bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Let-7 enhances murine anti-tumor CD8 T cell responses by promoting memory and antagonizing terminal differentiation
Authors: Wells Alexandria C. , Hioki Kaito A. , Angelou Constance C. , Lynch Adam C. , Liang Xueting , Ryan Daniel J. , Thesmar Iris , Zhanybekova Saule , Zuklys Saulius , Ullom Jacob , Cheong Agnes , Mager Jesse , Hollander Georg A. , Pobezinskaya Elena L. , Pobezinsky Leonid A.
Published: September 2023

The success of the CD8 T cell-mediated immune response against infections and tumors depends on the formation of a long-lived memory pool, and the protection of effector cells from exhaustion. The advent of checkpoint blockade therapy has significantly improved anti-tumor therapeutic outcomes by reversing CD8 T cell exhaustion, but fails to generate effector cells with memory potential. Here, using in vivo mouse models, we show that let-7 miRNAs determine CD8 T cell fate, where maintenance of let-7 expression during early cell activation results in memory CD8 T cell formation and tumor clearance. Conversely, let-7-deficiency promotes the generation of a terminal effector population that becomes vulnerable to exhaustion and cell death in immunosuppressive environments and fails to reject tumors. Mechanistically, let-7 restrains metabolic changes that occur during T cell activation through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and production of reactive oxygen species, potent drivers of terminal differentiation and exhaustion. Thus, our results reveal a role for let-7 in the time-sensitive support of memory formation and the protection of effector cells from exhaustion. Overall, our data suggest a strategy in developing next-generation immunotherapies by preserving the multipotency of effector cells rather than enhancing the efficacy of differentiation.
Earthquake-enhanced dissolved carbon cycles in ultra-deep ocean sediments
Authors: Chu Mengfan , Bao Rui , Strasser Michael , Ikehara Ken , Everest Jez , Maeda Lena , Hochmuth Katharina , Xu Li , McNichol Ann , Bellanova Piero , Rasbury Troy , Kölling Martin , Riedinger Natascha , Johnson Joel , Luo Min , März Christian , Straub Susanne , Jitsuno Kana , Brunet Morgane , Cai Zhirong , Cattaneo Antonio , Hsiung Kanhsi , Ishizawa Takashi , Itaki Takuya , Kanamatsu Toshiya , Keep Myra , Kioka Arata , McHugh Cecilia , Micallef Aaron , Pandey Dhananjai , Proust Jean Noël , Satoguchi Yasufumi , Sawyer Derek , Seibert Chloé , Silver Maxwell , Virtasalo Joonas , Wang Yonghong , Wu Ting-Wei , Zellers Sarah
Published: September 2023

Hadal trenches are unique geological and ecological systems located along subduction zones. Earthquake-triggered turbidites act as efficient transport pathways of organic carbon (OC), yet remineralization and transformation of OC in these systems are not comprehensively understood. Here we measure concentrations and stable- and radiocarbon isotope signatures of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (DOC, DIC) in the subsurface sediment interstitial water along the Japan Trench axis collected during the IODP Expedition 386. We find accumulation and aging of DOC and DIC in the subsurface sediments, which we interpret as enhanced production of labile dissolved carbon owing to earthquake-triggered turbidites, which supports intensive microbial methanogenesis in the trench sediments. The residual dissolved carbon accumulates in deep subsurface sediments and may continue to fuel the deep biosphere. Tectonic events can therefore enhance carbon accumulation and stimulate carbon transformation in plate convergent trench systems, which may accelerate carbon export into the subduction zones.
Synthesis of metalla-dual-azulenes with fluoride ion recognition properties
Authors: Liu Hai-Cheng , Ruan Kaidong , Ma Kexin , Fei Jiawei , Lin Yu-Mei , Xia Haiping
Published: September 2023

Azulene-based conjugated systems are of great interests due to their unusual structures and photophysical properties. Incorporation of a transition metal into azulene skeleton presents an intriguing opportunity to combine the dπ-pπ and pπ-pπ conjugated properties. No such metallaazulene skeleton however has been reported to date. Here, we describe our development of an efficient [5 + 2] annulation reaction to rapid construction of a unique metal-containing [5-5-7] scaffold, termed metalla-dual-azulene (MDA), which includes a metallaazulene and a metal-free organic azulene intertwined by sharing the tropylium motif. The two azulene motifs in MDA exhibit distinct reactivities. The azulene motif readily undergoes nucleophilic addition, leading to N-, O- and S-substituted cycloheptanetrienyl species. Demetalation of the metallaazulene moiety occurs when it reacts with nBu4NF, which enables highly selective recognition of fluoride anion and a noticeable color change. The practical [5 + 2] annulation methodology, facile functional-group modification, high and selective fluoride detection make this new π-conjugated polycyclic system very suitable for potential applications in photoelectric and sensing materials.
Identifying the active sites in unequal iron-nitrogen single-atom catalysts
Authors: Huang Liang , Liu Qiong , Wu Weiwei , Gao Ge , Zheng Xiliang , Wang Jin , Dong Shaojun
Published: September 2023

