bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Type of Endometrial Cancer Models in Mice Revealing the Functional Roles of Genetic Drivers and Exploring their Susceptibilities
Authors: Chen Jingyao , Dai Siqi , Zhao Lei , Peng Yiman , Sun Chongen , Peng Hongling , Zhong Qian , Quan Yuan , Li Yue , Chen Xuelan , Pan Xiangyu , Zhong Ailing , Wang Manli , Zhang Mengsha , Yang Shengyong , Lu You , Lian Zhong , Liu Yu , Zhou Shengtao , Li Zhengyu , Na Feifei , Chen Chong
Published: June 2023

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common female reproductive tract cancer and its incidence has been continuously increasing in recent years. The underlying mechanisms of EC tumorigenesis remain unclear, and efficient target therapies are lacking, for both of which feasible endometrial cancer animal models are essential but currently limited. Here, an organoid and genome editing‐based strategy to generate primary, orthotopic, and driver‐defined ECs in mice is reported. These models faithfully recapitulate the molecular and pathohistological characteristics of human diseases. The authors names these models and similar models for other cancers as organoid‐initiated precision cancer models (OPCMs). Importantly, this approach can conveniently introduce any driver mutation or a combination of driver mutations. Using these models,it is shown that the mutations in Pik3ca and Pik3r1 cooperate with Pten loss to promote endometrial adenocarcinoma in mice. In contrast, the Kras G12D mutati led to endometrial squamous cell carcinoma. Then, tumor organoids are derived from these mouse EC models and performed high‐throughput drug screening and validation. The results reveal distinct vulnerabilities of ECs with different mutations. Taken together, this study develops a multiplexing approach to model EC in mice and demonstrates its value for understanding the pathology of and exploring the potential treatments for this malignancy.
Understanding the Bifunctional Trends of Fe‐Based Binary Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Li Ruisong , Rao Peng , Wu Daoxiong , Li Jing , Deng Peilin , Miao Zhengpei , Tian Xinlong
Published: June 2023

Binary single‐atom catalysts (BSACs) have demonstrated fascinating activities compared to single atom catalysts (SACs) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Notably, Fe SACs is one of the most promising ORR electrocatalysts, and further revealing the synergistic effects between Fe and other 3d transition metals (M) for FeM BSACs are very important to enhance bifunctional performance. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are first adapted to demonstrate the role of various transition metals on the bifunctional activity of Fe sites, and a notable volcano relationship is established through the generally accepted adsorption free energy that ΔG*OH for ORR, and ΔG*O−ΔG*OH for OER, respectively. Further, ten of the atomically dispersed FeM anchored on nitrogen‐carbon support (FeM‐NC) are successfully synthesized with typical atomic dispersion by a facile movable type printing method. The experimental data confirms the bifunctional activity diversity of FeM‐NC between the early‐ and late‐ transition metals, agrees very well with the DFT results. More importantly, the optimal FeCu‐NC shows the expected performance with high ORR and OER activity, thereby, the assembled rechargeable zinc–air battery delivers a high power density of 231 mW cm−2, and an impressive stability that can be stably operated over 300 h.
CRISPR/Cas13a‐Based MicroRNA Detection in Tumor‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Hong Jae‐Sang , Son Taehwang , Castro Cesar M. , Im Hyungsoon
Published: June 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in extracellular vesicles (EVs) play essential roles in cancer initiation and progression. Quantitative measurements of EV miRNAs are critical for cancer diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring. Traditional PCR‐based methods, however, require multi‐step procedures and remain as bulk analysis. Here, the authors introduce an amplification‐free and extraction‐free EV miRNA detection method using a CRISPR/Cas13a sensing system. CRISPR/Cas13a sensing components are encapsulated in liposomes and delivered them into EVs through liposome‐EV fusion. This allows for accurately quantify specific miRNA‐positive EV counts using 1 × 108 EVs. The authors show that miR‐21‐5p‐positive EV counts are in the range of 2%–10% in ovarian cancer EVs, which is significantly higher than the positive EV counts from the benign cells (<0.65%). The result show an excellent correlation between bulk analysis with the gold‐standard method, RT‐qPCR. The authors also demonstrate multiplexed protein‐miRNA analysis in tumor‐derived EVs by capturing EpCAM‐positive EVs and quantifying miR‐21‐5p‐positive ones in the subpopulation, which show significantly higher counts in the plasma of cancer patients than healthy controls. The developed EV miRNA sensing system provides the specific miRNA detection method in intact EVs without RNA extraction and opens up the possibility of multiplexed single EV analysis for protein and RNA markers.
A NIR‐II Photoactivatable “ROS Bomb” with High‐Density Cu2O‐Supported MoS2 Nanoflowers for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Huang Jia , Deng Guiming , Wang Shuya , Zhao Tianjiao , Chen Qiaohui , Yang Yuqi , Yang Yongqi , Zhang Jinping , Nan Yayun , Liu Zhaoqian , Cao Ke , Huang Qiong , Ai Kelong
Published: June 2023

