bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Colonization With Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Beaumont Anne-Lise , Kermorvant-Duchemin Elsa , Breurec Sébastien , Huynh Bich-Tram
Published: November 2024

Importance

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), neonatal bacterial infections are mainly caused by Enterobacterales species and Staphylococcus aureus, which are also the leading causes of mortality directly attributable to antimicrobial resistance. As bacterial colonization often precedes infection, better knowledge of colonization is crucial to prevent antibiotic-resistant neonatal sepsis.

Objective

To synthesize current evidence on the prevalence of and factors associated with colonization with third-generation cephalosporin–resistant Enterobacterales (3GCRE), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) during the first 3 months of life in LMICs.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the World Health Organization Global Index Medicus were searched for articles published from January 1, 2000, through July 29, 2024.

Study Selection

Included studies were conducted in LMICs and reported prevalence rates or factors associated with colonization with 3GCRE, CRE, or MRSA in neonates and infants up to 3 months of age. Outbreak reports were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment using a Joanna Briggs Institute tool were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Pooled prevalence for each pathogen was computed using a random-effects model. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of and factors associated with 3GCRE, CRE, and MRSA colonization.

Results

Of the 3147 articles identified in the search, 67 studies (51 for 3GCRE and CRE and 16 for MRSA) including 17 152 individuals were eligible. The pooled prevalence of 3GCRE colonization was 30.2% (95% CI, 21.4%-40.7%; τ2 = 1.48; I2 = 95.1%), varying from 18.2% (95% CI, 10.8%-29.1%) in nonhospitalized individuals to 48.2% (95% CI, 36.4%-60.2%) in hospitalized individuals. The prevalence of CRE colonization was 2.6% (95% CI, 0.7%-8.8%; τ2 = 7.79; I2 = 95.6%), while it was 2.7% (95% CI, 1.0%-6.7%; τ2 = 2.58; I2 = 93.5%) for MRSA. Increased risk of colonization with 3GCRE was associated with hospital birth (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% CI, 1.33-2.64), neonatal antibiotic use (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.43-6.11), and prolonged rupture of membranes (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 2.19-6.84).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of antibiotic-resistant pathogen carriage in individuals aged 0 to 3 months, the pooled prevalence was substantial despite a limited exposure period. Although high heterogeneity between studies limited extrapolation of results, the findings highlight the need for further investigation to identify transmission routes and to design targeted and effective preventive measures.
Virtual Mental Health Care and Suicide-Related Events
Authors: Tenso Kertu , Strombotne Kiersten , Garrido Melissa M. , Lum Jessica , Pizer Steven
Published: November 2024

Importance

The rising suicide rates in the US emphasize the need for effective prevention. While telehealth has transformed access to mental health care, the impact of telehealth on suicide outcomes is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the association of virtual mental health services with individual-level suicide-related events (SREs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study using broadband access as an instrumental variable assessed a national sample of Veterans Health Administration patients who received mental health care between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Participants were recently separated (ie, discharged or released from active duty) veterans who completed their active duty service between March 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, and who received at least 2 outpatient or inpatient diagnoses related to major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder within the year before their most recent separation date. Data were analyzed May 1 to October 31, 2023.

Exposure

Percentage of a patient’s total mental health visits that were conducted virtually by psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers within a calendar month.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Binary measure indicating whether the patient had experienced an SRE (defined as a nonfatal suicide attempt, intentional self-harm, or suicide death) in a specific month and year as evaluated an instrumental variable probit model.

Results

The sample included 66 387 data points from 16 236 unique recently separated veterans. Among these entries, 44 766 were for male veterans (67.4%), the mean (SD) age across the sample was 32.9 (8.9) years, and the sample was representative of the US veteran population. There were 929 SREs (1.4%). Virtual mental health visits comprised a mean (SD) of 44.6% (46.1%) of all mental health visits. In instrumental variable probit analyses accounting for factors simultaneously associated with use of virtual mental health care and SRE risk, a 1% increase in the probability of virtual mental health visits was associated with a 2.5% decrease in SREs.

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings from this cohort study using a retrospective quasi-experimental design found that an increase in virtual mental health visits relative to total visits was associated with a statistically significant decrease in SREs, suggesting that providing virtual mental health services may reduce suicide-related outcomes.
Development and validation of a questionnaire on radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Moroccan dentists
Authors: Elmorabit Naoual , Obtel Majdouline , Azougagh Mohamed , Marrakchi Asmaa , Ennibi Oum Keltoum
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of dentists' radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices (DRP‐KAPs) questionnaire.

Methods

This study was conducted using a stepwise approach. In the first step, items were generated to determine the relevant content and domains after a thorough literature review. In the second step, the content validity of the questionnaire was assessed by seven experts using face and content validity. The content validity index for relevance and clarity (I‐CVI, S‐CVI/Av, and S‐CVI/UA) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were performed. Then, the questionnaire was pre‐tested with 10 dentists for face validation. In the third step, reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Kuder‐Richardson‐20 (KR‐20) and Cronbach's alpha) and test–retest (Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) methods by filling out the questionnaire by 100 dentists practicing in the Rabat‐Salé‐Kénitra region, in Morocco.

