behavioural processes in response to a comprehensive stimulus sample depicting robots from 28 domains of human activity (for example, education, hospitality and industry) and examined its individual difference predictors. Across seven studies that tested 9,274 UK and US participants recruited via online panels, we used a data-driven approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to develop the positive–negative–competence model, which categorizes all psychological processes in response to the stimulus sample into three dimensions: positive, negative and competence-related. We also established the main individual difference predictors of these dimensions and examined the mechanisms for each predictor. Overall, this research provides an in-depth understanding of psychological functioning regarding representations of robots.
The high optical brightness of the BlueWalker 3 satellite
Authors: Nandakumar Sangeetha , Eggl Siegfried , Tregloan-Reed Jeremy , Adam Christian , Anderson-Baldwin Jasmine , Bannister Michele T. , Battle Adam , Benkhaldoun Zouhair , Campbell Tanner , Colque J. P. , Damke Guillermo , Plauchu Frayn Ilse , Ghachoui Mourad , Guillen Pedro F. , Kaeouach Aziz Ettahar , Krantz Harrison R. , Langbroek Marco , Rattenbury Nicholas , Reddy Vishnu , Ridden-Harper Ryan , Young Brad , Unda-Sanzana Eduardo , Watson Alan M. , Walker Constance E. , Barentine John C. , Benvenuti Piero , Di Vruno Federico , Peel Mike W. , Rawls Meredith L. , Bassa Cees , Flores-Quintana Catalina , García Pablo , Kim Sam , Longa-Peña Penélope , Ortiz Edgar , Otarola Ángel , Romero-Colmenares María , Sanhueza Pedro , Siringo Giorgio , Soto Mario
Published: October 2023

Large constellations of bright artificial satellites in low Earth orbit pose significant challenges to ground-based astronomy1. Current orbiting constellation satellites have brightnesses between apparent magnitudes 4 and 6, whereas in the near-infrared Ks band, they can reach magnitude 2 (ref. 2). Satellite operators, astronomers and other users of the night sky are working on brightness mitigation strategies3,4. Radio emissions induce further potential risk to ground-based radio telescopes that also need to be evaluated. Here we report the outcome of an international optical observation campaign of a prototype constellation satellite, AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3. BlueWalker 3 features a 64.3 m2 phased-array antenna as well as a launch vehicle adaptor (LVA)5. The peak brightness of the satellite reached an apparent magnitude of 0.4. This made the new satellite one of the brightest objects in the night sky. Additionally, the LVA reached an apparent V-band magnitude of 5.5, four times brighter than the current International Astronomical Union recommendation of magnitude 7 (refs. 3,6); it jettisoned on 10 November 2022 (Universal Time), and its orbital ephemeris was not publicly released until 4 days later. The expected build-out of constellations with hundreds of thousands of new bright objects1 will make active satellite tracking and avoidance strategies a necessity for ground-based telescopes.
Early detection of autism using digital behavioral phenotyping
Authors: Perochon Sam , Di Martino J. Matias , Carpenter Kimberly L. H. , Compton Scott , Davis Naomi , Eichner Brian , Espinosa Steven , Franz Lauren , Krishnappa Babu Pradeep Raj , Sapiro Guillermo , Dawson Geraldine
Published: October 2023