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have become one of the most attractive frontier research fields in catalysis and energy conversion. However, due to the atomic heterogeneity of SACs and limitations of ensemble-averaged measurements, the essential active sites responsible for governing specific catalytic properties and mechanisms remain largely concealed. In this study, we develop a quantitative method of single-atom catalysis–fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (SAC-FCS), leveraging the atomic structure-dependent catalysis kinetics and single-turnover resolution of single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. This method enables us to investigate the oxidase-like single-molecule catalysis on unidentical iron-nitrogen (Fe-N) coordinated SACs, quantifying the active sites and their kinetic parameters. The findings reveal the significant differences of single sites from the average behaviors and corroborate the oxidase-like catalytic mechanism of the Fe-N active sites. We anticipate that the method will give essential insights into the rational design and application of SACs.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicates fatty acid metabolism-mediated metastasis and immunosuppression in male breast cancer
Authors: Sun Handong , Zhang Lishen , Wang Zhonglin , Gu Danling , Zhu Mengyan , Cai Yun , Li Lu , Tang Jiaqi , Huang Bin , Bosco Bakwatanisa , Li Ning , Wu Lingxiang , Wu Wei , Li Liangyu , Liang Yuan , Luo Lin , Liu Quanzhong , Zhu Yanhui , Sun Jie , Shi Liang , Xia Tiansong , Yang Chuang , Xu Qitong , Han Xue , Zhang Weiming , Liu Jianxia , Meng Dong , Shao Hua , Zheng Xiangxin , Li Shuqin , Pan Hua , Ke Jing , Jiang Wenying , Zhang Xiaolan , Han Xuedong , Chu Jian , An Hongyin , Ge Juyan , Pan Chi , Wang Xiuxing , Li Kening , Wang Qianghu , Ding Qiang
Published: September 2023

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy with cellular and immunological characteristics that remain unclear. Here, we perform transcriptomic analysis for 111,038 single cells from tumor tissues of six MBC and thirteen female breast cancer (FBC) patients. We find that that MBC has significantly lower infiltration of T cells relative to FBC. Metastasis-related programs are more active in cancer cells from MBC. The activated fatty acid metabolism involved with FASN is related to cancer cell metastasis and low immune infiltration of MBC. T cells in MBC show activation of p38 MAPK and lipid oxidation pathways, indicating a dysfunctional state. In contrast, T cells in FBC exhibit higher expression of cytotoxic markers and immune activation pathways mediated by immune-modulatory cytokines. Moreover, we identify the inhibitory interactions between cancer cells and T cells in MBC. Our study provides important information for understanding the tumor immunology and metabolism of MBC.
Deficiency of endothelial sirtuin1 in mice stimulates skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity by modifying the secretome
Authors: Li Qiuxia , Zhang Quanjiang , Kim Young-Rae , Gaddam Ravinder Reddy , Jacobs Julia S. , Bachschmid Markus M. , Younis Tsneem , Zhu Zhiyong , Zingman Leonid , London Barry , Rauckhorst Adam J. , Taylor Eric B. , Norris Andrew W. , Vikram Ajit , Irani Kaikobad
Published: September 2023

Downregulation of endothelial Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) in insulin resistant states contributes to vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, Sirt1 deficiency in skeletal myocytes promotes insulin resistance. Here, we show that deletion of endothelial Sirt1, while impairing endothelial function, paradoxically improves skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Compared to wild-type mice, male mice lacking endothelial Sirt1 (E-Sirt1-KO) preferentially utilize glucose over fat, and have higher insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and Akt signaling in fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Enhanced insulin sensitivity of E-Sirt1-KO mice is transferrable to wild-type mice via the systemic circulation. Endothelial Sirt1 deficiency, by inhibiting autophagy and activating nuclear factor-kappa B signaling, augments expression and secretion of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) that promotes insulin signaling in skeletal myotubes. Thus, unlike in skeletal myocytes, Sirt1 deficiency in the endothelium promotes glucose homeostasis by stimulating skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity through a blood-borne mechanism, and augmented secretion of Tβ4 by Sirt1-deficient endothelial cells boosts insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells.
Muted extratropical low cloud seasonal cycle is closely linked to underestimated climate sensitivity in models
Authors: Jiang Xianan , Su Hui , Jiang Jonathan H. , Neelin J. David , Wu Longtao , Tsushima Yoko , Elsaesser Gregory
Published: September 2023

A large spread in model estimates of the equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS), defined as the global mean near-surface air-temperature increase following a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration, leaves us greatly disadvantaged in guiding policy-making for climate change adaptation and mitigation. In this study, we show that the projected ECS in the latest generation of climate models is highly related to seasonal variations of extratropical low-cloud fraction (LCF) in historical simulations. Marked reduction of extratropical LCF from winter to summer is found in models with ECS > 4.75 K, in accordance with the significant reduction of extratropical LCF under a warming climate in these models. In contrast, a pronounced seasonal cycle of extratropical LCF, as supported by satellite observations, is largely absent in models with ECS < 3.3 K. The distinct seasonality in extratropical LCF in climate models is ascribed to their different prevailing cloud regimes governing the extratropical LCF variability.
CD8+ tissue-resident memory T-cell development depends on infection-matching regulatory T-cell types
Authors: Barros Leandro , Piontkivska Daryna , Figueiredo-Campos Patrícia , Fanczal Júlia , Ribeiro Sofia Pereira , Baptista Marta , Ariotti Silvia , Santos Nuno , Amorim Maria João , Pereira Cristina Silva , Veldhoen Marc , Ferreira Cristina
Published: September 2023

