bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary cilia suppress Ripk3-mediated necroptosis
Authors: Kieckhöfer Emilia , Slaats Gisela G. , Ebert Lena K. , Albert Marie-Christine , Dafinger Claudia , Kashkar Hamid , Benzing Thomas , Schermer Bernhard
Published: December 2022

Cilia are sensory organelles that project from the surface of almost all cells. Nephronophthisis (NPH) and NPH-related ciliopathies are degenerative genetic diseases caused by mutation of cilia-associated genes. These kidney disorders are characterized by progressive loss of functional tubular epithelial cells which is associated with inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and cyst formation, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. However, disease mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that targeted deletion of cilia in renal epithelial cells enhanced susceptibility to necroptotic cell death under inflammatory conditions. Treatment of non-ciliated cells with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and the SMAC mimetic birinapant resulted in Ripk1-dependent cell death, while viability of ciliated cells was almost not affected. Cell death could be enhanced and shifted toward necroptosis by the caspase inhibitor emricasan, which could be blocked by inhibitors of Ripk1 and Ripk3. Moreover, combined treatment of ciliated and non-ciliated cells with TNFα and cycloheximide induced a cell death response that could be partially rescued with emricasan in ciliated cells. In contrast, non-ciliated cells responded with pronounced cell death that was blocked by necroptosis inhibitors. Consistently, combined treatment with interferon-γ and emricasan induced cell death only in non-ciliated cells. Mechanistically, enhanced necroptosis induced by loss of cilia could be explained by induction of Ripk3 and increased abundance of autophagy components, including p62 and LC3 associated with the Ripk1/Ripk3 necrosome. Genetic ablation of cilia in renal tubular epithelial cells in mice resulted in TUNEL positivity and increased expression of Ripk3 in kidney tissue. Moreover, loss of Nphp1, the most frequent cause of NPH, further increased susceptibility to necroptosis in non-ciliated epithelial cells, suggesting that necroptosis might contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Together, these data provide a link between cilia-related signaling and cell death responses and shed new light on the disease pathogenesis of NPH-related ciliopathies.
Dual-responsive disassembly of core-shell nanoparticles with self-supplied H2O2 and autocatalytic Fenton reaction for enhanced chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Peng Mengran , Ju Enguo , Xu Yanteng , Wang Yuqin , Lv Shixian , Shao Dan , Wang Haixia , Tao Yu , Zheng Yue , Li Mingqiang
Published: December 2022

Chemodynamic therapy holds great potential for cancer treatment due to its reliable curative effects, minimal invasiveness, and few systemic side effects. However, the limited amount of intracellular H2O2 makes achieving high-performance chemodynamic therapy challenging. Herein, we report a core-shell nanoplatform with dual-responsive disassembly that self-supplies H2O2 and undergoes an autocatalytic Fenton reaction for enhanced chemodynamic therapy. The platform was designed by coating glucose oxidase-mimicking nanozyme gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a metal-polyphenol network (Au@MPN). Both ATP and low pH can disassemble the Au@MPN to release Fe(III), which can then be reduced into Fe(II) by the simultaneously released tannic acid (TA). In particular, the exposed AuNPs can catalyze the oxidation of intracellular glucose to produce H2O2. Subsequently, Fe(II) and the self-supplied H2O2 induce an efficient Fenton reaction for chemodynamic therapy by generating hydroxyl radicals (•OH) that are highly toxic to cancer cells. Moreover, tumor growth can be effectively suppressed after both intratumoral and intravenous Au@MPN administration. Additionally, metastatic melanoma lung tumors could be inhibited by intratracheal instillation of Au@MPN. Thus, this work not only reports a facile method to construct a chemodynamic agent with self-supplied H2O2 and high therapeutic efficiency but also provides insight into the design of nanoplatforms with enhanced efficiency for chemodynamic therapy.
Specific gut microbiome signatures and the associated pro-inflamatory functions are linked to pediatric allergy and acquisition of immune tolerance
Authors: De Filippis Francesca , Paparo Lorella , Nocerino Rita , Della Gatta Giusy , Carucci Laura , Russo Roberto , Pasolli Edoardo , Ercolini Danilo , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: December 2022

Understanding the functional potential of the gut microbiome is of primary importance for the design of innovative strategies for allergy treatment and prevention. Here we report the gut microbiome features of 90 children affected by food (FA) or respiratory (RA) allergies and 30 age-matched, healthy controls (CT). We identify specific microbial signatures in the gut microbiome of allergic children, such as higher abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and a depletion of Bifidobacterium longum, Bacteroides dorei, B. vulgatus and fiber-degrading taxa. The metagenome of allergic children shows a pro-inflammatory potential, with an enrichment of genes involved in the production of bacterial lipo-polysaccharides and urease. We demonstrate that specific gut microbiome signatures at baseline can be predictable of immune tolerance acquisition. Finally, a strain-level selection occurring in the gut microbiome of allergic subjects is identified. R. gnavus strains enriched in FA and RA showed lower ability to degrade fiber, and genes involved in the production of a pro-inflammatory polysaccharide. We demonstrate that a gut microbiome dysbiosis occurs in allergic children, with R. gnavus emerging as a main player in pediatric allergy. These findings may open new strategies in the development of innovative preventive and therapeutic approaches. Trial: NCT04750980.
Overcoming C60-induced interfacial recombination in inverted perovskite solar cells by electron-transporting carborane
Authors: Ye Fangyuan , Zhang Shuo , Warby Jonathan , Wu Jiawei , Gutierrez-Partida Emilio , Lang Felix , Shah Sahil , Saglamkaya Elifnaz , Sun Bowen , Zu Fengshuo , Shoaee Safa , Wang Haifeng , Stiller Burkhard , Neher Dieter , Zhu Wei-Hong , Stolterfoht Martin , Wu Yongzhen
Published: December 2022