The fast conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into reactive oxygen species (ROS) at tumor sites is a promising anticancer strategy by manipulating nanomedicines with near‐infrared light in the second region (NIR‐II). However, this strategy is greatly compromised by the powerful antioxidant capacity of tumors and the limited ROS generation rate of nanomedicines. This dilemma mainly stems from the lack of an effective synthesis method to support high‐density copper‐based nanocatalysts on the surface of photothermal nanomaterials. Herein, a multifunctional nanoplatform (MCPQZ) with high–density cuprous (Cu2O) supported molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoflowers (MC NFs) is developed for the efficient killing of tumors via a potent ROS storm by an innovative method. Under NIR‐II light irradiation, the ROS intensity and maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) produced by MC NFs are 21.6 and 33.8 times that of the non–irradiation group in vitro, which is much higher than most current nanomedicines. Moreover, the strong ROS storm in cancer cells is efficiently formed by MCPQZ (increased by 27.8 times compared to the control), thanks to the fact that MCPQZ effectively pre–weakens the multiple antioxidant systems of cancer cells. This work provides a novel insight to solve the bottleneck of ROS‐based cancer therapy.
Electroceuticals for Regeneration of Long Nerve Gap Using Biodegradable Conductive Conduits and Implantable Wireless Stimulator
Authors: Kim Jio , Jeon Jooik , Lee Ju‐Yong , Khoroldulam Badamgarav , Choi Sung‐Geun , Bae Jae‐Young , Hyun Jung Keun , Kang Seung‐Kyun
Published: June 2023

Regeneration of over 10 mm long peripheral nerve defects remains a challenge due to the failure of regeneration by prolonged axotomy and denervation occurring in long‐term recovery. Recent studies reveal that conductive conduits and electrical stimulation accelerate the regeneration of long nerve defects. In this study, an electroceutical platform combining a fully biodegradable conductive nerve conduit and a wireless electrical stimulator is proposed to maximize the therapeutic effect on nerve regeneration. Fully biodegradable nerve conduit fabricated using molybdenum (Mo) microparticles and polycaprolactone (PCL) can eliminate the unwanted effects of non‐degradable implants, which occupy nerve paths and need to be removed through surgery increasing the risk of complications. The electrical and mechanical properties of Mo/PCL conduits are optimized by controlling the amounts of Mo and tetraglycol lubricant. The dissolution behavior and electrical conductivity of biodegradable nerve conduits in the biomimetic solutions are also evaluated. In in vivo experiments, the integrated strategy of a conductive Mo/PCL conduit with controlled therapeutic electrical stimulation shows accelerated axon regeneration for long sciatic nerve defects in rats compared to the use of the Mo/PCL conduit without stimulation and has a significant therapeutic effect based on the results obtained from the functional recovery test.
Adaptive function of duodichogamy: Why do chestnut trees have two pollen emission phases?
Authors: Pauly Grégoire , Larue Clément , Petit Rémy J.
Published: June 2023

Premise

Intersexual mating facilitation in flowering plants has been largely underexplored. Duodichogamy is a rare flowering system in which individual plants flower in the sequence male‐female‐male. We studied the adaptive advantages of this flowering system using chestnuts (Castanea spp., Fagaceae) as models. These insect‐pollinated trees produce many unisexual male catkins responsible for a first staminate phase and a few bisexual catkins responsible for a second staminate phase. We hypothesized that duodichogamy increases female mating success by facilitating pollen deposition on stigmas of the rewardless female flowers through their proximity with attractive male flowers responsible for the minor staminate phase.

Methods

We monitored insect visits to 11 chestnut trees during the entire flowering period and explored reproductive traits of all known duodichogamous species using published evidence.

Results

In chestnuts, insects visited trees more frequently during the first staminate phase but visited female flowers more frequently during the second staminate phase. All 21 animal‐pollinated duodichogamous species identified are mass‐flowering woody plants at high risk of self‐pollination. In 20 of 21 cases, gynoecia (female flower parts) are located close to androecia (male flower parts), typically those responsible for the second minor staminate phase, whereas androecia are often distant from gynoecia.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that duodichogamy increases female mating success by facilitating pollen deposition on stigmas by means of the attractiveness of the associated male flowers while effectively limiting self‐pollination.
Chemical Fixation of Carbon Dioxide into Cyclic Carbonates Catalyzed by Porous Materials
Authors: Wang Qing , Chen Peibo , Li Xuejun , Liang Ying , Pan Yingming
Published: June 2023

The reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with epoxide to generate cyclic carbonates is one of the most effective chemical fixation methods. The catalytic system significantly affects the carbon fixation efficiency of the reaction. Among the reported catalytic systems, porous materials as heterogeneous catalysts have attracted significant attention. This study aimed to summarize porous materials that catalyzed the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates, including metal organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, poly(ionic) liquids, hyper crosslinked polymers, conjugated porous polymers and others. The study analyzed the catalytic properties of these materials and outlined future research directions.
MEMOR: A database of archeological human remains collections from Flanders, Belgium
Authors: De Groote Isabelle , Van de Vijver Katrien , Veselka Barbara , De Potter Pieterjan , Massagé Liesbeth , Van der Dooren Lien , Vandenborre Jeroen , Larmuseau Maarten H. D. , Danckers Jonas , Robberechts Bart
Published: June 2023