Immunological memory is critical for immune protection, particularly at epithelial sites, which are under constant risk of pathogen invasions. To counter invading pathogens, CD8+ memory T cells develop at the location of infection: tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM). CD8+ T-cell responses are associated with type-1 infections and type-1 regulatory T cells (TREG) are important for CD8+ T-cell development, however, if CD8+ TRM cells develop under other infection types and require immune type-specific TREG cells is unknown. We used three distinct lung infection models, to show that type-2 helminth infection does not establish CD8+ TRM cells. Intracellular (type-1) and extracellular (type-3) infections do and rely on the recruitment of response type-matching TREG population contributing transforming growth factor-β. Nevertheless, type-1 TREG cells remain the most important population for TRM cell development. Once established, TRM cells maintain their immune type profile. These results may have implications in the development of vaccines inducing CD8+ TRM cells.
Impact of a TLR9 agonist and broadly neutralizing antibodies on HIV-1 persistence: the randomized phase 2a TITAN trial
Authors: Gunst Jesper D. , Højen Jesper F. , Pahus Marie H. , Rosás-Umbert Miriam , Stiksrud Birgitte , McMahon James H. , Denton Paul W. , Nielsen Henrik , Johansen Isik S. , Benfield Thomas , Leth Steffen , Gerstoft Jan , Østergaard Lars , Schleimann Mariane H. , Olesen Rikke , Støvring Henrik , Vibholm Line , Weis Nina , Dyrhol-Riise Anne M. , Pedersen Karen B. H. , Lau Jillian S. Y. , Copertino Dennis C. , Linden Noemi , Huynh Tan T. , Ramos Victor , Jones R. Brad , Lewin Sharon R. , Tolstrup Martin , Rasmussen Thomas A. , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Caskey Marina , Reikvam Dag Henrik , Søgaard Ole S.
Published: September 2023

Inducing antiretroviral therapy (ART)-free virological control is a critical step toward a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cure. In this phase 2a, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial, 43 people (85% males) with HIV-1 on ART were randomized to (1) placebo/placebo, (2) lefitolimod (TLR9 agonist)/placebo, (3) placebo/broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies (bNAbs) or (4) lefitolimod/bNAb. ART interruption (ATI) started at week 3. Lefitolimod was administered once weekly for the first 8 weeks, and bNAbs were administered twice, 1 d before and 3 weeks after ATI. The primary endpoint was time to loss of virologic control after ATI. The median delay in time to loss of virologic control compared to the placebo/placebo group was 0.5 weeks (P = 0.49), 12.5 weeks (P = 0.003) and 9.5 weeks (P = 0.004) in the lefitolimod/placebo, placebo/bNAb and lefitolimod/bNAb groups, respectively. Among secondary endpoints, viral doubling time was slower for bNAb groups compared to non-bNAb groups, and the interventions were overall safe. We observed no added benefit of lefitolimod. Despite subtherapeutic plasma bNAb levels, 36% (4/11) in the placebo/bNAb group compared to 0% (0/10) in the placebo/placebo group maintained virologic control after the 25-week ATI. Although immunotherapy with lefitolimod did not lead to ART-free HIV-1 control, bNAbs may be important components in future HIV-1 curative strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03837756.
EuroCrops: The Largest Harmonized Open Crop Dataset Across the European Union
Authors: Schneider Maja , Schelte Tobias , Schmitz Felix , Körner Marco
Published: September 2023

EuroCrops contains geo-referenced polygons of agricultural croplands from 16 countries of the European Union (EU) as well as information on the respective crop species grown there. These semantic annotations are derived from self-declarations by farmers receiving subsidies under the common agricultural policy (CAP) of the European Commission (EC). Over the last 1.5 years, the individual national crop datasets have been manually collected, the crop classes have been translated into the English language and transferred into the newly developed hierarchical crop and agriculture taxonomy (HCAT). EuroCrops is publicly available under continuous improvement through an active user community.
Analysis of the research progress on the deposition and drift of spray droplets by plant protection UAVs
Authors: Weicai Qin , Panyang Chen
Published: September 2023