Results

The finalized DRP‐KAPs questionnaire contains 41 items covering knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs). The I‐CVIs, S‐CVI/UA and S‐CVI/AV and CVR values of the 41 items were ≥0.86 for each item, ≥0.82, ≥0.97, and ≥0.71, respectively. With regard to internal consistency reliability, the KR‐20 coefficients for the knowledge and practice domains were 0.70 and 0.68, respectively, and the Cronbach alpha for the attitude domain was 0.73. The DRP‐KAPs questionnaire has good reliability with the ICC coefficients for attitude items ranging from 0.57 to 0.95 and Kappa coefficients for knowledge and practice items ranging from 0.64 to 1 and 0.77 to 1, respectively.

Conclusion

The developed DRP‐KAPs questionnaire was found to be a noteworthy tool for assessing radiation protection among dentists, with acceptable internal consistency, good ICC and Kappa coefficients, and good content validity indices.
Medial intracranial carotid artery calcifications and hematoma expansion in deep intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Mazzacane Federico , Moraru Stefan , Del Bello Beatrice , Ferrari Federica , Ferro Erica , Persico Alessandra , Nawabi Jawed , Padovani Alessandro , Cavallini Anna , Morotti Andrea
Published: November 2024

Background

Medial intracranial carotid artery calcifications (ICAC) are associated with impaired vascular physiology, increased arterial stiffness and pulse pressure. Their presence might therefore be associated with increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) expansion, according to the avalanche model. We explored the association between ICAC presence and pattern and hematoma expansion (HE).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a monocentric, prospectively collected cohort of ICH patients admitted between June 2017 and October 2023. ICAC pattern was determined by Kockelkoren's rating scale on admission CT; medial ICAC were defined with a >6 points cutoff. A follow‐up CT scan was performed within 72 h. HE was analyzed as a dichotomous (≥6 mL and/or ≥33%) and as a categorical (none/mild/moderate/severe) variable, and its predictors were explored with logistic and ordinal regression respectively, accounting for baseline volume, onset‐to‐CT time, and anticoagulation. All the analyses were stratified by ICH location (supratentorial deep vs lobar ICH).

Results

A total of 201 patients were included (median age 78, 42% females, 59% deep ICH). Medial ICAC were significantly more common in deep ICH with HE compared with non‐expanders (72% vs 49%, p = 0.03), whereas there was no association between ICAC and HE in lobar ICH (53% vs 52%, p = 0.85). This association between medial ICAC and HE in deep ICH remained significant in logistic (aOR 3.11, 95% CI [1.19–9.06], p = 0.03) and ordinal regression (acOR 2.42, 95% CI [1.19–4.99], p = 0.01).

Interpretation

Ipsilateral medial ICAC are associated with higher odds of HE in deep ICH. Our findings are best interpreted as hypothesis generating, requiring prospective validation and further research to characterize the underlying biological mechanisms.
The Role of Nanoporous Adsorbents in the Circular Economy—Closing the Loop of Critical Materials Recovery
Authors: Florek Justyna , Negoro Masaki , Hu Yimu , Kanamori Kazuyoshi , Nakanishi Kazuki , Kleitz Freddy
Published: November 2024

Due to the increase in the global population, industrialization, and the transition to climate neutrality through low‐emission technologies, the pressure on critical materials (CMs) continues to grow. CMs are defined as materials with a significant risk of supply chain disruption and limited substitutability. In this context, rare‐earth elements, platinum group metals, lithium, and cobalt are particularly crucial for the shift to carbon‐free economy and sustainability. One of the important strategies to endorse the goal of carbon reduction is to promote the recycling of resources. As a solution, effective recovery strategies have been developed, such as solid‐phase separation technologies based on advanced functional sorbents. This perspective article aims to provide a general assessment of the role of porous materials in closing the loop of critical materials recycling. Here, comprehensive insights are provided into recent development, design, and application of porous adsorbents commonly applied in solid‐phase extraction systems. Their current research status and problems related to their future application are also highlighted. This review covers recent advances in porous and hierarchical silica‐based materials, aerogels, covalent organic frameworks, metal–organic frameworks, and carbon‐based adsorbents.
Integrated‐Channel Porous Transport Layers Reduce Ohmic and Mass Transport Losses in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzers
Authors: Tugirumubano Alexandre , Seip Tess , Zhu Lijun , Ham Chaeyoung Tina , Farsi Aida , Bazylak Aimy
Published: November 2024

To mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, clean energy storage solutions such as hydrogen produced via polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) are critically required. However, the porous transport layer (PTL) in current PEMWE systems lacks optimization of through‐plane and in‐plane transport properties. In this work, a PTL design with integrated channels (IC‐PTL) to improve the PTL/flow channel interface and provide additional pathways for in‐plane flow is proposed. As current density increases, the IC‐PTL reduces mass transport overpotentials by up to 71.4% compared to the baseline PTL (B‐PTL) assembly due to shorter mass transport pathways. Moreover, the IC‐PTL lowers ohmic overpotentials at high current densities by up to 42.8% due to improved interfacial contact and enhanced membrane hydration. Membrane hydration is further quantified via X‐ray synchrotron radiography analysis of changes in membrane thickness and X‐ray transmission through the membrane, revealing that the IC‐PTL assembly displays a consistently thicker membrane and recovers from thinning faster than the B‐PTL assembly. Furthermore, membrane hydration is impacted more at the catalyst layer interfaces than in the center of the membrane. As such, the addition of in‐plane transport pathways to next‐generation PTL designs to improve membrane hydration and mass transport is recommended.
Ambient Sunlight Driven Photothermal Green Syngas Production at 100 m3 Scale by the Dynamic Structural Reconstruction of Iron Oxides with 38.7% Efficiency
Authors: Wu Qixuan , Wang Jialin , Yuan Dachao , Wang Yachuan , Li Yaguang , Guo Yunna , Zhang Zhibo , San Xingyuan , Zhang Liqiang , Ye Jinhua
Published: November 2024

