bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METTL16 controls Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus replication by regulating S-adenosylmethionine cycle
Authors: Zhang Xinquan , Meng Wen , Feng Jian , Gao Xinghong , Qin Chao , Feng Pinghui , Huang Yufei , Gao Shou-Jiang
Published: September 2023

Oncogenic Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) consists of latent and lytic replication phases, both of which are important for the development of KSHV-related cancers. As one of the most abundant RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its related complexes regulate KSHV life cycle. However, the role of METTL16, a newly discovered RNA methyltransferase, in KSHV life cycle remains unknown. In this study, we have identified a suppressive role of METTL16 in KSHV lytic replication. METTL16 knockdown increased while METTL16 overexpression reduced KSHV lytic replication. METTL16 binding to and writing of m6A on MAT2A transcript are essential for its splicing, maturation and expression. As a rate-limiting enzyme in the methionine-S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) cycle, MAT2A catalyzes the conversion of L-methionine to SAM required for the transmethylation of protein, DNA and RNA, transamination of polyamines, and transsulfuration of cystathionine. Consequently, knockdown or chemical inhibition of MAT2A reduced intracellular SAM level and enhanced KSHV lytic replication. In contrast, SAM treatment was sufficient to inhibit KSHV lytic replication and reverse the effect of the enhanced KSHV lytic program caused by METTL16 or MAT2A knockdown. Mechanistically, METTL16 or MAT2A knockdown increased while SAM treatment decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species level by altering glutathione level, which is essential for efficient KSHV lytic replication. These findings demonstrate that METTL16 suppresses KSHV lytic replication by modulating the SAM cycle to maintain intracellular SAM level and redox homeostasis, thus illustrating the linkage of KSHV life cycle with specific m6A modifications, and cellular metabolic and oxidative conditions.
FNDC5 inhibits autophagy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and promotes their survival after transplantation by downregulating Sp1
Authors: Wei Huan , Liu Shuaiye , Wang Tingting , Li Yanping , Liu Kangmei , Guo Qunying , Li Ling
Published: September 2023

Regenerative therapy based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has great promise to achieve functional recovery in cerebral infarction patients. However, the survival rate of transplanted MSCs is extremely low because of destructive autophagy caused by the harsh ischemic microenvironment in cerebral infarct tissue. The mechanism by which fibronectin type III domain protein 5 (FNDC5) regulates autophagy of transplanted bone marrow-MSCs (BMSCs) following ischemic injury needs to be elucidated. In this study, we confirmed that FNDC5 promotes the survival of transplanted BMSCs in a rat cerebral infarction model. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis and verification experiments revealed the transcription factor, Sp1, to be a key mediator of autophagy regulation by FNDC5. FNDC5 significantly inhibited BMSC autophagy by down-regulating Sp1 and the autophagy-related Sp1-target gene, ULK2. Transplanted BMSCs overexpressing FNDC5 (BMSCs-OE-FNDC5) promoted neurovascular proliferation and alleviated ischemic brain injury in cerebral infarct model rats. However, the increased survival and enhanced neuroprotective effect of transplanted BMSCs-OE-FNDC5 were reversed by simultaneous overexpression of Sp1. Our data indicate a role for FNDC5 in BMSC survival and reveal a novel mechanism of transcription regulation through Sp1 for the autophagy-related gene ULK2. Modulation of FNDC5 may promote survival capacity and improve the therapeutic effect of BMSCs in various tissues following ischemia.
Cryo-EM structures of human organic anion transporting polypeptide OATP1B1
Authors: Shan Ziyang , Yang Xuemei , Liu Huihui , Yuan Yafei , Xiao Yuan , Nan Jing , Zhang Wei , Song Wenqi , Wang Jufang , Wei Feiwen , Zhang Yanqing
Published: September 2023

Members of the solute carrier organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATPs) family function as transporters for a large variety of amphipathic organic anions including endogenous metabolites and clinical drugs, such as bile salts, steroids, thyroid hormones, statins, antibiotics, antivirals, and anticancer drugs. OATP1B1 plays a vital role in transporting such substances into the liver for hepatic clearance. FDA and EMA recommend conducting in vitro testing of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) involving OATP1B1. However, the structure and working mechanism of OATPs still remains elusive. In this study, we determined cryo-EM structures of human OATP1B1 bound with representative endogenous metabolites (bilirubin and estrone-3-sulfate), a clinical drug (simeprevir), and a fluorescent indicator (2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein), in both outward- and inward-open states. These structures reveal major and minor substrate binding pockets and conformational changes during transport. In combination with mutagenesis studies and molecular dynamics simulations, our work comprehensively elucidates the transport mechanism of OATP1B1 and provides the structural basis for DDI predictions involving OATP1B1, which will greatly promote our understanding of OATPs.
A pathogen-induced putative NAC transcription factor mediates leaf rust resistance in barley
Authors: Chen Chunhong , Jost Matthias , Outram Megan A. , Friendship Dorian , Chen Jian , Wang Aihua , Periyannan Sambasivam , Bartoš Jan , Holušová Kateřina , Doležel Jaroslav , Zhang Peng , Bhatt Dhara , Singh Davinder , Lagudah Evans , Park Robert F. , Dracatos Peter M.
Published: September 2023

