bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring ex vivo biofilm dynamics: consequences of low ampicillin concentrations on the human oral microbiome
Authors: Brar N. K. , Dhariwal A. , Åmdal H. A. , Junges R. , Salvadori G. , Baker J. L. , Edlund A. , Petersen F. C.
Published: April 2024

Prolonged exposure to antibiotics at low concentration can promote processes associated with bacterial biofilm formation, virulence and antibiotic resistance. This can be of high relevance in microbial communities like the oral microbiome, where commensals and pathogens share a common habitat and where the total abundance of antibiotic resistance genes surpasses the abundance in the gut. Here, we used an ex vivo model of human oral biofilms to investigate the impact of ampicillin on biofilm viability. The ecological impact on the microbiome and resistome was investigated using shotgun metagenomics. The results showed that low concentrations promoted significant shifts in microbial taxonomic profile and could enhance biofilm viability by up to 1 to 2-log. For the resistome, low concentrations had no significant impact on antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) diversity, while ARG abundance decreased by up to 84%. A positive correlation was observed between reduced microbial diversity and reduced ARG abundance. The WHO priority pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were identified in some of the samples, but their abundance was not significantly altered by ampicillin. Most of the antibiotic resistance genes that increased in abundance in the ampicillin group were associated with streptococci, including Streptococcus mitis, a well-known potential donor of ARGs to S. pneumoniae. Overall, the results highlight the potential of using the model to further our understanding of ecological and evolutionary forces driving antimicrobial resistance in oral microbiomes.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid as a potential postbiotic mediator in the gut–brain axis
Authors: Braga Jason D. , Thongngam Masubon , Kumrungsee Thanutchaporn
Published: April 2024

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a crucial role in the central nervous system as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Imbalances of this neurotransmitter are associated with neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Since GABA has long been believed to not cross the blood–brain barrier, the effects of circulating GABA on the brain are neglected. However, emerging evidence has demonstrated that changes in both circulating and brain levels of GABA are associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and that changes in GABA levels and microbiota composition play a role in modulating mental health. This recent research has raised the possibility that GABA may be a potent mediator of the gut–brain axis. This review article will cover up-to-date information about GABA-producing microorganisms isolated from human gut and food sources, explanation why those microorganisms produce GABA, food factors inducing gut–GABA production, evidence suggesting GABA as a mediator linking between gut microbiota and mental health, including anxiety, depression, stress, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and novel information regarding homocarnosine-a predominant brain peptide that is a putative downstream mediator of GABA in regulating brain functions. This review will help us to understand how the gut microbiota and GABA-homocarnosine metabolism play a significant role in brain functions. Nonetheless, it could support further research on the use of GABA production-inducing microorganisms and food factors as agents to treat neurological and psychological disorders.
Multiplication of the orbital angular momentum of phonon polaritons via sublinear dispersion
Authors: Mancini Andrea , Nan Lin , Berté Rodrigo , Cortés Emiliano , Ren Haoran , Maier Stefan A.
Published: April 2024

Optical vortices (OVs) promise to greatly enhance optical information capacity via orbital angular momentum multiplexing. The need for the on-chip integration of orbital angular momentum technologies has prompted research into subwavelength-confined polaritonic OVs. However, the topological order imprinted by the structure used for transduction from free-space beams to surface polaritons is inherently fixed after fabrication. Here we overcome this limitation via dispersion-driven topological charge multiplication. We switch the OV topological charge within a small frequency range (~3%) by leveraging the strong sublinear dispersion of low-loss surface phonon polaritons on silicon carbide membranes. Applying the Huygens principle, we quantitatively evaluate the topological order of experimental OVs detected by near-field imaging. We further explore the deuterogenic effect, which predicts the coexistence of multiple topological charges in higher-order polaritonic OVs. Our work demonstrates a viable method to manipulate the topological charge of polaritonic OVs, paving the way for the exploration of novel orbital-angular-momentum-enabled light–matter interactions at mid-infrared frequencies.
A compendium of multi-omics data illuminating host responses to lethal human virus infections
Authors: Eisfeld Amie J. , Anderson Lindsey N. , Fan Shufang , Walters Kevin B. , Halfmann Peter J. , Westhoff Smith Danielle , Thackray Larissa B. , Tan Qing , Sims Amy C. , Menachery Vineet D. , Schäfer Alexandra , Sheahan Timothy P. , Cockrell Adam S. , Stratton Kelly G. , Webb-Robertson Bobbie-Jo M. , Kyle Jennifer E. , Burnum-Johnson Kristin E. , Kim Young-Mo , Nicora Carrie D. , Peralta Zuleyma , N’jai Alhaji U. , Sahr Foday , van Bakel Harm , Diamond Michael S. , Baric Ralph S. , Metz Thomas O. , Smith Richard D. , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Waters Katrina M.
Published: April 2024