The aim of this article is to describe a newly created open access database of archeological human remains collections from Flanders, Belgium. The MEMOR database (www.memor.be) was created to provide an overview of the current practices of loans, reburial, and the research potential of human skeletons from archeological sites currently stored in Flanders. In addition, the project aimed to provide a legal and ethical framework for the handling of human remains and was created around stakeholder involvement from anthropologists, geneticists, contract archeologists, the local, regional and national government agencies, local and national government, universities, and representatives of the major religions. The project has resulted in the creation of a rich database with many collections available for study. The database was created using the open‐source Arches data management platform that is freely available for organizations worldwide to configure in accordance with their individual needs and without restrictions on its use. Each collection is linked to information about the excavation and the site the remains originate from, its size and time period. In addition, a research potential tab reveals whether any analyses were performed, and whether excavation notes are available with the assemblage. The database currently contains 742 collections, ranging in size from 1 to over 1000 individuals. New collections will continue to be added when new assemblages are excavated and studied. The database can also be expanded to include human remains collections from other regions and other material categories, such as archaeozoological collections.
GluK2 Is a Target for Gene Therapy in Drug‐Resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Boileau Céline , Deforges Severine , Peret Angélique , Scavarda Didier , Bartolomei Fabrice , Giles April , Partouche Nicolas , Gautron Justine , Viotti Julio , Janowitz Haley , Penchet Guillaume , Marchal Cécile , Lagarde Stanislas , Trebuchon Agnès , Villeneuve Nathalie , Rumi Julie , Marissal Thomas , Khazipov Roustem , Khalilov Ilgam , Martineau Fanny , Maréchal Marine , Lepine Anne , Milh Mathieu , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Dougy Etienne , Tong Soutsakhone , Appay Romain , Baudouin Stéphane , Mercer Andrew , Smith Jared B. , Danos Olivier , Porter Richard , Mulle Christophe , Crépel Valérie
Published: June 2023

Objective

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is characterized by recurrent seizures generated in the limbic system, particularly in the hippocampus. In TLE, recurrent mossy fiber sprouting from dentate gyrus granule cells (DGCs) crea an aberrant epileptogenic network between DGCs which operates via ectopically expressed GluK2/GluK5‐containing kainate receptors (KARs). TLE patients are often resistant to anti‐seizure medications and suffer significant comorbidities; hence, there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Previously, we have shown that GluK2 knockout mice are protected from seizures. This study aims at providing evidence that downregulating KARs in the hippocampus using gene therapy reduces chronic epileptic discharges in TLE.

Methods

We combined molecular biology and electrophysiology in rodent models of TLE and in hippocampal slices surgically resected from patients with drug‐resistant TLE.

Results

Here, we confirmed the translational potential of KAR suppression using a non‐selective KAR antagonist that markedly attenuated interictal‐like epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in TLE patient‐derived hippocampal slices. An adeno‐associated virus (AAV) serotype‐9 vector expressing anti‐grik2 miRNA was engineered to specifically downregulate GluK2 expression. Direct delivery of AAV9‐anti grik2 miRNA into the hippocampus of TLE mice led to a marked reduction in seizure activity. Transduction of TLE patient hippocampal slices reduced levels of GluK2 protein and, most importantly, significantly reduced IEDs.

Interpretation

Our gene silencing strategy to knock down aberrant GluK2 expression demonstrates inhibition of chronic seizure in a mouse TLE model and IEDs in cultured slices derived from TLE patients. These results provide proof‐of‐concept for a gene therapy approach targeting GluK2 KARs for drug‐resistant TLE patients. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:745–761
An Efficient Direct Arylation Polycondensation via C−S Bond Cleavage
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Bei‐Bei , Lin Qijie , Jiang Ziling , Zhang Jianqi , Li Yawen , Pei Shurui , Han Xiao , Xiong Haigen , Liang Xinyu , Lin Yuze , Wei Zhixiang , Zhang Fengjiao , Zhang Xin , Wang Zhi‐Xiang , Shi Qinqin , Huang Hui
Published: June 2023

The direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) has become one of the most important methods to construct conjugated polymers (CPs). However, the homocoupling side‐reactions of aryl halides and the low regioseletive reactivities of unfunctionalized aryls hinder the development of DArP. Here, an efficient Pd and Cu co‐catalyzed DArP was developed via inert C−S bond cleavage of aryl thioethers, of which robustness was exemplified by over twenty conjugated polymers (CPs), including copolymers, homopolymers, and random polymers. The capture of oxidative addition intermediate together with experimental and theoretic results suggested the important role of palladium (Pd) and copper (Cu) co‐catalysis with a bicyclic mechanism. The studies of NMR, molecular weights, trap densities, two‐dimensional grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (2D‐GIWAXS), and the charge transport mobilities revealed that the homocoupling reactions were significantly suppressed with high regioselectivity of unfunctionalized aryls, suggesting this method is an excellent choice for synthesizing high performance CPs.
Towards a Precise NMR Quantification of Acute Phase Inflammation Proteins from Human Serum
Authors: Mallagaray Alvaro , Rudolph Lorena , Lindloge Melissa , Mölbitz Jarne , Thomsen Henrik , Schmelter Franziska , Alhabash Mohamad Ward , Abdullah Mohammed R. , Saraei Roza , Ehlers Marc , Graf Tobias , Sina Christian , Petersmann Astrid , Nauck Matthias , Günther Ulrich L.
Published: June 2023