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei, is one of the most widespread and damaging foliar diseases affecting barley. The barley leaf rust resistance locus Rph7 has been shown to have unusually high sequence and haplotype divergence. In this study, we isolate the Rph7 gene using a fine mapping and RNA-Seq approach that is confirmed by mutational analysis and transgenic complementation. Rph7 is a pathogen-induced, non-canonical resistance gene encoding a protein that is distinct from other known plant disease resistance proteins in the Triticeae. Structural analysis using an AlphaFold2 protein model suggests that Rph7 encodes a putative NAC transcription factor with a zinc-finger BED domain with structural similarity to the N-terminal DNA-binding domain of the NAC transcription factor (ANAC019) from Arabidopsis. A global gene expression analysis suggests Rph7 mediates the activation and strength of the basal defence response. The isolation of Rph7 highlights the diversification of resistance mechanisms available for engineering disease control in crops.
Hyodeoxycholic acid ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting RAN-mediated PPARα nucleus-cytoplasm shuttling
Authors: Zhong Jing , He Xiaofang , Gao Xinxin , Liu Qiaohong , Zhao Yu , Hong Ying , Zhu Weize , Yan Juan , Li Yifan , Li Yan , Zheng Ningning , Bao Yiyang , Wang Hao , Ma Junli , Huang Wenjin , Liu Zekun , Lyu Yuanzhi , Ke Xisong , Jia Wei , Xie Cen , Hu Yiyang , Sheng Lili , Li Houkai
Published: September 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is usually characterized with disrupted bile acid (BA) homeostasis. However, the exact role of certain BA in NAFLD is poorly understood. Here we show levels of serum hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) decrease in both NAFLD patients and mice, as well as in liver and intestinal contents of NAFLD mice compared to their healthy counterparts. Serum HDCA is also inversely correlated with NAFLD severity. Dietary HDCA supplementation ameliorates diet-induced NAFLD in male wild type mice by activating fatty acid oxidation in hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-dependent way because the anti-NAFLD effect of HDCA is abolished in hepatocyte-specific Pparα knockout mice. Mechanistically, HDCA facilitates nuclear localization of PPARα by directly interacting with RAN protein. This interaction disrupts the formation of RAN/CRM1/PPARα nucleus-cytoplasm shuttling heterotrimer. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of HDCA for NAFLD and provide new insights of BAs on regulating fatty acid metabolism.
Prior information differentially affects discrimination decisions and subjective confidence reports
Authors: Constant Marika , Pereira Michael , Faivre Nathan , Filevich Elisa
Published: September 2023

According to Bayesian models, both decisions and confidence are based on the same precision-weighted integration of prior expectations (“priors”) and incoming information (“likelihoods”). This assumes that priors are integrated optimally and equally in decisions and confidence, which has not been tested. In three experiments, we quantify how priors inform decisions and confidence. With a dual-decision task we create pairs of conditions that are matched in posterior information, but differ on whether the prior or likelihood is more informative. We find that priors are underweighted in discrimination decisions, but are less underweighted in confidence about those decisions, and this is not due to differences in processing time. The same patterns remain with exogenous probabilistic cues as priors. With a Bayesian model we quantify the weighting parameters for the prior at both levels, and find converging evidence that priors are more optimally used in explicit confidence, even when underused in decisions.
Cold-activated brown fat-derived extracellular vesicle-miR-378a-3p stimulates hepatic gluconeogenesis in male mice
Authors: Xu Jinhong , Cui Le , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Shasha , Zhang Huahua , Ke Shuo , Cao Xiaoqin , Shi Yanteng , Li Jing , Zen Ke , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Zhang Chen-Yu , Li Liang , Jiang Xiaohong
Published: September 2023

During cold exposure, activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) takes up a large amount of circulating glucose to fuel non-shivering thermogenesis and defend against hypothermia. However, little is known about the endocrine function of BAT controlling glucose homoeostasis under this thermoregulatory challenge. Here, we show that in male mice, activated BAT-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs) reprogram systemic glucose metabolism by promoting hepatic gluconeogenesis during cold stress. Cold exposure facilitates the selective packaging of miR-378a-3p—one of the BAT-enriched miRNAs—into EVs and delivery into the liver. BAT-derived miR-378a-3p enhances gluconeogenesis by targeting p110α. miR-378 KO mice display reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis during cold exposure, while restoration of miR-378a-3p in iBAT induces the expression of gluconeogenic genes in the liver. These findings provide a mechanistic understanding of BDEV-miRNA as stress-induced batokine to coordinate systemic glucose homoeostasis. This miR-378a-3p-mediated interorgan communication highlights a novel endocrine function of BAT in preventing hypoglycemia during cold stress.
Regulating interfacial reaction through electrolyte chemistry enables gradient interphase for low-temperature zinc metal batteries
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Shan , Liao Xuelong , Huang Rong , Wang Fengmei , Chen Jialei , Wang Yaxin , Wang Fei , Wang Huan
Published: September 2023

In situ formation of a stable interphase layer on zinc surface is an effective solution to suppress dendrite growth. However, the fast transport of bivalent Zn-ions within the solid interlayer remains very challenging. Herein, we engineer the SEI components and enable superior kinetics of Zn metal batteries under harsh conditions through regulating the sequence of interfacial chemical reaction. With the differences in chemical reactivity of trimethyl phosphate co-solvent and trifluoromethanesulfonate anions in the Zn2+-solvation shell, Zn3(PO4)2 and ZnF2 are successively generated on Zn metal surface to form a gradient ZnF2–Zn3(PO4)2 interphase. Mechanistic studies reveal the outer ZnF2 facilitates Zn2+ desolvation and inner Zn3(PO4)2 serves as channels for fast Zn2+ transport, contributing to long-term cycling at subzero temperatures. Impressively, the gradient SEI enables a high lifespan over 7000 hours in Zn symmetric cell and a capacity retention of 86.1% after 12000 cycles in Zn–KVOH full cell at –50 °C.
Polarized thermal emission from dust in a galaxy at redshift 2.6
Authors: Geach J. E. , Lopez-Rodriguez E. , Doherty M. J. , Chen Jianhang , Ivison R. J. , Bendo G. J. , Dye S. , Coppin K. E. K.
Published: September 2023