Human infections caused by viral pathogens trigger a complex gamut of host responses that limit disease, resolve infection, generate immunity, and contribute to severe disease or death. Here, we present experimental methods and multi-omics data capture approaches representing the global host response to infection generated from 45 individual experiments involving human viruses from the Orthomyxoviridae, Filoviridae, Flaviviridae, and Coronaviridae families. Analogous experimental designs were implemented across human or mouse host model systems, longitudinal samples were collected over defined time courses, and global multi-omics data (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics) were acquired by microarray, RNA sequencing, or mass spectrometry analyses. For comparison, we have included transcriptomics datasets from cells treated with type I and type II human interferon. Raw multi-omics data and metadata were deposited in public repositories, and we provide a central location linking the raw data with experimental metadata and ready-to-use, quality-controlled, statistically processed multi-omics datasets not previously available in any public repository. This compendium of infection-induced host response data for reuse will be useful for those endeavouring to understand viral disease pathophysiology and network biology.
The impact of telomere length on prostate cancer aggressiveness, genomic instability and health disparities
Authors: Huang Ruotian , Bornman M. S. Riana , Stricker Phillip D. , Simoni Brum Ilma , Mutambirwa Shingai B. A. , Jaratlerdsiri Weerachai , Hayes Vanessa M.
Published: April 2024

The telomere repetitive TTAGGG motif at the ends of chromosomes, serves to preserve genomic integrity and chromosomal stability. In turn, genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer—implicating telomere disturbance. Prostate cancer (PCa) shows significant ancestral disparities, with men of African ancestry at the greatest risk for aggressive disease and associated genomic instability. Yet, no study has explored the role of telomere length (TL) with respect to ancestrally driven PCa health disparities. Patient- and technically-matched tumour-blood whole genome sequencing data for 179 ancestrally defined treatment naïve PCa patients (117 African, 62 European), we assessed for TL (blood and tumour) associations. We found shortened tumour TL to be associated with aggressive PCa presentation and elevated genomic instabilities, including percentage of genome alteration and copy number gains, in men of African ancestry. For European patients, tumour TL showed significant associations with PCa driver genes PTEN, TP53, MSH2, SETBP1 and DDX11L1, while shorter blood TL (< 3200 base pairs) and tumour TL (< 2861 base pairs) were correlated with higher risk for biochemical recurrence. Concurring with previous studies linking TL to PCa diagnosis and/or prognosis, for the first time we correlated TL differences with patient ancestry with important implications for future treatments targeting telomere dysfunction.
Association between atherosclerosis and height loss among older individuals
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Arima Kazuhiko , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Noguchi Yuko , Honda Yukiko , Nakamichi Seiko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro
Published: April 2024

Atherosclerosis and height loss are each reportedly associated with cardiovascular disease. However, no studies have found an association between atherosclerosis and height loss. A retrospective study of 2435 individuals aged 60–89 years who underwent annual health check-ups was conducted. Atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≥ 1.1 mm. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quintile of height decrease per year, as in our previous studies. Among study participants, 555 were diagnosed as having atherosclerosis. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerosis was positively associated with height loss. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.46 (95% confidence interval, 1.15, 1.83). Essentially the same associations were observed for men and women. The adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.43 (1.01, 2.04) for men and 1.46 (1.07, 1.99) for women. Among older individuals, atherosclerosis is associated with height loss. This result can help clarify the mechanism underlying the association between height loss and cardiovascular disease.
Blooming and pruning: learning from mistakes with memristive synapses
Authors: Nikiruy Kristina , Perez Eduardo , Baroni Andrea , Reddy Keerthi Dorai Swamy , Pechmann Stefan , Wenger Christian , Ziegler Martin
Published: April 2024

Blooming and pruning is one of the most important developmental mechanisms of the biological brain in the first years of life, enabling it to adapt its network structure to the demands of the environment. The mechanism is thought to be fundamental for the development of cognitive skills. Inspired by this, Chialvo and Bak proposed in 1999 a learning scheme that learns from mistakes by eliminating from the initial surplus of synaptic connections those that lead to an undesirable outcome. Here, this idea is implemented in a neuromorphic circuit scheme using CMOS integrated HfO2-based memristive devices. The implemented two-layer neural network learns in a self-organized manner without positive reinforcement and exploits the inherent variability of the memristive devices. This approach provides hardware, local, and energy-efficient learning. A combined experimental and simulation-based parameter study is presented to find the relevant system and device parameters leading to a compact and robust memristive neuromorphic circuit that can handle association tasks.
Modulation efficiency of clove oil nano-emulsion against genotoxic, oxidative stress, and histological injuries induced via titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice
Authors: Mohamed Hanan R. H. , El-Shamy Sawsan , Abdelgayed Sherein S. , Albash Rofida , El-Shorbagy Haidan
Published: April 2024

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) have found wide applications in medical and industrial fields. However, the toxic effect of various tissues is still under study. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effect of TiO2-NP on stomach, liver, and kidney tissues and the amelioration effect of clove oil nanoemulsion (CLV-NE) against DNA damage, oxidative stress, pathological changes, and the apoptotic effect of TiO2-NPs. Four groups of male mice were subjected to oral treatment for five consecutive days including, the control group, the group treated with TiO2-NPs (50 mg/kg), the group treated with (CLV-NE) (5% of the MTD), and the group treated with TiO2-NPs plus CLV-NE. The results revealed that the treatment with TiO2-NPs significantly caused DNA damage in the liver, stomach, and kidney tissues due to increased ROS as indicated by the reduction of the antioxidant activity of SOD and Gpx and increased MDA level. Further, abnormal histological signs and apoptotic effect confirmed by the significant elevation of p53 expression were reported after TiO2-NPs administration. The present data reported a significant improvement in the previous parameters after treatment with CLV-NE. These results showed the collaborative effect of the oils and the extra role of nanoemulsion in enhancing antioxidant effectiveness that enhances its disperse-ability and further promotes its controlled release. One could conclude that CLV-NE is safe and can be used as a powerful antioxidative agent to assess the toxic effects of the acute use of TiO2-NPs.
Investigating the physical and electrical properties of La2O3 via annealing of La(OH)3
Authors: Ismail Walid , Belal Aya , Abdo Walied , El-Shaer Abdelhamid
Published: April 2024

