bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibiting the Keap1/Nrf2 Protein‐Protein Interaction with Protein‐Like Polymers
Authors: Carrow Kendal P. , Hamilton Haylee L. , Hopps Madeline P. , Li Yang , Qiao Baofu , Payne N. Connor , Thompson Matthew P. , Zhang Xiaoyu , Magassa Assa , Fattah Mara , Agarwal Shivangi , Vincent Michael P. , Buyanova Marina , Bertin Paul A. , Mazitschek Ralph , Olvera de la Cruz Monica , Johnson Delinda A. , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: January 2024

Successful and selective inhibition of the cytosolic protein‐protein interaction (PPI) between nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch‐like ECH‐associating protein 1 (Keap1) can enhance the antioxidant response, with the potential for a therapeutic effect in a range of settings including in neurodegenerative disease (ND). Small molecule inhibitors have been developed, yet many have off‐target effects, or are otherwise limited by poor cellular permeability. Peptide‐based strategies have also been attempted to enhance specificity, yet face challenges due to susceptibility to degradation and lack of cellular penetration. Herein, these barriers are overcome utilizing a polymer‐based proteomimetics. The protein‐like polymer (PLP) consists of a synthetic, lipophilic polymer backbone displaying water soluble Keap1‐binding peptides on each monomer unit forming a brush polymer architecture. The PLPs are capable of engaging Keap1 and displacing the cellular protective transcription factor Nrf2, which then translocates to the nucleus, activating the antioxidant response element (ARE). PLPs exhibit increased Keap1 binding affinity by several orders of magnitude compared to free peptides, maintain serum stability, are cell‐penetrant, and selectively activate the ARE pathway in cells, including in primary cortical neuronal cultures. Keap1/Nrf2‐inhibitory PLPs have the potential to impact the treatment of disease states associated with dysregulation of oxidative stress, such as NDs.
3D Multimodal Sensing and Feedback Finger Case for Immersive Dual‐Way Interaction
Authors: Chen Tao , Dai Zhiwei , Liu Ming , Zhao Yudong , Ling Hao , Sun Lining , He Haidong , Lee Chengkuo , Zhu Minglu
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of virtual reality (VR) technology, artificial intelligence , and the Internet of Things , a new era of immersive interaction with the digital world has emerged. In this context, a novel soft finger case with 3D multi‐modal sensing and feedback functions (3D‐SFC) is presented. The device leverages multiple material properties to create a modulated fingertip haptic feedback for the perception of orientation and force, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) sensing with dynamic and static responses and control of movement, and thermal feedback based on resistive heating of TENG electrodes. The integrated TENG tactile sensing unit in the device is capable of recognizing the texture of an object's surface, providing users with a more natural and intuitive way of interacting with digital objects. The spatial consistency of multi‐modal sensing and feedback enhances human‐machine interaction in various fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and assembly, and gaming, etc. The proposed device represents a new intelligent sensing solution for achieving cross‐space sensory interaction, opening up new possibilities for the future of VR and digital interaction.
Seamless Integration of Conducting Hydrogels in Daily Life: From Preparation to Wearable Application
Authors: Imani Kusuma Betha Cahaya , Dodda Jagan Mohan , Yoon Jinhwan , Torres Fernando G. , Imran Abu Bin , Deen G. Roshan , Al‐Ansari Renad
Published: January 2024

Conductive hydrogels (CHs) have received significant attention for use in wearable devices because they retain their softness and flexibility while maintaining high conductivity. CHs are well suited for applications in skin‐contact electronics and biomedical devices owing to their high biocompatibility and conformality. Although highly conductive hydrogels for smart wearable devices are extensively researched, a detailed summary of the outstanding results of CHs is required for a comprehensive understanding. In this review, the recent progress in the preparation and fabrication of CHs is summarized for smart wearable devices. Improvements in the mechanical, electrical, and functional properties of high‐performance wearable devices are also discussed. Furthermore, recent examples of innovative and highly functional devices based on CHs that can be seamlessly integrated into daily lives are reviewed.
Overproduction of cordycepin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by cordycepin synthase screening and metabolic engineering
Authors: Wang Haibin , Fu Xiaomeng , Zuo Xiaoru , Zhang Chuanbo , Lu Wenyu
Published: January 2024

Cordycepin (COR) has attracted extensive attention for its medical value. Currently, separation and extraction from Cordyceps militaris is the main way to obtain COR, but it is time‐consuming and low efficiency. Heterologous synthesis of COR holds great promise for its industrial production. In this work, five COR synthases of different sources were obtained by homology screening, and were integrated into the genome of BY4741. Fermentation and determination of COR found that EA1 and EA2 from Emericellopsis atlantica were more suitable for COR synthesis. Then, ADO1 gene encoding adenosine kinase was knocked down, ADE4 gene encoding amidophosphoribosyltransferase and truncated cpdBN gene encoding 2′,3′‐cyclic‐nucleotide 2′‐phosphodiesterase/3′‐nucleotidase were overexpressed to enhance the accumulation of COR. Finally, the COR titer reached 725.16 mg L−1 in 5‐L bioreactor. This study lays a foundation for the heterologous synthesis and industrial production of COR, and also provides a reference for heterologous synthesis of other high value‐added chemicals.
The ecological value of fully enforced, no‐entry, marine protected areas: A case study of harvested limpets
Authors: Faria João , Vale Maria , Ribeiro Pedro , Hawkins Stephen J. , Martins Gustavo M.
Published: January 2024

Harvesting of intertidal gastropods can lead to a direct reduction in the biomass of targeted species through a reduction in the numbers and size of individuals, in turn leading to extensive changes to the structure of intertidal communities.