Ambient sunlight‐driven photothermal green syngas production via reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) reaction is important for carbon neutrality, which lacks efficient and inexpensive catalysts at low temperatures. This studydemonstrates that the scalable Fe3O4 supported with K atoms modified Ag nanoparticles (AgK/Fe3O4) exhibits a RWGS CO production rate of 1089 mmol g−1 h−1 at 300 °C and 100% CO selectivity through dynamic structural reconstruction, surpassing all reported platinum‐based catalysts. In situ characterization and theoretical simulation indicate that the AgK nanoparticles activate H2 to reduce Fe3O4 as metallic Fe. Subsequently, the metallic Fe spontaneously reacts with CO2 to form CO and Fe3O4, thereby facilitating low‐temperature RWGS. Owing to its superior low‐temperature performance, AgK/Fe3O4 equipped with a homemade photothermal device achieves one sun‐driven photothermal RWGS with a CO production rate of 1925 mmol g−1 h−1 and a 38.7% solar to enthalpy energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the enlarged outdoor demonstration yields 100.6 m3day−1 of green syngas with an H2/CO ratio of 3. This work paves the way for designing efficient platinum‐free CO2 hydrogenation catalysts and introduces a new approach for sunlight‐driven scalable green syngas production.
S‐Scheme Heterojunction Engineering of CdS/Bi2WO6 in Breakthrough Piezocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution: Performance, Mechanism, and DFT Calculations
Authors: Ning Xueer , Hao Aize , Qiu Xiaojuan
Published: November 2024

Herein, a novel bismuth tungstate and cadmium sulfide (CdS/Bi2WO6）step‐scheme (S‐scheme) heterojunction piezocatalyst for the first time is developed. The exceptional piezocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction activity (1.37 mmol L−1 g−1 h−1) is delivered, which is significantly higher compared to pure CdS (0.06 mmol L−1 g−1 h−1) and bare Bi2WO6 (0.45 mmol L−1 g−1 h−1), showing an almost 23‐fold and 3‐fold increase, respectively. This performance greatly exceeds previously reported piezocatalysts and piezo‐photocatalysts. Meanwhile, this catalyst also holds outstanding piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction rate of 1.02 mmol g−1 h−1. Relevant experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations results demonstrate that the excellent catalytic capacity of CdS/Bi2WO6 is mainly ascribed to the construction of S‐scheme heterojunction, which greatly promotes piezoelectric performance, enhances the segregating efficiency of charge carriers and redox capacity, regulates electronic structure, optimizes the reaction dynamics processes and reduces the reactions barrier, and induces more active sites. Furthermore, a new piezocatalytic mechanism for the CdS/Bi2WO6 S‐scheme heterojunction is proposed. This research extends the applications of S‐scheme heterojunctions in sustainable energy piezocatalysis and offers insights for designing efficient piezocatalytic systems.
Metalloid Phosphorus Induces Tunable Defect Engineering in High Entropy Oxide Toward Advanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Yao , Kang Qiaoling , Dong Fengfeng , Su Mengfei , Wang Rui , Yan Lijing , Meng Xianhe , Ma Tingli , Fan Meiqiang , Gao Feng
Published: November 2024

The inferior electrical conductivity and sluggish lithium storage kinetics of conventional high‐entropy oxide (HEO) are critical issues hindering their commercialization. The high electronegativity of metalloids can ameliorate this predicament by altering the electronic configuration of HEO compared to metals. Herein, metalloid phosphorus doping in spinel‐type HEO (PxA1‐x)B2O4 (A/B = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) (P‐HEO) is achieved through a facile sol–gel process. The metalloid phosphorus doping facilitates the transfer of electrons from transition metal sites to phosphorus‐doped sites, resulting in the formation of electron‐rich and electron‐deficient local regions on the HEO surface and is conducive to an increase in the total number of active lithium sites in the electrochemical reaction process. Density functional theory calculation reveals Li adsorption energy on the synthesized P‐HEO is only −1.102 eV, demonstrating that the phosphorus doping enables a strong electronic coupling between lithium ions and P‐HEO. Furthermore, metalloid phosphorus doping also leads to oxygen vacancies formation and lattice distortion, which significantly enhances charge transfer efficiency and diffusion kinetics and results in the enhanced lithium storage performance with impressive rate capability and long‐term stability. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of lattice‐engineered HEO as versatile electrodes for future energy storage applications.
Emerging Anomalous Hall Effect in (111)‐Oriented Artificial Iridate Honeycomb Lattices
Authors: Hu Shilin , Liu Meilin , Xiao Wen , Yang Zhan , Liu Junhua , Hong Yuhao , Deng Zhixiong , Gao Xiaofei , Shen Ziyue , Wang Lei , Yao Runze , Zhang Qinghua , Gan Yulin , Chen Kai , Liao Zhaoliang
Published: November 2024