A simple technique was utilized to fabricate pure hexagonal La2O3 nanorods by utilizing lanthanum(III) nitrate hexahydrate (La(NO3)3·6H2O) and ammonia (NH4OH). The La2O3 nanoparticles were analyzed using XRD, TGA, Raman, SEM, FTIR, TEM, PL spectroscopy, and Mott–Schottky techniques. The XRD analysis confirmed the production of La(OH)3 nanorods under appropriate conditions, which were then successfully converted into La2O2CO3 and finally into La2O3 nanorods through annealing. The TGA analysis showed that the total weight loss was due to water evaporation and the dissolution of minimal moisture present in the environment. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups. The SEM analysis revealed changes in morphology. The TEM analysis to determine the particle size. The PL findings showed three emission peaks at 390, 520, and 698 nm due to interband transitions and defects in the samples. The Mott–Schottky analysis demonstrated that the flatband potential and acceptor density varied with annealing temperature, ranging from 1 to 1.2 V and 2 × 1018 to 1.4 × 1019 cm−3, respectively. Annealing at 1000 °C resulted in the lowest resistance to charge transfer (Rct).
Risk of post-operative bleeding after dentoalveolar surgery in patients taking anticoagulants: a cohort study using the common data model
Authors: Lee Joo-Yeon , Park Seung-Hyun , Kim Da-Mi , Ko Kyung-A. , Park Jin-Young , Lee Jung-Seok , Jung Ui-Won , Cha Jae-Kook
Published: April 2024

This retrospective study aimed to determine risk factors associated with post-operative bleeding after dentoalveolar surgery in patients taking anticoagulants. Patients taking anticoagulants who were planned to undergo periodontal flap operation, tooth extraction or implant surgery were included. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the maintenance of anticoagulants following medical consultation: (1) maintenance group and (2) discontinuation group. The analysed patient-related factors included systemic diseases, maintenance of anticoagulants and types of anticoagulant. Intra- and post-operative treatment-related factors, haemostatic methods and post-operative bleeding were collected for statistical analyses. There were 35 post-operative bleeding complications (6.5%) in the 537 included patients: 21 (8.6%) in maintenance group and 14 (4.8%) in discontinuation group. The type of anticoagulant (p = 0.037), tooth extraction combined with bone grafting (p = 0.016) and type of implant surgery (p = 0.032) were significantly related to the post-operative bleeding rate. In the maintenance group, atrial fibrillation [odds ratio (OR) = 6.051] and vitamin K inhibitors (OR = 3.679) were associated with a significantly higher bleeding risk. From this result, it can be inferred that the decision to continue anticoagulants should be made carefully based on the types of anticoagulant and the characteristics of dentoalveolar surgeries performed: extraction with bone grafting, multiple implantations and involvement of maxillary arch.
Anethole as a promising antidepressant for maternal separation stress in mice by modulating oxidative stress and nitrite imbalance
Authors: Rostami-Faradonbeh Najmeh , Amini-Khoei Hossein , Zarean Elham , Bijad Elham , Lorigooini Zahra
Published: April 2024

The occurrence of major depressive disorder is widespread and can be observed in individuals belonging to all societies. It has been suggested that changes in the NO pathway and heightened oxidative stress may play a role in developing this condition. Anethole is a diterpene aromatic compound found in the Umbelliferae, Apiaceae, and Schisandraceae families. It has potential pharmacological effects like antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, anticancer, estrogenic, and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to investigate the potential antidepressant properties of Anethole in a mouse model experiencing maternal separation stress while also examining its impact on oxidative stress and nitrite levels. The research involved the participation of 40 male NMRI mice, separated into five distinct groups to conduct the study. The control group was administered 1 ml/kg of normal saline, while the MS groups were given normal saline and Anethole at 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses. The study comprised various behavioural tests, including the open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and splash test, to assess the effects of Anethole on the mice. In addition to the behavioural tests, measurements were taken to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrite levels in the hippocampus of the mice. According to the findings, maternal separation stress (MS) led to depressive-like conduct in mice, including a rise in immobility duration during the FST and a reduction in the duration of grooming behaviour in the splash test. Additionally, the results indicated that MS correlated with an increase in the levels of MDA and nitrite and a reduction in the TAC in the hippocampus. However, the administration of Anethole resulted in an increase in grooming activity time during the splash test and a decrease in immobility time during the FST. Anethole also exhibited antioxidant characteristics, as demonstrated by its ability to lower MDA and nitrite levels while increasing the TAC in the hippocampus. The results suggest that Anethole may have an antidepressant-like impact on mice separated from their mothers, likely partly due to its antioxidant properties in the hippocampus.
Ensemble detection of hand joint ankylosis and subluxation in radiographic images using deep neural networks
Authors: Izumi Keisuke , Suzuki Kanata , Hashimoto Masahiro , Jinzaki Masahiro , Ko Shigeru , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Kaneko Yuko
Published: April 2024