In the Azores, two patellid species co‐occur, and both are exploited for human consumption. However, one of these species, Patella aspera (Röding, 1798), is larger and has a greater economic value and is thus favoured in comparison to the smaller Patella candei (d'Orbigny, 1840).

This study investigates the effects of human exploitation on the interaction between these two species by comparing their densities and sizes within two areas of a marine protected area (MPA): a no‐entry area where human access is strictly prohibited and an adjacent area where human access is allowed and collection still occurs despite it being prohibited.

Patella aspera attained similar densities in the two areas, but individuals were much larger within the no‐entry MPA. In contrast, P. candei were more abundant in the adjacent area but were of a similar size as in the no‐entry MPA. Limpet biomass was much greater within the no‐entry MPA. The abundance (% cover) of upright macroalgae and barnacles as well as bare rock were also significantly reduced within the no‐entry MPA, where grazer‐resistant algal crusts cover was significantly greater.

This study highlights the influence of human activities and how these may affect the complex dynamics of biotic interactions with wider community‐level cascading effects.
Cellulose nanocrystals from celery stalk as quercetin scaffolds: A novel perspective of human holo‐transferrin adsorption and digestion behaviours
Authors: Arman Samaneh , Hadavi Marzieh , Rezvani‐Noghani Azadeh , Bakhtparvar Anashid , Fotouhi Melika , Farhang Ali , Mokaberi Parisa , Taheri Reza , Chamani Jamshidkhan
Published: January 2024

In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were synthesized from celery stalks to be used as the platform for quercetin delivery. Additionally, CNCs and CNCs–quercetin were characterized using the results of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and zeta potential, while their interactions with human holo‐transferrin (HTF) were also investigated. We examined their interaction under physiological conditions through the exertion of fluorescence, resonance light scattering, synchronized fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques. The data from SEM and TEM exhibited the spherical shape of CNCs and CNCs–quercetin and also, a decrease was detected in the size of quercetin‐loaded CNCs from 676 to 473 nm that indicated the intensified water solubility of quercetin. The success of cellulose acid hydrolysis was confirmed based on the XRD results. Apparently, the crystalline index of CNCs–quercetin was reduced by the interaction of CNCs with quercetin, which also resulted in the appearance of functional groups, as shown by FTIR. The interaction of CNCs–quercetin with HTF was also demonstrated by the induced quenching in the intensity of HTF fluorescence emission and Stern–Volmer data represent the occurrence of static quenching. Overall, the effectiveness of CNCs as quercetin vehicles suggests its potential suitability for dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products.
Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols Catalyzed at the Exterior of Chiral Coordinated Capsules
Authors: Harada Kentaro , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: January 2024

Confined spaces inside molecular hosts can function as reaction vessels. However, this concept significantly limits the scope of reactants. When the exterior of molecular hosts is used instead, we can ease the restriction because reactants are not necessary to be trapped inside molecular hosts, although studies along this line have not been reported. As a proof‐of‐concept of enantioselective reactions at the exterior of chiral molecular hosts, we utilized host‐guest complexes of enantiomerically enriched Cu‐coordinated capsules and guests possessing a catalytic center to realize the kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols. Under suitable reaction conditions, a selectivity factor of 2.6 was realized, demonstrating that the reactions occur at the exterior of the capsules. A series of experiments indicated that the substituents on the 2,2’‐bipyridyl arms and the alkyl chains on the lower rim contributed to the enantioselectivity of the reactions.
Distributed temporal–spatial neighbourhood enhanced variational autoencoder for multiunit industrial plant‐wide process monitoring
Authors: Yao Zongyu , Jiang Qingchao , Gu Xingsheng , Pan Chunjian
Published: January 2024

Process monitoring plays an essential role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of multi‐unit plantwide industrial processes. However, complicated nonlinear dynamics of these processes pose enormous challenges to the plantwide process monitoring approaches. In this paper, a novel distributed temporal–spatial neighbourhood enhanced variational autoencoder (DTS‐VAE) monitoring scheme is proposed. The scheme selects the temporal and spatial neighbourhood sets of a current sample from a local unit. Time‐series correlation is utilized to construct temporal representative samples to obtain process dynamic characteristics. Likewise, spatial similarity is employed to construct spatial representative samples to obtain spatial patterns in the data. Then the reconstructed and current samples serve as the inputs for a variational autoencoder to extract features from the current sample and its neighbourhoods. Subsequently, a distributed monitor that considers the temporal–spatial characteristics is established for each unit. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation index is developed using Bayesian fusion strategy to improve monitoring performance. The proposed DTS‐VAE monitoring scheme was effectively verified on the Tennessee Eastman benchmark process and a wastewater treatment plant.
Ozone oxidation of nitric oxide: Promoting effect of phosphorus and inhibitory effect of phosphoric acid
Authors: Yang Fen , Tian Senlin , Ning Ping , Wang Borui , Xiang Yangcun , Song Xin , Yang Hao
Published: January 2024