Magnetic fields are fundamental to the evolution of galaxies, playing a key role in the astrophysics of the interstellar medium and star formation. Large-scale ordered magnetic fields have been mapped in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies1,2, but it is not known how early in the Universe such structures formed3. Here we report the detection of linearly polarized thermal emission from dust grains in a strongly lensed, intrinsically luminous galaxy that is forming stars at a rate more than 1,000 times that of the Milky Way at redshift 2.6, within 2.5 Gyr of the Big Bang4,5. The polarized emission arises from the alignment of dust grains with the local magnetic field6,7. The median polarization fraction is of the order of 1%, similar to nearby spiral galaxies8. Our observations support the presence of a 5-kiloparsec-scale ordered magnetic field with a strength of around 500 μG or lower, oriented parallel to the molecular gas disk. This confirms that such structures can be rapidly formed in galaxies, early in cosmic history.
Phosphoantigens glue butyrophilin 3A1 and 2A1 to activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells
Authors: Yuan Linjie , Ma Xianqiang , Yang Yunyun , Qu Yingying , Li Xin , Zhu Xiaoyu , Ma Weiwei , Duan Jianxin , Xue Jing , Yang Haoyu , Huang Jian-Wen , Yi Simin , Zhang Mengting , Cai Ningning , Zhang Lin , Ding Qingyang , Lai Kecheng , Liu Chang , Zhang Lilan , Liu Xinyi , Yao Yirong , Zhou Shuqi , Li Xian , Shen Panpan , Chang Qing , Malwal Satish R. , He Yuan , Li Wenqi , Chen Chunlai , Chen Chun-Chi , Oldfield Eric , Guo Rey-Ting , Zhang Yonghui
Published: September 2023

In both cancer and infections, diseased cells are presented to human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through an ‘inside out’ signalling process whereby structurally diverse phosphoantigen (pAg) molecules are sensed by the intracellular domain of butyrophilin BTN3A11–4. Here we show how—in both humans and alpaca—multiple pAgs function as ‘molecular glues’ to promote heteromeric association between the intracellular domains of BTN3A1 and the structurally similar butyrophilin BTN2A1. X-ray crystallography studies visualized that engagement of BTN3A1 with pAgs forms a composite interface for direct binding to BTN2A1, with various pAg molecules each positioned at the centre of the interface and gluing the butyrophilins with distinct affinities. Our structural insights guided mutagenesis experiments that led to disruption of the intracellular BTN3A1–BTN2A1 association, abolishing pAg-mediated Vγ9Vδ2 T cell activation. Analyses using structure-based molecular-dynamics simulations, 19F-NMR investigations, chimeric receptor engineering and direct measurement of intercellular binding force revealed how pAg-mediated BTN2A1 association drives BTN3A1 intracellular fluctuations outwards in a thermodynamically favourable manner, thereby enabling BTN3A1 to push off from the BTN2A1 ectodomain to initiate T cell receptor–mediated γδ T cell activation. Practically, we harnessed the molecular-glue model for immunotherapeutics design, demonstrating chemical principles for developing both small-molecule activators and inhibitors of human γδ T cell function.
Complete human day 14 post-implantation embryo models from naive ES cells
Authors: Oldak Bernardo , Wildschutz Emilie , Bondarenko Vladyslav , Comar Mehmet-Yunus , Zhao Cheng , Aguilera-Castrejon Alejandro , Tarazi Shadi , Viukov Sergey , Pham Thi Xuan Ai , Ashouokhi Shahd , Lokshtanov Dmitry , Roncato Francesco , Ariel Eitan , Rose Max , Livnat Nir , Shani Tom , Joubran Carine , Cohen Roni , Addadi Yoseph , Chemla Muriel , Kedmi Merav , Keren-Shaul Hadas , Pasque Vincent , Petropoulos Sophie , Lanner Fredrik , Novershtern Noa , Hanna Jacob H.
Published: September 2023

The ability to study human post-implantation development remains limited owing to ethical and technical challenges associated with intrauterine development after implantation1. Embryo-like models with spatially organized morphogenesis and structure of all defining embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues of the post-implantation human conceptus (that is, the embryonic disc, the bilaminar disc, the yolk sac, the chorionic sac and the surrounding trophoblast layer) remain lacking1,2. Mouse naive embryonic stem cells have recently been shown to give rise to embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells capable of self-assembling into post-gastrulation structured stem-cell-based embryo models with spatially organized morphogenesis (called SEMs)3. Here we extend those findings to humans using only genetically unmodified human naive embryonic stem cells (cultured in human enhanced naive stem cell medium conditions)4. Such human fully integrated and complete SEMs recapitulate the organization of nearly all known lineages and compartments of post-implantation human embryos, including the epiblast, the hypoblast, the extra-embryonic mesoderm and the trophoblast layer surrounding the latter compartments. These human complete SEMs demonstrated developmental growth dynamics that resemble key hallmarks of post-implantation stage embryogenesis up to 13–14 days after fertilization (Carnegie stage 6a). These include embryonic disc and bilaminar disc formation, epiblast lumenogenesis, polarized amniogenesis, anterior–posterior symmetry breaking, primordial germ-cell specification, polarized yolk sac with visceral and parietal endoderm formation, extra-embryonic mesoderm expansion that defines a chorionic cavity and a connecting stalk, and a trophoblast-surrounding compartment demonstrating syncytium and lacunae formation. This SEM platform will probably enable the experimental investigation of previously inaccessible windows of human early post implantation up to peri-gastrulation development.
Aci-bench: a Novel Ambient Clinical Intelligence Dataset for Benchmarking Automatic Visit Note Generation
Authors: Yim Wen-wai , Fu Yujuan , Ben Abacha Asma , Snider Neal , Lin Thomas , Yetisgen Meliha
Published: September 2023