The modified total Sharp score (mTSS) is often used as an evaluation index for joint destruction caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, special findings (ankylosis, subluxation, and dislocation) are detected to estimate the efficacy of mTSS by using deep neural networks (DNNs). The proposed method detects and classifies finger joint regions using an ensemble mechanism. This integrates multiple DNN detection models, specifically single shot multibox detectors, using different training data for each special finding. For the learning phase, we prepared a total of 260 hand X-ray images, in which proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints were annotated with mTSS by skilled rheumatologists and radiologists. We evaluated our model using five-fold cross-validation. The proposed model produced a higher detection accuracy, recall, precision, specificity, F-value, and intersection over union than individual detection models for both ankylosis and subluxation detection, with a detection rate above 99.8% for the MP and PIP joint regions. Our future research will aim at the development of an automatic diagnosis system that uses the proposed mTSS model to estimate the erosion and joint space narrowing score.
Velocity field and turbulence structure of the meandering flow produced by alternating deflectors
Authors: Zhan Jie-min , Wai Wing-hong Onyx , Li Yu-tian , Hu Wen-qing , Luo Ying-ying
Published: April 2024

Meandering flow can be formed during the advance of natural rivers by the scouring of river banks. However, this phenomenon is not common in artificial cement channels. This study used experimental scouring terrain data for a numerical simulation to study the meandering flow pattern formed between double alternating deflectors in a straight channel. The numerical results showed that the path of the accelerated flow generated by the upstream deflector was changed by installing a downstream deflector while the flow rate remained unchanged. Thus, a meandering flow formed, and a stable, narrow, high-speed zone formed in the downstream area. The accelerated flow between the two deflectors hit the channel bank soon after its direction changed. Then, a strong downward flow formed in this area, which may have produced an elliptical scour hole. A large-scale vortex structure was formed in the elliptical scour hole, which was influenced by the horseshoe vortex system before the downstream deflector.
Excavating important nodes in complex networks based on the heat conduction model
Authors: Hu Haifeng , Zheng Junhui , Hu Wentao , Wang Feifei , Wang Guan , Zhao Jiangwei , Wang Liugen
Published: April 2024

Analyzing the important nodes of complex systems by complex network theory can effectively solve the scientific bottlenecks in various aspects of these systems, and how to excavate important nodes has become a hot topic in complex network research. This paper proposes an algorithm for excavating important nodes based on the heat conduction model (HCM), which measures the importance of nodes by their output capacity. The number and importance of a node’s neighbors are first used to determine its own capacity, its output capacity is then calculated based on the HCM while considering the network density, distance between nodes, and degree density of other nodes. The importance of the node is finally measured by the magnitude of the output capacity. The similarity experiments of node importance, sorting and comparison experiments of important nodes, and capability experiments of multi-node infection are conducted in nine real networks using the Susceptible-Infected-Removed model as the evaluation criteria. Further, capability experiments of multi-node infection are conducted using the Independent cascade model. The effectiveness of the HCM is demonstrated through a comparison with eight other algorithms for excavating important nodes.
Lengthened circadian rhythms in mice with self-controlled ambient light intensity
Authors: Ogasawara Jun , Matsumoto Nobuyoshi , Takeuchi Yuki , Yamashiro Kotaro , Yasui Masato , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: April 2024

Laboratory animals are typically maintained under 12-h light and 12-h dark (12:12 LD) conditions with a daytime light intensity of ~ 200 lx. In this study, we designed an apparatus that allowed mice to self-select the room light intensity by nose poking. We measured the behavioral rhythms of the mice under this self-controlled light regimen. The mice quickly learned the relationship between their nose pokes and the resulting changes in the light intensity. Under these conditions, the mice exhibited free-running circadian behavior with a period of 24.5 ± 0.4 h. This circadian period was ~ 1 h longer than that of the same strain of mice when they were kept in constant darkness (DD) after 12:12 LD entrainment, and the lengthened period lasted for at least 30 days. The rhythm of the light intensity controlled by the mice also exhibited a similar period, but the phase of the illuminance rhythm preceded the phase of the locomotor activity rhythm. Mice that did not have access to the light controller were also entrained to the illuminance cycle produced by the mice that did have access to the light controller, but with a slightly delayed phase. The rhythm was likely controlled by the canonical circadian clock because mice with tau mutations in the circadian clock gene CSNK1E exhibited short periods of circadian rhythm under the same conditions. These results indicate that the free-running period of mice in the wild may differ from what they exhibit if they are attuned by forced light cycles in laboratories because mice in their natural habitats can self-control their exposure to ambient light, similar to our experimental conditions.
B-Myb deficiency boosts bortezomib-induced immunogenic cell death in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hui Yuan-Jian , Yu Ting-Ting , Li Liu-Gen , Peng Xing-Chun , Di Mao-Jun , Liu Hui , Gu Wen-Long , Li Tong-Fei , Zhao Kai-Liang , Wang Wei-Xing
Published: April 2024