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra of human serum and plasma show, besides metabolites and lipoproteins, two characteristic signals termed GlycA and B arising from the acetyl groups of glycoprotein glycans from acute phase proteins, which constitute good markers for inflammatory processes. Here, we report a comprehensive assignment of glycoprotein glycan NMR signals observed in human serum, showing that GlycA and GlycB signals originate from Neu5Ac and GlcNAc moieties from N‐glycans, respectively. Diffusion‐edited NMR experiments demonstrate that signal components can be associated with specific acute phase proteins. Conventionally determined concentrations of acute phase glycoproteins correlate well with distinct features in NMR spectra (R2 up to 0.9422, p‐value <0.001), allowing the simultaneous quantification of several acute phase inflammation proteins. Overall, a proteo‐metabolomics NMR signature of significant diagnostic potential is obtained within 10–20 min acquisition time. This is exemplified in serum samples from COVID‐19 and cardiogenic shock patients showing significant changes in several acute phase proteins compared to healthy controls.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Coordination Chemistry of a NHC‐stabilized Iminoborane
Authors: Yue Xin , Wu Linlin , Wang Hao
Published: June 2023

NHC‐stabilized iminoborane4was prepared and structurally characterized via the reduction of a cationic iminoborane with potassium graphite. Compound4could be served as a supporting ligand for the synthesis of both main group and transition metal complexes through variable coordination modes. This study demonstrates the rich coordination chemistry of the Lewis base‐stabilized iminoborane.
Orthogonal Glycosylation with Phosphate Acceptors for Expeditious Synthesis of Bacterial Inner Core Oligosaccharides
Authors: Lu I‐Chen , Cheng Kuang‐Chun , Wang Yi‐Fang , Pan Chia‐Wei , Hung Jan‐Siang , Mong Kwok‐Kong Tony
Published: June 2023

We report a practical one‐pot glycosylation strategy for synthesis of bacterial inner core oligosaccharides that composed of unavailable L‐glycero‐D‐manno and D‐glycero‐D‐manno‐heptopyranose components. The glycosylation method features a new orthogonal glycosylation procedure; whereby a phosphate acceptor is coupled with a thioglycosyl donor producing a disaccharide phosphate, which can be engaged in another orthogonal glycosylation procedure to couple with a thioglycosyl acceptor. The phosphate acceptors used in above one‐pot procedure are directly prepared from thioglycosyl acceptors via the in‐situ phosphorylation. Such phosphate acceptor preparation protocol eliminates the traditional protection and deprotection procedures. Based on the new one‐pot glycosylation strategy, two partial inner core structures of Yersinia pestis lipopolysaccharide and Haemophilus ducreyi lipooligosaccharide were acquired.
Development of On‐DNA Thiophene Synthesis for DEL Construction
Authors: Luo Ayun , Duchemin Nicolas , Wang Xiuming , Zhou Hongxia , Zeng Fanming , Zhao Xue , Yu Weina , Yang Kexin , Jin Hu Yun
Published: June 2023

Thiophene and its substituted derivatives are a highly important class of heterocyclic compounds, with noteworthy applications in pharmaceutical ingredients. In this study, we leverage the unique reactivity of alkynes to generate thiophenes on‐DNA, using a cascade iodination, Cadiot‐Chodkiewicz coupling and heterocyclization. This approach, tackling on‐DNA thiophene synthesis for the first time, generates diverse, and unprecedented structural and chemical features, which could be significant motifs in DEL screening as molecular recognition agents for drug discovery.
Construction of a 12‐Phosphomolybdate‐based Coordination Polymer@Crumpled Graphene Balls Composite as Anode for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhuo Jinlong , Cui Hongyun , Zheng Yiqun , Hu Ming , Li Shuxian , Sha Jingquan
Published: June 2023

To address the poor electronic conductivity and easily dissolved in electrolyte of polyoxometalates (POMs), and considering the high electrical conductivity and configuration advantages of crumpled graphene balls (CGBs), herein, a series of POM‐based coordination polymers [Cu(pyttz)2]PMo12@CGB (n, n=1, 2, 3) were successfully synthesized, and electrochemical lithium storage performance and lithium ion diffusion kinetics were comprehensively investigated. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study confirm that [Cu(pyttz)2]PMo12@CGB (n, n=1, 2, 3) integrates the advantage of high electronic conductivity of CGB and excellent Li+ migration kinetics of POMs, which greatly ameliorates the electrochemical performances of POMs, among [Cu(pyttz)2]PMo12@CGB (2) exhibits an excellent reversible specific capacity of around 941.4 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 150 cycles and admirable rate performance. This work will promote the development of POMCP anodes, thus fulfilling their potential in high‐performance LIBs.
Medical service utilization and costs of autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from hospital records in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Su Binbin , Zhu Dawei , Guan Xiaolong , Ding Ruoxi , Guo Dan , Lu Feng , He Ping
Published: June 2023