Early detection of autism, a neurodevelopmental condition associated with challenges in social communication, ensures timely access to intervention. Autism screening questionnaires have been shown to have lower accuracy when used in real-world settings, such as primary care, as compared to research studies, particularly for children of color and girls. Here we report findings from a multiclinic, prospective study assessing the accuracy of an autism screening digital application (app) administered during a pediatric well-child visit to 475 (17–36 months old) children (269 boys and 206 girls), of which 49 were diagnosed with autism and 98 were diagnosed with developmental delay without autism. The app displayed stimuli that elicited behavioral signs of autism, quantified using computer vision and machine learning. An algorithm combining multiple digital phenotypes showed high diagnostic accuracy with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.90, sensitivity = 87.8%, specificity = 80.8%, negative predictive value = 97.8% and positive predictive value = 40.6%. The algorithm had similar sensitivity performance across subgroups as defined by sex, race and ethnicity. These results demonstrate the potential for digital phenotyping to provide an objective, scalable approach to autism screening in real-world settings. Moreover, combining results from digital phenotyping and caregiver questionnaires may increase autism screening accuracy and help reduce disparities in access to diagnosis and intervention.
An integrated pipeline for prediction of Clostridioides difficile infection
Authors: Li Jiang , Chaudhary Durgesh , Sharma Vaibhav , Sharma Vishakha , Avula Venkatesh , Ssentongo Paddy , Wolk Donna M. , Zand Ramin , Abedi Vida
Published: October 2023

With the expansion of electronic health records(EHR)-linked genomic data comes the development of machine learning-enable models. There is a pressing need to develop robust pipelines to evaluate the performance of integrated models and minimize systemic bias. We developed a prediction model of symptomatic Clostridioides difficile infection(CDI) by integrating common EHR-based and genetic risk factors(rs2227306/IL8). Our pipeline includes (1) leveraging phenotyping algorithm to minimize temporal bias, (2) performing simulation studies to determine the predictive power in samples without genetic information, (3) propensity score matching to control for the confoundings, (4) selecting machine learning algorithms to capture complex feature interactions, (5) performing oversampling to address data imbalance, and (6) optimizing models and ensuring proper bias-variance trade-off. We evaluate the performance of prediction models of CDI when including common clinical risk factors and the benefit of incorporating genetic feature(s) into the models. We emphasize the importance of building a robust integrated pipeline to avoid systemic bias and thoroughly evaluating genetic features when integrated into the prediction models in the general population and subgroups.
Spatial extent of dysbiosis in the branching coral Pocillopora damicornis during an acute disease outbreak
Authors: Greene Austin , Moriarty Tess , Leggatt William , Ainsworth Tracy D. , Donahue Megan J. , Raymundo Laurie
Published: October 2023

Globally, coral reefs face increasing disease prevalence and large-scale outbreak events. These outbreaks offer insights into microbial and functional patterns of coral disease, including early indicators of disease that may be present in visually-healthy tissues. Outbreak events also allow investigation of how reef-building corals, typically colonial organisms, respond to disease. We studied Pocillopora damicornis during an acute tissue loss disease outbreak on Guam to determine whether dysbiosis was present in visually-healthy tissues ahead of advancing disease lesions. These data reveal that coral fragments with visual evidence of disease are expectedly dysbiotic with high microbial and metabolomic variability. However, visually-healthy tissues from the same colonies lacked dysbiosis, suggesting disease containment near the affected area. These results challenge the idea of using broad dysbiosis as a pre-visual disease indicator and prompt reevaluation of disease assessment in colonial organisms such as reef-building corals.
Movement-related tactile gating in blindness
Authors: Casado-Palacios Maria , Tonelli Alessia , Campus Claudio , Gori Monica
Published: October 2023

When we perform an action, self-elicited movement induces suppression of somatosensory information to the cortex, requiring a correct motor-sensory and inter-sensory (i.e. cutaneous senses, kinesthesia, and proprioception) integration processes to be successful. However, recent works show that blindness might impact some of these elements. The current study investigates the effect of movement on tactile perception and the role of vision in this process. We measured the velocity discrimination threshold in 18 sighted and 18 blind individuals by having them perceive a sequence of two movements and discriminate the faster one in passive and active touch conditions. Participants’ Just Noticeable Difference (JND) was measured to quantify their precision. Results showed a generally worse performance during the active touch condition compared to the passive. In particular, this difference was significant in the blind group, regardless of the blindness duration, but not in the sighted one. These findings suggest that the absence of visual calibration impacts motor-sensory and inter-sensory integration required during movement, diminishing the reliability of tactile signals in blind individuals. Our work spotlights the need for intervention in this population and should be considered in the sensory substitution/reinforcement device design.
Structured multi-criteria model of self-managed motivation in organizations based on happiness at work: pandemic related study
Authors: Nieżurawska Joanna , Kycia Radosław A. , Ludviga Iveta , Niemczynowicz Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