This work presents experimental and density functional theory theoretical methods to carry out the catalytic role and reaction mechanism of phosphorus (P4) for liquid phase catalytic oxidation nitric oxide. Meanwhile, it carries out the promoting effect of phosphorus and inhibitory effect of phosphoric acid in the ozone oxidation of nitric oxide. The work reveals the significant involvement of P4 in facilitating the NO catalytic oxidation process by generating O3. Meanwhile, the presence of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) hindered the NO catalytic removal process. The calculation results highlight that P4 promoted the formation of O3 and favoured the oxidation pathway (oxidation‐hydration, NO ➔ NO2 ➔ HNO3). During the liquid‐phase NO catalytic removal process, O2 and NO dissolved into the solution, where O2 exhibited preferential adsorbed on P4, promoting the O3 formation. Subsequently, O3 first oxidized NO to NO2. Then, HNO2 and HNO3 were generated under the hydration reaction of NO2 and H2O. Next, O3 further oxidized the generated HNO2 to HNO3, realizing the complete oxidation of NO. The hydration step of NO2 was identified as the key step in the O3 oxidation processes. Furthermore, the generation of H3PO4 led to the consumption of P4 and inhibited the NO removal process. O3 played the crucial role in liquid phase NO oxidation.
Exploring Unconventional σ‐Hole Interactions: Computational Insights into the Interaction of XeO3 with Non‐Aromatic Coordinating Solvents
Authors: Dash Soumya Ranjan , Vanka Kumar
Published: January 2024

In order to control the explosiveness and shock sensitivity of XeO3, we have investigated its plausible interaction with various non‐aromatic coordinating solvents, serving as potential Lewis base donors, through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Out of twenty six such solvents, the top ten were thus identified and then thoroughly examined by employing various computational tools such as the mapping of the electrostatic potential surface (MESP), Wiberg bond indices (WBIs), non‐covalent interaction (NCI) plots, Bader's theory of atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM), natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, and the energy decomposition analysis (EDA). The amphoteric nature of XeO3 was also explored by investigating the extent of back donation from the lone pair of Xe to the antibonding orbital of the donating atom/group of the solvent molecules. The C−H…O interactions were also found to be a contributing factor in the stabilization of these adducts. Although these aerogen‐bonding interactions were found to be predominantly electrostatic, significant contributions from the orbital contributions, as well as dispersion interactions, were observed. The top three non‐aromatic solvents (among the twenty six studied) which form the strongest adducts with XeO3 are proposed to be hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA), N,N′‐dimethylpropyleneurea (DMPU) and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA).
Isomerization dynamics of a novel cis/trans‐only merocyanine
Authors: Blaise Nadine , Green James A. , Benitez‐Martin Carlos , Kaiser Christoph , Braun Markus , Schaible Jonas M. , Andréasson Joakim , Burghardt Irene , Wachtveitl Josef
Published: January 2024

Merocyanines (MC) usually adopt ring opened zwitterionic structures that are interconvertible with their ring‐closed spiropyran photoisomers. By methylating the phenolate oxygen, and thereby blocking the ring‐closure reaction, a cis/trans‐only MC photoswitch was obtained, yielding a perfect candidate for a detailed examination of the cis/trans isomerization mechanism for this class of compounds. This photoswitch displays outstanding properties including excellent photoreaction quantum yields and photoswitching turnovers. Due to the central polymethine bridge of MC, in principle eight cis (C)/trans/(T) isomers are possible. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed the CCT and TTT‐isomers of the studied compound as most stable cis and trans ground state isomers, respectively. UV/vis transient absorption studies combined with conical intersection computations with the complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) method show that both trans/cis‐ and cis/trans‐photoisomerizations are initiated by a rotation of the central doubled bond fragment. A hot ground state species is then formed, which undergoes a second isomerization. Thus, the cis/trans reaction proceeds via a CCT‐CTT‐TTT sequence and the reverse reaction via TTT‐TCT‐CCT.
Inhibition of TGFβ1 activation prevents radiation‐induced lung fibrosis
Authors: Yi Minxiao , Yuan Ye , Ma Li , Li Long , Qin Wan , Wu Bili , Zheng Bolong , Liao Xin , Hu Guangyuan , Liu Bo
Published: January 2024

Background

Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality for thoracic tumours, but it may induce pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, the pathogenesis of radiation‐induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is unclear, and effective treatments are lacking. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) plays a central role in RIPF. We found that activated TGFβ1 had better performance for radiation pneumonitis (RP) risk prediction by detecting activated and total TGFβ1 levels in patient serum. αv integrin plays key roles in TGFβ1 activation, but the role of αv integrin‐mediated TGFβ1 activation in RIPF is unclear. Here, we investigated the role of αv integrin‐mediated TGFβ1 activation in RIPF and the application of the integrin antagonist cilengitide to prevent RIPF.