Complex Ir oxides provide a promising platform for investigating cooperativity and competition between Mott physics and spin‐orbit coupling in condensed matter physics. These materials have the potential to reveal intriguing phases, such as topological phases and the Kitaev spin liquid state, an exactly solvable S = 1/2 spin model describing Ir4+ ions on a 2D honeycomb lattice. However, experimental confirmation of such phases in iridate films has been hindered by the difficulty of preparing (111)‐oriented samples of the perovskite phase. Herein, by constructing SrIrO3/SrTiO3 superlattices on SrTiO3 (111) substrates, (111)‐oriented perovskite phase SrIrO3 films are achieved with the unprecedentedly large thickness of 6 unit cells. Electrical and magnetic characterizations reveal that these films exhibit anomalous Hall insulating behavior, significant charge fluctuations, and long‐range antiferromagnetic order. Moreover, these properties can be tuned by varying the thickness of the SrIrO₃ layer. These emergent phenomena underscore the complex interactions among spin‐orbit coupling, electron–electron correlations, and crystal structure in (111)‐oriented artificial iridate honeycomb lattices. Further, spin fractionalization and topological quantum spin liquid may be achieved by tuning the spin–orbit coupling and crystal field intensity from interface engineering.
High‐Performance Self‐Powered PEC Photodetectors Based on 2D BiVO4/MXene Schottky Junction
Authors: Zhou Siqin , Jiang Chenxiao , Han Jinlu , Mu Yanqi , Gong Jian Ru , Zhang Juan
Published: November 2024

As an emerging field, self‐powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetectors have gradually attracted extensive attention thanks to the unique working characteristics of low preparation cost, strong tunability of device performance, and environmental friendliness. However, short absorption wavelength range, low efficiency of visible light utilization, and low responsivity remain challenges for performance improvements. Here, the PEC photodetectors based on the 2D BiVO4/MXene Schottky junction structure, which shows excellent performance with high photocurrent density (≈3.90 mA cm−2 at 0 VSCE under AM 1.5 G, 150 mW cm−2), good responsivity (790.2 mA W−1 under 447 nm), fast response time (tr/tf = 8/14 ms), and long‐term stability (keep 17 000 s and 22 000 cycles) are fabricated. These can be attributed to the built‐in electric field at the BiVO4/MXene Schottky junction interface, which accelerates the transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes, and inhibits interfacial charge recombination. Additionally, the MXene nanosheets improve the absorption of visible‐light‐induced photons on the valence band of BiVO4. These excellent properties show that this work provides a scientific experimental reference for the further development of PEC photodetectors.
Engineering the Functional Expansion of Microneedles
Authors: Yang Shengfei , Xu Yihua , Zhu Mingjian , Yu Yawei , Hu Weitong , Zhang Tianyuan , Gao Jianqing
Published: November 2024

Microneedles (MNs), composed of an array of micro‐sized needles and a supporting base, have transcended their initial use to replace hypodermic needles in drug delivery and fluid collection, advancing toward multifunctional platforms. In this review, four major areas are summarized in interdisciplinary engineering approaches combined with MNs technology. First, electronics engineering, the most extensively researched field, enables applications in biomonitoring, electrical stimulation, and closed‐loop theranostics through the generation, transmission, and transformation of electrical signals. Second, in electromagnetic engineering, the responsiveness of electromagnetic induction offers prospects for remote and programmable therapeutic applications. Third, photonic engineering endows MNs with novel functionalities, such as waveguiding and photonic manipulation to enhance optical therapeutic capabilities and facilitate the visualization of disease progression and treatment processes. Lastly, it reviewed the role of mechanical engineering in conferring shape adaptability and programmable motion features necessary for various MNs applications. This review focuses on the functionalities that emerge from the intersection of MNs with complementary engineering technologies, aiming to inspire further research and innovation in microneedle technology for biomedical applications.
Twisted Metasurfaces for On‐Demand Focusing Localization
Authors: He Guangming , Qian Chao , Jia Yuetian , Fan Zhixiang , Wang Huaping , Chen Hongsheng
Published: November 2024

Dynamic focusing of electromagnetic (EM) waves is a cornerstone in various applications, encompassing aerospace communication, sensing, and high‐resolution imaging. Recently, the advent of intelligent metasurfaces, hailed as the next evolutionary step, has revolutionized self‐adaptive functionalities. However, their extensive embeddings of active components pose a great challenge associated with escalated costs, heightened power consumption, and increased complexity, thus hindering large‐scale implementation. Here, a cost‐effective approach for dynamic EM focusing utilizing a twisted metasurface is introduced, which integrates a transmissive layer with a reflective layer in a cascade fashion. This innovative design leverages the mutual rotation between two layers to enable the precise manipulation of beam propagation and scanning area, allowing for the flexible localization of the focal point across a wide range, spanning −44.17° to 44.17° in elevation and 0° to 360° in azimuth. This capability is underpinned by the strategic fusion of multiple phase profiles, including gradient and Gaussian phase. In the experiment, a goal‐oriented system is built up whose outcomes demonstrate a striking alignment with the simulated results, achieving a correlation coefficient of 96.7%. This work presents a streamlined pathway toward dynamic EM focusing and the related applications constrained by space and power limitations.
Selective 1,2‐Carboimination of Isothiocyanates to Access S‐Substituted Isothioureas via Energy Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Chen Li‐Ning , Liang Shu‐Nuo , Luo Juan , Chen Dan‐Na , Ye Zhi‐Peng , Xia Peng‐Ju
Published: November 2024

Herein, we introduce a novel method for the synthesis of S‐substituted isothiourea compounds via the selective 1,2‐carboimination between oxime esters as bifunctional reagents and the C=S bond of isothiocyanates under visible‐light catalysis. This approach deviates from conventional methods by precisely modulating the substrate electronics to selectively functionalize the C=S bond of isothiocyanates over the C=N bond, eliminating the need for strong bases and high temperatures and bypassing the formation of thiourea intermediates. Consequently, this protocol enables the efficient one‐step synthesis of S‐alkyl isothioureas, with featuring mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity and broad substrate scope.
An EED/PRC2‐H19 Loop Regulates Cerebellar Development
Authors: Liu Pei‐Pei , Han Xiao , Li Xiao , Dai Shang‐Kun , Xu Ya‐Jie , Jiao Lin‐Fei , Du Hong‐Zhen , Zhao Li‐Hua , Li Rong‐Feng , Teng Zhao‐Qian , Yang Yun‐Gui , Liu Chang‐Mei
Published: November 2024