B-Myb has received considerable attention for its critical tumorigenic function of supporting DNA repair. However, its modulatory effects on chemotherapy and immunotherapy have rarely been reported in colorectal cancer. Bortezomib (BTZ) is a novel compound with chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic effects, but it fails to work in colorectal cancer with high B-Myb expression. The present study was designed to investigate whether B-Myb deletion in colorectal cancer could potentiate the immune efficacy of BTZ against colorectal cancer and to clarify the underlying mechanism. Stable B-Myb knockdown was induced in colorectal cancer cells, which increased apoptosis of the cancer cells relative to the control group in vitro and in vivo. We found that BTZ exhibited more favourable efficacy in B-Myb–defective colorectal cancer cells and tumor-bearing mice. BTZ treatment led to differential expression of genes enriched in the p53 signaling pathway promoted more powerful downstream DNA damage, and arrested cell cycle in B-Myb–defective colorectal cancer. In contrast, recovery of B-Myb in B-Myb–defective colorectal cancer cells abated BTZ-related DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and anticancer efficacy. Moreover, BTZ promoted DNA damage–associated enhancement of immunogenicity, as indicated by potentiated expression of HMGB1 and HSP90 in B-Myb–defective cells, thereby driving M1 polarization of macrophages. Collectively, B-Myb deletion in colorectal cancer facilitates the immunogenic death of cancer cells, thereby further promoting the immune efficacy of BTZ by amplifying DNA damage. The present work provides an effective molecular target for colorectal cancer immunotherapy with BTZ.
Exploring secondary optical transitions: a study utilizing the DITM method, and enhanced photocatalytic properties in Ni-doped CuSe
Authors: Ghobadi Nader , Zamani Meymian Mohammad-Reza , Fallah Milad
Published: April 2024

This study explores the simultaneous presence of two metal ions of Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu) on the formation of a metal selenide (Ni-doped CuSe) in an alkaline environment. The impact of Ni ions on creating the second optical transitions is investigated. Different concentrations amounts of Ni ions (0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 mol) are utilized to produce Ni-doped CuSe semiconductor thin films through a chemical solution deposition method with deposition times varying from 3 to 6 h. Absorbance spectra are employed to determine the band-gap, while Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy is utilized for morphological analysis. Structural and elemental analyses are conducted using X-ray Diffraction and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy techniques. Additionally, a relatively innovative approach for determining the optical transitions, termed the Derivation Ineffective Thickness Method (DITM), is employed. DITM eliminates the need for thin film thickness and assumptions about the type of transition (direct or indirect) for band-gap calculation. Moreover, a comparison is made between the band-gap obtained from the Tauc model and the transitions obtained by DITM method. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the optical transitions exhibit two distinct band-gaps associated with nickel selenide (NiSe) as second transition and copper selenide (CuSe) as fundamental transition. The presence of Ni is also found to enhance crystal quality. The study also briefly explores the improved photocatalytic properties of CuSe in the presence of Ni.
Estrogenic endocrine disruptor exposure directly impacts erectile function
Authors: Cripps Samuel M. , Marshall Sarah A. , Mattiske Deidre M. , Ingham Rachel Y. , Pask Andrew J.
Published: April 2024

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an extremely prevalent condition which significantly impacts quality of life. The rapid increase of ED in recent decades suggests the existence of unidentified environmental risk factors contributing to this condition. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are one likely candidate, given that development and function of the erectile tissues are hormonally dependent. We use the estrogenic-EDC diethylstilbestrol (DES) to model how widespread estrogenic-EDC exposure may impact erectile function in humans. Here we show that male mice chronically exposed to DES exhibit abnormal contractility of the erectile tissue, indicative of ED. The treatment did not affect systemic testosterone production yet significantly increased estrogen receptor α (Esr1) expression in the primary erectile tissue, suggesting EDCs directly impact erectile function. In response, we isolated the erectile tissue from mice and briefly incubated them with the estrogenic-EDCs DES or genistein (a phytoestrogen). These acute-direct exposures similarly caused a significant reduction in erectile tissue contractility, again indicative of ED. Overall, these findings demonstrate a direct link between estrogenic EDCs and erectile dysfunction and show that both chronic and acute estrogenic exposures are likely risk factors for this condition.
FAM120A deficiency improves resistance to cisplatin in gastric cancer by promoting ferroptosis
Authors: Niu Liangbo , Li Yi , Huang Guixiang , Huang Wei , Fu Jing , Feng Lu
Published: April 2024

The occurrence of chemoresistance is an inescapable obstacle affecting the clinical efficacy of cisplatin in gastric cancer (GC). Exploring the regulatory mechanism of cisplatin resistance will help to provide potential effective targets for improving the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Here, we find that FAM120A is upregulated in GC tissues and higher in cisplatin-resistant GC tissues, and its high expression is positively correlated with the poor outcome of GC patients. Functional studies indicate that FAM120A confers chemoresistance to GC cells by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mechanically, METTL3-induced m6A modification and YTHDC1-induced stability of FAM120A mRNA enhance FAM120A expression. FAM120A inhibits ferroptosis by binding SLC7A11 mRNA and enhancing its stability. FAM120A deficiency enhances cisplatin sensitivity by promoting ferroptosis in vivo. These results reveal the function of FAM120A in chemotherapy tolerance and targeting FAM120A is an effective strategy to alleviate cisplatin resistance in GC.
Cut-insert-stitch editing reaction (CIStER) sequence for surgical chemical glycan editing
Authors: Sen Sumit , Kundu Suman , Pasari Sandip , Hotha Srinivas
Published: April 2024