Inverted perovskite solar cells still suffer from significant non-radiative recombination losses at the perovskite surface and across the perovskite/C60 interface, limiting the future development of perovskite-based single- and multi-junction photovoltaics. Therefore, more effective inter- or transport layers are urgently required. To tackle these recombination losses, we introduce ortho-carborane as an interlayer material that has a spherical molecular structure and a three-dimensional aromaticity. Based on a variety of experimental techniques, we show that ortho-carborane decorated with phenylamino groups effectively passivates the perovskite surface and essentially eliminates the non-radiative recombination loss across the perovskite/C60 interface with high thermal stability. We further demonstrate the potential of carborane as an electron transport material, facilitating electron extraction while blocking holes from the interface. The resulting inverted perovskite solar cells deliver a power conversion efficiency of over 23% with a low non-radiative voltage loss of 110 mV, and retain >97% of the initial efficiency after 400 h of maximum power point tracking. Overall, the designed carborane based interlayer simultaneously enables passivation, electron-transport and hole-blocking and paves the way toward more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
Near-critical spreading of droplets
Authors: Saiseau Raphael , Pedersen Christian , Benjana Anwar , Carlson Andreas , Delabre Ulysse , Salez Thomas , Delville Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2022

We study the spreading of droplets in a near-critical phase-separated liquid mixture, using a combination of experiments, lubrication theory and finite-element numerical simulations. The classical Tanner’s law describing the spreading of viscous droplets is robustly verified when the critical temperature is neared. Furthermore, the microscopic cut-off length scale emerging in this law is obtained as a single free parameter for each given temperature. In total-wetting conditions, this length is interpreted as the thickness of the thin precursor film present ahead of the apparent contact line. The collapse of the different evolutions onto a single Tanner-like master curve demonstrates the universality of viscous spreading before entering in the fluctuation-dominated regime. Finally, our results reveal a counter-intuitive and sharp thinning of the precursor film when approaching the critical temperature, which is attributed to the vanishing spreading parameter at the critical point.
Overcoming global inequality is critical for land-based mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement
Authors: Humpenöder Florian , Popp Alexander , Schleussner Carl-Friedrich , Orlov Anton , Windisch Michael Gregory , Menke Inga , Pongratz Julia , Havermann Felix , Thiery Wim , Luo Fei , v. Jeetze Patrick , Dietrich Jan Philipp , Lotze-Campen Hermann , Weindl Isabelle , Lejeune Quentin
Published: December 2022

Transformation pathways for the land sector in line with the Paris Agreement depend on the assumption of globally implemented greenhouse gas (GHG) emission pricing, and in some cases also on inclusive socio-economic development and sustainable land-use practices. In such pathways, the majority of GHG emission reductions in the land system is expected to come from low- and middle-income countries, which currently account for a large share of emissions from agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU). However, in low- and middle-income countries the economic, financial and institutional barriers for such transformative changes are high. Here, we show that if sustainable development in the land sector remained highly unequal and limited to high-income countries only, global AFOLU emissions would remain substantial throughout the 21st century. Our model-based projections highlight that overcoming global inequality is critical for land-based mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement. While also a scenario purely based on either global GHG emission pricing or on inclusive socio-economic development would achieve the stringent emissions reductions required, only the latter ensures major co-benefits for other Sustainable Development Goals, especially in low- and middle-income regions.
Conserved structures of neural activity in sensorimotor cortex of freely moving rats allow cross-subject decoding
Authors: Melbaum Svenja , Russo Eleonora , Eriksson David , Schneider Artur , Durstewitz Daniel , Brox Thomas , Diester Ilka
Published: December 2022