EED (embryonic ectoderm development) is a core subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which senses the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). However, its biological function in cerebellar development remains unknown. Here, we show that EED deletion from neural stem cells (NSCs) or cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs) leads to reduced GCPs proliferation, cell death, cerebellar hypoplasia, and motor deficits in mice. Joint profiling of transcripts and ChIP‐seq analysis in cerebellar granule cells reveals that EED regulates bunches of genes involved in cerebellar development. EED ablation exhibits overactivation of a developmental repressor long non‐coding RNA H19. Importantly, an obvious H3K27ac enrichment is found at Ctcf, a trans‐activator of H19, and H3K27me3 enrichment at the H19 imprinting control region (ICR), suggesting that EED regulates H19 in an H3K27me3‐dependent manner. Intriguingly, H19 deletion reduces EED expression and the reprogramming of EED‐mediated H3K27me3 profiles, resulting in increased proliferation, differentiation, and decreased apoptosis of GCPs. Finally, molecular and genetic evidence provides that increased H19 expression is responsible for cerebellar hypoplasia and motor defects in EED mutant mice. Thus, this study demonstrates that EED, H19 forms a negative feedback loop, which plays a crucial role in cerebellar morphogenesis and controls cerebellar development.
Hyperglycemia‐Enhanced Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Drive Mucosal Immunopathology at the Oral Barrier
Authors: Wang Qian , Lin Weimin , Lei Kexin , Wang Hui , Zhang Xiaohan , Jiang Shuang , Zhang Danting , Wang Wen , Cao Shuqin , Li Yuyu , Yu Bo , Wang Yuan , Yin Qi , Yuan Quan
Published: November 2024

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for mucosal homeostasis and enhances the susceptibility to inflammation, in which neutrophils have been increasingly appreciated for their role. Here, barrier disruption and inflammation are observed at oral mucosa (gingiva) of T2D patients and mice. It is demonstrated that neutrophils infiltrate the gingival mucosa of T2D mice and expel obvious neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), while removal of NETs alleviates the disruption of mucosal barrier. Mechanistically, gingival neutrophils released NETs are dependent of their metabolic reprogramming. Under hyperglycemic condition, neutrophils elevate both glucose incorporation and glycolysis via increased expression of GLUT1. Moreover, significantly increased levels of NETs are observed in local gingival lesions of patients, which are associated with clinical disease severity. This work elucidates a causative link between hyperglycemia and oral mucosal immunopathology, mediated by the altered immuno‐metabolic axis in neutrophil, thereby suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
CITMIC: Comprehensive Estimation of Cell Infiltration in Tumor Microenvironment based on Individualized Intercellular Crosstalk
Authors: Zhao Xilong , Wu Jiashuo , Lai Jiyin , Pan Bingyue , Ji Miao , Li Xiangmei , He Yalan , Han Junwei
Published: November 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) cells interact with each other and play a pivotal role in tumor progression and treatment response. A comprehensive characterization of cell and intercellular crosstalk in the TME is essential for understanding tumor biology and developing effective therapies. However, current cell infiltration analysis methods only partially describe the TME's cellular landscape and overlook cell‐cell crosstalk. Here, this approach, CITMIC, can infer the cell infiltration of TME by simultaneously measuring 86 different cell types, constructing an individualized cell‐cell crosstalk network based on functional similarities between cells, and using only gene transcription data. This is a novel approach to estimating the relative cell infiltration levels, which are shown to be superior to the current methods. The TME cell‐based features generated by analyzing melanoma data are effective in predicting prognosis and treatment response. Interestingly, these features are found to be particularly effective in assessing the prognosis of high‐stage patients, and this method is applied to multiple high‐stage adenocarcinomas, where more significant prognostic performance is also observed. In conclusion, CITMIC offers a more comprehensive description of TME cell composition by considering cell‐cell crosstalk, providing an important reference for the discovery of predictive biomarkers and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Whisker‐Implanted Biomimetic Electronic Skin for Tactile Sensing and Blind Perception
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Jeong An Woo , Lee Seung Goo
Published: November 2024

Rodent whiskers are a distinct class of tactile sensors that work in conjunction with the biological skin to discern airstreams and obstacles with remarkable sensitivity, facilitating navigation around proximate objects. In this study, a flexible artificial skin is developed comprising sensory active units, including electronic skin (e‐skin) and an artificial whisker, inspired by the sensory capabilities of rodent skin and whiskers. As a novel strategy, unique congruent air pockets are introduced within the e‐skin to enhance the sensitivity. Mechanical stimuli applied to the artificial whisker are efficiently transmitted to the active e‐skin, which generates a sensitive tactile perception response. The developed artificial skin exhibits high sensitivity, a wide sensing range, high flexibility, superior stability, and tensile strength. The artificial whisker facilitates the sensitive detection of a broad range of applied mechanical forces. Therefore, the artificial skin can sense subtle and vigorous tactile stimuli including airstreams and field obstacles. The ability to sense, discriminate, and decipher the airstreams and obstacles imparts outstanding tactile sensing and blind perception characteristics to the artificial skin. This artificial skin is a promising platform for the development of sensitive e‐skins suitable for a broad range of applications, such as human‐machine interfaces, robotics, and wearable electronics.
Capillary Skimming of Floating Microplastics via a Water‐Bridged Ratchet
Authors: Cho Seohyun , Park Sang Jin , Lee Young Jin , Lee You Jun , Lee Young A , Kim Ho‐Young , Kim Seong Jin , Chung Seok , Moon Myoung‐Woon
Published: November 2024