Methods

ItgavloxP/loxP;Pdgfrb‐Cre mice were generated by conditionally knocking out Itgav in myofibroblasts, and wild‐type mice were treated with cilengitide or placebo. All mice received 16 Gy of radiation or underwent a sham radiation procedure. Lung fibrosis was measured by a modified Ashcroft score and microcomputed tomography (CT). An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum TGFβ1 concentration, and total Smad2/3 and p‐Smad2/3 levels were determined via Western blotting.

Results

Conditional Itgav knockout significantly attenuated RIPF (p < .01). Hounsfield units (HUs) in the lungs were reduced in the knockout mice compared with the control mice (p < .001). Conditional Itgav knockout decreased active TGFβ1 secretion and inhibited fibroblast p‐Smad2/3 expression. Exogenous active TGFβ1, but not latent TGFβ1, reversed these reductions. Furthermore, cilengitide treatment elicited similar results and prevented RIPF.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that conditional Itgav knockout and cilengitide treatment both significantly attenuated RIPF in mice by inhibiting αv integrin‐mediated TGFβ1 activation.

Highlights

Activated TGFβ1 has a superior capacity in predicting radiation pneumonitis (RP) risk and plays a vital role in the development of radiation‐induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF).

Conditional knock out Itgav in myofibroblasts prevented mice from developing RIPF.

Cilengitide alleviated the development of RIPF by inhibiting αv integrin‐mediated TGFβ1 activation and may be used in targeted approaches for preventing RIPF.
Utility and advantage of the unroofing technique for gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamamoto Masashi , Nishida Tsutomu , Uema Ryotaro , Kanesaka Takashi , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Kitamura Shinji , Iijima Hideki , Nagai Kengo , Tsutsui Shusaku , Komori Masato , Yamamoto Katsumi , Tsujii Yoshiki , Hayashi Yoshito , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: January 2024

Background and aim

Various techniques for direct biopsy from gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors (SETs) have been reported, although no standard method has been established. A common feature of these techniques is the removal of overlaying mucosa to enable direct biopsies from the SETs. These methods have been synthesized under the collective term “unroofing technique”. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to assess its efficacy and identify potential complications.

Methods

This study was conducted in 10 hospitals and involved all eligible patients who underwent unroofing techniques to obtain biopsies for gastrointestinal SETs between April 2015 and March 2021. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic accuracy of the unroofing technique, and the secondary endpoints were the incidence of adverse events and the factors contributing to the accurate diagnosis.

Results

The study included 61 patients with 61 gastrointestinal SETs. The median tumor size was 20 mm, and the median procedure time was 38 min, with 82% successful tumor exposure. The rate of pathological diagnosis was 72.1%. In 44 patients with a pathological diagnosis, two showed discrepancies with the postresection pathological diagnosis. No factors, including facility experience, organ, tumor size, or tumor exposure, significantly affected the diagnostic accuracy. There was one case of delayed bleeding and two cases of perforation.

Conclusion

The diagnostic yield of the unroofing technique was acceptable. The unroofing technique was beneficial regardless of institutional experience, organ, tumor size, or actual tumor exposure.
Three novel mononuclear 4‐vinylpyridine‐based Fe(III) complexes displaying various spin‐crossover behaviour
Authors: Jiang Nan , Chen Peng , Liu Zhi‐Kun , Luo Rong , Wu Xue‐Ru , Fan Yu‐Hua , Shao Feng
Published: January 2024

Three novel mononuclear 4‐vinylpyridine‐based Fe(III) complexes [FeL(4‐VP)]BPh4 (4‐VP=4‐vinylpyridine; H2L=bis(salicylicdeneaminopropyl)amine, H2salten, 1; H2L=bis(salicylicdeneaminopropyl)methylamine, H2saltenMe, 2; H2L=bis(3‐methoxysalicylideneaminopropyl)methylamine, 3‐OMeH2saltenMe, 3) were synthesized and characterized. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that 1–3 both present the mononuclear structure based on 4‐VP coordinated with bis(salicylicdeneaminopropyl)amine and its derivatives, which give 2D architectures by various interactions among cations and counter‐ions. Magnetic studies showed that both 1 and 2 exhibit one‐step complete spin‐crossover (SCO) behaviours with critical transition temperatures (T1/2) of 178 and 87 K respectively, while 3 exhibits one‐step incomplete spin crossover behaviour (T1/2,3=93 K). The introduction of methyl groups on the amine nitrogen of the Schiff base ligands in 2 and 3 give the bigger repulsive effect, further decrease the cooperation of spin centres, resulting in their spin transition occurring at lower temperatures. In addition, the presence of C−H⋯O weak interactions in 1 and 3 with synergistic effect, led to their spin transition temperatures being higher than that of 2.
Feasibility of using virtual reality in geriatric psychiatry
Authors: Just Sandra Anna , Lütt Alva , Siegle Paula , Döring‐Brandl Eva Janina
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Virtual Reality‐based interventions have become an important element of digital mental health, offering accessible and scalable treatment options. However, studies on VR‐based approaches in elderly patients are scarce. This explorative study examined the feasibility of using Virtual Reality (VR) for elderly patients with psychiatric illness, focusing on the sense of presence as the primary outcome.