This study proposes the Structured Multi-criteria Model of Self-Managed Motivation in Organizations based on happiness at work. Employees need to be motivated in order to be efficient at doing a particular task at the workplace. As young people born between 1995 and 2004, called Generation Z, enter the labour market, it is essential to consider how employees’ motivation might be affected. In the article a quantitative approach was used to collect new data from 200 Polish respondents completing an online survey. The research was conducted before and during the pandemic time. We report and analyze the survey results conducted in Poland among the representatives of Generation Z, who had been employed for at least 6 months. We developed and validated a new approach to motivation using methodologies called Factor Analysis. Based on empirical verification, we found a new tool that connects employee motivation and selected areas of the Hygge concept called Hygge Star Model, which has the same semantics before and during Covid-19 pandemic.
Use of medicinal plants during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil
Authors: da Silva Alciellen Mendes , Horsth Ana Luísa , Timóteo Élida da Silva , Faria Ronaldo José , Bazoni Patrícia Silva , Meira Eduardo Frizzera , dos Santos Jéssica Barreto Ribeiro , da Silva Michael Ruberson Ribeiro
Published: October 2023

Medicinal plants are an integrative and complementary health practice widely used by the population. However, its use is not without risks. This study assessed the profile and associated factors with the traditional use of medicinal plants. To this end, a cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a southeastern Brazilian city. Descriptive analysis was performed by frequency distribution and median and interquartile range. Associated factors with the use of medicinal plants were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance. A total of 641 people were interviewed, of whom 258 (40.2%) reported using medicinal plants. A total of 79 distinct plants were identified, of whom Melissa officinalis (31.0%), Peumus boldus (24.4%), Mentha spicata (20.9%), Matricaria recutita L. (18.2%), Rosmarinus officinalis (17.0%), and Foeniculum vulgare (14.7%) were the most used. There were no reports of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19. However, anxiety was the most frequently cited indication for using medicinal plants, a health condition exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the use of medicinal plants for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those in COVID-19 has been identified. There was an association between the use of medicinal plants and females, non-white, lower schooling, higher income, and comorbidities.
In-silico and in-vitro study reveals ziprasidone as a potential aromatase inhibitor against breast carcinoma
Authors: Sahu Ankita , Ahmad Shaban , Imtiyaz Khalid , Kizhakkeppurath Kumaran Ajeeshkumar , Islam Mojahidul , Raza Khalid , Easwaran Murugesh , Kurukkan Kunnath Asha , Rizvi Moshahid A. , Verma Saurabh
Published: October 2023

Aromatase enzyme plays a fundamental role in the development of estrogen receptors, and due to this functionality, the enzyme has gained significant attention as a therapeutic for reproductive disorders and cancer diseases. The currently employed aromatase inhibitors have severe side effects whereas our novel aromatase inhibitor is more selective and less toxic, therefore has greater potential to be developed as a drug. The research framework of this study is to identify a potent inhibitor for the aromatase target by profiling molecular descriptors of the ligand and to find a functional pocket in the target by docking and MD simulations. For assessing cellular and metabolic activities as indicators of cell viability and cytotoxicity, in-vitro studies were performed by using the colorimetric MTT assay. Aromatase activities were determined by a fluorometric method. Cell morphology was assessed by phase-contrast light microscopy. Flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay determined cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. This study reports that CHEMBL708 (Ziprasidone) is the most promising compound that showed excellent aromatase inhibitory activity. By using better drug design methods and experimental studies, our study identified a novel compound that could be effective as a high-potential drug candidate against aromatase enzyme. We conclude that the compound ziprasidone effectively blocks the cell cycle at the G1-S phase and induces cancer cell death. Further, in-vivo studies are vital for developing ziprasidone as an anticancer agent. Lastly, our research outcomes based on the results of the in-silico experiments may pave the way for identifying effective drug candidates for therapeutic use in breast cancer.
ESX1 gene as a potential candidate responsible for male infertility in nonobstructive azoospermia
Authors: Malcher Agnieszka , Graczyk Zuzanna , Bauer Hermann , Stokowy Tomasz , Berman Andrea , Smolibowski Mikołaj , Blaszczyk Dominika , Jedrzejczak Piotr , Yatsenko Alexander N. , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: October 2023