As more and more people are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is necessary to better understand their costs. Detailed information on medical service utilization and costs could aid in designing equitable, effective policies to support individuals with ASD and their families. In this retrospective analysis, individuals with a hospital encounter (outpatient visit or inpatient admission) were collected from Beijing Municipal Health Big Data and Policy Research Center (BMHBD), from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. We analyzed the costs, hospital visits/admissions and their changing trends over 5 years. Poisson regression and logit regression were conducted to analyze the influencing factors of visits, admissions and costs. The study population consisted of 26,826 users of medical services (26,583 outpatients and 243 inpatients; mean age: 4.82 ± 3.47 years for outpatients; 11.62 ± 6.74 years for inpatients). 99.1% were outpatients (mean ± standard deviation (SD) costs per year: $422.06 ± $11.89), while 0.9% were inpatients (mean ± SD costs per year: $4411.71 ± $925.81). More than 50% of outpatients received medication and diagnostic testing services. Among those with an inpatient admission, 91% received treatment services. Medication costs were the major contributor to medical costs for adults. Diagnostic test and treatment costs were the major contributors for children and adolescents. The findings demonstrated a significant economic burden for those diagnosed with ASD and highlighted opportunities for improving the care of this vulnerable group. This study adds to the literature by focusing on age differences among health‐care utilization in individuals with ASD.
Efficient production of fluorophore‐labeled CC chemokines for biophysical studies using recombinant enterokinase and recombinant sortase
Authors: Guan Wenyan , Zhang Ning , Bains Arjan , Sadqi Mourad , Dupureur Cynthia M. , LiWang Patricia J.
Published: June 2023

Chemokines are important immune system proteins, many of which mediate inflammation due to their function to activate and cause chemotaxis of leukocytes. An important anti‐inflammatory strategy is therefore to bind and inhibit chemokines, which leads to the need for biophysical studies of chemokines as they bind various possible partners. Because a successful anti‐chemokine drug should bind at low concentrations, techniques such as fluorescence anisotropy that can provide nanomolar signal detection are required. To allow fluorescence experiments to be carried out on chemokines, a method is described for the production of fluorescently labeled chemokines. First, a fusion‐tagged chemokine is produced in Escherichia coli, then efficient cleavage of the N‐terminal fusion partner is carried out with lab‐produced enterokinase, followed by covalent modification with a fluorophore, mediated by the lab‐produced sortase enzyme. This overall process reduces the need for expensive commercial enzymatic reagents. Finally, we utilize the product, vMIP‐fluor, in binding studies with the chemokine binding protein vCCI, which has great potential as an anti‐inflammatory therapeutic, showing a binding constant for vCCI:vMIP‐fluor of 0.37 ± 0.006 nM. We also show how a single modified chemokine homolog (vMIP‐fluor) can be used in competition assays with other chemokines and we report a Kd for vCCI:CCL17 of 14 μM. This work demonstrates an efficient method of production and fluorescent labeling of chemokines for study across a broad range of concentrations.
Parkinson's disease: Are gut microbes involved?
Authors: Omotosho Abass Olawale , Tajudeen Yusuf Amuda , Oladipo Habeebullah Jayeola , Yusuff Sodiq Inaolaji , AbdulKadir Muritala , Muili Abdulbasit Opeyemi , Egbewande Oluwaseyi Muyiwa , Yusuf Rashidat Onyinoyi , Faniran Zaccheaus Oluwaseun , Afolabi Abdullateef Opeyemi , El‐Sherbini Mona Said
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 10 million individuals worldwide. It is characterized by motor and sensory deficits. Research studies have increasingly demonstrated a correlation between Parkinson's disease and alternations in the composition of the gut microbiota in affected patients. Also, the significant role of prebiotics and probiotics in gastrointestinal and neurological conditions is imperative to understand their relation to Parkinson's disease.

Method

To explore the scientific interaction of the gut‐microbiota‐brain axis and its association with Parkinson's disease, a comprehensive narrative review of the relevant literature was conducted. Articles were retrieved systematically from reputable sources, including PubMed, Science Direct, World Health Organization (WHO), and Advanced Google Scholar. Key search terms included are “Parkinson's Disease”, “Gut Microbiome”, “Braak's Theory”, “Neurological Disorders”, and “Gut‐brain axis”. Articles included in our review are published in English and they provide detailed information on the relationship between Parkinson's disease and gut microbiota

Results

This review highlights the impact of gut microbiota composition and associated factors on the progression of Parkinson's disease. Evidence‐based studies highlighting the existing evidence of the relationship between Parkinson's disease and alteration in gut microbiota are discussed. Consequently, the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may affect the composition of the gut microbiota were revealed, with a particular emphasis on the role of the gut‐brain axis in this interplay.

Conclusion

Understanding the complex interplay between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease is a potential implication for the development of novel therapeutics against Parkinson's disease. Following the existing relationship demonstrated by different evidence‐based studies on Parkinson's disease and gut microbiota, our review concludes by providing recommendations and suggestions for future research studies with a particular emphasis on the impact of the microbiota‐brain axis on Parkinson's disease.
MCP‐1 expression in breast cancer and its association with distant relapse
Authors: Mulholland Bridie S. , Hofstee Pierre , Millar Ewan K. A. , Bliuc Dana , O'Toole Sandra , Forwood Mark R. , McDonald Michelle M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Distant relapse of breast cancer complicates management of the disease and accounts for 90% of breast cancer‐related deaths. Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) has critical roles in breast cancer progression and is widely accepted as a pro‐metastatic chemokine.

Methods

This study explored MCP‐1 expression in the primary tumour of 251 breast cancer patients. A simplified ‘histoscore’ was used to determine if each tumour had high or low expression of MCP‐1. Patient breast cancers were retrospectively staged based on available patient data. p < 0.05 was used to determine significance and changes in hazard ratios between models were considered.

Results

Low MCP‐1 expression in the primary tumour was associated with breast cancer‐related death with distant relapse in ER− breast cancers (p < 0.01); however, this was likely a result of most low MCP‐1‐expressing ER− breast cancers being Stage III or Stage IV, with high MCP‐1 expression in the primary tumour significantly correlated with Stage I breast cancers (p < 0.05). Expression of MCP‐1 in the primary ER− tumours varied across Stage I, II, III and IV and we highlighted a switch in MCP‐1 expression from high in Stage I ER− cancers to low in Stage IV ER− cancers.

Conclusion

This study has emphasised a critical need for further investigation into MCP‐1's role in breast cancer progression and improved characterisation of MCP‐1 in breast cancers, particularly in light of the development of anti‐MCP‐1, anti‐metastatic therapies.
Reflections on Navigating a Pandemic: Perspectives from the Chemical Biology Community
Authors: Conibear Anne C. , Hartrampf Nina
Published: June 2023

The early‐career researchers showcased in this ChemBioTalents special collection, and many others who have established their independent scientific careers over the last three years, have experienced a unique set of circumstances. The Covid‐19 pandemic necessitated new forms of communication and interpersonal interactions: From online interviews and virtual networking to relocating and establishing labs during a pandemic, we faced many challenges, but also unexpected opportunities. In this perspective, we reflect on this unique and formative time through personal anecdotes and viewpoints, trying to capture diverse experiences from the Chemical Biology community and beyond. We have tried to get a broad and varied set of perspectives, however, the selection is biased towards researchers who were able to start their independent careers.1
Calvarial hyperostosis syndrome in a Dalmatian dog
Authors: Planas Carles , Novellas Rosa , Espada Yvonne , Lloret Albert , Alomar Jaume
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Calvarial hyperostosis syndrome is an uncommon and self‐limiting disease affecting juvenile dogs. Only symptomatic treatment has been described, and diagnosis is based on clinical findings, imaging, and disease progression.

This is the first reported case of calvarial hyperostosis syndrome in a Dalmatian dog. It is an uncommon osteoproliferative disease with diagnosis frequently based on clinical signs, imaging findings, and disease progression, with only symptomatic treatment described. Case describes a 5‐month‐old Dalmatian dog presented with a facial mass and difficulty eating. After imaging, mass was observed to be osteoproliferative, nonaggressive, and without affection of the temporomandibular joints and mandibles. Histology revealed an osseous–cartilaginous and proliferative lesion, together with scant amount of neutrophiles. Clinical improvement was observed after symptomatic treatment, and moderate lesion regression was observed in a CT reevaluation 6 months later.
Subcutaneous dirofilariasis in children—An emerging zoonotic nematodal infection: A case series
Authors: Varghese Tharakan K. O. , Chandran Chandana , Pranala Maanasi , Sanker Vivek , Gupta Umang
Published: June 2023

Key clinical Message

Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is an infection caused by filarial worms. Due to the recent rise of human disease, it is considered as an emerging zoonosis. Most of the cases in children recorded in India had ocular infection; very few subcutaneous cases of dirofilariasis have been reported in children.
Multilevel carbon architecture of subnanoscopic silicon for fast‐charging high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Han Meisheng , Mu Yongbiao , Wei Lei , Zeng Lin , Zhao Tianshou
Published: June 2023

Silicon (Si) is widely used as a lithium‐ion‐battery anode owing to its high capacity and abundant crustal reserves. However, large volume change upon cycling and poor conductivity of Si cause rapid capacity decay and poor fast‐charging capability limiting its commercial applications. Here, we propose a multilevel carbon architecture with vertical graphene sheets (VGSs) grown on surfaces of subnanoscopically and homogeneously dispersed Si–C composite nanospheres, which are subsequently embedded into a carbon matrix (C/VGSs@Si–C). Subnanoscopic C in the Si–C nanospheres, VGSs, and carbon matrix form a three‐dimensional conductive and robust network, which significantly improves the conductivity and suppresses the volume expansion of Si, thereby boosting charge transport and improving electrode stability. The VGSs with vast exposed edges considerably increase the contact area with the carbon matrix and supply directional transport channels through the entire material, which boosts charge transport. The carbon matrix encapsulates VGSs@Si–C to decrease the specific surface area and increase tap density, thus yielding high first Coulombic efficiency and electrode compaction density. Consequently, C/VGSs@Si–C delivers excellent Li‐ion storage performances under industrial electrode conditions. In particular, the full cells show high energy densities of 603.5 Wh kg−1 and 1685.5 Wh L−1 at 0.1 C and maintain 80.7% of the energy density at 3 C.
Infrared Spectroscopic and Theoretical Investigations of Group 13 Oxyfluorides OMF2 and OMF (M=B, Al, Ga, In)
Authors: Wen Mei , Medel Robert , Deng Guohai , Tsegaw Yetsedaw A. , Lu Yan , Riedel Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Group 13 oxyfluorides OMF2 were produced by the reactions of laser‐ablated group 13 atoms M (M=B, Al, Ga and In) with OF2 and isolated in excess neon or argon matrices at 5 K. These molecules were characterized by matrix‐isolation infrared spectroscopy and isotopic substitution experiments in conjunction with quantum‐chemical calculations. The calculations indicate that the OMF2 molecules have a 2B2 ground state with C2v symmetry. The computed molecular orbitals and spin densities show that the unpaired electron is mainly located at the terminal oxygen atom. Oxo monofluorides OMF were only observed in solid argon matrices and exhibit a linear structure in the singlet ground state. The M−O bonding in the OMF molecules can be rationalized as highly polar multiple bonds based on the calculated bond lengths and natural resonance theory (NRT) analyses. In particular, the molecular orbitals of OBF exhibit the character of a triple bond B−O resulting from two degenerate electron‐sharing π bonds and an O→B dative σ bond formed by the oxygen 2p lone pair which donates electron density to the boron empty 2p orbital.
Photoreforming – green hydrogen from alcohol, sugar and starch
Authors: Venzlaff Julian , Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia
Published: June 2023

Die Herstellung des Energieträgers Wasserstoff erfolgt vielfach noch immer über Dampfreformierung, bei der Kohlenstoffdioxid in hohem Maße freigesetzt wird. Dabei gibt es schon heute neben der Elektrolyse von Wasser mittels Stroms aus erneuerbaren Energien auch weitere Wege, wie Lichtenergie genutzt werden kann, um grünen Wasserstoff herzustellen. Hierzu zählt die Photoreformierung. Mit einem geeigneten Photokatalysator werden CO2‐neutral zumeist organische Substrate zu Wasserstoff und weiteren Nebenprodukten umgesetzt. Für die Einbindung in den Chemieunterricht ermöglicht dieses Thema im Rahmen einer Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung (BNE) die Betrachtung verschiedener Perspektiven und Dimensionen, wodurch neben aktuellen Problemstellungen auch zukunftsweisende Technologien diskutiert werden können.
Differential treatment effect between younger and older adults for new cancer therapies in solid tumors supporting US Food and Drug Administration approval between 2010 and 2021
Authors: Wilson Brooke E. , Desnoyers Alexandra , Nadler Michelle B. , Amir Eitan , Booth Christopher M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Over one half of cancer diagnoses occur in patients aged 65 and older. The authors quantified how treatment effects differ between older and younger patients in oncology registration trials.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of registration trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration approval of cancer drugs (from January 2010 to December 2021). The primary outcome was differential treatment effect by age (younger than 65 years vs. 65 years or older) for progression‐free survival and overall survival. Random effects meta‐analysis and a pairwise comparison of outcomes by age group also were performed.

Results

Among 263 trials that met the inclusion criteria, 120 trials with 153 end points and 83,152 patients presented age‐specific outcome data. Among the included randomized patients, 38% were aged 65 years and older compared with an incidence proportion of 55% in data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Studies evaluating prostate cancer had the highest representation of patients aged 65 years or older (73%), whereas breast cancer studies had the lowest (20%). There were no changes in the proportion of patients aged 65 years or older over time (p = .86). Only 7% of end points showed a statistically significant interaction between outcome and age group. In a pooled analysis, there was an association between treatment effect and age for progression‐free survival that approached but did not meet significance (hazard ratio, 0.95; p = .06), and there was no difference for overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.97; p = .79).

Conclusions

Older adults remain under‐represented in oncology registration trials. Significant differences in outcomes by age group were uncommon in individual trials and pooled analyses. However, clinical trial participants differ from real‐world patients older than 65 years, and increased enrollment and ongoing research into differential treatment effects by age are needed.
Carbon Dioxide Cycloaddition to Epoxides Promoted by Nicotinamidium Halide Catalysts: A DFT Investigation
Authors: Butera Valeria
Published: June 2023

The utilization of CO2as building block for the production of cyclic carbonate is a promising route to simultaneously mitigate the global warming issue and obtain valuable commercial chemicals. In this work, the activity of nicotinamidium halide catalysts towards the CO2conversion into cyclic carbonate has been explored by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT calculations support the ability, suggested experimentally, of the pyridium α‐C−H proton of the catalysts to activate the epoxide ringviaa hydrogen bond. Interestingly, DFT calculations underline the involvement of then‐octyl substituent of the pyridyl ring in the epoxide activation, while the hydrogen atom of the amide group N−H is rather involved in the stabilization of the iodide trough electrostatic interactions. Moreover, the replacement of the pyridium α‐C−H proton with the bulkier methyl group leads to a different reaction mechanism. The calculated energy barriers well reproduce the experimental trends of the studied catalysts, and the computed activation barrier of 29.0 kcal/mol, relative to the ring opening step of the most active catalyst, is in line with the experimental working temperature of 80 °C. Those results shed light on the CO2fixation reaction contributing to the development of more efficient catalytic systems.
Diesel exhaust particles alter gut microbiome and gene expression in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris
Authors: Seidenath Dimitri , Weig Alfons R. , Mittereder Andreas , Hillenbrand Thomas , Brüggemann Dieter , Opel Thorsten , Langhof Nico , Riedl Marcel , Feldhaar Heike , Otti Oliver
Published: June 2023

Insect decline is a major threat to ecosystems around the world as they provide many important functions, such as pollination or pest control. Pollution is one of the main reasons for the decline, alongside changes in land use, global warming, and invasive species. While negative impacts of pesticides are well‐studied, there is still a lack of knowledge about the effects of other anthropogenic pollutants, such as airborne particulate matter, on insects. To address this, we exposed workers of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris to sublethal doses of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) and brake dust, orally or via air. After 7 days, we looked at the composition of the gut microbiome and tracked changes in gene expression. While there were no changes in the other treatments, oral DEP exposure significantly altered the structure of the gut microbiome. In particular, the core bacterium Snodgrassella had a decreased abundance in the DEP treatment. Similarly, transcriptome analysis revealed changes in gene expression after oral DEP exposure, but not in the other treatments. The changes are related to metabolism and signal transduction, which indicates a general stress response. Taken together, our results suggest potential health effects of DEP exposure on insects, here shown in bumblebees, as gut dysbiosis may increase the susceptibility of bumblebees to pathogens, while a general stress response may lower available energy resources. Those effects may exacerbate under natural conditions where insects face a multiple‐stressor environment.
Body mass decline in a Mediterranean community of solitary bees supports the size shrinking effect of climatic warming
Authors: Herrera Carlos M. , Núñez Alejandro , Valverde Javier , Alonso Conchita
Published: June 2023

The long‐known, widely documented inverse relationship between body size and environmental temperature (“temperature‐size rule”) has recently led to predictions of body size decline following current climatic warming (“size shrinking effect”). For keystone pollinators such as wild bees, body shrinking in response to warming can have significant effects on pollination processes but there is still little direct evidence of the phenomenon because adequate tests require controlling for confounding factors linked to climate change (e.g., habitat change). This paper assesses the shrinking effect in a community of solitary bees from well‐preserved habitats in the core of a large nature reserve experiencing climatic warming without disturbances or habitat changes. Long‐term variation in mean body mass was evaluated using data from 1704 individual bees (137 species, 27 genera, 6 families) sampled over 1990–2023. Climate warmed at a fast rate during this period, annual mean of daily maximum temperature increasing 0.069°C/year on average during 2000–2020. Changes in bee body mass verified expectations from the size shrinking effect. The mean individual body mass of the community of solitary bees declined significantly, irrespective of whether the analysis referred to the full species sample or only to the subset of species that were sampled in both the old (1990–1997) and recent (2022–2023) periods. On average, body mass declined ~0.7%·year−1, or an estimated average cumulative reduction of ~20 mg per individual bee from 1990 to 2023. Proportional size reduction was greatest among large‐bodied species, ranging from around −0.6%·year−1 for the smallest species to −0.9%·year−1 for the largest ones. Declining rate was steeper for cavity‐nesting than ground‐nesting species. The pollination and mating systems of bee‐pollinated plants in the study region are probably undergoing significant alterations as a consequence of supra‐annual decline in bee body mass.
Photophysics of Iridium(III) (2‐phenylpyridine)(2,2’,6,2”‐terpyridine) Chloride Encapsulated within the Zinc(II) Polyhedral MOF, USF‐2
Authors: Mayers Jacob M. , Wojtas Lukasz , Larsen Randy W.
Published: June 2023

Photoactive metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) provide an important class of functional porous materials for a wide range of applications including light harvesting, photocatalysis and photodynamic therapy. Two strategies have been employed in the development of photoactive MOFs, one in which the photoactive element is incorporated as an element of the framework itself and the other in which the photoactive element serves as a guest within the MOF cavities. Transition metal polyimines have now been non‐covalently incorporated within the cavities of a large number of MOFs with the RuII‐polyimine being the most widely examined guest complex. Previous studies have demonstrated that the nature of the cavity modulates the Ru‐polyimine photophysics. Here, an IrIII(terpyridine)(phenylpyridine)Cl complex has been encapsulated within the Zn‐polyhedral MOF, USF‐2. Unlike the Ru‐polyimines, the excited state photophysics associated with the encapsulated Ir polyimine shows very little change in either the steady state emission and emission lifetime. The slight decrease in emission lifetime is attributed to energy transfer between encapsulated Ir complexes. These results indicate that transition metal polyimines that exhibit excited state structural changes demonstrate the largest perturbations upon confinement.
Kinetic and Product Study of the S‐oxidation vs HAT Chemoselectivity in Reactions Promoted by Nonheme Iron(IV)‐oxo Complex/NHPI Mediator System
Authors: Di Berto Mancini Marika , Bernardini Marianna , Emanuel Birzu Beniamin , De Santis Arianna , Di Stefano Stefano , Frateloreto Federico , Khaksar Daria , Lapi Andrea , Olivo Giorgio , Lanzalunga Osvaldo
Published: June 2023

The chemoselectivity between S‐oxidation and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from C−H bonds has been investigated in the oxidations of a series of aryl sulfides, alkyl aromatic compounds and benzylic alcohols promoted by the iron(IV)‐oxo complex [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+ (N4Py: N,N‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐N‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐methylamine) either alone or in the presence of the N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) mediator via kinetic and product studies. Kinetic analyses indicate a generally higher reactivity of [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+ for S‐oxidation process while HAT is favored in the reactions promoted by phthalimide‐N‐oxyl radical (PINO) deriving from NHPI oxidation. Product analysis in intermolecular competitive oxidations confirms the kinetic results with sulfoxides obtained as major products in the oxidation promoted by [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+. Conversely, when NHPI is employed as a mediator, significant differences in terms of chemoselectivity are observed, and HAT‐derived products are obtained in higher yields which translate into an inversion of selectivity in the case of the substrates containing activated C−H bonds like diphenylmethane, triphenylmethane and benzylic alcohols. A similar change of chemoselectivity is also observed in the oxidation of aromatic substrates containing both a sulfur atom and α to OH benzylic C−H bonds, with the sulfoxide product more abundant in the absence of NHPI and carbonyl products prevailing with the [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+/NHPI system.