Methods

The study included N = 30 patients between the ages of 59–92 years who were currently in geriatric psychiatric inpatient and day clinic treatment. Participants were assessed before, during and after a relaxing ten‐minute VR experience. Attitude towards digital media and VR, subjective digital competence, and previous experience were examined using questionnaires. Motion sickness was measured repeatedly during the VR experience using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS). Patients rated their motion sickness and their general well‐being in the virtual environment. Sense of presence in the virtual environment was quantified with the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ).

Results

Participants reported a notable sense of presence (M = 0.41 ± 1.4) in the virtual environment, particularly in terms of spatial presence. Motion sickness was reported by a minority of patients. Three patients terminated the VR application before it was finished. The average well‐being during the VR experience was reported as high (70/100). Sense of presence and motion sickness showed a significant negative correlation. Presence, motion sickness and well‐being were not significantly correlated with age, nor did they differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

This study underscores the potential of VR‐based experiences in the treatment of elderly psychiatric patients and highlights their willingness and ability to engage with VR technology. While the results are promising, future research should explore more interactive VR scenarios and assess their safety and feasibility in elderly populations.
Single ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 dose elicits stronger immune response in previously infected individuals than in SARS‐CoV2 naive persons
Authors: Ebrahim Fawzi , Alboueishi Asma , Alhudiri Inas M. , Tabal Salah Al , Lamami Yosra , Al Dwigen Samira , Ashleb Sondos , Ejenfawi Noha , Milad Mohamed B. , Rhoumah Hayat , El Meshri Salah Edin , Elzagheid Adam
Published: January 2024

Background

Current vaccines against COVID‐19 effectively reduce morbidity and mortality and are vitally important for controlling the pandemic. Between December 2020 and February 2021, adenoviral vector vaccines such as ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca‐Oxford) were put in use. Recent reports demonstrate robust serological responses to a single dose of messenger RNA vaccines in individuals previously infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. We aimed to study the association between previous COVID‐19 infection and antibody levels after a single dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 657 individuals who were either convalescent or SARS‐CoV‐2 naive and had received one dose of ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca). A questionnaire was used to collect data on age, sex, and self‐reported history of COVID‐19 infection. We then compared the average levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) between the previously infected and COVID‐19‐naive participants.

Results

We compared the antibody responses of individuals with confirmed prior COVID‐19 infection with those of individuals without prior evidence of infection. The mean antibody levels in those who reported no history of COVID‐19 infection were substantially lower than in those who were previously infected, in both males and females. Sex‐related differences were observed when we compared antibody levels between men and women. In males, anti‐S IgG antibody levels were higher in those who had been previously infected (156.1 vs. 87.69 AU/mL, p = .009), compared with the same pattern was observed in females (113.5 vs. 90.69 AU/mL, p = .005).

Conclusions

Previous COVID‐19 infection is associated with higher levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies following ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) vaccination. Our finding supports the notion that a single dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 administered post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 infection serves as an effective immune booster. This provides a possible rationale for a single‐dose vaccine regimen for previously infected individuals.
The functional role ofCST1andCCL26in asthma development
Authors: Hoyer Angela , Chakraborty Sandip , Lilienthal Ingrid , Konradsen Jon R. , Katayama Shintaro , Söderhäll Cilla
Published: January 2024

Background

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children with an increasing prevalence. Its development is caused by genetic and environmental factors and allergic sensitization is a known trigger. Dog allergens affect up to 30% of all children and dog dander‐sensitized children show increased expression of cystatin‐1 (CST1) and eotaxin‐3 (CCL26) in nasal epithelium. The aim of our study was to investigate the functional mechanism ofCST1andCCL26in the alveolar basal epithelial cell line A549.

Methods

A549 cells were transfected with individual overexpression vectors forCST1andCCL26and RNA sequencing was performed to examine the transcriptomics. edgeR was used to identify differentially expressed genes (= DEG, |log2FC | ≥ 2, FDR < 0.01). The protein expression levels of A549 cells overexpressingCST1andCCL26were analyzed using the Target 96 inflammation panel from OLINK (antibody‐mediated proximity extension–based assay; OLINK Proteomics). Differentially expressed proteins were considered with a |log2FC| ≥ 1,p < .05.