Our knowledge about neuronal activity in the sensorimotor cortex relies primarily on stereotyped movements that are strictly controlled in experimental settings. It remains unclear how results can be carried over to less constrained behavior like that of freely moving subjects. Toward this goal, we developed a self-paced behavioral paradigm that encouraged rats to engage in different movement types. We employed bilateral electrophysiological recordings across the entire sensorimotor cortex and simultaneous paw tracking. These techniques revealed behavioral coupling of neurons with lateralization and an anterior–posterior gradient from the premotor to the primary sensory cortex. The structure of population activity patterns was conserved across animals despite the severe under-sampling of the total number of neurons and variations in electrode positions across individuals. We demonstrated cross-subject and cross-session generalization in a decoding task through alignments of low-dimensional neural manifolds, providing evidence of a conserved neuronal code.
N6-methyladenosine RNA modification regulates photosynthesis during photodamage in plants
Authors: Zhang Man , Zeng Yunping , Peng Rong , Dong Jie , Lan Yelin , Duan Sujuan , Chang Zhenyi , Ren Jian , Luo Guanzheng , Liu Bing , Růžička Kamil , Zhao Kewei , Wang Hong-Bin , Jin Hong-Lei
Published: December 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNAs affects many biological processes. However, the function of m6A in plant photosynthesis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that m6A modification is crucial for photosynthesis during photodamage caused by high light stress in plants. The m6A modification levels of numerous photosynthesis-related transcripts are changed after high light stress. We determine that the Arabidopsis m6A writer VIRILIZER (VIR) positively regulates photosynthesis, as its genetic inactivation drastically lowers photosynthetic activity and photosystem protein abundance under high light conditions. The m6A levels of numerous photosynthesis-related transcripts decrease in vir mutants, extensively reducing their transcript and translation levels, as revealed by multi-omics analyses. We demonstrate that VIR associates with the transcripts of genes encoding proteins with functions related to photoprotection (such as HHL1, MPH1, and STN8) and their regulatory proteins (such as regulators of transcript stability and translation), promoting their m6A modification and maintaining their stability and translation efficiency. This study thus reveals an important mechanism for m6A-dependent maintenance of photosynthetic efficiency in plants under high light stress conditions.
A dish-like molecular architecture for dynamic ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence through reversible guest accommodation
Authors: Li Wenlang , Huang Qiuyi , Mao Zhu , He Xiaoyi , Ma Dongyu , Zhao Juan , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zhang Yi , Tang Ben Zhong , Chi Zhenguo
Published: December 2022

Developing dynamic organic ultralong room-temperature phosphorescent (URTP) materials is of practical importance in various applications but remains a challenge due to the difficulty in manipulating aggregate structures. Herein, we report a dish-like molecular architecture via a bottom-up way, featuring guest-responsive dynamic URTP. Through controlling local fragment motions in the molecular architecture, fascinating dynamic URTP performances can be achieved in response to reversible accommodation of various guests, including solvents, alkyl bromides and even carbon dioxide. Large-scale regulations of phosphorescence lifetime (100-fold) and intensity (10-fold) can be realized, presenting a maximum phosphorescence efficiency and lifetime of 78.8% and 483.1 ms, respectively. Moreover, such a dish-like molecular architecture is employed for temperature-dependent multiple information encryption and visual identification of linear alkyl bromides. This work can not only deepen our understanding to construct multifunctional organic aggregates, but also facilitate the design of high-performance dynamic URTP materials and enrich their practical applications.
Nascent peptide-induced translation discontinuation in eukaryotes impacts biased amino acid usage in proteomes
Authors: Ito Yosuke , Chadani Yuhei , Niwa Tatsuya , Yamakawa Ayako , Machida Kodai , Imataka Hiroaki , Taguchi Hideki
Published: December 2022

Robust translation elongation of any given amino acid sequence is required to shape proteomes. Nevertheless, nascent peptides occasionally destabilize ribosomes, since consecutive negatively charged residues in bacterial nascent chains can stochastically induce discontinuation of translation, in a phenomenon termed intrinsic ribosome destabilization (IRD). Here, using budding yeast and a human factor-based reconstituted translation system, we show that IRD also occurs in eukaryotic translation. Nascent chains enriched in aspartic acid (D) or glutamic acid (E) in their N-terminal regions alter canonical ribosome dynamics, stochastically aborting translation. Although eukaryotic ribosomes are more robust to ensure uninterrupted translation, we find many endogenous D/E-rich peptidyl-tRNAs in the N-terminal regions in cells lacking a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase, indicating that the translation of the N-terminal D/E-rich sequences poses an inherent risk of failure. Indeed, a bioinformatics analysis reveals that the N-terminal regions of ORFs lack D/E enrichment, implying that the translation defect partly restricts the overall amino acid usage in proteomes.
Reconfigurable neuromorphic memristor network for ultralow-power smart textile electronics
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Meng Jialin , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Yue , He Zhenyu , Han Qi , Li Qingxuan , Yu Jiajie , Li Zhenhai , Liu Yongkai , Zhu Hao , Sun Qingqing , Zhang David Wei , Chen Peining , Peng Huisheng , Chen Lin
Published: December 2022

Neuromorphic computing memristors are attractive to construct low-power- consumption electronic textiles due to the intrinsic interwoven architecture and promising applications in wearable electronics. Developing reconfigurable fiber-based memristors is an efficient method to realize electronic textiles that capable of neuromorphic computing function. However, the previously reported artificial synapse and neuron need different materials and configurations, making it difficult to realize multiple functions in a single device. Herein, a textile memristor network of Ag/MoS2/HfAlOx/carbon nanotube with reconfigurable characteristics was reported, which can achieve both nonvolatile synaptic plasticity and volatile neuron functions. In addition, a single reconfigurable memristor can realize integrate-and-fire function, exhibiting significant advantages in reducing the complexity of neuron circuits. The firing energy consumption of fiber-based memristive neuron is 1.9 fJ/spike (femtojoule-level), which is at least three orders of magnitude lower than that of the reported biological and artificial neuron (picojoule-level). The ultralow energy consumption makes it possible to create an electronic neural network that reduces the energy consumption compared to human brain. By integrating the reconfigurable synapse, neuron and heating resistor, a smart textile system is successfully constructed for warm fabric application, providing a unique functional reconfiguration pathway toward the next-generation in-memory computing textile system.
TRPC channels blockade abolishes endotoxemic cardiac dysfunction by hampering intracellular inflammation and Ca2+ leakage
Authors: Tang Na , Tian Wen , Ma Guang-Yuan , Xiao Xiong , Zhou Lei , Li Ze-Zhi , Liu Xiao-Xiao , Li Chong-Yao , Wu Ke-Han , Liu Wenjuan , Wang Xue-Ying , Gao Yuan-Yuan , Yang Xin , Qi Jianzhao , Li Ding , Liu Yang , Chen Wen-Sheng , Gao Jinming , Li Xiao-Qiang , Cao Wei
Published: December 2022