Plant protection unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are highly adapted to terrain and capable of efficient low-altitude spraying, will be extensively used in agricultural production. In this paper, single or several independent factors influencing the deposition characteristics of droplets sprayed by plant protection UAVs, as well as the experimental methods and related mathematical analysis models used to study droplet deposition and drift, are systematically investigated. A research method based on farmland environmental factors is proposed to simulate the deposition and drift characteristics of spray droplets. Moreover, the impacts of multiple factors on the droplet deposition characteristics are further studied by using an indoor simulation test system for the spraying flow field of plant protection UAVs to simulate the plant protection UAVs spraying flow field, temperature, humidity and natural wind. By integrating the operation parameters, environmental conditions, crop canopy characteristics and rotor airflow, the main effects and interactive effects of the factors influencing the deposition of spray droplets can be explored. A mathematical model that can reflect the internal relations of multiple factors and evaluate and analyze the droplet deposition characteristics is established. A scientific and effective method for determining the optimal spray droplet deposition is also proposed. In addition, this research method can provide a necessary scientific basis for the formulation of operating standards for plant protection UAVs, inspection and evaluation of operating tools at the same scale, and the improvement and upgrading of spraying systems.
Delivery room intubation and severe intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely preterm infants without low Apgar scores: A Japanese retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tamai Kei , Matsumoto Naomi , Yorifuji Takashi , Takeuchi Akihito , Nakamura Makoto , Nakamura Kazue , Kageyama Misao ,   The Neonatal Research Network of Japan
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between delivery room intubation (DRI) and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), as well as other neonatal outcomes, among extremely preterm infants without low Apgar scores using data from a large-scale neonatal registry data in Japan. We analyzed data for infants born at 24–27 gestational weeks between 2003 and 2019 in Japan using robust Poisson regression. Infants with low Apgar scores (≤ 1 at 1 min or ≤ 3 at 5 min) were excluded. The primary outcome was severe IVH. Secondary outcomes were other neonatal morbidities and mortality. The full cohort included 16,081 infants (intubation cohort, 13,367; no intubation cohort, 2714). The rate of DRI increased over time (78.6%, 2003–2008; 83.4%, 2009–2014; 87.8%, 2015–2019), while the rate of severe IVH decreased (7.1%, 2003–2008; 5.7%, 2009–2014; 5.3%, 2015–2019). Infants with DRI had a higher risk of severe IVH than those without DRI (6.8% vs. 2.3%; adjusted risk ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–2.58). The results did not change substantially when stratified by gestational age. Despite conflicting changes over time in DRI and severe IVH, DRI was associated with an increased risk of severe IVH among extremely preterm infants in Japan.
Systemic administration of clinical-grade multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring cells ameliorates hypoxic–ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats
Authors: Ueda Kazuto , Sato Yoshiaki , Shimizu Shinobu , Suzuki Toshihiko , Onoda Atsuto , Miura Ryosuke , Go Shoji , Mimatsu Haruka , Kitase Yuma , Yamashita Yuta , Irie Keiichi , Tsuji Masahiro , Mishima Kenichi , Mizuno Masaaki , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Dezawa Mari , Hayakawa Masahiro
Published: September 2023

Multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells are endogenous reparative pluripotent stem cells present in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and organ connective tissues. We assessed the homing and therapeutic effects of systemically administered nafimestrocel, a clinical-grade human Muse cell-based product, without immunosuppressants in a neonatal hypoxic–ischemic (HI) rat model. HI injury was induced on postnatal day 7 (P7) and was confirmed by T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging on P10. HI rats received a single dose nafimestrocel (1 × 106 cells/body) or Hank’s balanced salt solution (vehicle group) intravenously at either three days (on P10; M3 group) or seven days (on P14; M7 group) after HI insult. Radioisotope experiment demonstrated the homing of chromium-51-labeled nafimestrocel to the both cerebral hemispheres. The cylinder test (M3 and M7 groups) and open-field test (M7 group) showed significant amelioration of paralysis and hyperactivity at five weeks of age compared with those in the vehicle group. Nafimestrocel did not cause adverse events such as death or pathological changes in the lung at ten weeks in the both groups. Nafimestrocel attenuated the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase from activated cultured microglia in vitro. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic benefits and safety of nafimestrocel.
Effect of different ankle joint positions on medial gastrocnemius muscle fiber strains during isometric plantarflexion
Authors: Cunnane Brandon T. , Sinha Usha , Malis Vadim , Hernandez Ryan D. , Smitaman Edward , Sinha Shantanu
Published: September 2023

Muscle force production is influenced by muscle fiber and aponeurosis architecture. This prospective cohort study utilizes special MR imaging sequences to examine the structure–function in-vivo in the Medial Gastrocnemius (MG) at three-ankle angles (dorsiflexion, plantar flexion—low and high) and two sub-maximal levels of maximum voluntary contraction (25% and 50%MVC). The study was performed on 6 young male participants. Muscle fiber and aponeurosis strain, fiber strain normalized to force, fiber length and pennation angle (at rest and peak contraction) were analyzed for statistical differences between ankle positions and %MVC. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted tests were conducted for normal data. A related samples test with Friedman’s 2-way ANOVA by ranks with corrections for multiple comparisons was conducted for non-normal data. The dorsiflexed ankle position generated significantly higher force with lower fiber strain than the plantarflexed positions. Sarcomere length extracted from muscle fiber length at each ankle angle was used to track the location on the Force–Length curve and showed the MG operates on the curve’s ascending limb. Muscle force changes predicted from the F-L curve going from dorsi- to plantarflexion was less than that experimentally observed suggesting other determinants of force changes with ankle position.
Longitudinal and transcultural assessment of the relationship between hallucinogens, well-being, and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bouso José Carlos , Révész Dóra , Ona Genís , Rossi Giordano N. , Rocha Juliana M. , dos Santos Rafael G. , Hallak Jaime E. C. , Alcázar-Corcoles Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of the global population. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal transcultural study that was begun at the peak of the pandemic (in April, 2020). An online survey was used to collect data from English-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking participants. The survey collected information about sociodemographics, lifestyle activities, COVID-19-related circumstances, and drug use (with an emphasis on hallucinogenic drugs), as well as involving psychometric questionnaires. Users of hallucinogenic drugs had higher psychological well-being and lower scores on psychopathology scales, both at baseline and during follow-ups. This difference was larger when users were distinguished by frequency of use, as regular users scored higher on psychological well-being and lower on psychopathology scales. Subjects with more psychological distress had lower scores for all scales of post-traumatic growth, but if they were regular hallucinogens users, they had higher scores for post-traumatic growth. When comparing the results between cultural contexts, heterogeneous results were obtained. There were more English-speaking regular users of hallucinogenic drugs. Further research should analyse the potential role of hallucinogens in large-scale catastrophes, with a special focus on post-traumatic growth.
Enhanced brain tumor classification using graph convolutional neural network architecture
Authors: Ravinder M. , Saluja Garima , Allabun Sarah , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Othman Manal , Soufiene Ben Othman
Published: September 2023