Results

The overexpression ofCST1resulted in a total of 27 DEG (1 upregulated and 26 downregulated) and the overexpression ofCCL26in a total of 137 DEG (0 upregulated and 137 downregulated). The gene ontology enrichment analysis showed a significant downregulation of type I and III interferon signaling pathway genes as well as interferon‐stimulated genes. At the protein level, overexpression ofCST1induced a significantly increased expression of CCL3, whereasCCL26overexpression led to increased expression of HGF, and a decrease of CXCL11, CCL20, CCL3 and CXCL10.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that an overexpression ofCST1andCCL26cause a downregulation of interferon related genes and inflammatory proteins. It might cause a higher disease susceptibility, mainly for allergic asthma, asCCL26is an agonist for CCR‐3‐carrying cells, such as eosinophils and Th2 lymphocytes, mostly active in allergic asthma.
Mixing‐driven changes in distributions and abundances of planktonic microorganisms in a large, oligotrophic lake
Authors: Evans Kate A. , Peoples Logan M. , Ranieri John R. , Wear Emma K. , Church Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

Temperate lakes experience variation in mixing and stratification that affects the distributions, activities, abundances, and diversity of plankton communities. We examined temporal and vertical changes in the composition of planktonic microorganisms (including Bacteria and Archaea) in oligotrophic Flathead Lake, Montana. Using a combination of approaches that included 16S rRNA gene sequencing and flow cytometric determination of cell abundances, we found that the microbial community was responsive to variations in stratification and mixing at time scales ranging from episodic (scale of days) to seasonal. However, the impact of such physical dynamics varied among taxa, likely reflecting taxa‐specific responses to environmental changes that coincide with stratification and mixing (e.g., light availability and nutrient supply). During the early spring, periods of relatively short‐term (< 7 d) intermittency in stratification and mixing influenced the vertical distributions of specific microbial taxa, notably including the cyanobacteria. These events highlight time scales of biological responses to high‐frequency variations associated with lake stratification and mixing, particularly during the transition to the growing season in the early spring.
Sprayable Zwitterionic Antibacterial Hydrogel With High Mechanical Resilience and Robust Adhesion for Joint Wound Treatment
Authors: Hu Qinsheng , Du Yangrui , Bai Yangjing , Xing Dandan , Lang Shiying , Li Kaijun , Li Xinyun , Nie Yong , Liu Gongyan
Published: January 2024

Wound healing in movable parts, including the joints and neck, remains a critical challenge due to frequent motions and poor flexibility of dressings, which may lead to mismatching of mechanical properties and poor fitting between dressings and wounds; thus, increasing the risk of bacterial infection. This study proposes a sprayable zwitterionic antibacterial hydrogel with outstanding flexibility and desirable adhesion. This hydrogel precursor is fabricated by combining zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) with poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate‐co‐dopamine methacrylamide)‐modified silver nanoparticles (PSBDA@AgNPs) through robust electrostatic interactions. About 150 s of exposure to UV light, the SBMA monomer polymerizes to form PSB chains entangled with PSBDA@AgNPs, transformed into a stable and adhesion PSB–PSB@Ag hydrogel at the wound site. The resulting hydrogel has adhesive strength (15–38 kPa), large tensile strain (>400%), suitable shape adaptation, and excellent mechanical resilience. Moreover, the hydrogel displays pH‐responsive behavior; the acidic microenvironment at the infected wound sites prompts the hydrogel to rapidly release AgNPs and kill bacteria. Further, the healing effect of the hydrogel is demonstrated on the rat neck skin wound, showing improved wound closing rate due to reduced inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis. Overall, the sprayable zwitterionic antibacterial hydrogel has significant potential to promote joint skin wound healing.
NYS advocates encouraged by budget proposal, urge COLA hike
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2024

New York State advocates said that while they are pleased with the governor's FY 2024–2025 executive budget proposal, which includes criminal justice reform efforts and new mental health courts, sufficient funds are still very much needed to address the mental health workforce shortage crisis and fill jobs for workers given the more than 30% job vacancy rate at most programs across the state.
Slight easing of labor market allows hospital to reopen mental health unit
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2024

A central Massachusetts acute‐care hospital is gradually reopening a mental health treatment unit that has been shuttered since fall 2021. The hospital's chief executive told MHW that there has been some easing of a hiring crisis that had forced the mental health unit's closure during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Entropy degradation in a dual diffusion flow of a non‐Newtonian fluid in inclined channel using Keller‐Box approach
Authors: Boujelbene Mohamed , Rehman Sohail , Hashim  , Balegh Mohamed
Published: January 2024

The phenomena of entropy production are significant in mechanical systems, chemical processing, and manufacturing processes for minimizing the consumption of energy and optimizing the utilization of available resources. As a result of such inspired applications, the goal of the current study is to describe the entropy‐generating phenomena in channel flow with dual diffusion of nanofluid. Within a converging and diverging channel, the Jeffrey‐Hamel flow of Reiner‐Rivlin nanofluid with heat‐mass attributes is scrutinized. The inertial dependent flow of incompressible Reiner‐Rivlin nanofluid is formulated using the components of the stress tensor in the Navier–Stokes equation. The Buongiorno model is deployed in order to enhance energy efficiency and optimize the cooling mechanism of the channel. System irreversibilities in the view of the second law are scrutinized the energy loss due to energy transfer, frictional heating, and double diffusion of nanoparticles. The formulated equations are modified into ordinary differential equations using scaling variables. An efficient and effective Keller‐Box approach is used to tickle the non‐linear equation. The outcomes for velocity against inertial forces and the Reiner‐Rivlin parameter in a converging conduit are significant. A reverse flow phenomenon is seen in diverging conduit. Enhancement in temperature is perceived against double diffusion parameters. A decrease in concentration is achieved with the Brownian motion parameter. Effect of Reiner‐Rivlin fluid attributes is dominant as compared to traditional fluid. The enhancement of nanoparticle diffusion can regulate channel cooling and control anomalous overheating. System entropy can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the channel and temperature difference by taking the lubricating walls.
Does the loot box open the door to addiction? A case report of gaming disorder with high charges for loot box purchases
Authors: Inaguma Tokuya , Misumi Sumiko , Funatogawa Tomoyuki , Nemoto Takahiro , Harima Hirohiko , Mizuno Masafumi
Published: January 2024