Post-synthetic surgical editing enables synthesizing diverse molecules from a common scaffold. Editing carbohydrates by inserting a foreign glycan is still a far-reaching goal for synthetic chemists. In this study, a one-pot-three-step chemical approach was employed to edit glycoconjugates. It is comprised of three steps: the first is a ‘cut’ step, cleaving one of the interglycosidic bonds and producing an intermediate that could be intercepted with 4-mercaptotoluene; second step activates the thiotolyl glycoside in the presence of an aglycon containing an orthogonally activatable ethynylcycloxyl carbonate moiety; and the third step involves ‘stitching’ by activating the carbonate donor. The cut-insert stitch-editing reaction (CIStER) is demonstrated by inserting branched and linear arabinans reminiscent of M. tuberculosis cell wall from the same designer trimannoside. Glycosylating an activated hydroxyacid (serinyl, steroidal, and lipid) after cutting the interglycosidic bond and stitching in the presence of base extendes the CIStER approach to the synthesis of glycohybrids.
Exploring urban housing disadvantages and economic struggles in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Lee Yookyung , Han Seungwoo
Published: April 2024

The present study investigates urban poverty in Seoul, South Korea, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on housing and economic challenges. Employing principal component analysis, clustering algorithms, and visualization techniques, it analyzes archived data to uncover disparities in housing conditions and economic well-being across Seoul. The research reveals significant socio-economic divisions, with over 75% of the city’s areas marked by vulnerability, indicating widespread poverty or the concentration of economically disadvantaged populations. This highlights the pervasive nature of poverty and the precarious situation of the urban poor, who are at risk due to fragile living conditions. The findings advocate for inclusive urban development strategies that prioritize the needs of marginalized groups, suggesting a shift from focusing solely on economic growth to ensuring equitable welfare for all residents.
Signal improved ultra-fast light-sheet microscope for large tissue imaging
Authors: Prince Md Nasful Huda , Garcia Benjamin , Henn Cory , Yi Yating , Susaki Etsuo A. , Watakabe Yuki , Nemoto Tomomi , Lidke Keith A. , Zhao Hu , Remiro Irene Salinas , Liu Sheng , Chakraborty Tonmoy
Published: April 2024

Axially swept light-sheet microscope in conjunction with tissue clearing enables three-dimensional morphological investigation of millimeter-scaled tissues at isotropic sub-micron resolution. However, these microscopes suffer from low detection signal and slow imaging speed. Here we report a simple and efficient imaging platform that employs precise control of two fixed distant light-sheet foci for axial sweeping. This enables full field of view imaging at 40 frames per second, a four-fold improvement over the current state-of-the-art. In addition, in a particular frame rate, our method doubles the signal compared to the existing techniques. To augment the overall imaging performance, we also developed a deep learning based tissue information classifier that enables faster determination of tissue boundary. We demonstrated the performance of our imaging platform on various cleared tissue samples and delineated its robustness over a wide range of clearing protocols.
Large language models could change the future of behavioral healthcare: a proposal for responsible development and evaluation
Authors: Stade Elizabeth C. , Stirman Shannon Wiltsey , Ungar Lyle H. , Boland Cody L. , Schwartz H. Andrew , Yaden David B. , Sedoc João , DeRubeis Robert J. , Willer Robb , Eichstaedt Johannes C.
Published: April 2024

Large language models (LLMs) such as Open AI’s GPT-4 (which power ChatGPT) and Google’s Gemini, built on artificial intelligence, hold immense potential to support, augment, or even eventually automate psychotherapy. Enthusiasm about such applications is mounting in the field as well as industry. These developments promise to address insufficient mental healthcare system capacity and scale individual access to personalized treatments. However, clinical psychology is an uncommonly high stakes application domain for AI systems, as responsible and evidence-based therapy requires nuanced expertise. This paper provides a roadmap for the ambitious yet responsible application of clinical LLMs in psychotherapy. First, a technical overview of clinical LLMs is presented. Second, the stages of integration of LLMs into psychotherapy are discussed while highlighting parallels to the development of autonomous vehicle technology. Third, potential applications of LLMs in clinical care, training, and research are discussed, highlighting areas of risk given the complex nature of psychotherapy. Fourth, recommendations for the responsible development and evaluation of clinical LLMs are provided, which include centering clinical science, involving robust interdisciplinary collaboration, and attending to issues like assessment, risk detection, transparency, and bias. Lastly, a vision is outlined for how LLMs might enable a new generation of studies of evidence-based interventions at scale, and how these studies may challenge assumptions about psychotherapy.
Experiencing nature leads to healthier food choices
Authors: Langlois Maria , Chandon Pierre
Published: April 2024

Experiencing nature has been linked to a host of benefits for health and well-being. Here, we examine if exposure to nature influences the food choices that may contribute to nature’s benefits. Five between-subject experiments (n = 39, n = 698, n = 885, n = 1191, and n = 913) show that individuals exposed to the natural environment choose healthier foods when compared to those exposed to urban environments or a control condition. Nature’s effects are observed for various foods and beverages, across samples from three countries, and in varied contexts, such as taking a walk in a park (vs. a city street) and looking at photos of nature (vs. urban or control) scenes. These findings provide insights into the relationship between proximity to nature and health.
Molecular mechanism of Oxr1p mediated disassembly of yeast V-ATPase
Authors: Khan Md. Murad , Wilkens Stephan
Published: April 2024

