bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming immune checkpoint blockade resistance in solid tumors with intermittent ITK inhibition
Authors: Zhao Manzhi , Li Ling , Kiernan Caoimhe H. , Castro Eiro Melisa D. , Dammeijer Floris , van Meurs Marjan , Brouwers-Haspels Inge , Wilmsen Merel E. P. , Grashof Dwin G. B. , van de Werken Harmen J. G. , Hendriks Rudi W. , Aerts Joachim G. , Mueller Yvonne M. , Katsikis Peter D.
Published: September 2023

Cytotoxic CD8 + T cell (CTL) exhaustion is driven by chronic antigen stimulation. Reversing CTL exhaustion with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has provided clinical benefits in different types of cancer. We, therefore, investigated whether modulating chronic antigen stimulation and T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling with an IL2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) inhibitor, could confer ICB responsiveness to ICB resistant solid tumors. In vivo intermittent treatment of 3 ICB-resistant solid tumor (melanoma, mesothelioma or pancreatic cancer) with ITK inhibitor significantly improved ICB therapy. ITK inhibition directly reinvigorate exhausted CTL in vitro as it enhanced cytokine production, decreased inhibitory receptor expression, and downregulated the transcription factor TOX. Our study demonstrates that intermittent ITK inhibition can be used to directly ameliorate CTL exhaustion and enhance immunotherapies even in solid tumors that are ICB resistant.
Defining and identifying cell sub-crosstalk pairs for characterizing cell–cell communication patterns
Authors: Zhang Chenxing , Hu Yuxuan , Gao Lin
Published: September 2023

Current cell–cell communication analysis focuses on quantifying intercellular interactions at cell type level. In the tissue microenvironment, one type of cells could be divided into multiple cell subgroups that function differently and communicate with other cell types or subgroups via different ligand–receptor-mediated signaling pathways. Given two cell types, we define a cell sub-crosstalk pair (CSCP) as a combination of two cell subgroups with strong and similar intercellular crosstalk signals and identify CSCPs based on coupled non-negative matrix factorization. Using single-cell spatial transcriptomics data of mouse olfactory bulb and visual cortex, we find that cells of different types within CSCPs are significantly spatially closer with each other than those in the whole single-cell spatial map. To demonstrate the utility of CSCPs, we apply 13 cell–cell communication analysis methods to sampled single-cell transcriptomics datasets at CSCP level and reveal ligand–receptor interactions masked at cell type level. Furthermore, by analyzing single-cell transcriptomics data from 29 breast cancer patients with different immunotherapy responses, we find that CSCPs are useful predictive features to discriminate patients responding to anti-PD-1 therapy from non-responders. Taken together, partitioning a cell type pair into CSCPs enables fine-grained characterization of cell–cell communication in tissue and tumor microenvironments.
Effect of extracellular vesicles derived from induced pluripotent stem cells on mesangial cells underwent a model of fibrosis in vitro
Authors: dos Santos Bronel Bruno Aristides , Maquigussa Edgar , Boim Mirian Aparecida , da Silva Novaes Antônio
Published: September 2023

The fibrogenic process plays a significant pathophysiological role in the progression of chronic kidney disease. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is one strategy to delay disease progression but does not reverse established fibrosis. In this context, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been considered an alternative due to their regenerative potential. iPSCs exert their effects through paracrine signaling, which releases specific biomolecules into the extracellular environment, either directly or within extracellular vesicle (EVs), that can reach target cells. This study aims to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of iPSC-derived EVs (EV-iPSCs) in an in vitro model of fibrosis using mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) stimulated with TGF-β. EV-iPSCs were obtained by differentially ultracentrifuging iPSCs culture medium. MMCs were stimulated with 5 ng/mL of TGF-β and simultaneously treated with or without EV-iPSCs for 24 h. Markers of inflammation, fibrosis, and RAS components were assessed using RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Under TGF-β stimulus, MMCs exhibited increased expression of inflammation markers, RAS components, and fibrosis. However, these changes were mitigated in the presence of EV-iPSCs. EV-iPSCs effectively reduced inflammation, RAS activation, and fibrogenesis in this fibrosis model involving mesangial cells, suggesting their potential as a strategy to reduce glomerular sclerosis.
Survival prediction and prognostic factors in colorectal cancer after curative surgery: insights from cox regression and neural networks
Authors: Alinia Shayeste , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Mahmoudi Leila , Norouzi Solmaz , Safari Maliheh , Roshanaei Ghodratollah
Published: September 2023