Recent immense breakthroughs in generative models such as in GPT4 have precipitated re-imagined ubiquitous usage of these models in all applications. One area that can benefit by improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) is healthcare. The note generation task from doctor-patient encounters, and its associated electronic medical record documentation, is one of the most arduous time-consuming tasks for physicians. It is also a natural prime potential beneficiary to advances in generative models. However with such advances, benchmarking is more critical than ever. Whether studying model weaknesses or developing new evaluation metrics, shared open datasets are an imperative part of understanding the current state-of-the-art. Unfortunately as clinic encounter conversations are not routinely recorded and are difficult to ethically share due to patient confidentiality, there are no sufficiently large clinic dialogue-note datasets to benchmark this task. Here we present the Ambient Clinical Intelligence Benchmark (aci-bench) corpus, the largest dataset to date tackling the problem of AI-assisted note generation from visit dialogue. We also present the benchmark performances of several common state-of-the-art approaches.
Comprehensive analyses of fatty acid metabolism-related lncRNA for ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Li Min , Yan Ye , Liu Yanyan , Zhao Jianzhen , Guo Fei , Chen Jianqin , Nie Lifang , Zhang Yong , Wang Yingmei
Published: September 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a disease with difficult early diagnosis and treatment and poor prognosis. OC data profiles were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Eight key fatty acid metabolism-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were finally screened for building a risk scoring model by univariate/ multifactor and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. To make this risk scoring model more applicable to clinical work, we established a nomogram containing the clinical characteristics of OC patients after confirming that the model has good reliability and validity and the ability to distinguish patient prognosis. To further explore how these key lncRNAs are involved in OC progression, we explored their relationship with LUAD immune signatures and tumor drug resistance. The structure shows that the risk scoring model established based on these 8 fatty acid metabolism-related lncRNAs has good reliability and validity and can better predict the prognosis of patients with different risks of OC, and LINC00861in these key RNAs may be a hub gene that affects the progression of OC and closely related to the sensitivity of current OC chemotherapy drugs. In addition, combined with immune signature analysis, we found that patients in the high-risk group are in a state of immunosuppression, and Tfh cells may play an important role in it. We innovatively established a prognostic prediction model with excellent reliability and validity from the perspective of OC fatty acid metabolism reprogramming and lncRNA regulation and found new molecular/cellular targets for future OC treatment.
The role of internal defects on anisotropic tensile failure of L-PBF AlSi10Mg alloys
Authors: Wu Zhengkai , Wu Shengchuan , Gao Xi , Lin Ying , Xue Yanling , Withers Philip J.
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the effects of defects on tensile failure of additive manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy focusing particularly on the role of large pancake shaped loss of fusion (LOF) defects lying perpendicular to the build direction (BD). Time-lapse in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-computed tomography during straining reveals how, when tested parallel to the BD, the LOF defects extend laterally with straining connecting to other defects and giving rise to low plasticity and an essentially brittle failure mode. When they are aligned edge-on to the straining direction, failure is characterised by a ductile cup-cone failure with significant elongation of the defects axially and extensive necking prior to failure. The soft fish-scale melt pool boundaries were also found to affect the fracture path. These results highlight the anisotropic effect of loss of fusion defects in controlling tensile ductility and the need to minimize their size and aspect ratio. In cases where these cannot be fully eliminated the component should be fabricated such that the BD is not aligned with the dominant in-service loading direction.
Novel quinazoline-1,2,3-triazole hybrids with anticancer and MET kinase targeting properties
Authors: Mortazavi Motahareh , Eskandari Masoomeh , Moosavi Fatemeh , Damghani Tahereh , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi , Pirhadi Somayeh , Saso Luciano , Edraki Najmeh , Firuzi Omidreza
Published: September 2023

Oncogenic activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) such as MET is associated with cancer initiation and progression. We designed and synthesized a new series of quinazoline derivatives bearing 1,2,3-triazole moiety as targeted anticancer agents. The MET inhibitory effect of synthesized compounds was assessed by homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay and western blot analysis. Sulforhodamine B assay was conducted to examine the antiproliferative effects of synthetic compounds against 6 cancer cell lines from different origins including MET-dependent AsPC-1, EBC-1 and MKN-45 cells and also Mia-Paca-2, HT-29 and K562 cells. The growth inhibitory effect of compounds in a three-dimensional spheroid culture was examined by acid phosphatase (APH) assay, while apoptosis induction was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide method. Compound 8c bearing p-methyl benzyl moiety on the triazole ring exhibited the highest MET inhibitory capacity among tested agents that was further confirmed by western blot findings. Derivatives 8c and 8h exhibited considerable antiproliferative effects against all tested cell lines, with more inhibitory effects against MET-positive cells with IC50 values as low as 6.1 μM. These two agents also significantly suppressed cell growth in spheroid cultures and induced apoptosis in MET overexpressing AsPC-1 cells. Moreover, among a panel of 24 major oncogenic kinases, the PDGFRA kinase was identified as a target of 8c and 8h compounds. The docking study results of compounds 8c and 8h were in agreement with experimental findings. The results of the present study suggest that quinazoline derivatives bearing 1,2,3-triazole moiety may represent promising targeted anticancer agents.
A deep learning approach for fully automated measurements of lower extremity alignment in radiographic images
Authors: Moon Ki-Ryum , Lee Byoung-Dai , Lee Mu Sook
Published: September 2023