The eukaryotic vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) is regulated by reversible disassembly into autoinhibited V1-ATPase and Vo proton channel subcomplexes. We recently reported that the TLDc protein Oxr1p induces V-ATPase disassembly in vitro. Whether and how Oxr1p is involved in enzyme disassembly in vivo, however, is not known. Here, using yeast genetics and fluorescence microscopy, we show that Oxr1p is essential for efficient V-ATPase disassembly in the cell. Supporting biochemical and biophysical in vitro experiments show that whereas Oxr1p-driven holoenzyme disassembly can occur in the absence of nucleotides, the presence of ATP greatly accelerates the process. ATP hydrolysis is needed, however, for subsequent release of Oxr1p so that the free V1 can adopt the autoinhibited conformation. Overall, our study unravels the molecular mechanism of Oxr1p-induced disassembly that occurs in vivo as part of the canonical V-ATPase regulation by reversible disassembly.
ImmunoPET imaging of Trop2 in patients with solid tumours
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhang You , Cao Min , Wu Yanfei , Jiao Feng , Chu Zhaohui , Zhou Xinyuan , Li Lianghua , Xu Dongsheng , Pan Xinbing , Guan Yihui , Huang Gang , Liu Jianjun , Xie Fang , Wei Weijun
Published: April 2024

Accurately predicting and selecting patients who can benefit from targeted or immunotherapy is crucial for precision therapy. Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2) has been extensively investigated as a pan-cancer biomarker expressed in various tumours and plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis through multiple signalling pathways. Our laboratory successfully developed two 68Ga-labelled nanobody tracers that can rapidly and specifically target Trop2. Of the two tracers, [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-T4, demonstrated excellent pharmacokinetics in preclinical mouse models and a beagle dog. Moreover, [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-T4 immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) allowed noninvasive visualisation of Trop2 heterogeneous and differential expression in preclinical solid tumour models and ten patients with solid tumours. [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-T4 immunoPET could facilitate clinical decision-making through patient stratification and response monitoring during Trop2-targeted therapies.
Effect of photoconversion conditions on the spectral and cytotoxic properties of photoconvertible fluorescent polymer markers
Authors: Demina Polina A. , Grishin Oleg V. , Malakhov Sergey N. , Timaeva Olesya I. , Kulikova Elizaveta S. , Pylaev Timofey E. , Saveleva Mariia S. , Goryacheva Irina Yu.
Published: April 2024

Fluorescence labeling of cells is a versatile tool used to study cell behavior, which is of significant importance in biomedical sciences.
The smallest Schwarzite carbon with only heptagonal carbon rings
Authors: Hu Meng , Huang Junwen , Shi Lu , Hua Jing , Liu Lingyu , He Julong , Ding Jianning
Published: April 2024

Hepta-carbon is mechanically and thermodynamically stable and energetically favorable compared to experimental fullerenes, nanotubes, and graphdiynes, exhibiting the metallic characteristics of high ductility, elastic isotropy, and incompressibility.
Understanding the active role of water in laboratory chamber studies of reactions of the OH radical with alcohols of atmospheric relevance
Authors: Garavagno María de los A. , Hernández Federico J. , Jara-Toro Rafael A. , Pino Gustavo A.
Published: April 2024

A photoinduced reaction takes place between reactants co-adsorbed at the interface of a thin film of water formed on the Teflon walls of the reaction chamber at high humidity.
Microbial bioconversion of food waste to bio-fertilizers
Authors: Mahish Pramod Kumar , Verma Dakeshwar Kumar , Ghritlahare Anjali , Arora Charu , Otero Paz
Published: April 2024

Food waste is a matter of concern in our society.
“Turn-on” and pinhole-free ultrathin core–shell Au@SiO2 nanoparticle-based metal-enhanced fluorescent (MEF) chemodosimeter for Hg2+
Authors: Cui Ying , Fan Shanji , Zhai Yunran , Liu Yingjie , Li Junhua , Hu Jiawen , Wang Lijia
Published: April 2024

We constructed a distinct ‘‘turn-on’’ Au@SiO2 nanostructure for a metal-enhanced fluorescence system. The metal-enhanced fluorescence chemosensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg2+ with a detection limit of 5 × 10−11 mol L−1.
Advancing MRI with magnetic nanoparticles: a comprehensive review of translational research and clinical trials
Authors: Lapusan Radu , Borlan Raluca , Focsan Monica
Published: April 2024

The fusion of technology and medicine, embodied by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), has transformed healthcare. Our review highlights the novel integration of SPIONs, tracing their journey from research to advanced clinical applications.
Stability and photocurrent enhancement of photodetectors by using core/shell structured CsPbBr3/TiO2 quantum dots and 2D materials
Authors: Maduwanthi Chathurika , Jong Chao-An , Mohammed Waleed S. , Hsu Shu-Han
Published: April 2024