Intracellular Ca2+ dysregulation is a key marker in septic cardiac dysfunction; however, regulation of the classic Ca2+ regulatory modules cannot successfully abolish this symptom. Here we show that the knockout of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel isoforms TRPC1 and TRPC6 can ameliorate LPS-challenged heart failure and prolong survival in mice. The LPS-triggered Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum both in cardiomyocytes and macrophages is significantly inhibited by Trpc1 or Trpc6 knockout. Meanwhile, TRPC’s molecular partner — calmodulin — is uncoupled during Trpc1 or Trpc6 deficiency and binds to TLR4’s Pococurante site and atypical isoleucine-glutamine-like motif to block the inflammation cascade. Blocking the C-terminal CaM/IP3R binding domain in TRPC with chemical inhibitor could obstruct the Ca2+ leak and TLR4-mediated inflammation burst, demonstrating a cardioprotective effect in endotoxemia and polymicrobial sepsis. Our findings provide insight into the pathogenesis of endotoxemic cardiac dysfunction and suggest a novel approach for its treatment.
Immunosuppressive biomaterial-based therapeutic vaccine to treat multiple sclerosis via re-establishing immune tolerance
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Loc , Choi Youngjin , Im Jihye , Shin Hyunsu , Phan Ngoc Man , Kim Min Kyung , Choi Seung Woo , Kim Jaeyun
Published: December 2022

Current therapies for autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), induce broad suppression of the immune system, potentially promoting opportunistic infections. Here, we report an immunosuppressive biomaterial-based therapeutic vaccine carrying self-antigen and tolerance-inducing inorganic nanoparticles to treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model mimicking human MS. Immunization with self-antigen-loaded mesoporous nanoparticles generates Foxp3+regulatory T-cells in spleen and systemic immune tolerance in EAE mice, reducing central nervous system-infiltrating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and autoreactive CD4+T-cells. Introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNP) to self-antigen-loaded nanovaccine additionally suppresses activation of APCs and enhances antigen-specific immune tolerance, inducing recovery in mice from complete paralysis at the late, chronic stage of EAE, which shows similarity to chronic human MS. This study clearly shows that the ROS-scavenging capability of catalytic inorganic nanoparticles could be utilized to enhance tolerogenic features in APCs, leading to antigen-specific immune tolerance, which could be exploited in treating MS.
Photo-induced stress relaxation in reconfigurable disulfide-crosslinked supramolecular films visualized by dynamic wrinkling
Authors: Yan Shuzhen , Hu Kaiming , Chen Shuai , Li Tiantian , Zhang Wenming , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong
Published: December 2022

Stress relaxation in reconfigurable supramolecular polymer networks is strongly related to intermolecular behavior. However, the relationship between molecular motion and macroscopic mechanics is usually vague, and the visualization of internal stress reflecting precise regulation of molecules remains challenging. Here, we present a strategy for visualizing photo-driven stress relaxation induced by infinitesimal perturbations in the intermolecular exchange reaction via reprogrammable wrinkle patterns. The supramolecular films exhibit visible changes in microscopic wrinkle topography through ultraviolet (UV)-induced dynamic disulfide exchange reaction. In accordance with the trans-scale theoretical models, which quantitatively evaluate the chemical-dependent mechanical stresses in the supramolecular network, the unexposed disordered wrinkles evolved into highly oriented patterns and underwent subsequent mutations after thermal treatment. The stress-sensitive wrinkle macro-patterns can be repetitively written/erased through network topology rearrangement using different stimuli. This strategy provides an approach for visualizing and understanding the molecular behavior from dynamic chemistry to mechanical changes, and directly programming wrinkle patterns with regulated structures.
China’s Gridded Manufacturing Dataset
Authors: Fan Chenjing , Huang Xinran , Zhou Lin , Gai Zhenyu , Zhu Chaoyang , Zhang Haole
Published: December 2022