Floating microplastics (MPs) have recently become a major concern in marine pollution; however, current filter‐based technology is hardly effective for directly removing such MPs from the water surface because of specific mesh size and clogging issues. This paper introduces a new skimming concept for removing floating MPs utilizing capillary force mediated by the elevation of a hydrophilic ratchet at the air−water interface. MPs floating near the ratchet surface are spontaneously forced toward the ratchet with a concave water meniscus, driven by the Cheerios effect. The MPs can then be skimmed and temporarily held by the deforming concave water meniscus as the ratchet rises. Here, it is found that the stability of the water bridge plays a crucial role in skimming success because it provides capillary adhesion between the MP and the ratchet. The proposed capillary skimming method is observed to be effective across nearly all types of floating MPs, ranging in size from 1 to 4 mm, and with densities varying from 0.02 to 0.97 g cm−3, which is also demonstrated by a prototype of marine robot cleaner.
Injectable Genetic Engineering Hydrogel for Promoting Spatial Tolerance of Transplanted Kidney in Situ
Authors: Lin Jinwen , Liu Shuaihui , Xue Xing , Lv Junhao , Zhao Lingfei , Yu Liqin , Wang Huiping , Chen Jianghua
Published: November 2024

The establishment of a tolerant space to realize the co‐stimulation of cytokines and contact‐dependent molecules remain challenging in allotransplant. Here, an injectable genetically engineered hydrogel (iGE‐Gel) is reported, which developed with a multivalent network of FOXP3 engineered extracellular vesicles (Foe‐EVs) through the hydrophobic interaction between stearic acid modified hyaluronic acid (HASA) and the membrane phospholipids of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The iGE‐Gel exhibited self‐healing properties, injectability and biocompatibility. It is revealed that iGE‐Gel displayed with abundant regulatory cytokines and coinhibitory contact molecules, promoting the formation of immune tolerance in situ. The multiplex immunohistofluorescence confirmed tolerant niches is dominated by FOXP3+ Tregs and PDL1+ cells in the allograft, which reduced the drainage of alloantigens to subcapsular sinus of lymph nodes, and suppressed the formation of germinal centers. Remarkably, the proportion of alloreactive T cells (IFN‐γ/IL‐2) and B cells (IgG1/IgG2a/IgG3) as well as the serum titers of donor specific antibody (DSA) is decreased by iGE‐Gel. In murine allogeneic transplantation, the injection of iGE‐Gel significantly alleviated immune cell infiltration and complement damage in the graft, preserved the structure and function of renal cells and prolonged recipient survival period from 30.8 to 79.3 days, highlighting the potential of iGE‐Gel as a transformative treatment in allotransplant.
Tailoring Atomic Ordering Uniformity Enables Selectively Leached Nanoporous Pd‐Ni‐P Metallic Glass for Enhanced Glucose Sensing
Authors: Lou Yu , Li Jian , Yao Zhongzheng , Wu Zhenduo , Ying Huiqiang , Tan Lan , Liu Sinan , Zeng Jianrong , Yu Ruohan , Liu Hong , Wang Xun‐Li , Zhu He , Lan Si
Published: November 2024

Constructing nanostructures, such as nanopores, within metallic glasses (MGs) holds great promise for further unlocking their electrochemical capabilities. However, the MGs typically exhibit intrinsic atomic‐scale isotropy, posing a significant challenge in directly fabricating anisotropic nanostructures using conventional chemical synthesis. Herein a selective leaching approach, which focuses on tailoring the uniformity of atomic ordering, is introduced to achieve pore‐engineered Pd‐Ni‐P MG. This innovative approach significantly boosts the number of exposed active sites, thereby enhancing the electrochemical sensitivity for glucose detection. Electrochemical tests reveal that the nanoporous Pd‐Ni‐P MG exhibits high sensitivity (3.19 mA mm⁻¹ cm⁻2) and remarkable stability (97.7% current retention after 1000 cycles). During electrochemical cycling, synchrotron X‐ray pair distribution function and X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses reveal that the distance between active sites decreases, enhancing electron transport efficiency, while the medium‐range ordered structure of the Pd‐Ni‐P MG remains stable, contributing to its exceptional glucose sensing capabilities. A microglucose sensor is successfully developed by integrating the nanoporous Pd‐Ni‐P MG with a screen‐printed electrode, demonstrating the practical applicability. This study not only offers a new avenue for the design of highly active nanoporous MGs but also sheds light on the mechanisms behind the high electrochemistry performance of MGs.
Sirtuin1 Suppresses Calcium Oxalate Nephropathy via Inhibition of Renal Proximal Tubular Cell Ferroptosis Through PGC‐1α‐mediated Transcriptional Coactivation
Authors: Duan Chen , Li Bo , Liu Haoran , Zhang Yangjun , Yao Xiangyang , Liu Kai , Wu Xiaoliang , Mao Xiongmin , Wu Huahui , Xu Zhenzhen , Zhong Yahua , Hu Zhiquan , Gong Yan , Xu Hua
Published: November 2024