During clinical evaluation of patients and planning orthopedic treatments, the periodic assessment of lower limb alignment is critical. Currently, physicians use physical tools and radiographs to directly observe limb alignment. However, this process is manual, time consuming, and prone to human error. To this end, a deep-learning (DL)-based system was developed to automatically, rapidly, and accurately detect lower limb alignment by using anteroposterior standing X-ray medical imaging data of lower limbs. For this study, leg radiographs of non-overlapping 770 patients were collected from January 2016 to August 2020. To precisely detect necessary landmarks, a DL model was implemented stepwise. A radiologist compared the final calculated measurements with the observations in terms of the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Based on the results and 250 frontal lower limb radiographs obtained from 250 patients, the system measurements for 16 indicators revealed superior reliability (CCC, PCC, and ICC ≤ 0.9; mean absolute error, mean square error, and root mean square error ≥ 0.9) for clinical observations. Furthermore, the average measurement speed was approximately 12 s. In conclusion, the analysis of anteroposterior standing X-ray medical imaging data by the DL-based lower limb alignment diagnostic support system produces measurement results similar to those obtained by radiologists.
Effects of scaling direction on adults’ spatial scaling in different perceptual domains
Authors: Szubielska Magdalena , Szewczyk Marta , Augustynowicz Paweł , Kędziora Wojciech , Möhring Wenke
Published: September 2023

The current study investigated adults’ strategies of spatial scaling from memory in three perceptual conditions (visual, haptic, and visuo-haptic) when scaling up and down. Following previous research, we predicted the usage of mental transformation strategies. In all conditions, participants (N = 90, aged 19–28 years) were presented with tactile, colored graphics which allowed to visually and haptically explore spatial information. Participants were first asked to encode a map including a target. Then, they were instructed to place a response object at the same place on an empty, constant-sized referent space. Maps had five different sizes resulting in five scaling factors (3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3). This manipulation also allowed assessing potentially symmetric effects of scaling direction on adults’ responses. Response times and absolute errors served as dependent variables. In line with our hypotheses, the changes in these dependent variables were best explained by a quadratic function which suggests the usage of mental transformation strategies for spatial scaling. There were no differences between perceptual conditions concerning the influence of scaling factor on dependent variables. Results revealed symmetric effects of scaling direction on participants’ accuracy whereas there were small differences for response times. Our findings highlight the usage of mental transformation strategies in adults’ spatial scaling, irrespective of perceptual modality and scaling direction.
Conjugation of microbial-derived gold nanoparticles to different types of nucleic acids: evaluation of transfection efficiency
Authors: Pourali P. , Dzmitruk V. , Benada O. , Svoboda M. , Benson V.
Published: September 2023

In this study, gold nanoparticles produced by eukaryotic cell waste (AuNP), were analyzed as a transfection tool. AuNP were produced by Fusarium oxysporum and analyzed by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used before and after conjugation with different nucleic acid (NA) types. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS) was used to determine the AuNP concentration. Conjugation was detected by electrophoresis. Confocal microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to assess transfection. TEM, SEM, and EDS showed 25 nm AuNP with round shape. The amount of AuNP was 3.75 ± 0.2 µg/µL and FTIR proved conjugation of all NA types to AuNP. All the samples had a negative charge of − 36 to − 46 mV. Confocal microscopy confirmed internalization of the ssRNA-AuNP into eukaryotic cells and qPCR confirmed release and activity of carried RNA.
Surgical site infection and antimicrobial prophylaxis prescribing profile, and its determinants among hospitalized patients in Northeast Ethiopia: a hospital based cross-sectional study
Authors: Habteweld Habtemariam Alekaw , Yimam Mohammed , Tsige Abate Wondesen , Wondmkun Yehualashet Teshome , Endalifer Bedilu Linger , Ayenew Kassahun Dires
Published: September 2023