Background

A loot box is a gaming term for an electronic lottery that randomly provides items that enhance the gaming experience. In recent years, loot boxes have been increasingly discussed as a risk factor of gaming disorder (GD). While they may be purchased for a few dollars at a time, the cumulative expenses resulting from their addictive use have become a social problem.

Case Presentation

This paper presents a case of GD involving a substantial financial burden incurred through the use of a Japanese loot box called Gacha.

Conclusion

The randomness in the selection of virtual items in loot boxes resembles gambling, triggering the reward system and contributing to an addiction to purchasing more loot boxes. For therapeutic purposes, understanding the motivations behind purchasing loot boxes and considering individual developmental characteristics are crucial to helping patients find satisfaction and a sense of achievement in activities besides gaming.
Core concerns: The need for a governance framework to protect global Internet infrastructure
Authors: Broeders Dennis , Sukumar Arun
Published: January 2024

The war in Ukraine has underscored the risks and threats to global Internet infrastructure from geopolitically motivated cyber operations. The Domain Name System and core protocols responsible for the routing, forwarding, and security of Internet traffic have been exploited by actors in Russia and Ukraine for denial‐of‐service attacks, surveillance, and censorship. Additionally, states have tried to compel organisations that maintain and govern such infrastructure to cut Russia off from the Internet. These cyber operations and sanctions targeting the ‘public core of the internet’ have serious transboundary effects, and threaten the stability and functionality of the Internet. Most such attacks appear, at the time of writing, to have been buffeted by the internet's resilience, but there is equally the risk that the Ukraine war becomes a permissive, norm‐constitutive moment for similar operations in the future targeting its core physical, institutional and logical infrastructure. The technical community, a growing number of states and other stakeholders have been arguing for the protection of the ‘public core’ of the internet for nearly a decade, anchoring the concept in policy, multistakeholder and diplomatic fora and documents. This paper, while noting that states increasingly acknowledge the need to protect the public core of the internet, argues that norms and international law are still ill‐equipped to regulate damaging cyber operations, given unsettled questions regarding the sovereignty of states over global Internet infrastructure, and the precise scope of their existing international obligations towards its protection.
Drop finger caused by lung cancer metastasis
Authors: Sumi Toshiyuki , Sakakibara‐Konishi Jun , Suzuki Keito , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: January 2024

Skeletal muscle metastasis of lung cancer is rare. However, clinicians should be aware that tumour‐induced nerve compression symptoms may develop.
Switch Volmer‐Heyrovsky to Volmer‐Tafel Pathway for Efficient Acidic Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Correlating Pt Single Atoms with Clusters
Authors: Wang Junhui , Zang Wenjie , Liu Ximeng , Sun Jianguo , Xi Shibo , Liu Weihao , Kou Zongkui , Shen Lei , Wang John
Published: January 2024

As cost‐effective catalysts, platinum (Pt) single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted substantial attention. However, most studies indicate that Pt SACs in acidic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) follow the slow Volmer‐Heyrovsky (VH) mechanism instead of the fast kinetic Volmer‐Tafel (VT) pathway. Here, this work propose that the VH mechanism in Pt SACs can be switched to the faster VT pathway for efficient HER by correlating Pt single atoms (SAs) with Pt clusters (Cs). Our calculations reveal that the correlation between Pt SAs and Cs significantly impacts the electronic structure of exposed Pt atoms, lowering the adsorption barrier for atomic hydrogen and enabling a faster VT mechanism. To validate these findings, this work purposely synthesize three catalysts: l‐Pt@MoS2, m‐Pt@MoS2 and h‐Pt@MoS2 with low, moderate, and high Pt‐loading, having different distributions of Pt SAs and Cs. The m‐Pt@MoS2 catalyst with properly correlating Pt SAs and Cs exhibits outstanding performance with an overpotential of 47 mV and Tafel slope of 32 mV dec−1. Further analysis of the Tafel values confirms that the m‐Pt@MoS2 sample indeed follows the VT reaction mechanism, aligning with the theoretical findings. This study offers a deep understanding of the synergistic mechanism, paving a way for designing novel‐advanced catalysts.
Verschub der Oderbrücke Küstrin
Authors: Haspel Lorenz , Ambrasas Povilas , Hornberger Lukas
Published: January 2024