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals induce renal tubular epithelial cell injury and subsequent nephropathy. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, single‐cell transcriptome sequencing is performed on kidney samples from mice with CaOx nephrocalcinosis. Renal proximal tubular cells are identified as the most severely damaged cell population and are accompanied by elevated ferroptosis. Further studies demonstrated that sirtuin1 (Sirt1) effectively reduced ferroptosis and CaOx crystal‐induced kidney injury in a glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, Sirt1 relies on peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) to promote resistance to ferroptosis in the tubular epithelium, and PGC‐1α can recruit nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) to the promoter region of GPX4 and co‐activate GPX4 transcription. This work provides new insight into the mechanism of CaOx crystal‐induced kidney injury and identifies Sirt1 and PGC‐1α as potential preventative and therapeutic targets for crystal nephropathies.
DNA Sensor ABCF1 Phase Separates With cccDNA to Inhibit Hepatitis B Virus Replication
Authors: Ren Caiyue , Zhang Zhaoying , Dou Yutong , Sun Yang , Fu Zhendong , Wang Liyuan , Wang Kai , Gao Chengjiang , Fan Yuchen , Sun Shuguo , Yue Xuetian , Li Chunyang , Gao Lifen , Liang Xiaohong , Ma Chunhong , Wu Zhuanchang
Published: November 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) contributes to viral persistence and recurrence, however, how the host innate immune system responds to cccDNA is still less known. Here, based on cccDNA‐hepatic proteins interaction profiling, DNA sensor ATP‐binding cassette subfamily F member 1 (ABCF1) is identified as a novel cccDNA‐binding protein and host restriction factor for HBV replication. Mechanistically, ABCF1 recognizes cccDNA by KKx4 motif and forms phase‐separated condensates by the poly‐glutamine (PolyQ) region of the N‐terminal intrinsically disordered low‐complexity domain (LCD). Subsequently, ABCF1‐cccDNA phase separation not only activates the type I/III interferon (IFN‐I/III) pathway but also prevents Pol II accumulation on cccDNA to inhibit HBV transcription. In turn, to sustain viral replication, HBV reduces ABCF1 expression by HBx‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of SRY‐box transcription factor 4（SOX4）, leading to defects in SOX4‐mediated upregulation of ABCF1 transcription. Taken together, the study shows that ABCF1 interacts with cccDNA to form phase separation that dually drives innate immune signaling and HBV transcriptional inhibition. These findings shed new light on the understanding of host defense against cccDNA and provide a novel promising therapeutic strategy for HBV infection.
Efficient Predictor for Immunotherapy Efficacy: Detecting Pan‐Clones Effector Tumor Antigen‐Specific T Cells in Blood by Nanoparticles Loading Whole Tumor Antigens
Authors: Zeng Weibiao , Wang Jin , Chen Zhike , Yang Jian , Zhu Ao , Zheng Yan , Chen Xianlan , Liu Yuhan , Wu Leilei , Xie Yufeng , Ju Sheng , Chen Jun , Ding Cheng , Li Chang , Tong Xin , Liu Mi , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2024

Cancer involves tumor cells and tumor‐specific immunity. The ability to accurately quantify tumor‐specific immunity is limited. Most immunotherapies function by activating new effector tumor antigen‐specific T cells (ETASTs) or reactivating the pre‐existing ETASTs repertoire. Therefore, the amount of ETASTs can be used to characterize immunotherapy efficacy. Tumor antigens are highly heterogeneous and detecting most ETASTs is challenging. Therefore, nanoparticles loading whole‐cell tumor antigens are used to activate and detect pan‐clones ETASTs in the blood. The differences between ETASTs and other T cells are transformed into activated and non‐activated states. By measuring markers of the activated status and cytotoxic function of ETASTs, it can distinguish ETASTs from other T cells. ETASTs in patients with lung cancer are higher than those in healthy individuals and those with benign pulmonary nodules. Therapeutic efficacy positively correlated with the number of ETASTs in the blood. ETATS levels increase only in the blood of patients who respond to immunotherapy. Single‐cell sequencing studies validated these findings. This study provides a highly accurate, specific, non‐invasive, and efficient biomarker for predicting immunotherapy efficacy in lung and other cancers. This method can also be applied to evaluate the efficacy of other treatments, such as radiotherapy, oncolytic viruses, and nanomedicine‐based therapies.
Network Medicine‐Based Strategy Identifies Maprotiline as a Repurposable Drug by Inhibiting PD‐L1 Expression via Targeting SPOP in Cancer
Authors: Tian Saisai , Xu Mengting , Geng Xiangxin , Fang Jiansong , Xu Hanchen , Xue Xinying , Hu Hongmei , Zhang Qing , Yu Dianping , Guo Mengmeng , Zhang Hongwei , Lu Jinyuan , Guo Chengyang , Wang Qun , Liu Sanhong , Zhang Weidong
Published: November 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are drugs that inhibit immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules to restore the antitumor activity of immune cells and eliminate tumor cells. Due to the limitations and certain side effects of current ICIs, such as programmed death protein‐1, programmed cell death‐ligand 1, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) antibodies, there is an urgent need to find new drugs with ICP inhibitory effects. In this study, a network‐based computational framework called multi‐network algorithm‐driven drug repositioning targeting ICP (Mnet‐DRI) is developed to accurately repurpose novel ICIs from ≈3000 Food and Drug Administration‐approved or investigational drugs. By applying Mnet‐DRI to PD‐L1, maprotiline (MAP), an antidepressant drug is repurposed, as a potential PD‐L1 modifier for colorectal and lung cancers. Experimental validation revealed that MAP reduced PD‐L1 expression by targeting E3 ubiquitin ligase speckle‐type zinc finger structural protein (SPOP), and the combination of MAP and anti‐CTLA4 in vivo significantly enhanced the antitumor effect, providing a new alternative for the clinical treatment of colorectal and lung cancer.
Conjugation of Polycationic Peptides Extends the Efficacy Spectrum of β‐Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Werner Julia , Umstätter Florian , Böhmann Manuel B. , Müller Hannah , Beijer Barbro , Hertlein Tobias , Kaschnitz Laura , Bram Veronika , Kleist Christian , Klika Karel D. , Mühlberg Eric , Braune Gabriel , Wohlfart Sabrina , Gärtner Martin , Peter Silke , Zimmermann Stefan , Haberkorn Uwe , Ohlsen Knut , Brötz‐Oesterhelt Heike , Mier Walter , Uhl Philipp
Published: November 2024