The inappropriate use of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis is a common cause for increased risk of morbidity and mortality from surgical site infection in patients who underwent surgical procedures. The study aimed to evaluate surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis prescribing patterns, Surgical Site Infection (SSI), and its determinants in the surgical ward of Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northeast Ethiopia. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1st 2022 to January 31st, 2023. Data collected from patient medical record cards and patient interviews were entered and analyzed using SPSS V26.0. The determinants of surgical site infection were determined from the multivariable logistic regression. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ceftriaxone (70.5%) followed by a combination of ceftriaxone with metronidazole (21.90%) was the most frequently used prophylactic antibiotic. One hundred fifty-nine (78%) of patients were exposed to inappropriately used prophylactic antimicrobials and 62.2% of these were exposed to inappropriately selected antibiotics. One hundred twenty-six (61.9%) patients developed Surgical Site Infection (SSI). Duration of procedure longer than an hour and inappropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxiswere the independent predictors for the occurrence of surgical site infections. Patients whose operation was lasted in longer than an hour were 3.39 times more likely to develop SSI compared to those whose operation was completed in less than an hour, AOR = 3.39 (95% CI: 1.24–9.30). Similarly, controlling the effect of other covariate variables, individuals who were given inappropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis were 6.67 times more likely to develop SSI compared to those given appropriate prophylaxis, AOR = 6.67 (95% CI: 1.05–42.49). The high rate of SSI requires due attention from clinicians as well as health policymakers. Duration of surgical procedure greater than an hour and inappropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis use was the independent predictor of surgical site infections.
Mixed-dimensional nanocomposites based on 2D materials for hydrogen storage and CO2 capture
Authors: Park Yong-Ju , Lee Hongju , Choi Hye Leen , Tapia Ma Charlene , Chuah Chong Yang , Bae Tae-Hyun
Published: September 2023

Porous materials possessing high surface areas are of paramount importance in gas separation and storage, as they can potentially adsorb a large amount of gas per unit of mass or volume. Pore structure and functionality are also important factors affecting adsorbate–absorbent interactions. Hence, efforts have been devoted to developing adsorbents with large accessible surface areas and tunable functionalities to realize improvements in gas adsorption capacity. However, the gas adsorption and storage capacities of porous materials composed of a single type of building unit are often limited. To this end, mixed-dimensional hybrid materials have been developed, as they can contain more gas storage sites within their structures than simple porous materials. In this review, we discuss (1) the methods that have been used to assemble various dimensional building blocks into a range of mixed-dimensional (zero-dimensional–two-dimensional, one-dimensional–two-dimensional, and three-dimensional–two-dimensional) hybrid materials exhibiting synergistic adsorption effects, and (2) these materials’ hydrogen and carbon dioxide adsorption properties and how they are correlated with their accessible surface areas. We conclude by outlining the challenges remaining to be surmounted to realize practical applications of mixed-dimensional hybrid materials and by providing future perspectives.
Recommendations for the use of pediatric data in artificial intelligence and machine learning ACCEPT-AI
Authors: Muralidharan V. , Burgart A. , Daneshjou R. , Rose S.
Published: September 2023

ACCEPT-AI is a framework of recommendations for the safe inclusion of pediatric data in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) research. It has been built on fundamental ethical principles of pediatric and AI research and incorporates age, consent, assent, communication, equity, protection of data, and technological considerations. ACCEPT-AI has been designed to guide researchers, clinicians, regulators, and policymakers and can be utilized as an independent tool, or adjunctively to existing AI/ML guidelines.
Reward expectation enhances action-related activity of nigral dopaminergic and two striatal output pathways
Authors: Rios Alain , Nonomura Satoshi , Kato Shigeki , Yoshida Junichi , Matsushita Natsuki , Nambu Atsushi , Takada Masahiko , Hira Riichiro , Kobayashi Kazuto , Sakai Yutaka , Kimura Minoru , Isomura Yoshikazu
Published: September 2023

Neurons comprising nigrostriatal system play important roles in action selection. However, it remains unclear how this system integrates recent outcome information with current action (movement) and outcome (reward or no reward) information to achieve appropriate subsequent action. We examined how neuronal activity of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and dorsal striatum reflects the level of reward expectation from recent outcomes in rats performing a reward-based choice task. Movement-related activity of direct and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (dSPNs and iSPNs, respectively) were enhanced by reward expectation, similarly to the SNc dopaminergic neurons, in both medial and lateral nigrostriatal projections. Given the classical basal ganglia model wherein dopamine stimulates dSPNs and suppresses iSPNs through distinct dopamine receptors, dopamine might not be the primary driver of iSPN activity increasing following higher reward expectation. In contrast, outcome-related activity was affected by reward expectation in line with the classical model and reinforcement learning theory, suggesting purposive effects of reward expectation.
Time-dependent cell-state selection identifies transiently expressed genes regulating ILC2 activation
Authors: Tanaka Yumiko , Yamagishi Mai , Motomura Yasutaka , Kamatani Takashi , Oguchi Yusuke , Suzuki Nobutake , Kiniwa Tsuyoshi , Kabata Hiroki , Irie Misato , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Miya Fuyuki , Goda Keisuke , Ohara Osamu , Funatsu Takashi , Fukunaga Koichi , Moro Kazuyo , Uemura Sotaro , Shirasaki Yoshitaka
Published: September 2023

The decision of whether cells are activated or not is controlled through dynamic intracellular molecular networks. However, the low population of cells during the transition state of activation renders the analysis of the transcriptome of this state technically challenging. To address this issue, we have developed the Time-Dependent Cell-State Selection (TDCSS) technique, which employs live-cell imaging of secretion activity to detect an index of the transition state, followed by the simultaneous recovery of indexed cells for subsequent transcriptome analysis. In this study, we used the TDCSS technique to investigate the transition state of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) activation, which is indexed by the onset of interleukin (IL)-13 secretion. The TDCSS approach allowed us to identify time-dependent genes, including transiently induced genes (TIGs). Our findings of IL4 and MIR155HG as TIGs have shown a regulatory function in ILC2s activation.
Evidence of pseudogravitational distortions of the Fermi surface geometry in the antiferromagnetic metal FeRh
Authors: Sklenar Joseph , Shim Soho , Saglam Hilal , Oh Junseok , Vergniory M. G. , Hoffmann Axel , Bradlyn Barry , Mason Nadya , Gilbert Matthew J.
Published: September 2023