The growth of the manufacturing industry is the engine of rapid economic growth in developing regions. Characterizing the geographical distribution of manufacturing firms is critically important for scientists and policymakers. However, data on the manufacturing industry used in previous studies either have a low spatial resolution (or fuzzy classification) or high-resolution information is lacking. Here, we propose a map point-of-interest classification method based on machine learning technology and build a dataset of the distribution of Chinese manufacturing firms called the Gridded Manufacturing Dataset. This dataset includes the number and type of manufacturing firms at a 0.01° latitude by 0.01° longitude scale. It includes all manufacturing firms (classified into seven categories) in China in 2015 (4.56 million) and 2019 (6.19 million). This dataset can be used to characterize temporal and spatial patterns in the distribution of manufacturing firms as well as reveal the mechanisms underlying the development of the manufacturing industry and changes in regional economic policies.
Probable COVID-19 infection is associated with subsequent poorer mental health and greater loneliness in the UK COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing study
Authors: Wilding Sarah , O’Connor Daryl B. , Ferguson Eamonn , Cleare Seonaid , Wetherall Karen , O’Carroll Ronan E. , Robb Kathryn A. , O’Connor Rory C.
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with psychological distress. In addition to physical effects including fatigue and cognitive impairment, contracting COVID-19 itself may also be related to subsequent negative mental health outcomes. The present study reports data from a longitudinal, national survey of the UK adult population investigating whether contracting suspected or confirmed COVID-19 at the early stages of the pandemic (March–May 2020) was associated with poorer mental health outcomes in May/June 2020, October/November 2020 and June/July 2021. A quota survey design and a sampling frame that permitted recruitment of a national sample (n = 3077) were utilised. Experience of contracting COVID-19 during the first UK lockdown was assessed along with levels of depression, anxiety, mental wellbeing and loneliness. Around 9% of participants reported contracting COVID-19 in March/May 2020 (waves 1–3) with just under 13% of the overall sample reporting COVID-19 at any one of the first three time points. Compared to those without probable COVID-19 infection, participants with probable COVID-19 had poorer mental health outcomes at follow-up with these effects lasting up to 13 months (e.g., May/June 2020:ORdepression = 1.70, p < 0.001; ORanxiety = 1.61, p = 0.002; Oct/Nov 2020, ORdepression = 1.82, p < 0.001; ORanxiety 1.56, p = 0.013; June/July 2021, ORdepression = 2.01, p < 0.001; ORanxiety = 1.67, p = 0.008). Having a pre-existing mental health condition was also associated with greater odds of having probable COVID-19 during the study (OR = 1.31, p = 0.016). The current study demonstrates that contracting probable COVID-19 at the early stage of the pandemic was related to long-lasting associations with mental health and the relationship between mental health status and probable COVID-19 is bidirectional.
Alternative stable ecological states observed after a biological invasion
Authors: Garcia Adriano G. , Mesquita Filho Walter , Flechtmann Carlos A. H. , Lockwood Julie L. , Bonachela Juan A.
Published: December 2022

Although biological invasions play an important role in ecosystem change worldwide, little is known about how invasions are influenced by local abiotic stressors. Broadly, abiotic stressors can cause large-scale community changes in an ecosystem that influence its resilience. The possibility for these stressors to increase as global changes intensify highlights the pressing need to understand and characterize the effects that abiotic drivers may have on the dynamics and composition of a community. Here, we analyzed 26 years of weekly abundance data using the theory of regime shifts to understand how the structure of a resident community of dung beetles (composed of dweller and tunneler functional groups) responds to climatic changes in the presence of the invasive tunneler Digitonthophagus gazella. Although the community showed an initial dominance by the invader that decreased over time, the theory of regime shifts reveals the possibility of an ecological transition driven by climate factors (summarized here in a climatic index that combines minimum temperature and relative humidity). Mid and low values of the driver led to the existence of two alternative stable states for the community structure (i.e. dominance of either dwellers or tunnelers for similar values of the climatic driver), whereas large values of the driver led to the single dominance by tunnelers. We also quantified the stability of these states against climatic changes (resilience), which provides insight on the conditions under which the success of an invasion and/or the recovery of the previous status quo for the ecosystem are expected. Our approach can help understand the role of climatic changes in community responses, and improve our capacity to deal with regime shifts caused by the introduction of exotic species in new ecosystems.
Titration of 124 antibodies using CITE-Seq on human PBMCs
Authors: Nettersheim Felix Sebastian , Armstrong Sujit Silas , Durant Christopher , Blanco-Dominguez Rafael , Roy Payel , Orecchioni Marco , Suryawanshi Vasantika , Ley Klaus
Published: December 2022

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) is widely used to characterize immune cell populations. However, mRNA levels correlate poorly with expression of surface proteins, which are well established to define immune cell types. CITE-Seq (cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing) utilizes oligonucleotide-tagged antibodies to simultaneously analyze surface phenotypes and transcriptomes. Considering the high costs of adding surface phenotyping to scRNA-Seq, we aimed to determine which of 188 tested CITE-Seq antibodies can detect their antigens on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), a commonly interrogated cell population in immunology, and find the optimal concentration for staining. The recommended concentration was optimal for 76 antibodies, whereas staining quality of 7 antibodies improved when the concentration was doubled. 33 and 8 antibodies still worked well when the concentration was reduced to 1/5 or 1/25, respectively. 64 antigens were not detected at any antibody concentration. Optimizing the antibody panel by removing antibodies not able to detect their target antigens and adjusting concentrations of the remaining antibodies will improve the analysis and may reduce costs. In conclusion, our data are a resource for building an informative and cost-effective panel of CITE-Seq antibodies and use them at their optimal concentrations in future CITE-seq experiments on human PBMCs.
Application of machine learning in the diagnosis of vestibular disease
Authors: Anh Do Tram , Takakura Hiromasa , Asai Masatsugu , Ueda Naoko , Shojaku Hideo
Published: December 2022