Antibiotic‐resistant enterococci represent a significant global health challenge. Unfortunately, most β‐lactam antibiotics are not applicable for enterococcal infections due to intrinsic resistance. To extend their antimicrobial spectrum, polycationic peptides are conjugated to examples from each of the four classes of β‐lactam antibiotics. Remarkably, the β‐lactam–peptide conjugates gained an up to 1000‐fold increase in antimicrobial activity against vancomycin‐susceptible and vancomycin‐resistant enterococci. Even against β‐lactam‐resistant Gram‐negative strains, the conjugates are found to be effective despite their size exceeding the exclusion volume of porins. The extraordinary gain of activity can be explained by an altered mode of killing. Of note, the conjugates showed a concentration‐dependent activity in contrast to the parent β‐lactam antibiotics that exhibited a time‐dependent mode of action. In comparison to the parent β‐lactams, the conjugates showed altered affinities to the penicillin‐binding proteins. Furthermore, it is found that peptide conjugation also resulted in a different elimination route of the compounds when administered to rodents. In mice systemically infected with vancomycin‐resistant enterococci, treatment with a β‐lactam–peptide conjugate reduced bacterial burden in the liver compared to its originator. Therefore, peptide modification of β–lactam antibiotics represents a promising platform strategy to broaden their efficacy spectrum, particularly against enterococci.
Soil greenhouse gas emissions under enhanced efficiency and urea nitrogen fertilizer from Australian irrigated aerobic rice production
Authors: Webb Jackie R. , Champness Matt , Hornbuckle John , Quayle Wendy C.
Published: November 2024

Aerobic rice production offers a promising solution to improve water use efficiency and reduce methane (CH4) emissions by minimizing water inundation. However, alternate water‐saving methods for rice cultivation can lead to “trade‐off” emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O). A field experiment was conducted over one season measuring soil‐derived greenhouse gas emissions in irrigated aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) under different N fertilizer management at a rate of 220 kg N ha−1, including a nil treatment (“control”); slow release (180 days) polymer‐coated urea (“N180”); banded urea applied upfront (“urea”); and three applications of broadcast urea (“urea‐split”). The N180 treatment reduced soil N2O emissions compared with urea (p < 0.001), with mean cumulative N2O emissions of 4.36 ± 1.07 kg N ha−1 and 27.9 ± 5.70 kg N ha−1, respectively. Soil N2O fluxes were high, reaching up to 1916 and 2900 µg N m2 h−1 after urea application and irrigation/rain events, and were similar to other irrigated crops grown on heavy textured soils. Fertilizer N management had no effect on soil CH4 emissions, which were negligible across all treatments ranging from 1.28 to 2.75 kg C ha−1 over the growing season. Cumulative soil carbon dioxide emissions ranged from 1936 to 3071 kg C ha−1 and were greatest in N180. This case study provides the first evidence in Australia that enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizer can substantially reduce N2O emissions from soils in an aerobic rice system. Our findings reinforce the CH4 mitigation potential of water saving rice approaches and demonstrate the need to consider N fertilizer management to control N2O emissions.
Electrostatic Self‐Assembly of Ag‐NPs Mediated by Eu3+ Complexes for Physically Unclonable Function Labels
Authors: Kou Yao , Guo Yanan , Liang Lijuan , Li Xue , Wang Yifan , Su Pingru , Yan Chun‐Hua , Tang Yu
Published: November 2024

Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are essential for anticounterfeiting. Creating high‐stability, multimode, and secure labels remains challenging. Herein, we present a novel self‐assembly method for modulating the optical signals of rare‐earth (RE) complexes via interactions with Ag nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs). Initially, we engineered a positively charged Eu3+ complex ([EuL3]3+), which promotes the self‐assembly of negatively charged Ag‐NPs to form Eu/Ag‐NPs composites. The assembly of Ag‐NPs induces a surface plasmon effect that boosts the luminescent quantum yield and Raman signal intensities, and modifies the luminescence lifetime of the [EuL3]3+. Crucially, these micron‐scale Eu/Ag‐NPs can be applied to substrates, facilitating high‐resolution signal acquisition and diverse information encoding within limited space. Validation experiments reveal that PUF labels crafted using Eu/Ag‐NPs exhibit inherent randomness and uniqueness, along with stable and repeatable signal output. The strategic self‐assembly of Ag‐NPs, mediated by [EuL3]3+, along with the effective modulation of material properties, paves the way for advancing high‐resolution, high‐information‐density solutions in anticounterfeiting technologies.