Infertility is a problem that affects approximately 15% of couples, and male infertility is responsible for 40–50% of these cases. The cause of male infertility is still poorly diagnosed and treated. One of the prominent causes of male infertility is disturbed spermatogenesis, which can lead to nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) allows us to identify novel rare variants in potentially NOA-associated genes, among others, in the ESX1 gene. The aim of this study was to activate the ESX1 gene using CRISPRa technology in human germ cells (testicular seminoma cells—TCam-2). Successful activation of the ESX1 gene in TCam-2 cells using the CRISPRa system was achieved, and the expression level of the ESX1 gene was significantly higher in modified TCam-2 cells than in WT cells or the negative control with nontargeted gRNA (p < 0.01). Using RNA-seq, a network of over 50 genes potentially regulated by the ESX1 gene was determined. Finally, 6 genes, NANOG, CXCR4, RPS6KA5, CCND1, PDE1C, and LINC00662, participating in cell proliferation and differentiation were verified in azoospermic patients with and without a mutation in the ESX1 gene as well as in men with normal spermatogenesis, where inverse correlations in the expression levels of the observed genes were noted.
Characterisation of strength and deformation characteristics of alkali-activated rice husk ash filler-assemblage perimeter rock
Authors: Zhao Wenhua , He Ruilin , Sun Qi , Gu Qi
Published: October 2023

In this study, the strength characteristics, deformation characteristics and damage characteristics of three kinds of specimens, namely, surrounding rock, cemented paste backfill (CPB) and a surrounding rock-CPB combination, were studied by uniaxial compression testing using rice husk ash and slag as cementing materials, and the mechanical properties of the combination specimens with different height ratios were also analyzed. The results showed that the surrounding rock specimens were the strongest, followed by the composite body, and the CPB was the weakest. The relationship between different height ratios of the assemblage and the cut line modulus was found according to the fitted curves. The CPB specimens and the surrounding rock specimens showed ductile damage, while the assemblage specimens showed brittle damage.
A T cell receptor targeting a recurrent driver mutation in FLT3 mediates elimination of primary human acute myeloid leukemia in vivo
Authors: Giannakopoulou Eirini , Lehander Madeleine , Virding Culleton Stina , Yang Weiwen , Li Yingqian , Karpanen Terhi , Yoshizato Tetsuichi , Rustad Even H. , Nielsen Morten Milek , Bollineni Ravi Chand , Tran Trung T. , Delic-Sarac Marina , Gjerdingen Thea Johanne , Douvlataniotis Karolos , Laos Maarja , Ali Muhammad , Hillen Amy , Mazzi Stefania , Chin Desmond Wai Loon , Mehta Adi , Holm Jeppe Sejerø , Bentzen Amalie Kai , Bill Marie , Griffioen Marieke , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Lehmann Sören , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Woll Petter S. , Olweus Johanna
Published: October 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most frequent leukemia in adults, is driven by recurrent somatically acquired genetic lesions in a restricted number of genes. Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors has demonstrated that targeting of prevalent FMS-related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gain-of-function mutations can provide significant survival benefits for patients, although the efficacy of FLT3 inhibitors in eliminating FLT3-mutated clones is variable. We identified a T cell receptor (TCR) reactive to the recurrent D835Y driver mutation in the FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain (TCRFLT3D/Y). TCRFLT3D/Y-redirected T cells selectively eliminated primary human AML cells harboring the FLT3D835Y mutation in vitro and in vivo. TCRFLT3D/Y cells rejected both CD34+ and CD34− AML in mice engrafted with primary leukemia from patients, reaching minimal residual disease-negative levels, and eliminated primary CD34+ AML leukemia-propagating cells in vivo. Thus, T cells targeting a single shared mutation can provide efficient immunotherapy toward selective elimination of clonally involved primary AML cells in vivo.
Ex vivo drug response profiling for response and outcome prediction in hematologic malignancies: the prospective non-interventional SMARTrial
Authors: Liebers Nora , Bruch Peter-Martin , Terzer Tobias , Hernandez-Hernandez Miguel , Paramasivam Nagarajan , Fitzgerald Donnacha , Altmann Heidi , Roider Tobias , Kolb Carolin , Knoll Mareike , Lenze Angela , Platzbecker Uwe , Röllig Christoph , Baldus Claudia , Serve Hubert , Bornhäuser Martin , Hübschmann Daniel , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Stölzel Friedrich , Huber Wolfgang , Benner Axel , Zenz Thorsten , Lu Junyan , Dietrich Sascha
Published: October 2023

Ex vivo drug response profiling is a powerful tool to study genotype–drug response associations and is being explored as a tool set for precision medicine in cancer. Here we conducted a prospective non-interventional trial to investigate feasibility of ex vivo drug response profiling for treatment guidance in hematologic malignancies (SMARTrial,NCT03488641). The primary endpoint to provide drug response profiling reports within 7 d was met in 91% of all study participants (N = 80). Secondary endpoint analysis revealed that ex vivo resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs predicted chemotherapy treatment failure in vivo. We confirmed the predictive value of ex vivo response to chemotherapy in a validation cohort of 95 individuals with acute myeloid leukemia treated with daunorubicin and cytarabine. Ex vivo drug response profiles improved ELN-22 risk stratification in individuals with adverse risk. We conclude that ex vivo drug response profiling is clinically feasible and has the potential to predict chemotherapy response in individuals with hematologic malignancies beyond clinically established genetic markers.
Reduction-cleavable desferrioxamine B pulldown system enriches Ni(ii)-superoxide dismutase from a Streptomyces proteome
Authors: Ni Jenny , Wood James L. , White Melanie Y. , Lihi Norbert , Markham Todd E. , Wang Joseph , Chivers Peter T. , Codd Rachel
Published: October 2023

Two resins with the hydroxamic acid siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB) immobilised as a free ligand or its Fe(iii) complex prepared to screen the Streptomyces pilosus proteome for proteins involved in siderophore-mediated Fe(iii) uptake enriched for Ni(ii)-superoxide dismutase on the apo-DFOB resin.
Synthesis of benzo[f][1,2]thiazepine 1,1-dioxides based on the visible-light-mediated aza Paternò–Büchi reaction of benzo[d]isothiazole 1,1-dioxides with alkenes
Authors: Wang Yi-Lin , Liu Peng-Xiang , Zhang Huan-Huan , Xu Peng-Fei , Luo Yong-Chun
Published: October 2023

A new two-step, one-pot synthesis of benzo[f][1,2]thiazepine 1,1-dioxides was developed based on a visible-light mediated aza Paternò–Büchi reaction and a Lewis acid catalyzed ring-expansion of azetidine.
First-principles predictions of room-temperature ferromagnetism in orthorhombic MnX2 (X = O, S) monolayers
Authors: Cheng Xuli , Xu Shaowen , Hu Tao , Hu Shunbo , Gao Heng , Singh David J. , Ren Wei
Published: October 2023

MnO2 and MnS2 monolayers are ferromagnetic materials with out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic easy axes, high TC of 300 and 1150 K, respectively, and MnS2 monolayers can be transformed into a semiconductor at ε > −2%.
Prediction of a planar BxP monolayer with inherent metallicity and its potential as an anode material for Na and K-ion batteries: a first-principles study
Authors: Liu Fang , Chen Xianfei , Huang Yi , Shu Chaozhu , Li Na , Xiao Beibei , Wang Lianli
Published: October 2023

Borophene, the lightest two-dimensional material, exhibits exceptional storage capacity as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs).
Construction of core–shell MOF@COF hybrids with a Z-scheme heterojunction for efficient visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Pang Jun , Chen Weijie , Hu Jintao , Cheng Jie , Tang Mingqiang , Liu Zewei , Tan Rong
Published: October 2023

Core–shell NH2–UiO-66@TpBD-COF hybrids with a Z-scheme heterojunction were constructed to realize the efficient oxidative coupling of amines to imines with air under visible light irradiation.
A novel CuFe2O4 ink for the fabrication of low-temperature ceramic fuel cell cathodes through inkjet printing
Authors: Zarabi Golkhatmi Sanaz , Lund Peter D. , Asghar Muhammad Imran
Published: October 2023

Inkjet printing is a mask-free, contactless, and precise thin film and coating fabrication technique, which can tailor the electrode microstructure of solid oxide fuel cells to provide a larger surface area with more reaction sites.
A smart nanopaper sensor for optical diagnosis ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection
Authors: Adib Zeinab Asghari , Sharifi Amir Reza , Kiani Mohammad Ali , Yousefi Hossein , Horák Daniel , Kostiv Uliana , Nabavi-Rad Ali , Yadegar Abbas , Yaghoubi-Avini Mohammad , Golmohammadi Hamed
Published: October 2023

Herein, a low cost, non-toxic, and easy-to-fabricate/use optical nanosensor has been developed capable of potentially being exploited as a smart ingestible sensor for on-body and non-invasive monitoring of gastric pH/H. pyloriinfection.
Announcing the Materials Advances Paper Prize
Authors: Kerr Hannah E. , Allen Jeremy P. , Hagfeldt Anders , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M. , Stingelin Natalie
Published: October 2023

We are delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Materials Advances Paper Prize.
Physicochemical characterization of B-hydroxyphenyl phosphine borane derivatives and their evaluation as nuclear estrogen receptor ligands
Authors: Miyajima Yu , Noguchi-Yachide Tomomi , Ochiai Kotaro , Fujii Shinya
Published: October 2023

This is the first report of biologically active B-substituted phosphineborane derivatives. Phosphine boranes could be versatile structural options in medicinal chemistry for expanding the chemical space available for drug discovery.
Solvent-induced local environment effect in plasmonic catalysis
Authors: Le Tien , Wang Bin
Published: October 2023

Solvents are known to affect the local surface plasmon resonance of metal nanoparticles; however, how solvents can be used to manipulate the interfacial charge and energy transfer in plasmonic catalysis remains to be explored.
Copper(i) iodide coordination polymers with triazole substituted pyridine ligands: photophysical and electrical conductivity properties
Authors: Mishra Shivendu , Pandey Dilip , Mishra Kulbhushan , Viau Lydie , Raghuvanshi Abhinav
Published: October 2023

Three different Cu(i)I CPs have been synthesized using isomeric 1,2,4-triazole substituted pyridines, which show unique structural, photophysical and electrical properties.
Hierarchical and ultra-porous copper cobaltite flakes with honeycomb-like physiognomies for highly efficient non-enzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: Sharma Ruchika , Srivastav Siddhant , Meher Sumanta Kumar
Published: October 2023

We present here a novel and facile synthesis of ultra-porous CuCo2O4 in our effort to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of innovative structured multi-metal oxides for electrochemical non-enzymatic sensing of glucose.
Determination of flutamide toward a real-time electrochemical sensor based on ultrathin reduced graphene oxide-covered MoW-P
Authors: Karuppusamy Naveen , Subburaj Srinithi , Chen Shen Ming , Veerakumar Pitchaimani , Lin Kuan-Yu , Meenakshi S.
Published: October 2023

The rapid and accurate detection of Flutamide (FLT) is crucial because it is a potent prostate cancer treatment that can cause liver toxicity.
Amorphous CoxSy-loaded Mn0.5Cd0.5S solid solution for effective generation of H2 by visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Niu Yawen , Xu Shan-Shan , Zhang Yanhui , Chen Yanmei , Li Jian-Feng , Xu Juan
Published: October 2023

The amorphous CoxSy loaded Mn0.5Cd0.5S composite catalyst shows significant hydrogen evolution rate, which is attributed to the enhanced separation efficiency of the charge carriers caused by the formation of the S-scheme heterojunction.
Se-doping-induced sulfur vacancy engineering of CuCo2S4 nanosheets for enhanced electrocatalytic overall water splitting
Authors: Zhang Bianli , Qian Xingyue , Xu Hui , Jiang Lin , Xia Jiawei , Chen Haiqun , He Guangyu
Published: October 2023

Se doping and sulfur vacancies improve the intrinsic catalytic activity of CuCo2S3.68Se0.32. The optimized CuCo2S3.68Se0.32 exhibits excellent HER and OER performance in alkaline media and requires 1.52 V at 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting.
B(C6F5)3-catalyzed hydrogermylation of enones: a facile route to germacycles
Authors: Xiong Jiangkun , Yan Maying , Jin Lvnan , Song Weihong , Xiao Lei , Xu Dong , Zhai Chunyang , Stephan Douglas W. , Guo Jing
Published: October 2023

Organogermacycles are prepared in good to excellent yields by B(C6F5)3 mediated domino hydrogermylation reaction of enones with dihydrogermanes.
Combinations (Є) among controlled/living polymerizations and utilizations of efficient chemical reactions for the synthesis of novel polymeric materials
Authors: Huang Yi-Shen , Ejeta Dula Daksa , Kuo Shiao-Wei , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Huang Chih-Feng
Published: October 2023

This review highlights synergistic combinations (“Є”) in polymerization techniques and chemical reactions, creating novel materials with unique properties and versatile uses, showcasing synthetic methods and applications.
Lead-free 3D hybrid perovskites based on an aziridinium cation
Authors: Kucheriv Olesia I. , Sirenko Valerii Y. , Petrosova Hanna R. , Pavlenko Vadim A. , Shova Sergiu , Gural'skiy Il'ya A.
Published: October 2023

A small cyclic cation supports the formation of new 3D hybrid semiconducting materials – halostannate perovskites (AzrH)SnX3 (AzrH = aziridinium, X = Cl, Br and I).
Boron-, carbon-, and silicon-bridged 1,12-dihydroxy-perylene bisimides with tuned structural and optical properties
Authors: Nagler Oliver , Shoyama Kazutaka , Anhalt Olga , Stolte Matthias , Dubey Rajeev K. , Xie Zengqi , Würthner Frank
Published: October 2023

The bridging of 1,12-dihydroxy-PBI with either a boron, carbon or silicon atom and further functionalization yielded novel perylene dyes with excellent tuned optical properties, showing strong fluorescence in solution as well as the in solid-state.
Preparation of γ-phase pigment Red 170 through hydrothermal treatment and kaolin coating modification
Authors: Lv Dongjun , Zhang Xiaolei , Zhang Zilong , Zhang Jiahui , Li Yi , Qi Ruobing , Zhang Yuxue , Tang Jing
Published: October 2023

Research on the dynamics of crystal transformation can guide production practices and improve the coloration performance of pigment Red 170.