The Brain Tumor presents a highly critical situation concerning the brain, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of an abnormal cell cluster. Early brain tumor detection is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. In this paper, a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based Graph Neural Network (GNN) model is proposed using the publicly available Brain Tumor dataset from Kaggle to predict whether a person has brain tumor or not and if yes then which type (Meningioma, Pituitary or Glioma). The objective of this research and the proposed models is to provide a solution to the non-consideration of non-Euclidean distances in image data and the inability of conventional models to learn on pixel similarity based upon the pixel proximity. To solve this problem, we have proposed a Graph based Convolutional Neural Network (GCNN) model and it is found that the proposed model solves the problem of considering non-Euclidean distances in images. We aimed at improving brain tumor detection and classification using a novel technique which combines GNN and a 26 layered CNN that takes in a Graph input pre-convolved using Graph Convolution operation. The objective of Graph Convolution is to modify the node features (data linked to each node) by combining information from nearby nodes. A standard pre-computed Adjacency matrix is used, and the input graphs were updated as the averaged sum of local neighbor nodes, which carry the regional information about the tumor. These modified graphs are given as the input matrices to a standard 26 layered CNN with Batch Normalization and Dropout layers intact. Five different networks namely Net-0, Net-1, Net-2, Net-3 and Net-4 are proposed, and it is found that Net-2 outperformed the other networks namely Net-0, Net-1, Net-3 and Net-4. The highest accuracy achieved was 95.01% by Net-2. With its current effectiveness, the model we propose represents a critical alternative for the statistical detection of brain tumors in patients who are suspected of having one.
Antimicrobial efficacy of Mentha piperata-derived biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles against UTI-resistant pathogens
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Ali Shujat , Abbas Muhammad , Fazal Hina , Saqib Saddam , Ali Ahmad , Ullah Zahid , Zaman Shah , Sawati Laraib , Zada Ahmad , Sohail
Published: September 2023

Misuse of antibiotics leads to the worldwide spread of antibiotic resistance, which motivates scientists to create new antibiotics. The recurring UTI due to antibiotics-resistant microorganism’s challenges scientists globally. The biogenic nanoparticles have the potential to meet the escalating requirements of novel antimicrobial agents. The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) gained more attention due to their reliable applications against resistant microbes. The current study evaluates the biogenic ZnO NPs of Mentha piperata extract against resistant pathogens of urinary tract infections by agar well diffusion assay. The biogenic ZnO NPs revealed comparatively maximum inhibition in comparison to synthetic antibiotics against two bacterial strains (Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and a fungal strain (Candida albicans).The synthesized biogenic ZnO NPs alone revealed maximum activities than the combination of plant extract (PE) and ZnO NPs, and PE alone. The physiochemical features of ZnO NPs characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX. The UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed 281.85 nm wavelengths; the XRD pattern revealed the crystalline structure of ZnO NPs. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of carboxylic and nitro groups, which could be attributed to plant extract. SEM analysis revealed spherical hollow symmetry due to electrostatic forces. The analysis via EDX confirmed the presence of Zn and oxygen in the sample. The physiochemical features of synthesized ZnO NPs provide pivotal information such as quality and effectiveness. The current study revealed excellent dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic isolates from UTI-resistant patients. The higher concentration of ZnONPs interacts with the cell membrane which triggers oxidative burst. They may bind with the enzymes and proteins and brings epigenetic alteration which leads to membrane disruption or cell death.
Analysis of the microbiome in maternal, intrauterine and fetal environments based on 16S rRNA genes following different durations of membrane rupture
Authors: Yin Huifen , Yu Jiao , Wu Wei , Li Xiaotian , Hu Rong
Published: September 2023

The incidence of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis increases with the increasing time of rupture of membranes. Changes in the amount and categories of microbiomes in maternal and fetal environments after membrane rupture have yet to be discussed. In order to determine the microbiome diversity and signature in the maternal, intrauterine, and fetal environments of different durations following membrane rupture, we collected samples of fetal membrane, amniotic fluid, cord blood and maternal peripheral blood from singleton pregnant women and divided them into five groups according to the duration of membrane rupture. DNA was isolated from the samples, and the V3V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes was sequenced. We found that the alpha diversity of the fetal membrane microbiome increased significantly 12 h after membrane rupture, while the beta diversity of the amniotic fluid microbiome increased 24 h after membrane rupture. In cord blood, the mean proportion of Methylobacterium and Halomonadaceae reached the highest 12 h after membrane rupture, and the mean proportion of Prevotella reached the highest 24 h after membrane rupture. The LEfSe algorithm showed that Ruminococcus, Paludibaculum, Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotella were detected earlier in cord blood or maternal blood and then detected in fetal membranes or amniotic fluid, which may suggest a reverse infection model. In conclusion, the microbes may invade the placenta 12 h after membrane rupture and invaded the amniotic cavity 24 h after membrane rupture. In addition to the common ascending pattern of infection, the hematogenous pathway of intrauterine infection should also be considered among people with rupture of membranes.
Synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@Pr-NH2@DAP as a magnetic recyclable nano-catalyst for efficient synthesis of pyranothiazolopyrimidines and 4H-pyrans under solvent-free condition
Authors: Danehchin Maryam , Esmaeili Abbas Ali
Published: September 2023

In this research, we describe the synthesis of silica-coated nano-Fe3O4 particles, which were successfully modified by diaminopyrimidine, and their physicochemical properties were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, EDX-mapping, and TGA. The catalytic activity of this novel nano-catalyst was evaluated by three-component reactions for the preparation of pyranothiazolopyrimidines and 4H-pyrans under solvent-free conditions. Recyclability of the catalyst up to six consecutive rounds, atom economy, high yield and purity of desired products, and easy work-up method are some of the exciting features of this system that make it more favorable from a green chemistry point of view.
Evaluation of newly copolymers and their montmorillonite nanocomposite as cold flow improver for petroleum lubricating oil
Authors: El-Bahnasawi Alshaimaa H. , El-Segaey Abeer A. , Albohy Salwa A. H. , El-Azabawy Olfat E. , Arafa Enas I. , El-Koly Nagda G. , Al-Shafey Hussin I.
Published: September 2023

The great demand on the energy makes the attention toward modifying lubricating oil. This work tends to prepare the following copolymers; octadecylmethacrylate-co-dodecene (CP1) and octadecylmethacrylate-co-hexadecene (CP2) by free radical solution polymerization using laboratory prepared octadecylmethacrylate monomer with either 1-dodecene or 1-hexadecene. The same monomers also used to prepare their polymers nanocomposite (NP1, NP2) with 1% of nanomontmorolonite by emulsion polymerization. The structures of the prepared polymers and their nanocomposite were elucidated by FTIR, 1HNMR, TGA, DSC, TEM and DLS. These polymers were used as pour point depressant, flow improver and viscosity modifier and showed high efficiency. After comparison of the data of the polymers and their nanocomposite, the nanocomposite give the best results where the pour point decreased from 0 °C to − 18, − 27, − 24 and − 33 °C for CP1, CP2, NP1 and NP2 respectively at the optimum concentration 10,000 ppm. On the other hand the viscosity index increased from 86.57 to 93.25, 92.41, 94.17 and 93.103 for CP1, CP2, NP1 and NP2 respectively, the apparent viscosity increased from 55.863 to 69.31, 119.41, 111.28, and 166.89 cP also the yield stress increased from 652.19 to 1076.3, 1074 and 1480 D/cm2 for CP1, CP2, NP1 and NP2 respectively.
Antioxidant activity and mineral content of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich (Ensosila) tuber, an Ethiopian medicinal plant
Authors: Gidamo Gizachew Haile
Published: September 2023

Recently, an interest has surged in incorporating extracts of medicinal plants as active ingredients in cosmetic formulations, highlighting the need to analyze medicinal plants of cosmetic interest for phytochemicals and bioactivities. The tuber of the Ethiopian medicinal plant Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich (Ensosila) is used to make traditional cosmetics. The aim of the study was to investigate the antioxidant and mineral content of the Impatiens tinctoria tuber. Water, ethanol, and methanol were used during the extraction process. High phenolic content was found in methanol extract (107.8 ± 0.025 µg/ml GAE) followed by water extract (92.4 ± 0.02 µg/ml GAE). High flavonoid content was also obtained in methanol extract (136.7 ± 0.04 µg/ml QE). Strong 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity was recorded for methanol extract with IC50 value of 44.4 µg/ml, compared with ethanol extract (97.54 µg/ml) and water extracts (98.24 µg/ml). The lower IC50 value of methanolic extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. The three elements that were most prevalent in Impatiens tinctoria tuber out of the eight elements examined were K (170 ± 0.05 mg/100 g sample), Ca (87 ± 0.08 mg/100 g sample), and Mg (16 ± 0.01 mg/100 g sample). The phenolics, flavonoids, and minerals found in Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich (Ensosila) tuber may protect against oxidative stress-related skin damage and thus deserving attention for future applications in cosmetics formulations.
Bidirectional field-steering and atomic steering induced by a magnon mode in a qubit-photon system
Authors: Zahia Ahmed A. , Abd-Rabbou M. Y. , Megahed Ahmed M. , Obada A.-S. F.
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the cavity–magnon steering and qubit–qubit steering of a hybrid quantum system consisting of a single-mode magnon, a two-qubit state, and a single-mode cavity field in the presence of their damping rates. The temporal wave vector of the system is obtained for the initial maximally entangled two-qubit state and initial vacuum state of the magnon and cavity modes. Additionally, the mathematical inequalities for obtaining the cavity–magnon steering and qubit–qubit steering are introduced. The findings reveal that steering between the magnon and cavity is asymmetric, while steering between the two qubits is symmetric in our system. Increasing the atom–field coupling improves steering from magnon to field, while reducing steering between the two qubits. Moreover, increasing magnon–field coupling enhances and elevates the lower bounds of qubit–qubit steering. Further, adding the damping rates causes deterioration of the cavity–magnon steering and qubit–qubit steering. However, the steering persistence is slightly greater when damping originates from the cavity field rather than the magnon modes based on the coupling parameters.
Identification of a visualized web-based nomogram for overall survival prediction in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liang Min , Chen Mafeng , Singh Shantanu , Singh Shivank
Published: September 2023