The confluence between high-energy physics and condensed matter has produced groundbreaking results via unexpected connections between the two traditionally disparate areas. In this work, we elucidate additional connectivity between high-energy and condensed matter physics by examining the interplay between spin-orbit interactions and local symmetry-breaking magnetic order in the magnetotransport of thin-film magnetic semimetal FeRh. We show that the change in sign of the normalized longitudinal magnetoresistance observed as a function of increasing in-plane magnetic field results from changes in the Fermi surface morphology. We demonstrate that the geometric distortions in the Fermi surface morphology are more clearly understood via the presence of pseudogravitational fields in the low-energy theory. The pseudogravitational connection provides additional insights into the origins of a ubiquitous phenomenon observed in many common magnetic materials and points to an alternative methodology for understanding phenomena in locally-ordered materials with strong spin-orbit interactions.
Waist-hip ratio is superior to BMI in predicting liver-related outcomes and synergizes with harmful alcohol use
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Färkkilä Martti , Salomaa Veikko , Jula Antti , Männistö Satu , Perola Markus , Lundqvist Annamari , Männistö Ville
Published: September 2023

Background:

Obesity is associated with liver disease, but the best obesity-related predictor remains undefined. Controversy exists regarding possible synergism between obesity and alcohol use for liver-related outcomes (LRO). We assessed the predictive performance for LROs, and synergism with alcohol use, of abdominal obesity (waist-hip ratio, WHR), and compared it to overall obesity (body mass index, BMI).

Methods:

Forty-thousand nine-hundred twenty-two adults attending the Finnish health-examination surveys, FINRISK 1992–2012 and Health 2000 studies, were followed through linkage with electronic healthcare registries for LROs (hospitalizations, cancers, and deaths). Predictive performance of obesity measures (WHR, waist circumference [WC], and BMI) were assessed by Fine-Gray models and time-dependent area-under-the-curve (AUC).

Results:

There are 355 LROs during a median follow-up of 12.9 years (509047.8 person-years). WHR and WC emerge as more powerful predictors of LROs than BMI. WHR shows significantly better 10-year AUC values for LROs (0.714, 95% CI 0.685–0.743) than WC (0.648, 95% CI 0.617–0.679) or BMI (0.550, 95% CI 0.514–0.585) both overall and separately among men and women. WHR is predictive also in BMI strata. Absolute 10-year risks of LROs are more dependent on WHR than BMI. Moreover, WHR shows a significant supra-additive interaction effect with harmful alcohol use for liver-related outcomes (excess 10-year cumulative incidence of 2.8% from the interaction), which is not seen between BMI and harmful alcohol use.

Conclusions:

WHR is a better predictor than BMI or WC for LROs, and WHR better reflects the synergism with harmful alcohol use. WHR should be included in clinical assessment when evaluating obesity-related risks for liver outcomes.
Potential effects of biomaterials on macrophage function and their signalling pathways
Authors: Zhu Fujun , Wang Shaolian , Zhu Xianglian , Pang Caixiang , Cui Pei , Yang Fuwang , Li Rongsheng , Zhan Qiu , Xin Haiming
Published: September 2023

The polarization of macrophage mediated by the physicochemical properties of biomaterials.
Portable SERS sensing of volatile aldehydes in alcohols by aldol condensation reaction on liquid interfacial plasmonic arrays
Authors: Wang Hao , Wei Yujiao , Wang Liming , Qu Cheng , Liu Honglin , He Shengnan
Published: September 2023

Portable SERS sensing volatile aldehydes in alcohols by high-sensitive aldol condensation reaction on liquid–liquid interfacial plasmonic arrays.
Two-dimensional microporous GAM-6 formed by the interzeolite conversion of CoAPO-5
Authors: Komura Kenichi , Imai Edo , Oka Kazuma , Ikeda Takuji
Published: September 2023

The interzeolite conversion of CoAPO-5 with piperidine assistance yielded a new microporous zeotype, GAM-6.
Considerations for defining +80 Da mass shifts in mass spectrometry-based proteomics: phosphorylation and beyond
Authors: Daly Leonard A. , Clarke Christopher J. , Po Allen , Oswald Sally O. , Eyers Claire E.
Published: September 2023

This feature article discusses mass spectrometry-based strategies for the characterisation, localisation and differentiation of phosphorylation and sulfation on proteins, and considers future directions in the field.
Integrated portable food safety testing pipette based on a color-switchable fluorescence probe for rapid visual discrimination of mild food deterioration
Authors: Zhang Ke , Mao Tianzhi , Hu Wenqi , Li Shijie , Zhou Xiaobo , Yang Majun , Yang Luxia , Qin Yuling , Wu Li
Published: September 2023

An integrated portable food freshness testing pipette was designed based on a ratiometric fluorescent film for the rapid visual discrimination of mild food deterioration.
Regulation of frustrated Lewis pairs on CeO2 facilitates tandem transformation of styrene and CO2
Authors: Zou Yong , Xia Zhaoming , Wang You , Liu Yuxuan , Zhang Sai , Qu Yongquan
Published: September 2023

The frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) site of (Ce, Ce)-O on the CeO2(110) surface undergoes reconstruction to form (La, Ce)-O upon La-doping.
Selective edge etching of Pd metallene for enhanced formic acid electrooxidation
Authors: Liu Ze , Ge Xiaohang , Wang Yanrui , Niu Mang , Yuan Weiyong , Zhang Lian Ying
Published: September 2023

A facile, selective edge etching strategy to create edge sites in Pd metallene is developed using acetic acid, and the created edge sites endow a significant enhancement of catalytic activity and stability toward formic acid oxidation.
A straightforward synthesis and physicochemical properties of chiral phosphorus-doped coronenes
Authors: Li Xuexiang , Li Jia , Li Xingchen , Dang Rui , Li Zhihao , Li Ying , Wang Biyao
Published: September 2023

Novel N,P-fused coronene derivatives have been successfully designed and achieved in one step using a three-fold Bischler–Napieralski cyclization as the key step.
Synthesis of metal–organic framework microrings via an anisotropic growth-etching approach
Authors: Zhang Yue , Deng Rong , Yuan Ling , Zhang Chaoqi , Wang Jing , Liu Chao
Published: September 2023

A zinc-based zeolite imidazole framework with a unique microring morphology is synthesized via an anisotropic growth-etching route.
Eliminating all bonds from the ground state gives rise to ionic bonding in high-spin states of heterodiatomics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ishita , Ghosh Debashree , Paul Ankan
Published: September 2023

Bonding in second row diatomic molecules from high spin states.
Efficient and stable N-heterocyclic ketone–Cu complex catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination: the promotion effect of ligands revealed from DFT calculations
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Li Sen , Qiao Xianliang , Guan Qingxin , Li Wei
Published: September 2023

An efficient and stable Cu-based catalyst was prepared by introducing N-heterocyclic ketones, and the action mechanism of the ligands on Cu sites was explored using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Unleashing the power of boron: enhancing nitrogen reduction reaction through defective ReS2 monolayers
Authors: Ho Thi H. , Bui Viet Q. , Nguyen Quynh Anh T. , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Kim Seong-Gon , Nam Pham Cam
Published: September 2023

Exploration of NRR catalysis reveals potential from boron-doping in defective ReS2 monolayers. Computational results emphasize the role of boron and provide insights into future NRR research.
Solar reduced graphene oxide decorated with manganese dioxide nanostructures for brackish water desalination using asymmetric capacitive deionization
Authors: Datar Shreerang D. , Kumar Nitish , Sawant Vrushali , Shaikh Noora , Jha Neetu
Published: September 2023

An asymmetric capacitive deionization (Asy-CDI) architecture is used for high concentration brackish water desalination. The Asy-CDI provides higher salt adsorption capacity (40.2 mg g−1) compared to Sy-CDI (28.3 mg g−1).
Inorganometallic allenes [(Mn(η5-C5H5)(CO)2)2(μ-E)] (E = Si–Pb): bis-allylic anionic delocalisation similar to organometallic allene but differential σ-donation and π-backdonation
Authors: Parvathy Parameswaran , Parameswaran Pattiyil
Published: September 2023

Similar geometry, but heavy tetrels as better σ-donors than carbon: the inorganometallic allenes [(Mn(η5-C5H5)(CO)2)2(μ-E)] (E = Si–Pb) exhibit geometry akin to the organometallic allene, unlike their main group analogues.
Locking water molecules via ternary O–H⋯O intramolecular hydrogen bonds in perhydroxylated closo-dodecaborate
Authors: Jiang Yanrong , Hu Zhubin , Zhong Cheng , Yang Yan , Wang Xue-Bin , Sun Zhenrong , Sun Haitao , Liu Zhi , Peng Peng
Published: September 2023

The water molecule falls inside the claw formed by the ternary O–H bonds in B12(OH)122− associated with strong anionic hydrogen bonds.
Correction: Lone pair driven anisotropy in antimony chalcogenide semiconductors
Authors: Wang Xinwei , Li Zhenzhu , Kavanagh Seán R. , Ganose Alex M. , Walsh Aron
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Lone pair driven anisotropy in antimony chalcogenide semiconductors’ by Xinwei Wang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 7195–7202, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CP05373F.
Iron-catalysed highly selective hydroalkoxycarbonylation of alkynes using CO as C1 source
Authors: Tewari Tanuja , Kumar Rohit , Chikkali Samir H.
Published: September 2023

Precious and rare, late transition metals have been extensively used in carbonylation. An earth abundant iron-catalyst is reported here for hydroalkoxycarbonylation of alkynes in the presence of CO as C1 source.
Operando chemical strain analysis of CNT/VOOH during zinc insertion in Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Shi Xiuling , Sun Yuchuan , Weng Yibo , Long Xiaoying , Lei Tongxing , Zhou Jianli , Li Deping , Zhang Jin , Huang Yan , Ci Lijie , Li Kaikai , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: September 2023

An operando DIC-based technique is developed to analyze the strain and partial molar volume of Zn2+ in combination with an electrochemical–mechanical coupling model, which provides fundamental explanations for the enhanced cycling stability of AZIBs.
Concluding remarks: A summary of the Faraday Discussion on electrosynthesis
Authors: Moeller Kevin D.
Published: September 2023

A summary of the Faraday Discussion presented in this issue and a perspective on that discussion is presented.
Latilactobacillus curvatus FFZZH5L isolated from pickled cowpea enhanced antioxidant activity in Caenorhabditis elegans by upregulating the level of glutathione S-transferase
Authors: Lu Hengqian , Sun Liangyin , Tong Sijia , Jiang Fei , Chen Liping , Wang Yongzhong
Published: September 2023

A graphical representation depicts the proposed antioxidant characteristics of Latilactobacillus curvatus FFZZH5L.