Medical research frequently relies on Cox regression to analyze the survival distribution of cancer patients. Nonetheless, in specific scenarios, neural networks hold the potential to serve as a robust alternative. In this study, we aim to scrutinize the effectiveness of Cox regression and neural network models in assessing the survival outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for colorectal cancer. We conducted a retrospective study on 284 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery at Imam Khomeini clinic in Hamadan between 2001 and 2017. The data was used to train both Cox regression and neural network models, and their predictive accuracy was compared using diagnostic measures such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, accuracy, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The analyses were performed using STATA 17 and R4.0.4 software. The study revealed that the best neural network model had a sensitivity of 74.5% (95% CI 61.0–85.0), specificity of 83.3% (65.3–94.4), positive predictive value of 89.1% (76.4–96.4), negative predictive value of 64.1% (47.2–78.8), AUC of 0.79 (0.70–0.88), and accuracy of 0.776 for death prediction. For recurrence, the best neural network model had a sensitivity of 88.1% (74.4–96.0%), specificity of 83.7% (69.3–93.2%), positive predictive value of 84.1% (69.9–93.4%), negative predictive value of 87.8% (73.8–95.9%), AUC of 0.86 (0.78–0.93), and accuracy of 0.859. The Cox model had comparable results, with a sensitivity of 73.6% (64.8–81.2) and 85.5% (78.3–91.0), specificity of 89.6% (83.8–93.8) and 98.0% (94.4–99.6), positive predictive value of 84.0% (75.6–90.4) and 97.4% (92.6–99.5), negative predictive value of 82.0% (75.6–90.4) and 88.8% (0.83–93.1), AUC of 0.82 (0.77–0.86) and 0.92 (0.89–0.95), and accuracy of 0.88 and 0.92 for death and recurrence prediction, respectively. In conclusion, the study found that both Cox regression and neural network models are effective in predicting early recurrence and death in patients with colorectal cancer after curative surgery. The neural network model showed slightly better sensitivity and negative predictive value for death, while the Cox model had better specificity and positive predictive value for recurrence. Overall, both models demonstrated high accuracy and AUC, indicating their usefulness in predicting these outcomes.
Effect of alloying Li on lithium-ion batteries applicability of two-dimensional TiN and TiC as novel electrode materials: a first principle study
Authors: Shirvani Fatemeh , Jafari Mohammad Reza , Shokri Aliasghar
Published: September 2023

The two-dimensional structures of transition metal nitride and carbide, TiN, and TiC have been alloyed with lithium (Li) in replacement of Ti, and their Li-ion applicability has been investigated using density functional theory and general gradient approximation. The alloy composition of $$x=0.125$$

x
=
0.125

, 0.25, 0.375, and 0.5 have been considered and the stability of the alloys has been proved by cohesive energy and phonon density of states results. Moreover, the bond lengths between atoms as structural properties have been studied for these alloy structures. The largest peak of quantum capacitance and the largest negative value of surface storage charge are for alloy composition of TiC with $$x=0.125$$

x
=
0.125

with the values of 909.79 $$\upmu $$
μ
F/cm$$^{2}$$

2

and $$-\,1819.58\,\upmu $$

-

1819.58

μ

C/cm$$^{2}$$

2

, respectively. Moreover, the results of the quantum capacitance and surface storage charge as a function of voltage for all Li alloy compounds are in the range of excellent supercapacitors and could have good potential to use as an electrode in the capacitor of Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, the electronic density of states of this group of alloys represents metallic behavior and therefore electrode material. In addition, the diffusion coefficient at temperatures of 77 and 300 K has been calculated using molecular dynamic calculations, and its lowest and largest values are $$8\times 10^{-8}$$

8
×

10

-
8

 cm$$^2$$

2

/s (at 77 K) and $$5.6\times 10^{-7}$$

5.6
×

10

-
7

 cm$$^2$$

2

/s (at 300), respectively. Plus, the largest value of electrical conductivity per relaxation time at 300 K belongs to Li$$_{0.25}$$

0.25

Ti$$_{0.75}$$

0.75

C with a value of $$9.8\times 10^{19}$$

9.8
×

10
19

/($$\Omega $$
Ω
 m s).
M6A regulator methylation patterns and characteristics of immunity in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Jingqi , Shangguan Qing , Xie Guobo , Yang Ming , Sheng Guotai
Published: September 2023

M6A methylation is the most prevalent and abundant RNA modification in mammals. Although there are many studies on the regulatory role of m6A methylation in the immune response, the m6A regulators in the pathogenesis of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain unclear. We comprehensively analysed the role of m6A regulators in STEMI and built a predictive model, revealing the relationship between m6A methylations and the immune microenvironment. Differential analysis revealed that 18 of 24 m6A regulators were significantly differentially expressed, and there were substantial interactions between the m6A regulator. Then, we established a classifier and nomogram model based on 6 m6A regulators, which can easily distinguish the STEMI and control samples. Finally, two distinct m6A subtypes were obtained and significantly differentially expressed in terms of infiltrating immunocyte abundance, immune reaction activity and human leukocyte antigen genes. Three hub m6A phenotype related genes (RAC2, RELA, and WAS) in the midnightblue module were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis, and were associated with immunity. These findings suggest that m6A modification and the immune microenvironment play a key role in the pathogenesis of STEMI.
Development of artificial intelligence prognostic model for surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kinoshita Fumihiko , Takenaka Tomoyoshi , Yamashita Takanori , Matsumoto Koutarou , Oku Yuka , Ono Yuki , Wakasu Sho , Haratake Naoki , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Nakashima Naoki , Mori Masaki
Published: September 2023

There are great expectations for artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. We aimed to develop an AI prognostic model for surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study enrolled 1049 patients with pathological stage I–IIIA surgically resected NSCLC at Kyushu University. We set 17 clinicopathological factors and 30 preoperative and 22 postoperative blood test results as explanatory variables. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were set as objective variables. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) was used as the machine learning algorithm. The median age was 69 (23–89) years, and 605 patients (57.7%) were male. The numbers of patients with pathological stage IA, IB, IIA, IIB, and IIIA were 553 (52.7%), 223 (21.4%), 100 (9.5%), 55 (5.3%), and 118 (11.2%), respectively. The 5-year DFS, OS, and CSS rates were 71.0%, 82.8%, and 88.7%, respectively. Our AI prognostic model showed that the areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves of DFS, OS, and CSS at 5 years were 0.890, 0.926, and 0.960, respectively. The AI prognostic model using XGBoost showed good prediction accuracy and provided accurate predictive probability of postoperative prognosis of NSCLC.
A novel monoclonal antibody against 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x glycans attenuates murine allergic rhinitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses
Authors: Liu Wei , Xiong Wei , Liu Wenxin , Hirakawa Jotaro , Kawashima Hiroto
Published: September 2023

Lymphocyte homing is mediated by the interaction between L-selectin on lymphocytes and its glycoprotein ligands modified with 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x (6-sulfo sLex) glycans on high endothelial venules (HEVs) in peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs). However, the lack of specific antibodies reactive with both human and mouse 6-sulfo sLex has limited our understanding of its function in vivo. Here, we generated a novel monoclonal antibody, termed SF1, that specifically reacts with 6-sulfo sLex expressed on HEVs in both species in a manner dependent on sulfate, fucose, and sialic acid modifications. Glycan array and biolayer interferometry analyses indicated that SF1 specifically bound to 6-sulfo sLex with a dissociation constant of 6.09 × 10–9 M. SF1 specifically bound to four glycoproteins from PLNs corresponding to the molecular sizes of L-selectin ligand glycoproteins. Consistently, SF1 inhibited L-selectin-dependent lymphocyte rolling on 6-sulfo sLex-expressing cells ex vivo and lymphocyte homing to PLNs and nasal-associated lymphoid tissues in vivo. Furthermore, SF1 significantly attenuated ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mice in association with significant suppression of Th2 immune responses. Collectively, these results suggest that SF1 can be useful for the functional analysis of 6-sulfo sLex and may potentially serve as a novel therapeutic agent against immune-related diseases.
The relationship between hyperglycaemia on admission and patient outcome is modified by hyperlactatemia and diabetic status: a retrospective analysis of the eICU collaborative research database
Authors: Fitzgerald Oisin , Perez-Concha Oscar , Gallego-Luxan Blanca , Rudd Lachlan , Jorm Louisa
Published: September 2023

Both blood glucose and lactate are well-known predictors of organ dysfunction and mortality in critically ill patients. Previous research has shown that concurrent adjustment for glucose and lactate modifies the relationship between these variables and patient outcomes, including blunting of the association between blood glucose and patient outcome. We aim to investigate the relationship between ICU admission blood glucose and hospital mortality while accounting for lactate and diabetic status. Across 43,250 ICU admissions, weighted to account for missing data, we assessed the predictive ability of several logistic regression and generalised additive models that included blood glucose, blood lactate and diabetic status. We found that inclusion of blood glucose marginally improved predictive performance in all patients: AUC-ROC 0.665 versus 0.659 (p = 0.005), with a greater degree of improvement seen in non-diabetics: AUC-ROC 0.675 versus 0.663 (p < 0.001). Inspection of the estimated risk profiles revealed the standard U-shaped risk profile for blood glucose was only present in non-diabetic patients after controlling for blood lactate levels. Future research should aim to utilise observational data to estimate whether interventions such as insulin further modify this effect, with the goal of informing future RCTs of interventions targeting glycaemic control in the ICU.
Synthesis of pyridone derivatives using 2D rod like bifunctional Fe based MOF and CuO nanocomposites as a novel heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Hoot Negar , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Ahmadi Sayed Ali , Ghazizadeh Mahdieh , Malekshahi Moslem , Yahyazadehfar Mahdieh
Published: September 2023

In this study, a new and efficient Rod-like bifunctional Fe-based MOF@CuO nanocomposites (RL BF Fe-based MOF@CuO NC) were synthesized as new and efficient heterogeneous catalyst through a simple method from easily available 1,3,5-benzenetricarbocylic acid linker, nitrate ferric as a source of iron and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles under microwave irradiation. The synthesized nanocatalysts were characterized with different techniques such as Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The RL BF Fe-based MOF@CuO NC had relatively high specific surface area (203 m2 g−1) while exhibiting superparamagnetic properties. The catalytic activity of RL BF Fe-based MOF@CuO NC was explored in a facile and green methodology to prepare diverse N‑amino-2-pyridones by one-pot four component reactions comprising aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, methyl cyanoacetate and hydrazine hydrate within mild and solvent-free conditions. This protocol enjoys features like providing the final products during low reaction times in excellent yields under solvent-free conditions. The use of easily available and inexpensive reactants for the synthesis of the catalyst, environmental compatibility, low catalyst loading, fast and clean work-up and reusability of catalyst for several cycles with consistent activity are counted as the outstanding features of this procedure.
The COVID-19 pandemic did not negatively impact frequency or continuity of outpatient care in Alberta, Canada
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Hsu Zoe , Dong Yuan , Youngson Erik
Published: September 2023

Outpatient care patterns have changed markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this population-based retrospective cohort study, we compared the frequency of outpatient care (whether in-person or virtual) and continuity of care for all community-dwelling adults in Alberta between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020 (pre-pandemic) versus March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 (pandemic). We calculated provider continuity using Breslau’s Usual Provider Continuity (UPC) for patients with at least 2 outpatient encounters. In 2019–20, 594,350 (98.4%) of 603,877 community-dwelling adults with ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) had $$\ge$$
≥
1 outpatient visit (median 8 visits, mean UPC score 0.61, SD 0.23), compared to 566,569 (98.6%) of 574,613 (median 8 visits, mean UPC score 0.67, SD 0.23) during the first year of the pandemic. Similar patterns were seen for adults without ACSC: 2,207,710 (93.9%) of 2,350,147 had $$\ge$$
≥
1 outpatient visit (median 3 visits, mean UPC score 0.61, SD 0.24) pre-pandemic compared to 2,113,239 (93.5%, median 4 visits, mean UPC 0.67, SD 0.24) in the first year of the pandemic. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact frequency of follow-up while continuity of care improved both for patients with or without ACSC in Alberta, Canada.
Cancer/testis antigen CAGE mediates osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells and predicts poor prognosis in patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yeon Minjeong , Lee Hankyu , Yeo Jeongseon , Jeong Myeong Seon , Jung Hyun Suk , Lee Hyerim , Shim Kyeonghee , Jo Hyein , Jeon Doyong , Koh Jaemoon , Jeoung Dooil
Published: September 2023

CAGE, a cancer/testis antigen, was originally isolated from the sera of patients with gastric cancers. Previously, we have shown the role of CAGE in resistance to chemotherapy and target therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CAGE in osimertinib resistance and determine the prognostic value of CAGE in patients with pulmonary adenocarcinomas. The clinicopathological correlation with CAGE and autophagy flux in patients was examined using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The possible role of autophagy in osimertinib resistance was analyzed using immune blot, immune fluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry. This study found that immunohistochemical staining (IHC) showed CAGE expression in more than 50% of patients with pulmonary adenocarcinomas (pADCs). CAGE expression was increased in pADCs after the acquisition of EGFR-TKIs resistance. High expression of CAGE was correlated with shorter overall survival and progression free survival in patients with pADCs. Thus, CAGE mediates osimertinib resistance and predicts poor prognosis in patients with pADCs. Osimertinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells (PC-9/OSI) were established and mechanistic studies of CAGE-mediated osimertinib resistance were performed. PC-9/OSI cells showed increased autophagic flux and CAGE expression compared with parental sensitive PC-9 cells. PC-9/OSI cells showed higher tumorigenic, metastatic, and angiogenic potential compared with parental PC-9 cells. CAGE CRISPR-Cas9 cell lines showed decreased autophagic flux, invasion, migration potential, and tumorigenic potential compared with PC-9/OSI cells in vitro and in vivo. CAGE plays a crucial role in the cancer progression by modulating autophagy and can predict the poor prognosis of patients with pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Our findings propose CAGE as a potential therapeutic target for developing anticancer drugs that can overcome osimertinib resistance.
Optical signatures of Förster-induced energy transfer in organic/TMD heterostructures
Authors: Thompson Joshua J. P. , Gerhard Marina , Witte Gregor , Malic Ermin
Published: September 2023

Hybrid van der Waals heterostructures of organic semiconductors and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising candidates for various optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells and biosensors. Energy-transfer processes in these materials are crucial for the efficiency of such devices, yet they are poorly understood. In this work, we develop a fully microscopic theory describing the effect of the Förster interaction on exciton dynamics and optics in a WSe2/tetracene heterostack. We demonstrate that the differential absorption and time-resolved photoluminescence can be used to track the real-time evolution of excitons. We predict a strongly unidirectional energy transfer from the organic to the TMD layer. Furthermore, we explore the role temperature has in activating the Förster transfer and find a good agreement to previous experiments. Our results provide a blueprint to tune the light-harvesting efficiency through temperature, molecular orientation and interlayer separation in TMD/organic heterostructures.
BRAFV600E-mutated serrated colorectal neoplasia drives transcriptional activation of cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Rzasa Paulina , Whelan Sarah , Farahmand Pooyeh , Cai Hong , Guterman Inna , Palacios-Gallego Raquel , Undru Shanthi S. , Sandford Lauren , Green Caleb , Andreadi Catherine , Mintseva Maria , Parrott Emma , Jin Hong , Hey Fiona , Giblett Susan , Sylvius Nicolas B. , Allcock Natalie S. , Straatman-Iwanowska Anna , Feuda Roberto , Tufarelli Cristina , Brown Karen , Pritchard Catrin , Rufini Alessandro
Published: September 2023

BRAF mutations occur early in serrated colorectal cancers, but their long-term influence on tissue homeostasis is poorly characterized. We investigated the impact of short-term (3 days) and long-term (6 months) expression of BrafV600E in the intestinal tissue of an inducible mouse model. We show that BrafV600E perturbs the homeostasis of intestinal epithelial cells, with impaired differentiation of enterocytes emerging after prolonged expression of the oncogene. Moreover, BrafV600E leads to a persistent transcriptional reprogramming with enrichment of numerous gene signatures indicative of proliferation and tumorigenesis, and signatures suggestive of metabolic rewiring. We focused on the top-ranking cholesterol biosynthesis signature and confirmed its increased expression in human serrated lesions. Functionally, the cholesterol lowering drug atorvastatin prevents the establishment of intestinal crypt hyperplasia in BrafV600E-mutant mice. Overall, our work unveils the long-term impact of BrafV600E expression in intestinal tissue and suggests that colorectal cancers with mutations in BRAF might be prevented by statins.
The localization of centromere protein A is conserved among tissues
Authors: Cappelletti Eleonora , Piras Francesca M. , Sola Lorenzo , Santagostino Marco , Petersen Jessica L. , Bellone Rebecca R. , Finno Carrie J. , Peng Sichong , Kalbfleisch Ted S. , Bailey Ernest , Nergadze Solomon G. , Giulotto Elena
Published: September 2023

Centromeres are epigenetically specified by the histone H3 variant CENP-A. Although mammalian centromeres are typically associated with satellite DNA, we previously demonstrated that the centromere of horse chromosome 11 (ECA11) is completely devoid of satellite DNA. We also showed that the localization of its CENP-A binding domain is not fixed but slides within an about 500 kb region in different individuals, giving rise to positional alleles. These epialleles are inherited as Mendelian traits but their position can move in one generation. It is still unknown whether centromere sliding occurs during meiosis or during development. Here, we first improve the sequence of the ECA11 centromeric region in the EquCab3.0 assembly. Then, to test whether centromere sliding may occur during development, we map the CENP-A binding domains of ECA11 using ChIP-seq in five tissues of different embryonic origin from the four horses of the equine FAANG (Functional Annotation of ANimal Genomes) consortium. Our results demonstrate that the centromere is localized in the same region in all tissues, suggesting that the position of the centromeric domain is maintained during development.
Identification of enzymatic functions of osmo-regulated periplasmic glucan biosynthesis proteins from Escherichia coli reveals a novel glycoside hydrolase family
Authors: Motouchi Sei , Kobayashi Kaito , Nakai Hiroyuki , Nakajima Masahiro
Published: September 2023

Most Gram-negative bacteria synthesize osmo-regulated periplasmic glucans (OPG) in the periplasm or extracellular space. Pathogenicity of many pathogens is lost by knocking out opgG, an OPG-related gene indispensable for OPG synthesis. However, the biochemical functions of OpgG and OpgD, a paralog of OpgG, have not been elucidated. In this study, structural and functional analyses of OpgG and OpgD from Escherichia coli revealed that these proteins are β-1,2-glucanases with remarkably different activity from each other, establishing a new glycoside hydrolase family, GH186. Furthermore, a reaction mechanism with an unprecedentedly long proton transfer pathway among glycoside hydrolase families is proposed for OpgD. The conformation of the region that forms the reaction pathway differs noticeably between OpgG and OpgD, which explains the observed low activity of OpgG. The findings enhance our understanding of OPG biosynthesis and provide insights into functional diversity for this novel enzyme family.
Tight finite-key analysis for mode-pairing quantum key distribution
Authors: Wang Ze-Hao , Wang Rong , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Wang Shuang , Lu Feng-Yu , Chen Wei , He De-Yong , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu
Published: September 2023

Mode-pairing quantum key distribution (MP-QKD) is a potential protocol that is not only immune to all possible detector side channel attacks, but also breaks the repeaterless rate-transmittance bound without needing global phase locking. Here we analyze the finite-key effect for the MP-QKD protocol with rigorous security proof against general attacks. Moreover, we propose a six-state MP-QKD protocol and analyze its finite-key effect. The results show that the original protocol can break the repeaterless rate-transmittance bound with a typical finite number of pulses in practice. And our six-state protocol can improve the secret key rate significantly in long distance cases.
Upregulation of WDR6 drives hepatic de novo lipogenesis in insulin resistance in mice
Authors: Yao Zhenyu , Gong Ying , Chen Wenbin , Shao Shanshan , Song Yongfeng , Guo Honglin , Li Qihang , Liu Sijin , Wang Ximing , Zhang Zhenhai , Wang Qian , Xu Yunyun , Wu Yingjie , Wan Qiang , Zhao Xinya , Xuan Qiuhui , Wang Dawei , Lin Xiaoyan , Xu Jiawen , Liu Jun , Proud Christopher G. , Wang Xuemin , Yang Rui , Fu Lili , Niu Shaona , Kong Junjie , Gao Ling , Bo Tao , Zhao Jiajun
Published: September 2023

Under normal conditions, insulin promotes hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL). However, during insulin resistance (IR), when insulin signalling is blunted and accompanied by hyperinsulinaemia, the promotion of hepatic DNL continues unabated and hepatic steatosis increases. Here, we show that WD40 repeat-containing protein 6 (WDR6) promotes hepatic DNL during IR. Mechanistically, WDR6 interacts with the beta-type catalytic subunit of serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 1 (PPP1CB) to facilitate PPP1CB dephosphorylation at Thr316, which subsequently enhances fatty acid synthases transcription through DNA-dependent protein kinase and upstream stimulatory factor 1. Using molecular dynamics simulation analysis, we find a small natural compound, XLIX, that inhibits the interaction of WDR6 with PPP1CB, thus reducing DNL in IR states. Together, these results reveal WDR6 as a promising target for the treatment of hepatic steatosis.
Nearby fault interaction within the double-vergence suture in eastern Taiwan during the 2022 Chihshang earthquake sequence
Authors: Tang Chi-Hsien , Lin Yunung Nina , Tung Hsin , Wang Yu , Lee Shiann-Jong , Hsu Ya-Ju , Shyu J. Bruce H. , Kuo Yu-Ting , Chen Horng-Yue
Published: September 2023

Nearby faults interact through stress changes induced by fault slip and viscoelastic flow. The process is, however, often elusive and can be geometry-dependent and time-variant. Here, we combine geodetic and field observations to characterize the interaction of two head-to-head, conjugate faults in eastern Taiwan during the 2022 Chihshang earthquake sequence. We map the coseismic slip on the Central Range fault and dynamically-triggered shallow slip on the Longitudinal Valley fault, which has been creeping interseismically. Overlapping of seismic and aseismic slip suggests that the Longitudinal Valley fault is capable of hosting a variety of distinct slip behaviors. Moreover, substantial slip on the Central Range fault suppresses Coulomb stress on the Longitudinal Valley fault, and vice versa, resulting in seismic bursts in an out-of-phase pattern on the two faults as seen in the hundred-year historical records. Such fault interaction implies the need for time-dependent seismic hazard reassessment for the complex fault system.
Age estimation of bloodstains based on convolutional neural network algorithm and hyperspectral imaging technology
Authors: Qifu Yang , Xinyu Zhang , Yueying Qi , Jiayi Xie , Jianqiang Zhang , Ying Liang , Jiaquan Wu , Kun Ma
Published: September 2023

The most common trace of evidence at a crime scene is blood.
Microbial degradation mechanism of historical silk revealed by proteomics and metabolomics
Authors: Pan Lindan , Ding Chuanmiao , Deng Yefeng , Chen Hao , Yang Hailiang , Wang Biyang , Zhou Yang , Wang Bing
Published: September 2023

Archaeological silk undergoes destructive and irreversible changes during the natural process of decay.
Smartphone digital image colorimetry for quantification of serum proteins
Authors: Markus Victor , Dalmizrak Ozlem , Edebal Oğuz Han , Al-Nidawi Mais , Caleb Jude
Published: September 2023

Colorimetric determination of proteins in serum is proposed based on the biuret method and replacing ultraviolet-visible spectrometric (UV-Vis) detection with a simple and affordable smartphone digital image colorimetric (SDIC) method.
Delivery of siRNA using cationic rosette nanotubes for gene silencing
Authors: Ho Uyen , El-Bakkari Mounir , Alshamsan Aws , Cho Jae-Young , Yamazaki Takeshi , Hemraz Usha D. , Fenniri Hicham
Published: September 2023

The quest for new therapeutic treatments for hereditary diseases has led to many advances in RNA interference (RNAi) and gene silencing.
Correction: Synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays on polyhedral Fe/Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Liu Jun , Yuan Lixiang , Yang Xiaoshuang , Ebert Anthony , Harris Andrew T.
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Synthesis of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays on polyhedral Fe/Al2O3 catalysts’ by Jun Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 6434–6436, https://doi.org/10.1039/C1CC10878F.
Abnormal inhibiting effect of H2O on Pd/SiO2 and Na–Pd/SiO2 catalysts for HCHO oxidation
Authors: Wang Chunying , Wang Jingyi , Liu Xiaofeng , Li Yaobin , Zhang Changbin , Zheng Yuming , Shan Wenpo
Published: September 2023

Unlike most of Pd-based catalysts, H2O will inhibit the activity of Pd/SiO2 and even Na–Pd/SiO2 catalysts for HCHO oxidation. However, addition of Na significantly improved the regeneration ability of the catalyst.
ZIF template-based Fe-doped defect-rich hierarchical structure Co3S4/MoS2 as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Li Hong , Li Yanhui , Wang Xianhui , Wang Hongbin , Yang Wenrong , Liu Jingquan , Li Da
Published: September 2023

A ZIF template-based Fe-doped defect-rich hierarchical structure Co3S4/MoS2 was prepared by ion exchange and hydrothermal sulfuration as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.
Co-containing metal–organic framework for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors with functionalized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Khan Soumen , Halder Sayan , Chand Santanu , Pradhan Anup Kumar , Chakraborty Chanchal
Published: September 2023

The asymmetric supercapacitor based on Co-succinic acid MOF with functionalized reduced graphene oxide exhibits high-performance capacitive behaviour.
Reactivity of free N-heterocyclic carbenes in dichloromethane
Authors: Buchner Magnus R. , Bekiş Deniz F.
Published: September 2023

The decomposition rates of 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene and 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene in dichloromethane are slow enough to facilitate reactions with the free carbenes and Lewis acids.
Functional effects of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and kefir on systemic inflammation, antioxidant activity, and intestinal microbiome in rats with induced colorectal cancer
Authors: Zanardi Keila Rodrigues , Grancieri Mariana , Silva Caroline Woelffel , Trivillin Leonardo Oliveira , Viana Mirelle Lomar , Costa André Gustavo Vasconcelos , Costa Neuza Maria Brunoro
Published: September 2023

The yacon flour improved the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the production of acetate and reduce the pH. Kefir was not able to improve the intestinal microbiota and increasing the development of tumors.
Impact of nucleic acid encapsulated MOF crystal phase on protein corona formation
Authors: Polash Shakil Ahmed , Pyreddy Suneela , Abraham Amanda N , Mahasivam Sanje , Bansal Vipul , Varadi Linda , Bryant Gary , Shukla Ravi
Published: September 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are extensively studied materials for delivering a wide range of therapeutic entities including nucleic acids. Protein corona from serum may change biological identity and properties of these therapeutic biocomposites.
A biocompatible pure organic porous nanocage for enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhu Zhong-Hong , Zhang Di , Chen Jian , Zou Hua-Hong , Ni Zhiqiang , Yang Yutong , Hu Yating , Liu Ruiyuan , Feng Guangxue , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2023

A biocompatible porphyrin-based pure organic porous nanocage with large cavity, high porosity as well as enhanced type I and type II reactive oxygen species generation is developed for photodynamic therapy.
A cascade nanoplatform for the regulation of the tumor microenvironment and combined cancer therapy
Authors: Hu Xiaochun , Zhao Wenrong , Li Ruihao , Chai Keke , Shang Fangjian , Shi Shuo , Dong Chunyan
Published: September 2023

MCDGF can regulate the tumor immune microenvironment and suppress tumor growth by combined therapy, promoting the clinical application of disulfiram.
One-step electrodeposition of binder-containing Cu nanocube catalyst layers for carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: Serfőző Andrea , Csík Gábor András , Kormányos Attila , Balog Ádám , Janáky Csaba , Endrődi Balázs
Published: September 2023

Fine-tuning the electrodeposition conditions allows to from homogeneous catalyst coatings on hydrophobic gas diffusion layers. A polymeric binder can be incorporated in the catalyst layer in the same step, further increasing the CO2RR selectivity.
Full electrical control of multiple resistance states in van der Waals sliding multiferroic tunnel junctions
Authors: Yang Jie , Wu Baochun , Zhou Jun , Lu Jing , Yang Jinbo , Shen Lei
Published: September 2023

We introduce a concept of full electrical control of four states in a vdW sliding multiferroic tunnel junction with a giant TMR and a sizeable TER. The STT writing current is one order of magnitude smaller than traditional bulk counterparts.
P/N-heteroleptic Cu(i)-photosensitizer-catalyzed domino radical relay annulation of 1,6-enynes with aryldiazonium salts
Authors: Liu Qian , Ni Qibo , Zhou Yan , Chen Lang , Xiang Siwei , Zheng Limeng , Liu Yunkui
Published: September 2023

A P/N-heteroleptic Cu(i)-photosensitizer-enabled concise construction of benzo[b]fluorenones from 1,6-enynes and aryldiazonium salts involving domino radical relay annulation was successfully achieved.
Synthesis of pyrimidine-fused skeletons through copper-catalyzed consecutive Sonogashira coupling and aminocyclization
Authors: He Heng , Liu Jian-Quan , Wang Xiang-Shan
Published: September 2023

A copper-catalyzed sequential Sonogashira coupling reaction and 5-exo-dig aminocyclization between a terminal alkyne and a 2-(2-bromophenyl)pyrimidine analog is introduced.
Rod-like nanostructures through amphiphilic OPE-porphyrin self-organization
Authors: Gangemi Chiara M. A. , Castriciano Maria A. , D'Agostino Ester , Romeo Andrea , Bonaccorsi Paola M. , Barattucci Anna , Monsù Scolaro Luigi
Published: September 2023

Emissive rod-like nano-aggregates of new amphiphilic β-d-glucoside terminated oligophenylenethylene porphyrin have been obtained both in fluid and solid phases.
Oudemansin and 9-methoxystrobilurin derivatives with antimalarial activity from cultures of the basidiomycete Favolaschia minutissima: assignments of the absolute configurations of the isoprene-derived units
Authors: Palasarn Somporn , Pruksatrakul Thapanee , Choowong Wilunda , Wiriyathanawudhiwong Natthawut , Boonpratuang Thitiya , Surawatanawong Panida , Thongpanchang Chawanee , Isaka Masahiko
Published: September 2023

Oudemansin and 9-methoxystrobilurin derivatives with potent antimalarial activity were isolated from cultures of the basidiomycete Favolaschia minutissima. A method for semisynthetic modification was demonstrated.
Accelerated nitroxide-mediated polymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate initiated by BlocBuilder MA using flow reactors
Authors: Takabayashi Ryo , Feser Stephan , Yonehara Hiroshi , Ryu Ilhyong , Fukuyama Takahide
Published: September 2023

Flow reactors enable the nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization (NMP) of styrene (St) and butyl acrylate (BA) initiated by BlocBuilder MA (BB MA) with additives in a highly controlled manner, and BA–St di-block copolymers were also synthesized.
Structural confinement toward suppressing concentration and thermal quenching for improving near-infrared luminescence of Fe3+
Authors: Zhao Fangyi , Shao Yuhe , Song Zhen , Liu Quanlin
Published: September 2023

To enhance near-infrared luminescence, we introduce Fe3+ and Yb3+ ions to Sr9Ga(PO4)7 and utilize the structural confinement effect to selectively control energy transfer pathways so as to suppress luminescence concentration and thermal quenching.
Photocatalytic C(sp2)–H sulfamoylation of enamides: regio- and stereoselective construction of (E)-β-sulfamoyl enamides
Authors: Liu Lingli , Wu Yechun , Wu Xian , Yu Jin-Tao , Pan Changduo
Published: September 2023

A photocatalytic, regio- and stereoselective olefinic β-C–H sulfamoylation of enamides with commercially available sulfamoyl chlorides was developed.
Catalytic performance and antibacterial behaviour with molecular docking analysis of silver and polyacrylic acid doped graphene quantum dots
Authors: Aziz Tahreem , Imran Muhammad , Haider Ali , Shahzadi Anum , Ul Abidin Muhammad Zain , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Nabgan Walid , Algaradah Mohammed M. , Fouda Ahmed M. , Ikram Muhammad
Published: September 2023

In this research, a fixed concentration (3 wt%) of Ag/PAA and PAA/Ag doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique.
Correction: Novel sensor for the determination of CA 15-3 in serum of breast cancer patients based on Fe–gallic acid complex doped in modified cellulose polymer thin films
Authors: AlGhamdi Hind A. , AlZahrani Yasmeen M. , Alharthi Salha , Mohy-Eldin Mohamed S. , Mohamed Ekram H. , Sheta Sheta M. , El-Sheikh Said M. , Mahmoud Safwat A. , Attia Mohamed S.
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Novel sensor for the determination of CA 15-3 in serum of breast cancer patients based on Fe–gallic acid complex doped in modified cellulose polymer thin films’ by Hind A. AlGhamdi et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 21769–21780, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA02495D.
Chemodivergence in Pd-catalyzed desymmetrization of allenes: enantioselective [4+3] cycloaddition, desymmetric allenylic substitution and enynylation
Authors: Luo Pengfei , Li Long , Mao Xinfang , Sun Zheng , Wang Yingcheng , Peng Fangzhi , Shao Zhihui
Published: September 2023

Pd-catalyzed enantioselective allenylic [4+3] cycloaddition, desymmetric allenylic substitution or tandem desymmetric allenylic substitution/β-vinylic hydrogen elimination (formal enynylation) can be realized chemodivergently by ligand control.
Instabilities in a growing system of active particles: scalar and vectorial systems
Authors: Maleki Forouh , Najafi Ali
Published: September 2023

A growing colony of active particles can experience some generic hydrodynamic instabilities. Roughening of a growing boundary and also active traveling waves in the bulk are the main features of such instabilities.
Cell or cell derivative-laden hydrogels for myocardial infarction therapy: from the perspective of cell types
Authors: Xiong Ziqing , An Qi , Chen Liqiang , Xiang Yucheng , Li Lian , Zheng Yaxian
Published: September 2023

Injectable hydrogels and cell-based myocardial infarction (MI) therapy mutually enhance each other. This review focuses on recent studies using hydrogel to deliver cell or cell-derived preparations for MI treatment.
A coupled reinforcement learning and IDAES process modeling framework for automated conceptual design of energy and chemical systems
Authors: Wang Dewei , Bao Jie , Zamarripa-Perez Miguel A. , Paul Brandon , Chen Yunxiang , Gao Peiyuan , Ma Tong , Noring Alexander A. , Iyengar Arun K. S. , Schwartz Daniel T. , Eggleton Erica E. , He Qizhi , Liu Andrew , Marina Olga A. , Koeppel Brian , Xu Zhijie
Published: September 2023

This study introduces an advanced automated system for designing diverse chemical or electrochemical systems, requiring minimal user expertise, and enabling designing and optimization from scratch.
Long-Term Outcomes for Individuals With Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Lewis Barbara A. , Miller Gabrielle J. , Iyengar Sudha K. , Stein Catherine , Benchek Penelope
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

The study's primary aims were to describe the long-term speech outcomes for adolescents and young adults with a history of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and to examine the association of persistent speech sound errors with measures of literacy skills, phonological processing, motor speech production, and parent report of early motor difficulty.

Method:

Data from a large longitudinal 25-year study were used to explore outcomes for 32 individuals with a history of CAS, ages 12;6 (years;months) to 25 years (
M
= 17.4,
SD
= 4.7). Persistent and nonpersistent groups were compared on decoding, phonological processing, multisyllabic word repetition, diadochokinetic rate, and parent report of motor involvement. Parametric (Welch's
t
tests) and nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon and Fisher exact tests) were used to identify differences between the groups' distributions. Developmental trajectories of speech production were plotted.

Results:

Outcomes for individuals with CAS are highly variable, with some demonstrating speech sound errors into adolescence and young adulthood. Speech sound errors were primarily on later developing sounds. Persistence was significantly associated with early motor difficulties. Difficulties with multisyllabic words, phonological processing, and literacy were often present regardless of persistence or nonpersistence of speech errors.

Conclusions:

Children with CAS are at risk for persistent speech sound errors into adulthood. For children showing limited progress with more traditional speech therapy, alternative interventions should be explored. Individuals with persistent speech sound errors are more likely to have a history of early motor deficits. Regardless of persistence, participants with CAS demonstrated ongoing weaknesses in literacy, phonological processing skills, and complex speech production tasks.
Cognitive-Communication Disorders and Neurodisability in the Criminal Justice System: Emerging Roles, Responsibilities, and Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Albin Maya , Wiseman-Hakes Catherine
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this clinical focus article is to provide a framework for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) supporting youth and adults in the criminal justice system (CJS) who have cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) related to neurodisability.

Method:

We provide an overview of communication disorders and CCDs in the CJS as well as the underlying etiologies leading to neurodisability, with a primary focus on traumatic brain injury. Additionally, we provide a framework for understanding the underlying factors that contribute to criminalization and recidivism as well as elucidate the role of SLPs in the context of the CJS.

Results:

SLPs have an important role to play with youth and adults in the CJS and should be routinely involved in the screening of communication disorders; in the provision of assessments, intervention, education, and training; and in advocacy roles.

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of CCDs in the CJS affords a unique and important role for SLPs to be active members of the interdisciplinary justice team, which, ultimately, may improve outcomes and reduce the cycle of recidivism.
Effect of the passive damping plate on the vertical stability of permanent magnet electrodynamic suspension system
Authors: Luo Cheng , Zhang Kunlun , Zhang Huixian
Published: September 2023

The vertical stability of permanent magnet (PM) electrodynamic suspension (EDS) system with a passive damping plate is studied because of the well‐known under‐damped nature of the EDS suspension system. The passive damping plate is installed under the Halbach permanent magnet array. When the vehicle‐mounted Halbach array and passive damping plate move to cut the track conductive plate, the 2D eddy current force is derived by establishing equations of magnetic vector potentials and using the Maxwell stress tensor method. And a 2D finite‐element model (FEM) is built to validate the accuracy of the derived levitation force equation. Based on the derived levitation force equation, the vertical stability of the PM EDS system with a passive damping plate and the effects of the main parameters on the damping ratio are analysed.