Machine learning is considered a potential aid to support human decision making in disease prediction. In this study, we determined the utility of various machine learning algorithms in classifying peripheral vestibular (PV) and non-PV diseases based on the results of equilibrium function tests. A total of 1009 patients who had undergone our standardized neuro-otological examinations were recruited. We applied five supervised machine learning algorithms (random forest, adaboost, gradient boosting, support vector machine, and logistic regression). After preprocessing the data, optimizing the hyperparameters using GridSearchCV, and performing a final evaluation on the test set using scikit-learn, we evaluated the predictive capability using various performance metrics, namely, accuracy, F1-score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, precision, recall, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). All five machine learning algorithms yielded satisfactory results; the accuracy of the algorithms ranged from 76 to 79%, with the support vector machine classifier having the highest accuracy. In cases where the predictions of the five models were consistent, the accuracy of the PV diagnostic results was improved to 83%, whereas it increased to 85% for the non-PV diagnostic results. Future research should increase the number of patients and optimize the classification methods to obtain the highest diagnostic accuracy.
Personalized health risk assessment based on single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of a male with 45, X/48, XYYY karyotype
Authors: Koczkowska Magdalena , Jąkalski Marcin , Birkholz-Walerzak Dorota , Kostecka Anna , Iliszko Mariola , Wójcik Magdalena , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Milska-Musa Katarzyna , Buckley Patrick G. , Drężek Kinga , Juhas Ulana , Kuziemska Ewa , Maciejewska Agnieszka , Pawłowski Ryszard , Wasąg Bartosz , Filipowicz Natalia , Chojnowska Katarzyna , Ławrynowicz Urszula , Dumanski Jan P. , Lipska-Ziętkiewicz Beata S. , Mieczkowski Jakub , Piotrowski Arkadiusz
Published: December 2022

Numeric sex chromosome abnormalities are commonly associated with an increased cancer risk. Here, we report a 14-year-old boy with a rare mosaic 45, X/48, XYYY karyotype presenting with subtle dysmorphic features and relative height deficiency, requiring growth hormone therapy. As only 12 postnatal cases have been described so far with very limited follow-up data, to assess the proband’s long-term prognosis, including cancer risk, we performed high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Although comprehensive cytogenetic analysis showed seemingly near perfect balance between 45, X and 48, XYYY cell populations, scRNA-seq revealed widespread differences in genotype distribution among immune cell fractions, specifically in monocytes, B- and T-cells. These results were confirmed at DNA level by digital-droplet PCR on flow-sorted immune cell types. Furthermore, deregulation of predominantly autosomal genes was observed, including TCL1A overexpression in 45, X B-lymphocytes and other known genes associated with hematological malignancies. Together with the standard hematological results, showing increased fractions of monocytes and CD4+/CD8+T lymphocytes ratio, long-term personalized hemato-oncological surveillance was recommended in the reported patient.
Piezoelectric conductive electrospun nanocomposite PCL/Polyaniline/Barium Titanate scaffold for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Peidavosi Naeemeh , Azami Mahmoud , Beheshtizadeh Nima , Ramazani Saadatabadi Ahmad
Published: December 2022

Recent trends in tissue engineering technology have switched to electrical potentials generated through bioactive scaffolds regarding their appropriate effects on cell behaviors. Preparing a piezo-electrical stimuli scaffold with high electrical conductivity for bone and cartilage tissue regeneration is the ultimate goal of the present study. Here, Barium Titanate nanoparticles (BaTiO3 NPs) were used as piezoelectric material and highly conductive binary doped Polyaniline nanoparticles (PANI NPs) were synthesized by oxidative polymerization. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was applied as carrier substrate polymer and conductive spun nanofibrous scaffolds of PCL/PANI composites were prepared in two different amounts of PANI (3 and 5 wt.%). The conductivity of PCL/PANI nanofibers has been analyzed by standard four probes test. Based on the obtained results, the PCL/PANI5 (with 5 wt.% PANI) was selected due to the superior electrical conductivity of 8.06 × 10–4 s cm - 1. Moreover, the piezoelectric nanofibrous scaffolds of PCL/BT composite were electrospun in three different amounts of BT (20, 30, and 40 wt.%). To investigate the synergic effect of conductive PANI and piezoelectric BT, ternary nanocomposite scaffolds of PCL/PANI/BT were prepared using the dual jet electrospinning technique. The piezoelectric properties have been analyzed by determining the produced voltage. The morphological assessment, contact angle, mechanical test, and MTT assay have been conducted to evaluate other properties including biocompatibility of nanofibrous scaffolds. The PCL/PANI5/BT40 composite resulted in an unprecedented voltage of 1.9 Volt. SEM results confirm that BT NPs have been distributed and embedded inside PCL fibers quite appropriately. Also, the chosen scaffolds were homogeneously intertwined and possessed an average fiber diameter of 288 ± 180 nm, and a contact angle of 92 ± 7°, making it a desirable surface for cell attachment and protein interactions. Moreover, Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile stress, and elongation were obtained as 11 ± 1 MPa, 5 ± 0.6 MPa, and 109 ± 15% respectively. Obtained results assert the novel potential of piezo-electrical stimuli conductive nanocomposite scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
Cofactors, age at onset, allergic comorbidities and gender are different in patients sensitized to omega-5 gliadin and Pru p 3
Authors: Costanzo Giulia , Matolo Annalisa , Saderi Laura , Messina Maria Rita , Firinu Davide , Barca Maria Pina , Serra Paolo , Corso Nicoletta , Sotgiu Giovanni , Del Giacco Stefano
Published: December 2022