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive lung cancer subtype with an extremely poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate for limited-stage (LS)-SCLC cancer is 10–13%, while the rate for extensive-stage SCLC cancer is only 1–2%. Given the crucial role of the tumor stage in the disease course, a well-constructed prognostic model is warranted for patients with LS-SCLC. The LS-SCLC patients' clinical data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2018 were reviewed. A multivariable Cox regression approach was utilized to identify and integrate significant prognostic factors. Bootstrap resampling was used to validate the model internally. The Area Under Curve (AUC) and calibration curve evaluated the model's performance. A total of 5463 LS-SCLC patients' clinical data was collected from the database. Eight clinical parameters were identified as significant prognostic factors for LS-SCLC patients' OS. The predictive model achieved satisfactory discrimination capacity, with 1-, 2-, and 3-year AUC values of 0.91, 0.88, and 0.87 in the training cohort; and 0.87, 0.87, and 0.85 in the validation cohort. The calibration curve showed a good agreement with actual observations in survival rate probability. Further, substantial differences between survival curves of the different risk groups stratified by prognostic scores were observed. The nomogram was then deployed into a website server for ease of access. This study developed a nomogram and a web-based predictor for predicting the overall survival of patients with LS-SCLC, which may help physicians make personalized clinical decisions and treatment strategies.
Exploring the recuperative potential of brassinosteroids and nano-biochar on growth, physiology, and yield of wheat under drought stress
Authors: Raza Muhammad Aown Sammar , Ibrahim Muhammad Arif , Ditta Allah , Iqbal Rashid , Aslam Muhammad Usman , Muhammad Faqeer , Ali Shehzad , Çiğ Fatih , Ali Baber , Muhammad Ikram Rao , Muzamil Muhammad Noor , Rahman Muhammed Habib ur , Alwahibi Mona S. , Elshikh Mohamed S.
Published: September 2023

Drought stress as a result of rapidly changing climatic conditions has a direct negative impact on crop production especially wheat which is the 2nd staple food crop. To fulfill the nutritional demand under rapidly declining water resources, there is a dire need to adopt a precise, and efficient approach in the form of different amendments. In this regard, the present study investigated the impact of nano-biochar (NBC) and brassinosteroids (BR) in enhancing the growth and productivity of wheat under different drought stress conditions. The field study comprised different combinations of amendments (control, NBC, BR, and NBC + BR) under three irrigation levels (D0, D1 and D2). Among different treatments, the synergistic approach (NBC + BR) resulted in the maximum increase in different growth and yield parameters under normal as well as drought stress conditions. With synergistic approach (NBC + BR), the maximum plant height (71.7 cm), spike length (17.1), number of fertile tillers m–2 (410), no. of spikelets spike–1 (19.1), no. of grains spike–1 (37.9), 1000 grain weight (37 g), grain yield (4079 kg ha–1), biological yield (10,502 kg ha–1), harvest index (43.5). In the case of physiological parameters such as leaf area index, relative water contents, chlorophyll contents, and stomatal conductance were maximally improved with the combined application of NBC and BR. The same treatment caused an increase of 54, 10, and 7% in N, P, and K contents in grains, respectively compared to the control treatment. Similarly, the antioxidant response was enhanced in wheat plants under drought stress with the combined application of NBC and BR. In conclusion, the combined application of NBC and BR caused a significant increase in the growth, physiological and yield attributes of wheat under drought stress.
H.O.S.T.: Hemoglobin microbubble-based Oxidative stress Sensing Technology
Authors: Ganguly Antra , Chaudhary Sugandha , Sirsi Shashank R. , Prasad Shalini
Published: September 2023

In this work, we discuss the development of H.O.S.T., a novel hemoglobin microbubble-based electrochemical biosensor for label-free detection of Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) towards oxidative stress and cancer diagnostic applications. The novelty of the constructed sensor lies in the use of a sonochemically prepared hemoglobin microbubble capture probe, which allowed for an extended dynamic range, lower detection limit, and enhanced resolution compared to the native hemoglobin based H2O2 biosensors. The size of the prepared particles Hemoglobin microbubbles was characterized using Coulter Counter analysis and was found to be 4.4 microns, and the morphology of these spherical microbubbles was shown using Brightfield microscopy. The binding chemistry of the sensor stack elements of HbMbs’ and P.A.N.H.S. crosslinker was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and UV–Vis Spectroscopy. The electrochemical biosensor calibration (R2 > 0.95) was done using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry, and Square Wave Voltammetry. The electrochemical biosensor calibration (R2 > 0.95) was done using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry, and Square Wave Voltammetry. The specificity of the sensor for H2O2 was analyzed using cross-reactivity studies using ascorbic acid and glucose as interferents (p < 0.0001 for the highest non-specific dose versus the lowest specific dose). The developed sensor showed good agreement in performance with a commercially available kit for H2O2 detection using Bland Altman Analysis (mean bias = 0.37 for E.I.S. and − 24.26 for CV). The diagnostic potential of the biosensor was further tested in cancerous (N.G.P.) and non-cancerous (H.E.K.) cell lysate for H2O2 detection (p = 0.0064 for E.I.S. and p = 0.0062 for CV). The Michaelis Menten constant calculated from the linear portion of the sensor was found to be $${K}_{m}^{app}$$

K

m

app

of 19.44 µM indicating that our biosensor has a higher affinity to Hydrogen peroxide than other available enzymatic sensors, it is attributed to the unique design of the hemoglobin polymers in microbubble.
Genuine multipartite entanglement measures based on multi-party teleportation capability
Authors: Choi Minjin , Bae Eunok , Lee Soojoon
Published: September 2023

Quantifying entanglement is vital to understand entanglement as a resource in quantum information processing, and many entanglement measures have been suggested for this purpose. When mathematically defining an entanglement measure, we should consider the distinguishability between entangled and separable states, the invariance under local transformation, the monotonicity under local operations and classical communication, and the convexity. These are reasonable requirements but may be insufficient, in particular when taking into account the usefulness of quantum states in multi-party quantum information processing. Therefore, if we want to investigate multipartite entanglement as a resource, then it can be necessary to consider the usefulness of quantum states in multi-party quantum information processing when we define a multipartite entanglement measure. In this paper, we define new multipartite entanglement measures for three-qubit systems based on the three-party teleportation capability, and show that these entanglement measures satisfy the requirements for being genuine multipartite entanglement measures. We also generalize our entanglement measures forN-qubit systems, where$$N \ge 4$$N≥4, and discuss that these quantities may be good candidates to measure genuine multipartite entanglement.
Study of β1-transferrin and β2-transferrin using microprobe-capture in-emitter elution and high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Luo Ruben Yiqi , Pfaffroth Christopher , Yang Samuel , Hoang Kevin , Yeung Priscilla S.-W. , Zehnder James L. , Shi Run-Zhang
Published: September 2023

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can be diagnosed in clinical laboratories by detecting a diagnostic marker β2-transferrin (β2-Tf) in secretion samples. β2-Tf and the typical transferrin (Tf) proteoform in serum, β1-transferrin (β1-Tf), are Tf glycoforms. An innovative affinity capture technique for sample preparation, called microprobe-capture in-emitter elution (MPIE), was incorporated with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) to study the Tf glycoforms and the primary structures of β1-Tf and β2-Tf. To implement MPIE, an analyte is first captured on the surface of a microprobe, and subsequently eluted from the microprobe inside an electrospray emitter. The capture process is monitored in real-time via next-generation biolayer interferometry (BLI). When electrospray is established from the emitter to a mass spectrometer, the analyte is immediately ionized via electrospray ionization (ESI) for HR-MS analysis. Serum, CSF, and secretion samples were analyzed using MPIE-ESI-MS. Based on the MPIE-ESI-MS results, the primary structures of β1-Tf and β2-Tf were elucidated. As Tf glycoforms, β1-Tf and β2-Tf share the amino acid sequence but contain varying N-glycans: (1) β1-Tf, the major serum-type Tf, has two G2S2 N-glycans on Asn413 and Asn611; and (2) β2-Tf, the major brain-type Tf, has an M5 N-glycan on Asn413 and a G0FB N-glycan on Asn611. The resolving power of the innovative MPIE-ESI-MS method was demonstrated in the study of β2-Tf as well as β1-Tf. Knowing the N-glycan structures on β2-Tf allows for the design of more novel test methods for β2-Tf in the future.
Forecasting influenza hemagglutinin mutations through the lens of anomaly detection
Authors: Garjani Ali , Chegini Atoosa Malemir , Salehi Mohammadreza , Tabibzadeh Alireza , Yousefi Parastoo , Razizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Esghaei Moein , Esghaei Maryam , Rohban Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2023

The influenza virus hemagglutinin is an important part of the virus attachment to the host cells. The hemagglutinin proteins are one of the genetic regions of the virus with a high potential for mutations. Due to the importance of predicting mutations in producing effective and low-cost vaccines, solutions that attempt to approach this problem have recently gained significant attention. A historical record of mutations has been used to train predictive models in such solutions. However, the imbalance between mutations and preserved proteins is a big challenge for the development of such models that need to be addressed. Here, we propose to tackle this challenge through anomaly detection (AD). AD is a well-established field in Machine Learning (ML) that tries to distinguish unseen anomalies from normal patterns using only normal training samples. By considering mutations as anomalous behavior, we could benefit existing rich solutions in this field that have emerged recently. Such methods also fit the problem setup of extreme imbalance between the number of unmutated vs. mutated training samples. Motivated by this formulation, our method tries to find a compact representation for unmutated samples while forcing anomalies to be separated from the normal ones. This helps the model to learn a shared unique representation between normal training samples as much as possible, which improves the discernibility and detectability of mutated samples from the unmutated ones at the test time. We conduct a large number of experiments on four publicly available datasets, consisting of three different hemagglutinin protein datasets, and one SARS-CoV-2 dataset, and show the effectiveness of our method through different standard criteria.