Bei der Errichtung von selbstverankerten Bogenbrücken hat sich die Vormontage auf einer einfach zugänglichen Vormontagefläche mit anschließendem Verschub in die Endlage als wirtschaftliche und schnelle Montagevariante etabliert. Am Beispiel der Planung und Umsetzung der Eisenbahnüberführung Oder bei Küstrin werden in diesem Beitrag verschiedene Konzepte für einen Längsverschub über die Oder mit und ohne Einsatz von Pontons sowie ihre jeweiligen Besonderheiten beschrieben. Ein wesentlicher Einflussfaktor ergibt sich aus dem stark variierenden Wasserstand der Oder im Zusammenhang mit dem für einen Pontoneinsatz erforderlichen Mindestwasserstand zum Zeitpunkt des Verschubs. Das mögliche Auftreten sprunghafter Steigerungen des Pegels erfordert weitere Überlegungen zur Risikominimierung. Für eine Variante ohne Ponton, dafür mit einer bauzeitlichen Hilfsstütze im Fluss, sprechen neben der Unabhängigkeit vom Wasserstand auch die besonderen Eigenschaften des Hängernetzes: Die verwendeten Carbonzugglieder mit kettengliedartigen Anschlüssen können eine wiederkehrende Entlastung im Montagezustand schadlos überstehen. Damit eröffnet sich die Möglichkeit für einen Einschub mit ortsfesten Verschublagern ohne Aussteifung des Hängernetzes. Basierend auf den hier beschriebenen Untersuchungen und den Erfahrungen bei der Umsetzung kann diese Variante für die Montage von Netzbogenbrücken mit Carbonhängern in Zukunft von vornherein berücksichtigt werden.
RETRACTED: Neurological risks arising from the bioaccumulation of heavy metal contaminants: A focus on mercury
Authors: Dong Tianyu , Li Hanxuan
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the concentrations of heavy metals in the water sources of the upstream region of the Huangpu River, the Yangtze River Estuary, and various areas in Shanghai, as well as the heavy metal concentrations in the blood of Shanghai residents. It aimed to analyze the heavy metal elements absorbed by the human body and the resulting pathological effects. The results revealed that surface water primarily contains five heavy metals: copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), while water sediments primarily contain seven heavy metals: Cu, cadmium (Cd), Pb, chromium (Cr), Zn, As, and Hg. The main heavy metals present in the human body are Pb, Hg, As, and Cd. By reviewing previous articles, it was found that heavy metal concentrations in human blood are higher than those in surface water, suggesting uncertainties in the heavy metal content of surface water and its tendency to settle at the bottom. Furthermore, a comparison of heavy metal content in sediments revealed that Hg is the most readily absorbed heavy metal by the human body and is also a toxic environmental pollutant. Within the cell, Hg is highly toxic to mitochondria and may cause oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disease. This study concludes that water sediments serve as the major source of pollution in the human body and pose significant health risks, thereby necessitating the implementation of effective preventive measures.
T‐plate contoured to 90° to stabilise the scapular spine and acromion in a complex, comminuted scapular fracture in a Dachshund
Authors: Johnson Daisy , Silveira Francisco
Published: January 2024

A 7.2 kg, 7‐month old, male dachshund presented after a road traffic accident. Computer tomography revealed a pneumothorax, which was treated conservatively, and a type 1 extra‐articular unstable comminuted scapular fracture. A 5‐hole 2.0‐mm T‐plate was contoured to 90°, allowing the spine of the scapula to be fixated to the scapular body. Two locking‐compression plates were used in the infraspinatus and supraspinatus fossae to further stabilise the scapula. The above construct allowed for good reduction and stabilisation of the scapular fracture. Recovery was uncomplicated, and at 7 weeks post‐operatively the patient was sound on the operated leg with radiographic evidence of ongoing fracture healing, with minimal bony callus formation. The owners were contacted 7 months after surgery and reported an excellent recovery with no lameness. This report highlights that a contoured T‐plate can be used successfully to stabilise fractures of the scapular spine.
NMR spectroscopy for metabolomics in the living system: recent progress and future challenges
Authors: Peng Yun , Zhang Zeting , He Lichun , Li Conggang , Liu Maili
Published: January 2024

Metabolism is a fundamental process that underlies human health and diseases. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques offer a powerful approach to identify metabolic processes and track the flux of metabolites at the molecular level in living systems. An in vitro study through in-cell NMR tracks metabolites in real time and investigates protein structures and dynamics in a state close to their most natural environment. This technique characterizes metabolites and proteins involved in metabolic pathways in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enables whole-organism metabolic monitoring by visualizing the spatial distribution of metabolites and targeted proteins. One limitation of these NMR techniques is the sensitivity, for which a possible improved approach is through isotopic enrichment or hyperpolarization methods, including dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP). DNP involves the transfer of high polarization from electronic spins of radicals to surrounding nuclear spins for signal enhancements, allowing the detection of low-abundance metabolites and real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. PHIP enables the transfer of nuclear spin polarization from parahydrogen to other nuclei for signal enhancements, particularly in proton NMR, and has been applied in studies of enzymatic reactions and cell signaling. This review provides an overview of in-cell NMR, in vivo MRS, and hyperpolarization techniques, highlighting their applications in metabolic studies and discussing challenges and future perspectives.

Graphical abstract