Aim of this study is to clarify the impact of cofactors on allergic reactions in patients sensitized to LTP and ω-5-gliadin. We retrospectively examined the charts of our outpatients from January 2015 to July 2019 and identified 157 patients seen for urticaria/angioedema or anaphylaxis after a meal, in presence or absence of cofactors and sensitized to LTPs (Pru p 3 and/or Tri a 14) and/or ω-5-gliadin (Tri a 19). we compared LTPs-positive patients and those sensitized to Tri a 19 in order to assess the difference in cofactors involved and in frequency of clinical presentation. Our data show that exercise is the most frequent cofactor in FDEIAn and the involvement of exercise, alcohol and multiple cofactors was more frequently found in males than in females. We found that exercise, pollen counts peaks and multiple cofactors were more often related to anaphylaxis than mild reactions. Finally, we performed a comparison between patients LTPs+ and Tri a 19+ that showed in the latter group a lower frequency of allergic comorbidities, a higher median age at the onset of symptoms and frequency of alcohol exposure. Our data show that the search for possible cofactors involved in food allergy is essential not only for diagnostic purposes, but also for risk assessment strategies.
No survival benefit from adding chemotherapy to adjuvant radiation in advanced major salivary gland cancer
Authors: Kang Nai-Wen , Kuo Yu-Hsuan , Wu Hung-Chang , Ho Chung-Han , Chen Yi-Chen , Yang Ching-Chieh
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to compare survival of patients with advanced major salivary gland cancers treated with adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) versus radiotherapy (RT) alone, after surgical resection. The Taiwan Cancer Registry database was used to identify patients (2009–2017) with advanced (T3–4 or nodal positivity) major salivary gland cancers, treated post-surgically with adjuvant CRT or RT alone. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) evaluated using Kaplan–Meier. Stratified analyses conducted on clinicopathological features. A total of 395 patients were analyzed: 178 (45.1%) received adjuvant CRT; 217 (54.9%) received adjuvant RT alone. Median radiation dose was 66 Gy in 33 fractions. Cisplatin was most common chemotherapy regimen. After a median follow-up of 3.37 years, there was no significant difference in OS or DSS (p = 0.1354 and 0.3361, respectively) between groups. Adding chemotherapy to adjuvant RT was not significantly associated with improved OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.94; 95% CI 0.72–1.23) and DSS (aHR 0.96; 95% CI 0.72–1.28). Stratified analysis of clinicopathological features found no significant advantages for improved OS or DSS from adding chemotherapy to adjuvant RT. Thus, in this population database, the use of chemotherapy provided limited survival benefits in advanced major salivary gland cancers after surgical resection.
The association between Acinetobacter baumannii infections and the COVID-19 pandemic in an intensive care unit
Authors: Boral Jale , Genç Zeliha , Pınarlık Fatihan , Ekinci Güz , Kuskucu Mert A. , İrkören Pelin , Kapmaz Mahir , Tekin Süda , Çakar Nahit , Şentürk Evren , Yurdakul Fatma , Dikenelli Bilge , Can Fusun , Ergonul Onder
Published: December 2022

We aimed to describe the increased rate of Acinetobacter baumannii infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and define its significance within the last five years. This study was performed in a tertiary hospital with 280 beds and included all patients infected with A. baumannii in the intensive care unit between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2022. A. baumannii-infected patients in the intensive care unit 27 months before the pandemic and 27 months during the pandemic were included. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to assess clonal relatedness. The infection control measures were specified based on the findings and targeted elimination. In total, 5718 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit from January 1st, 2018, to June 30th, 2022. A. baumannii infection was detected in 81 patients. Compared to the pre-pandemic era, the rate of A. baumannii infection during the pandemic was 1.90 times higher (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: [1.197, 3.033]). Clonality assessment of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii samples revealed eight clusters with one main cluster comprising 14/27 isolates between 2021 and 2022. The case fatality rate of the pre-pandemic and pandemic era was not different statistically (83.33% vs. 81.48%, p = 0.835). Univariate analysis revealed the association of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.002) and bacterial growth in tracheal aspirate (p = 0.001) with fatality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, potential deficits in infection control measures may lead to persistent nosocomial outbreaks. In this study, the introduction of enhanced and customized infection control measures has resulted in the containment of an A. baumannii outbreak.
A mitochondrion targetable dimethylphosphorothionate-based far-red and colorimetric fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift for monitoring peroxynitrite in living cells
Authors: Zhang Chunxiang , Zhang Xiangyang , Shen Youming , Zhou Zile
Published: December 2022

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is a biological oxidant that is related to numerous physiological and pathological processes.
The role of crystallization and crosslinking in the hysteresis loss of vulcanized Eucommia ulmoides gum
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhao Hui , Zhang Chunbo , Zhang Xiuqin , Dong Xia , Liu Guoming , Wang Dujin
Published: December 2022

The interplay between crosslinks and crystals is critical for the mechanical properties of Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG). It was shown here that the hysteresis loss of vulcanized EUG depends significantly on strain-induced crystallization/melting.
First principles investigation on Na-ion storage in two-dimensional boron-rich B2N, B3N, and B5N
Authors: Zhou Xingyi , Liu Fang , Chen Xianfei , Huang Yi , Zhang Peicong , Xiao Beibei , Zhang Wentao , Wang Lianli
Published: December 2022

The BxN electrode could be used as a new lightweight Na-ion batteries anode with high capacity, cyclability, and desired rate performance.
High-resolution NMR spectroscopy for measuring complex samples based on chemical-shift-difference selection
Authors: Chen Ziqiao , Li Xueting , Huang Yuqing , Cao Shuohui , Chen Zhong , Lin Yulan
Published: December 2022

The selectivity of the proposed NMR approach is based on chemical-shift differences of coupled proton pairs. This method can extract homonuclear coupling networks from crowded spectral regions.
A critical comparison of CH⋯π versus π⋯π interactions in the benzene dimer: obtaining benchmarks at the CCSD(T) level and assessing the accuracy of lower scaling methods
Authors: Herman Kristina M. , Aprà Edoardo , Xantheas Sotiris S.
Published: December 2022

We have established CCSD(T)/CBS (Complete Basis Set) limits for 3 stationary points on the benzene dimer potential energy surface and used them to evaluate to assess the accuracy of numerous lower scaling methods for both the structures and energetics.
Emerging evidence on the effects of plant-derived microRNAs in colorectal cancer: a review
Authors: Zhang Wen Jing , Li Ying Yi , Xiang Zhen Hang , Deng Jing , Li Wen , Lin Qin Lu , Fang Yong , Liu Fang , Bai Jie , Zhang Lin , Li Juan
Published: December 2022

Food nutrition and human health are still interesting international issues.
H2O wash: a simple method toward eliminating discharge products and regenerating cathodes of Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Iputera Kevin , Fu Yu-Lin , Li Lidong , Hu Shu-Fen , Wei Da-Hua , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: December 2022

Li–O2 batteries have been the focus of research for decades. However, there are only few studies on the recycle of Li–O2 batteries. Herein, we provide a facile H2O wash method which could revive air cathodes with ease.
Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing for low bacterial concentrations integrating a centrifuge based bacterial cell concentrator
Authors: Hwang Sunjae , Choi Jungil
Published: December 2022

A rapid AST platform allows the use of low-density bacterial samples by concentrating bacterial cells and performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing on a single microfluidic chip.
Unusually cyclized triterpenoids: occurrence, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis
Authors: Hussain Hidayat , Xiao Jianbo , Ali Akbar , Green Ivan R. , Westermann Bernhard
Published: December 2022

The review introduced chemical diversity in structures, biological activities, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis of unusual cyclized triterpenoids.
Correction: Structural diversity, bioactivities, and biosynthesis of natural diterpenoid alkaloids
Authors: Shen Yong , Liang Wen-Juan , Shi Ya-Na , Kennelly Edward J. , Zhao Da-Ke
Published: December 2022

Correction for ‘Structural diversity, bioactivities, and biosynthesis of natural diterpenoid alkaloids’ by Yong Shen et al., Nat. Prod. Rep., 2020, 37, 763–796, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NP00002G.
A TD-DFT study of a class of D–π–A fluorescent probes for detection of typical oxidants
Authors: Li Dezhong , Lei Da , Ren Wenfei , Li Jiguang , Yang Xinyi , Cai Zhenzhen , Duan Haiming , Dou Xincun
Published: December 2022

The electronegative R-benzene group modulated interaction between the π-bond and MnO4−, ensuring an effective fluorescence-off response toward KMnO4.
Enhancing the cycling stability of a hollow architecture Li-rich cathode via Ce-integrated surface/interface/doping engineering
Authors: Yu Zhaozhe , Yu Kangzhe , Ji Fangli , Lu Quan , Wang Yuezhen , Cheng Yan , Li Huacheng , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian , Seifert Hans J. , Du Yong , Wang Jianchuan
Published: December 2022

Hollow architecture and spinel heterogeneous interface strategy provides a novel approach to achieve high-performance cathode materials.
Flow cytometry-based rapid detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using fluorescent antibodies
Authors: Kim Joo-Kyung , Yun Hanool , Yeom Chang-Hun , Kim Eun-Jung , Kim Wooseong , Lee Chang-Soo , Kim Byung-Gee , Jeong Hee-Jin
Published: December 2022

Flow cytometry-based rapid and convenient pathogen detection.
Visible-light-activated photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using WO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Mzimela Nompumelelo , Tichapondwa Shepherd , Chirwa Evans
Published: December 2022

WO3 nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile chemical precipitation method for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B.
Preparation and applications of flexible conductive organohydrogels with ultrahigh gas permeability
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Ding Zifeng , Yang Jinhao , Cheng Jing , Huang Chenguang , Xiong Caihua , Cai Xixi , You Lijun , Wang Shaoyun
Published: December 2022

Flexible conductive organohydrogels with ultrahigh gas permeability for wearable electronic device applications.
Sublimable complexes with spin switching: chemical design, processing as thin films and integration in graphene-based devices
Authors: Gavara-Edo Miguel , Valverde-Muñoz Francisco Javier , Córdoba Rosa , Muñoz M. Carmen , Herrero-Martín Javier , Real José Antonio , Coronado Eugenio
Published: December 2022

Chemical design of complexes with thermal- and light-induced spin switching and integration as thin films in graphene-based devices by sublimation.