The photodetector fabricated with CsPbBr3 QDs that were shielded by TiO2 shells showed an increase in photocurrent, while the introduction of 2D materials of MXenes boosted the photocurrent further.
Size-tunable silicon nanoparticles synthesized in solution via a redox reaction
Authors: Parker Megan A. , De Marco Maria Letizia , Castro-Grijalba Alexander , Ghoridi Anissa , Portehault David , Pechev Stanislav , Hillard Elizabeth A. , Lacomme Sabrina , Bessière Aurélie , Cunin Frédérique , Rosa Patrick , Gonidec Mathieu , Drisko Glenna L.
Published: April 2024

A new liquid-phase redox synthesis to form silicon nanoparticles allows the solvent used during synthesis to determine particle size and fluorescent properties.
A convenient protonated strategy for constructing nanodrugs from hydrophobic drug-inhibitor conjugates to reverse tumor multidrug resistance
Authors: Wang Penghui , Wang Yuling , Xia Xuelin , Wu Jingchun , Lin Jintang , Huang Wei , Yan Deyue
Published: April 2024

A novel nanodrug constructed from hydrophobic drug-inhibitor conjugates through a protonated strategy to synergistically reverse MDR and inhibit tumor growth.
Structure searches and superconductor discovery in XB2 (X = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, and Tc)
Authors: Meng Jingjing , Zheng Pengyu , Peng Yiran , Liu Rui , Yang Ying , Yin Zhiping
Published: April 2024

With extensive structure searches for XB2 (X = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, and Tc) under pressures up to 100 GPa, we uncovered that the crystal structures of these compounds with the lowest enthalpy have the same space group (P6/mmm) as MgB2 at ambient pressure.
Intracellular delivery and deep tissue penetration of nucleoside triphosphates using photocleavable covalently bound dendritic polycations
Authors: Ma Jiahui , Wehrle Johanna , Frank Dennis , Lorenzen Lina , Popp Christoph , Driever Wolfgang , Grosse Robert , Jessen Henning J.
Published: April 2024

Polycationic dendrons covalently linked to photocaged nucleoside triphosphates enable cellular delivery and deep tissue penetration.
DNA-encoded chemical libraries enable the discovery of potent PSMA-ligands with substantially reduced affinity towards the GCPIII anti-target
Authors: Lucaroni Laura , Oehler Sebastian , Georgiev Tony , Müller Marco , Bocci Matilde , De Luca Roberto , Favalli Nicholas , Neri Dario , Cazzamalli Samuele , Prati Luca
Published: April 2024

Affinity and selectivity maturation DELs (ASM-DELs), to improve ligand (HIT) affinity and selectivity towards PSMA with respect to GCPIII, the biological “anti-target".
Infrared spectroscopy for understanding the structure of Nafion and its associated properties
Authors: Agarwal Tanya , Prasad Ajay K. , Advani Suresh G. , Babu Siddharth Komini , Borup Rodney L.
Published: April 2024

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy is a valuable low-cost easy to use tool that has helped in understanding the structure and properties of Nafion as a function of environmental changes by closely monitoring the changes in vibrational modes of various functional groups in Nafion.
Molecular perspective and engineering of thermal transport and thermoelectricity in polymers
Authors: Yelishala Sai C. , Murphy Connor , Cui Longji
Published: April 2024

This review highlights molecular and nanoscale engineering of electrically insulating and semiconducting polymers for improved heat transport and thermoelectricity.
Nanomedicine-induced cell pyroptosis to enhance antitumor immunotherapy
Authors: Ge Jingwen , Zhang Zheng , Zhao Shuangshuang , Chen Yanwei , Min Xin , Cai Yun , Zhao Huajiao , Wu Xincai , Zhao Feng , Chen Baoding
Published: April 2024

Nanomedicine-induced pyroptosis for efficient antitumor immunotherapy has been increasingly prominent at the current stage. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and deep discussion on the very-recent progresses achieved in this field.
Heterostructured ZnFe2O4@Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays on Ni foam as an efficient oxygen evolution catalyst
Authors: Liu Haiqing , Miao Juhong , Wang Yubin , Chen Siyu , Tang Yujia , Zhu Dongdong
Published: April 2024

Novel self-supported heterostructured ZnFe2O4@Ni3S2/NF nanosheet arrays exhibit excellent OER activity in 1 M KOH.
A chiral photoswitch based on enantiospecific interconversion between binaphthyl and helicenoid skeletons
Authors: Nakagawa Tetsuya , Kato Ryuji , Iiyoshi Yuichi , Furuya Masaki , Kitano Tomoki , Nakamura Ryo , Yokoyama Yasushi , Ubukata Takashi
Published: April 2024

A chiral photoswitch exhibited thermally reversible photochromism with helicity inversion upon photocyclization and thermal ring opening.
Passerini polymerization of α-lipoic acid for dynamically crosslinking 1,2-dithiolane-functionalized polymers
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Huang Yi-Shen , Huang Chih-Feng , Samitsu Sadaki
Published: April 2024

Multicomponent Passerini polymerization using naturally occurring α-lipoic acid yields 1,2-dithiolane-functionalized polymers in a one-step reaction, which exhibit adaptable dynamically crosslinked polymer network characteristics.
One-pot isothermal amplification permits recycled activation of CRISPR/Cas12a for sensing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity
Authors: Xu Jianguo , Yang Haidong , Sui Zhuqi , Yuan Xinyue , Jia Lee , Guo Longhua
Published: April 2024

Target-triggered one-pot isothermal amplification permits recycled activation of CRISPR/Cas12a for sensing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity.