bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 on compositionally variant bimetallic Cu–Zn electrocatalysts derived from scrap brass alloys
Authors: Badawy Ibrahim M. , Ismail Ahmed Mohsen , Khedr Ghada E. , Taha Manar M. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: August 2022

The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) into value-added fuels is a promising initiative to overcome the adverse effects of CO2 on climate change. Most electrocatalysts studied, however, overlook the harmful mining practices used to extract these catalysts in pursuit of achieving high-performance. Repurposing scrap metals to use as alternative electrocatalysts would thus hold high privilege even at the compromise of high performance. In this work, we demonstrated the repurposing of scrap brass alloys with different Zn content for the conversion of CO2 into carbon monoxide and formate. The scrap alloys were activated towards CO2RR via simple annealing in air and made more selective towards CO production through galvanic replacement with Ag. Upon galvanic replacement with Ag, the scrap brass-based electrocatalysts showed enhanced current density for CO production with better selectivity towards the formation of CO. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to elucidate the potential mechanism and selectivity of the scrap brass catalysts towards CO2RR. The d-band center in the different brass samples with different Zn content was elucidated.
New insights into the raw milk microbiota diversity from animals with a different genetic predisposition for feed efficiency and resilience to mastitis
Authors: Tarrah Armin , Callegaro Simone , Pakroo Shadi , Finocchiaro Raffaella , Giacomini Alessio , Corich Viviana , Cassandro Martino
Published: August 2022

The main objective of this study was to assess the microbiota diversity in milk samples collected from Holstein cows with different estimated breeding values for predicted feed efficiency, milk coagulation, resilience to mastitis, and consequently, to study its effects on milk quality. One hundred and twenty milk samples were collected in two seasons (summer and winter) from different commercial dairy farms in the Nord-east of Italy. For each trait, 20 animals divided into two groups of the high (10 cows) and the low (10 cows) were selected to study the microbiota profile using 16S rRNA metabarcoding sequencing. The alpha and beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences between the high and the low groups for feed efficiency and resilience to mastitis, while no significant difference was detected for milk coagulation. Moreover, remarkable differences among the taxa were detected between the two seasons, where the winter was more diverse than summer when applied the Chao1 index. Lastly, the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) indicated Aerococcus, Corynebacterium, Facklamia, and Psychrobacter taxa with more abundance in the high group of feed efficiency, whereas, in resilience to mastitis, only two genera of Mycoplana and Rhodococcus were more abundant in the low group. In addition, LEfSe analysis between the seasons showed significant differences in the abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Citrobacter, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Stenotrophomonas. These findings indicate that the different genetic predisposition for feed efficiency and resilience to mastitis could affect the raw milk microbiota and, consequently, its quality. Moreover, we found more abundance of mastitis-associated bacteria in the milk of dairy cows with a higher feed efficiency index.
Glycerol monolaurate inhibition of human B cell activation
Authors: Fosdick Micaela G. , Loftus Shannon , Phillips Isabella , Zacharias Zeb R. , Houtman Jon C. D.
Published: August 2022

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a naturally occurring antimicrobial agent used commercially in numerous products and food items. GML is also used as a homeopathic agent and is being clinically tested to treat several human diseases. In addition to its anti-microbial function, GML suppresses immune cell proliferation and inhibits primary human T cell activation. GML suppresses T cell activation by altering membrane dynamics and disrupting the formation of protein clusters necessary for intracellular signaling. The ability of GML to disrupt cellular membranes suggests it may alter other cell types. To explore this possibility, we tested how GML affects human B cells. We found that GML inhibits BCR-induced cytokine production, phosphorylation of signaling proteins, and protein clustering, while also changing cellular membrane dynamics and dysregulating cytoskeleton rearrangement. Although similar, there are also differences between how B cells and T cells respond to GML. These differences suggest that unique intrinsic features of a cell may result in differential responses to GML treatment. Overall, this study expands our understanding of how GML impacts the adaptive immune response and contributes to a broader knowledge of immune modulating monoglycerides.
The earliest segmental sternum in a Permian synapsid and its implications for the evolution of mammalian locomotion and ventilation
Authors: Bendel Eva-Maria , Kammerer Christian F. , Luo Zhe-Xi , Smith Roger M. H. , Fröbisch Jörg
Published: August 2022

The sternum is a stabilizing element in the axial skeleton of most tetrapods, closely linked with the function of the pectoral girdle of the appendicular skeleton. Modern mammals have a distinctive sternum characterized by multiple ossified segments, the origins of which are poorly understood. Although the evolution of the pectoral girdle has been extensively studied in early members of the mammalian total group (Synapsida), only limited data exist for the sternum. Ancestrally, synapsids exhibit a single sternal element and previously the earliest report of a segmental sternum in non-mammalian synapsids was in the Middle Triassic cynodontDiademodon tetragonus. Here, we describe the well-preserved sternum of a gorgonopsian, a group of sabre-toothed synapsids from the Permian. It represents an ossified, multipartite element resembling the mammalian condition. This discovery pulls back the origin of the distinctive “mammalian” sternum to the base of Theriodontia, significantly extending the temporal range of this morphology. Through a review of sternal morphology across Synapsida, we reconstruct the evolutionary history of this structure. Furthermore, we explore its role in the evolution of mammalian posture, gait, and ventilation through progressive regionalization of the postcranium as well as the posteriorization of musculature associated with mammalian breathing.
A pro-inflammatory and fibrous cap thinning transcriptome profile accompanies carotid plaque rupture leading to stroke
Authors: Bazan Hernan A. , Brooks Ashton J. , Vongbunyong Kenny , Tee Christin , Douglas Hunter F. , Klingenberg Natasha C. , Woods T. Cooper
Published: August 2022

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the etiology of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. The molecular mechanisms responsible for rupture remain unclear, in part, due to the lack of data from plaques at the time of rupture. Ribosome-depleted total RNA was sequenced from carotid plaques obtained from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with high-grade stenosis and either (1) a carotid-related ischemic cerebrovascular event within the previous 5 days ('recently ruptured,' n = 6) or (2) an absence of a cerebrovascular event ('asymptomatic,' n = 5). Principal component analysis confirmed plaque rupture was responsible for the greatest percentage of the variability between samples (23.2%), and recently ruptured plaques were enriched for transcripts associated with inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. Hierarchical clustering achieved differentiation of the asymptomatic from the recently ruptured plaques. This analysis also found co-expression of transcripts for immunoglobulins and B lymphocyte function, matrix metalloproteinases, and interferon response genes. Examination of the differentially expressed genes supported the importance of inflammation and inhibition of proliferation and migration coupled with an increase in apoptosis. Thus, the transcriptome of recently ruptured plaques is enriched with transcripts associated with inflammation and fibrous cap thinning and support further examination of the role of B lymphocytes and interferons in atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
Predicting outcome of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness using machine learning models based on medical complexity
Authors: Liuzzi Piergiuseppe , Magliacano Alfonso , De Bellis Francesco , Mannini Andrea , Estraneo Anna
Published: August 2022

Patients with severe acquired brain injury and prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) are characterized by high clinical complexity and high risk to develop medical complications. The present multi-center longitudinal study aimed at investigating the impact of medical complications on the prediction of clinical outcome by means of machine learning models. Patients with pDoC were consecutively enrolled at admission in 23 intensive neurorehabilitation units (IRU) and followed-up at 6 months from onset via the Glasgow Outcome Scale—Extended (GOSE). Demographic and clinical data at study entry and medical complications developed within 3 months from admission were collected. Machine learning models were developed, targeting neurological outcomes at 6 months from brain injury using data collected at admission. Then, after concatenating predictions of such models to the medical complications collected within 3 months, a cascade model was developed. One hundred seventy six patients with pDoC (M: 123, median age 60.2 years) were included in the analysis. At admission, the best performing solution (k-Nearest Neighbors regression, KNN) resulted in a median validation error of 0.59 points [IQR 0.14] and a classification accuracy of dichotomized GOS-E of 88.6%. Coherently, at 3 months, the best model resulted in a median validation error of 0.49 points [IQR 0.11] and a classification accuracy of 92.6%. Interpreting the admission KNN showed how the negative effect of older age is strengthened when patients’ communication levels are high and ameliorated when no communication is present. The model trained at 3 months showed appropriate adaptation of the admission prediction according to the severity of the developed medical complexity in the first 3 months. In this work, we developed and cross-validated an interpretable decision support tool capable of distinguishing patients which will reach sufficient independence levels at 6 months (GOS-E > 4). Furthermore, we provide an updated prediction at 3 months, keeping in consideration the rehabilitative path and the risen medical complexity.
Altered gene expression profiles impair the nervous system development in individuals with 15q13.3 microdeletion
Authors: Körner Marek B. , Velluva Akhil , Bundalian Linnaeus , Radtke Maximilian , Lin Chen-Ching , Zacher Pia , Bartolomaeus Tobias , Kirstein Anna S. , Mrestani Achmed , Scholz Nicole , Platzer Konrad , Teichmann Anne-Christin , Hentschel Julia , Langenhan Tobias , Lemke Johannes R. , Garten Antje , Abou Jamra Rami , Le Duc Diana
Published: August 2022

The 15q13.3 microdeletion has pleiotropic effects ranging from apparently healthy to severely affected individuals. The underlying basis of the variable phenotype remains elusive. We analyzed gene expression using blood from three individuals with 15q13.3 microdeletion and brain cortex tissue from ten mice Df[h15q13]/+. We assessed differentially expressed genes (DEGs), protein–protein interaction (PPI) functional modules, and gene expression in brain developmental stages. The deleted genes’ haploinsufficiency was not transcriptionally compensated, suggesting a dosage effect may contribute to the pathomechanism. DEGs shared between tested individuals and a corresponding mouse model show a significant overlap including genes involved in monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet, network-wide dysregulatory effects suggest the phenotype is not caused by a single critical gene. A significant proportion of blood DEGs, silenced in adult brain, have maximum expression during the prenatal brain development. Based on DEGs and their PPI partners we identified altered functional modules related to developmental processes, including nervous system development. We show that the 15q13.3 microdeletion has a ubiquitous impact on the transcriptome pattern, especially dysregulation of genes involved in brain development. The high phenotypic variability seen in 15q13.3 microdeletion could stem from an increased vulnerability during brain development, instead of a specific pathomechanism.
Kinetics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection according to sex, age, and disease severity
Authors: Kim Yoonjung , Bae Joon-Yong , Kwon Kitae , Chang Hyun-Ha , Lee Won Kee , Park Heedo , Kim Jeonghun , Choi Isaac , Park Man-Seong , Kim Shin-Woo
Published: August 2022

Knowledge of the factors affecting the difference in kinetics and longevity of the neutralizing antibody (nAb) response to SARS-CoV-2 is necessary to properly prioritize vaccination. In the present study, from March to December 2020, of the 143 patients who recovered from COVID-19, 87 underwent study visits scheduled every 3 months. Patient demographics and blood samples were collected followed by a plaque reduction neutralization test to analyze nAb titers. A linear mixed model was used to compare the effects of sex, age, and disease severity over time. Results demonstrated a gradual reduction in nAb titers over time with a significant decrease from 6 to 9 months post-COVID-19 infection (p < 0.001). In time-to-sex, age, and disease severity comparisons, reduction in nAb titers over time was unaffected by sex (p = 0.167), age (p = 0.188), or disease severity (p = 0.081). Additionally, the nAb titer was 1.46 times significantly higher in those aged ≥ 50 years than in those aged < 50 years (p = 0.036) irrespective of time Moreover, the nAb titer was 2.41 times higher in the moderate or above than that in the below moderate disease severity group (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of sex (p = 0.300). Given the reduction in nAbs over time, maintaining protective neutralizing antibodies regardless of sex, age, or disease severity is needed.
Novel psoralen derivatives as anti-breast cancer agents and their light-activated cytotoxicity against HER2 positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Aekrungrueangkit Chiphada , Wangngae Sirilak , Kamkaew Anyanee , Ardkhean Ruchuta , Thongnest Sanit , Boonsombat Jutatip , Ruchirawat Somsak , Khotavivattana Tanatorn
Published: August 2022

Psoralen derivatives are well known for their unique phototoxicity and also exhibits promising anti-breast cancer activity both in the presence and the absence of UVA irradiation. However, the structure–activity relationship on this scaffold remains lacking. Herein, a series of psoralen derivatives with various C-5 substituents were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro dark and light-activated cytotoxicity against three breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231, T47-D, and SK-BR-3. The type of substituents dramatically impacted the activity, with the 4-bromobenzyl amide derivative (3c) exhibiting the highest dark cytotoxicity against T47-D (IC50 = 10.14 µM), with the activity comparable to those of the reference drugs (doxorubicin, 1.46 µM; tamoxifen citrate, 20.86 µM; lapatinib 9.78 µM). On the other hand, the furanylamide 3g exhibits the highest phototoxicity against SK-BR-3 cells with the IC50 of 2.71 µM, which is almost tenfold increase compared to the parent compound, methoxsalen. Moreover, these derivatives showed exceptional selectivity towards HER2+ (SK-BR-3) over the HER2− (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines, which correlates well with the results from the molecular docking study, revealing that 3g formed favorable interactions within the active site of the HER2. Additionally, the cell morphology of SK-BR-3 cells suggested that the significant phototoxicity was related to induction of cell apoptosis. Most of the synthesized psoralen derivatives possess acceptable physicochemical properties and are suitable for being further developed as a novel anti-breast cancer agent in the future.
Modelling pandemic behaviour using an economic multiplayer game
Authors: van Baal Simon T. , Walasek Lukasz , Hohwy Jakob
Published: August 2022

During a pandemic, isolating oneself from the community limits viral transmission and helps avoid repeated societal lockdowns. This entails a social dilemma—either distance oneself from others for the benefit of the public good or free-ride and enjoy the benefits of freedom. It is not yet understood how the unfamiliar incentive structure and interpersonal context presented by a pandemic together modulate individuals’ approach to this social dilemma. In this preregistered study, we take a game-theoretical approach and investigate people’s decisions to self-isolate, using a novel iterated multiplayer game designed to capture the decision-making environment in the pandemic. To elucidate players’ thinking, we use a variation of the strategy method and elicit beliefs about how much others will self-isolate. Players tend to respond to social norms with abidance, rather than transgression; they resist the temptation to freeride when others are self-isolating. However, they deal with exponential growth poorly, as they only self-isolate sufficiently when lockdowns are imminent. Further, increased collective risk can motivate more self-isolation, even though the link between self-isolation and lockdowns is stochastic. Players underreport the influence of others’ choices on their own, and underestimate others’ self-isolation. We discuss implications for public health, and communication to the public.
Auxetic structures used in kinesiology tapes can improve form-fitting and personalization
Authors: Meeusen Luna , Candidori Sara , Micoli Laura Loredana , Guidi Gabriele , Stanković Tino , Graziosi Serena
Published: August 2022

Each year 65% of young athletes and 25% of physically active adults suffer from at least one musculoskeletal injury that prevents them from continuing with physical activity, negatively influencing their physical and mental well-being. The treatment of musculoskeletal injuries with the adhesive elastic kinesiology tape (KT) decreases the recovery time. Patients can thus recommence physical exercise earlier. Here, a novel KT based on auxetic structures is proposed to simplify the application procedure and allow personalization. This novel KT exploits the form-fitting property of auxetics as well as their ability to simultaneously expand in two perpendicular directions when stretched. The auxetic contribution is tuned by optimizing the structure design using analytical equations and experimental measurements. A reentrant honeycomb topology is selected to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach. Prototypes of auxetic KT to treat general elbow pains and muscle tenseness in the forearm are developed.
Thermospheric parameters contribution to the formation of Yakutsk F2-layer diurnal summer time anomaly
Authors: Mikhailov Andrey V. , Perrone Loredana
Published: August 2022

The role of thermospheric neutral composition in the formation of the Yakutsk diurnal summer time foF2anomaly is analyzed. Ionospheric stations inside and outside the anomaly area are considered. The effect of neutral composition in foF2is the most noticeable around noontime hours. The difference between observed noontime foF2in two areas is significant at the 99.9% confidence level both for monthly median and individual days. The inferred from ionosonde observations and Swarm neutral gas density thermospheric parameters indicate a significant difference between two areas. The inferred exospheric temperature, Tex at Magadan (inside the anomaly area) is significantly larger than Tex at Tunguska (outside the anomaly area). On the contrary, the inferred atomic oxygen [O] at Tunguska is significantly larger than at Magadan. Different [O] abundance in the two areas is the main reason of the observed difference in noontime foF2values. Vertical plasma drift depending on magnetic declination, D is the only process responsible for the difference between nighttime foF2at Tunguska and Magadan. A possible mechanism of the revealed difference in thermospheric parameters inside and outside the anomaly area is discussed.
Detection and molecular characterization of Avipoxvirus in Culex spp. (Culicidae) captured in domestic areas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: van der Meer Carolina Soares , Paulino Patrícia Gonzaga , Jardim Talys Henrique Assumpção , Senne Nathália Alves , Araujo Thamires Rezende , dos Santos Juliano Daniele , Massard Carlos Luiz , Peixoto Maristela Peckle , da Costa Angelo Isabele , Santos Huarrisson Azevedo
Published: August 2022

Avian pox is a highly contagious poultry disease that causes significant economic losses. Mosquitoes belonging to the genus Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) have a fundamental role in disseminating Avipoxvirus (Poxviridae). This study proposes investigating the presence of Avipoxvirus (APV) DNA in Culex spp. from Rio de Janeiro to determine its frequency and perform a phylogenetic analysis based on the core like the 4b protein (p4b) gene. The detection of APVs was conducted individually on four hundred Culex spp. mosquitoes. A total of 12.23% (47/384) of the Culex spp. were positive in the PCR. Sequencing the p4b gene revealed that this study’s sequences displayed 98.8–99% identity with Fowlpoxvirus (FWPW) sequences available in GenBank. In the phylogenetic analysis, these APVs were clustered in the A1 subclade together with FWPW sequences from several countries. The evolutionary distance of the p4b gene was 0.61 ± 0.21% in rural areas and 0.38 ± 0.16% in peri-urban areas. The current investigation is the first study to report the detection of APVs in field-caught mosquitoes. Moreover, a high frequency of APV DNA was observed in Culex spp. captured in domestic areas, where backyard poultry is present. This data demonstrates the importance of implementing control measures for Culex spp. to mitigate the transmission of APVs in backyard poultry in Rio de Janeiro.
Enhancing nanoparticle accumulation in two dimensional, three dimensional, and xenograft mouse cancer cell models in the presence of docetaxel
Authors: Bromma Kyle , Dos Santos Nancy , Barta Ingrid , Alexander Abraham , Beckham Wayne , Krishnan Sunil , Chithrani Devika B.
Published: August 2022

Recent clinical trials show docetaxel (DTX), given in conjunction with radiation therapy (RT) and androgen suppression, improves survival in high-risk prostate cancer. Addition of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to this current DTX/RT protocol is expected to further improve therapeutic benefits remarkably. However, the foundation for the triple combination of RT, DTX, and GNPs must be elucidated to ensure quicker facilitation to the clinic. In this study, we explored the use of low concentrations of DTX combined with GNPs in two prostate cancer cell lines in a two-dimensional monolayer, a three-dimensional spheroid, and a mouse xenograft model. When used together, DTX and GNPs induced a nearly identical relative increase in uptake of gold in both the spheroid model and the mouse xenograft, which saw a 130% and 126% increase respectively after 24 h, showcasing the benefit of using spheroids as an in vitro model to better optimize in vivo experiments. Further, the benefits of using low concentrations of DTX combined with GNPs extended for over 72 h, allowing for less frequency in dosing when translating to the clinic. Overall, these results highlight the benefits of using DTX combined with GNPs and lays the groundwork for the translation of the triple combination of RT, GNPs, and DTX to the clinic.
A multiomics disease progression signature of low-risk ccRCC
Authors: Strauss Philipp , Rivedal Mariell , Scherer Andreas , Eikrem Øystein , Nakken Sigrid , Beisland Christian , Bostad Leif , Flatberg Arnar , Skandalou Eleni , Beisvåg Vidar , Furriol Jessica , Marti Hans-Peter
Published: August 2022

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common renal cancer. Identification of ccRCC likely to progress, despite an apparent low risk at the time of surgery, represents a key clinical issue. From a cohort of adult ccRCC patients (n = 443), we selected low-risk tumors progressing within a 5-years average follow-up (progressors: P, n = 8) and non-progressing (NP) tumors (n = 16). Transcriptome sequencing, miRNA sequencing and proteomics were performed on tissues obtained at surgery. We identified 151 proteins, 1167 mRNAs and 63 miRNAs differentially expressed in P compared to NP low-risk tumors. Pathway analysis demonstrated overrepresentation of proteins related to “LXR/RXR and FXR/RXR Activation”, “Acute Phase Response Signaling” in NP compared to P samples. Integrating mRNA, miRNA and proteomic data, we developed a 10-component classifier including two proteins, three genes and five miRNAs, effectively differentiating P and NP ccRCC and capturing underlying biological differences, potentially useful to identify “low-risk” patients requiring closer surveillance and treatment adjustments. Key results were validated by immunohistochemistry, qPCR and data from publicly available databases. Our work suggests that LXR, FXR and macrophage activation pathways could be critically involved in the inhibition of the progression of low-risk ccRCC. Furthermore, a 10-component classifier could support an early identification of apparently low-risk ccRCC patients.
Allele-biased expression of the bovine APOB gene associated with the cholesterol deficiency defect suggests cis-regulatory enhancer effects of the LTR retrotransposon insertion
Authors: Becker Doreen , Weikard Rosemarie , Heimes Annika , Hadlich Frieder , Hammon Harald M. , Meyerholz Marie M. , Petzl Wolfram , Zerbe Holm , Schuberth Hans-Joachim , Hoedemaker Martina , Schmicke Marion , Engelmann Susanne , Kühn Christa
Published: August 2022

The insertion of an endogenous retroviral long terminal repeat (LTR) sequence into the bovine apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene is causal to the inherited genetic defect cholesterol deficiency (CD) observed in neonatal and young calves. Affected calves suffer from developmental abnormalities, symptoms of incurable diarrhoea and often die within weeks to a few months after birth. Neither the detailed effects of the LTR insertion on APOB expression profile nor the specific mode of inheritance nor detailed phenotypic consequences of the mutation are undisputed. In our study, we analysed German Holstein dairy heifers at the peak of hepatic metabolic load and exposed to an additional pathogen challenge for clinical, metabolic and hepatic transcriptome differences between wild type (CDF) and heterozygote carriers of the mutation (CDC). Our data revealed that a divergent allele-biased expression pattern of the APOB gene in heterozygous CDC animals leads to a tenfold higher expression of exons upstream and a decreased expression of exons downstream of the LTR insertion compared to expression levels of CDF animals. This expression pattern could be a result of enhancer activity induced by the LTR insertion, in addition to a previously reported artificial polyadenylation signal. Thus, our data support a regulatory potential of mobile element insertions. With regard to the phenotype generated by the LTR insertion, heterozygote CDC carriers display significantly differential hepatic expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and lipid metabolism. Phenotypically, CDC carriers show a significantly affected lipomobilization compared to wild type animals. These results reject a completely recessive mode of inheritance for the CD defect, which should be considered for selection decisions in the affected population. Exemplarily, our results illustrate the regulatory impact of mobile element insertions not only on specific host target gene expression but also on global transcriptome profiles with subsequent biological, functional and phenotypic consequences in a natural in-vivo model of a non-model mammalian organism.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolomic studies with a BIO 300 Oral Powder formulation in nonhuman primates
Authors: Li Yaoxiang , Girgis Michael , Jayatilake Meth , Serebrenik Artur A. , Cheema Amrita K. , Kaytor Michael D. , Singh Vijay K.
Published: August 2022

BIO 300, a pharmaceutical formulation of genistein, is being developed as a radiation countermeasure to treat hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) and the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE). Several studies have affirmed its safety and efficacy in alleviating the damaging effects of ionizing radiation. However, dose optimization of any drug has always been an important area of research because unnecessarily high drug doses may result in serious complications. In this study, we assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK) and metabolic profiles of two different doses of a novel solid-dosage formulation of BIO 300 (BIO 300 Oral Powder; 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), when administered orally to nonhuman primates (NHPs). While the Tmax values of both doses remained the same, the area under the curve at 48 h (AUC0-48) was tripled by doubling the dose. Additionally, we monitored serum samples for global metabolomic/lipidomic changes using high resolution mass spectrometry followed by functional pathway analysis prior to and at various time points up to 48 h post drug administration. Interestingly, the metabolomic profiles of sera from NHPs that received the lower dose demonstrated a transient perturbation in numerous metabolites between the 4 and 12 h time points. Eventually, the metabolite abundance reverted to near-normal by 48 h. These study results are consistent with our previous studies focused on the PK and metabolomic analysis for parenteral and oral aqueous nanosuspension formulations of BIO 300. This study affirms that administration of a single dose of up to 200 mg/kg of BIO 300 Oral Powder is safe in NHPs and conferred no metabolomic-mediated safety features.
Primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV): a cohort study
Authors: Agarwal Ayush , Sharma Jyoti , Srivastava M. V. Padma , Sharma M. C. , Bhatia Rohit , Dash Deepa , Goyal Vinay , Srivastava Achal K. , Tripathi Manjari , Suri Vaishali , Singh Mamta B. , Agarwal Sushant , Sarkar Chitra , Joseph Leve , Singh Manmohan , Suri Ashish , Singh Rajesh K. , Vibha Deepti , Pandit Awadh K. , Rajan Roopa , Gupta Anu , Elavarasi A. , Radhakrishnan Divya M. , Das Animesh , Gaikwad Shailesh , Tandon Vivek , Doddamani Ramesh , Upadhyay Ashish , Garg Ajay , Vishnu Venugopalan Y.
Published: August 2022

Primary CNS Vasculitis (PCNSV) is a rare inflammatory disorder affecting the blood vessels of the central nervous system. Patients present with a combination of headaches, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. There is usually a diagnostic delay. Treatment is based on observational studies and expert opinion. Our objective was to identify clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, pathologic or management-related associations with 2 year outcome in patients with primary CNS vasculitis. We conducted a cohort study at a single tertiary care referral centre of prospectively (2018-2019) and retrospectively (2010-2018) identified individuals with primary CNS vasculitis (diagnosis was proven by either brain biopsy or cerebral digital subtraction angiography). Clinical, imaging and histopathologic findings, treatment, and functional outcomes were recorded. Univariate and stepwise multiple logistic regression were applied. P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The main outcome measures were documentation of clinical improvement or worsening (defined by mRS scores) and identification of independent predictors of good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 2 years. We enrolled eighty-two biopsy and/or angiographically proven PCNSV cases. The median age at presentation was 34 years with a male predilection and a median diagnostic delay of 23 months. Most patients presented with seizures (70.7%). All patients had haemorrhages on MRI. Histologically lymphocytic subtype was the commonest. Corticosteroids with cyclophosphamide was the commonest medication used. The median mRS at follow-up of 2 years was 2 (0-3), and 65.2% of patients achieved a good functional outcome. Myelitis and longer duration of illness before diagnosis were associated with poorer outcomes. The presence of hemorrhages on SWI sequence of MRI might be a sensitive imaging marker. Treatment with steroids and another immunosuppressant probably reduced relapse rates in our cohort. We have described the third largest PCNSV cohort and multi-centre randomised controlled trials are required to study the relative efficacy of various immunosuppressants.

Study registration: CTRI/2018/03/012721.
A blue arsenomolybdic acid-crystal violet ion-associate pair paving the way for the field detection of arsenic in groundwater
Authors: Krishna M. V. Balarama , Thangavel S. , Sunitha Y. , Sanjiv Kumar
Published: August 2022

A simple visual colorimetric method based on arsenomolybdic acid-crystal violet ion-associate pair formation is described for the detection of As in groundwater at about 10, 25 and 50 μg L−1 levels.
Synthesis and application of new silver and sulfur decorated S-doped reduced graphene oxide in ultra-trace analysis of pesticides by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Rahmani Sedigheh , Aibaghi Behzad
Published: August 2022

In this research study, a novel, facile, and affordable method is presented for the synthesis of a Ag/S/S-RGO nanocomposite.
Advances in biomaterials for the treatment of retinoblastoma
Authors: Farhat Wissam , Yeung Vincent , Ross Amy , Kahale Francesca , Boychev Nikolay , Kuang Liangju , Chen Lin , Ciolino Joseph B.
Published: August 2022

An overview of the key developments in biomaterials as platforms for delivering chemotherapy for the management of retinoblastoma is provided in this review.
Recent advances in biological membrane-based nanomaterials for cancer therapy
Authors: Shen Mengling , Wu Xiaojie , Zhu Minqian , Yi Xuan
Published: August 2022

In this review, we summarize various biological membrane-based nanomaterials from their preparation to antitumor application, and discuss their specificity and advantages in cancer therapy.
General cluster sorption isotherm: surface area determination
Authors: Buttersack Christoph
Published: August 2022

The recently published General Cluster Sorption Isotherm is modified by separating forces lateral and vertical directed to the surface.
Iodide ions as invisible chemical scissors tailoring carbon nitride for highly efficient photocatalytic H2O2 evolution
Authors: Yu Dawei , Gong Weiran , Zhi Xinyu , Wu Yang , Gao Xin , Che Huinan , Ao Yanhui
Published: August 2022

The obtained TCN/NaI possesses Na+ and –OH co-modification, which shows the highest H2O2 generation rate. DFT calculations further reveal that the electron of β spin-orbital in TCN/NaI can transfer to the π* orbital of O2 more facile than BCN.
Deciphering the reaction mechanisms of photothermal hydrogen production using H/D kinetic isotope effect
Authors: El Hakim Sara , Chave Tony , Nikitenko Sergey I.
Published: August 2022

Large H/D isotope separation coefficient and its variation with temperature indicates a hole-mediated O–H bond cleavage as the limiting stage of photothermal hydrogen production.
Recent advances and perspectives in aqueous potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Xiong Ting , He Bing , Feng Shihao , Wang Xuanpeng , Wei Lei , Mai Liqiang
Published: August 2022

Aqueous potassium-ion batteries (AKIBs), utilizing fast diffusion kinetics of K+ and abundant electrode resources, are an emerging technology offering high power density and low cost.
Correction: Bridging capital discipline and energy scenarios
Authors: Uden Sam , Socolow Robert , Greig Chris
Published: August 2022

Correction for ‘Bridging capital discipline and energy scenarios’ by Sam Uden et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ee01244h.
Exogenous N-acyl-homoserine lactone-based quorum sensing regulation benefits Nitrosomonas europaea resistance to CeO2 nanoparticle acute stress
Authors: Gao Huan , Wu Junkang , Chang Yan , Ye Jinyu , Yang Guangping , Yu Ran
Published: August 2022

The N. europaea's resistance capacity against CeO2 NPs is comprehensively improved by C6-HSL mediated quorum sensing both internally (the genetic information expression promotion) and externally (the membrane barrier reinforcement).
Nanomaterials for enhancing photosynthesis: interaction with plant photosystems and scope of nanobionics in agriculture
Authors: Mony Chanchal , Kaur Pawan , Rookes James E. , Callahan Damien L. , Eswaran S. V. , Yang Wenrong , Manna Palash Kumar
Published: August 2022

The complex process of photosynthesis requires precise arrangements of light harvesting molecules in the photosynthetic system.
Escaping the symmetry trap in helical reconstruction
Authors: Gambelli Lavinia , Isupov Michail N. , Daum Bertram
Published: August 2022

In this study, we reflect on widely-used helical processing routines in cryoEM and suggest a new workflow capable of uncovering heterogeneities and complex symmetries that could otherwise be overlooked.
Suppressing crucial oncogenes of leukemia initiator cells by major royal jelly protein 2 for mediating apoptosis in myeloid and lymphoid leukemia cells
Authors: Abu-Serie Marwa M. , Habashy Noha H.
Published: August 2022

Apis mellifera major royal jelly protein 2 suppressed leukemia-initiating stem cell (LIC)-related oncogenes, MMP10 and HDAC8 activities, as well as CD34+ LICs in myeloid and lymphoid leukemia cells, resulting in their cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of chum salmon milt deoxyribonucleic acid for improvement of hepatic functions: a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, and parallel-group, pilot clinical trial
Authors: Takahashi Yoshinori , Konishi Tatsuya , Nishimura Mie , Nishihira Jun
Published: August 2022

This pilot clinical trial examined the effect of continuous administration of chum salmon milt deoxyribonucleic acid on NAFLD.
Selective iron-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of alcohols in water to carboxylic acids mediated by additives
Authors: Yu Han , Ren Jingjing , Xie Ya , Su Xiaofang , Wang Aiping , Yan Likai , Jiang Feng , Wei Yongge
Published: August 2022

The iron catalyst (POM-Fe) could combine with chloride ions to form a supramolecular aggregate FeMo6·Cl, which was used in the oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids under mild conditions and can tolerate 40 substrates with moderate to high yield.
Formate as a key intermediate in CO2 utilization
Authors: Schuler Eric , Morana Michele , Ermolich Pavel A. , Lüschen Kristian , Greer Adam J. , Taylor S. F. Rebecca , Hardacre Christopher , Shiju N. Raveendran , Gruter Gert-Jan M.
Published: August 2022

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) presents a great opportunity. CO2 can be electrocatalytically converted to formate. The subsequent formate to oxalate coupling reaction (FOCR), which has been studied for two centuries, is critically discussed.
Acoustofluidics 24: theory and experimental measurements of acoustic interaction force
Authors: Sepehrirahnama Shahrokh , Ray Mohapatra Abhishek , Oberst Sebastian , Chiang Yan Kei , Powell David A. , Lim Kian-Meng
Published: August 2022

This tutorial review covers theoretical and experimental aspects of acoustic interaction force, as one of the driving forces of acoustophoresis. The non-reciprocity, rotational coupling, viscosity effects, and particle agglomeration are discussed.
Ultrathin silicon nitride membrane with slit-shaped pores for high-performance separation of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Li Ang , He Xiaodong , Wu Jing , Zhang Juan , Xu Guoyong , Xu Bing , Zhao Gang , Shen Zuojun
Published: August 2022

An ultrathin (200 nm) silicon nitride filtering membrane with slit-shaped pores for high-performance capture of CTCs.
Theoretical insights into the central “acceptor” bridge function on the whole visible light and near-infrared emission in tetraphenylpyrazine-based luminogens
Authors: Gong Guangshuai , Dong Xiaoxu , Ran Xin , Mu Jinglin , Zhang Tian , Wang Zhiming
Published: August 2022

The whole visible light and near-infrared emission can be realizedviamodification of the central bridges in TPP-based luminogens.
1H NMR global diatropicity in copper hydride complexes
Authors: López-Estrada Omar , Torres-Moreno Jorge L. , Zuniga-Gutierrez Bernardo , Calaminici Patrizia , Malola Sami , Köster Andreas M. , Häkkinen Hannu
Published: August 2022

Understanding the magnetic response of electrons in nanoclusters is essential to interpret their NMR spectra thereby providing guidelines for their synthesis towards various target applications.
Light-driven Au–ZnO nanorod motors for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Liu Meihuan , Jiang Jiamiao , Tan Haixin , Chen Bin , Ou Juanfeng , Wang Hong , Sun Jia , Liu Lu , Wang Fei , Gao Junbin , Liu Chang , Peng Fei , Liu Yun , Tu Yingfeng
Published: August 2022

Au–ZnO nanorod motors have been prepared, and their light-driven motion capability and Au-enhanced charge separation improve the degradation of TC.
Designing two-dimensional temperature profiles using tunable thermoplasmonics
Authors: Kharintsev Sergey S. , Kharitonov Anton V. , Chernykh Elena A. , Alekseev Alexander M. , Filippov Nikolai A. , Kazarian Sergei G.
Published: August 2022

A 2D array of TiN : Si voxels, consisting of stacked TiN and Si cylinders, with controllable temperature increase range through varying the height of Si pillars.
Hydroboration of isocyanates: cobalt-catalyzedvs.catalyst-free approaches
Authors: Gudun Kristina A. , Tussupbayev Samat , Slamova Ainur , Khalimon Andrey Y.
Published: August 2022

Selective hydroboration of isocyanates to formamides was demonstrated using a bench-stable and commercially available cobalt pre-catalyst. The deoxygenation of isocyanates toN-methylamines was performed under catalyst-free and solvent-free conditions.
Enantioselective determination of chiral acids and amino acids by chiral receptors with aggregation-induced emissions
Authors: Chen Mingyu , Qi Chunxuan , Yin Yu-Ting , Lv Panpan , Xiang Song , Tian Jingjing , Feng Zhao Jing , Feng Hai-Tao , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2022

The chiral AIEgens showed satisfying enantiomer discrimination not only for amino acids but also for chiral acids.
Co-pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of low metamorphic coal and pine sawdust
Authors: Zhang Pei , Chen Zhaoyang , Zhang Qiuli , Zhang Shuo , Ning Xiaogang , Zhou Jun
Published: August 2022

The research on the product distribution of the co-pyrolysis of coal and biomass and the use of the Coats–Redfern integral method and the Achar differential method to study the kinetic parameters and mechanism of the pyrolysis process.
Preparation of rigid polyurethane foam from lignopolyol obtained through mild oxypropylation
Authors: Wu Miao , Peng Jian-Jun , Dong You-Ming , Pang Jin-Hui , Zhang Xue-Ming
Published: August 2022

Lignin-based polyurethane foam with excellent performance could be produced with the lignopolyol prepared by mild and efficient oxypropylation.
The mechanism of Fe induced bond stability of uranyl(v)
Authors: Vitova Tonya , Faizova Radmila , Amaro-Estrada Jorge I. , Maron Laurent , Pruessmann Tim , Neill Thomas , Beck Aaron , Schacherl Bianca , Tirani Farzaneh Fadaei , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: August 2022

The role of Fe in the increased stability of uranyl(v) is clarified by using state of the art uranium metalorganic chemistry, advanced X-ray spectroscopic approaches and computations.
Understanding enhanced rotational dynamics of active probes in rod suspensions
Authors: Narinder N. , Bos M. F. , Abaurrea-Velasco C. , de Graaf J. , Bechinger C.
Published: August 2022

Experiment and simulation reveal how short-time dynamical modes in a dense 2D suspension of colloidal rods lead to enhanced rotational diffusion of an embedded self-propelled probe: activity couples the probe's rotation to fluctuations in rod rafts.
Polymeric membranes through self-initiation and self-polymerization for high-performance bioethanol pervaporation
Authors: Si Zhihao , Liu Chang , Xue Tanlong , Yang Shuai , Cui Yuhui , Wang Yaqi , Cai Di , Qin Peiyong
Published: August 2022

Prepolymer 1173IPS-MAPDMS shows a stable and homogeneous distribution of PI with an ultrahigh loading. This self-initiated/self-polymerized membrane has an excellent ethanol pervaporation performance and a high scale-up feasibility.
Glycine assists in efficient synthesis of herbal carbon dots with enhanced yield and performance
Authors: Cen Qingyuan , Fu Fangmei , Xu Hong , Luo Lianxiang , Huang Fanfan , Xiang Jing , Li Wei , Pan Xiaoqin , Zhang Haoran , Zheng Mingtao , Zheng Yinjian , Li Qingming , Lei Bingfu
Published: August 2022

As a special type of biomass, herbal medicine often contains a variety of biologically active substances, and taking it as carbon source, it is expected to produce various types of biologically functional carbon dots (CDs). In addition, glycine is helpful to the efficient synthesis of herbal CDs.
Semiconducting polymer dots as fluorescent probes forin vitrobiosensing
Authors: Bai Xinnan , Wang Ke , Chen Lei , Zhou Jianhua , Wang Jiasi
Published: August 2022

Semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) are novel fluorescent probes with relatively high brightness, fast emission rate, and excellent photostability. This review systematically summarizes their applications for in vitro biosensing.
Structure modulation for bandgap engineered vacancy-ordered Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite structures through copper alloying
Authors: Elattar Amr , Kobera Libor , Kangsabanik Jiban , Suzuki Hiroo , Abbrent Sabina , Nishikawa Takeshi , Thygesen Kristian S. , Brus Jiri , Hayashi Yasuhiko
Published: August 2022

Light absorption enhancement was achieved through structure modulation of the Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite crystal via Cu-alloying. The Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite retains its matrix structure with homogeneously distributed Cs2CuBr4 large domains.
Largely enhanced energy density of BOPP–OBT@CPP–BOPP sandwich-structured dielectric composites
Authors: Gong Yi , Chen Dong , Duan Junjin , Zhang Xianhong , Ma Yuhong , Zhao Changwen , Yang Wantai
Published: August 2022

An ultrahigh energy density (7.17 J cm−3) for the sandwich-structured BOPP composite film was obtained by a facile and scalable method, and the charge–discharge efficiency remained at 81%.
Continuous production of stable chiral perovskite nanocrystals in electrospinning nanofibers to exhibit circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Liang Zhi-Bin , Chen Xu , Liao Xiang-Ji , Li Jing-Jing , Yang Yue , Wang Cai-Feng , Zheng You-Xuan , Chen Su
Published: August 2022

Fiber-spinning chemistry directs thein situsynthesis of stable chiral perovskite nanocrystals in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers in one step, to exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield of 88% and robust circularly polarized luminescence.
Room-temperature spin valve effect in the TiCr2N4 monolayer
Authors: Ye Haoshen , Liu Lisha , Bai Dongmei , Zhang G. P. , Zhang Junting , Wang Jianli
Published: August 2022

We propose a novel intrinsic room-temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor, the TiCr2N4 monolayer, which is an ideal candidate for spin valve devices.
Realization of switching between TADF and HLCT emissions through modulation of the intramolecular charge transfer character
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Zhang Mingfan , Li Tingyu , Guo Dongxue , Tian Tian , Zhang Houyu
Published: August 2022

Switching between HLCT and TADF emissions can be readily realized by choosing suitable acceptors and changing the donors in D–A type molecules.