bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of various concentrations of common organic solvents on the growth and proliferation ability of Candida glabrata and their permissible limits for addition in drug susceptibility testing
Authors: Liu Juan , Zhang Hongxin , Zhang Lifang , Li Ting , Liu Na , Liu Qing
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetone, ethanol, and methanol are organic solvents commonly used for dissolving drugs in antimicrobial susceptibility testing. However, these solvents have certain antimicrobial activity. Currently, standardized criteria for the selection and dosage of drug solvents in drug susceptibility testing research are lacking. The study aims to provide experimental evidence for the selection and addition limit of drug solvents for the in vitro antifungal susceptibility test of Candida glabrata (C. glabrata).

Methods

According to the recommendation of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3, a 0.5 McFarland C. glabrata suspension was prepared and then diluted 1:1,000. Next, a gradient dilution method was used to prepare 20%, 10%, 5%, and 2.5% DMSO/acetone/ethanol/methanol. The mixture was plated onto a 96-well plate and incubated at a constant temperature of 35 °C for 48 h. The inhibitory effects of DMSO, acetone, ethanol, and methanol on C. glabrata growth and proliferation were analyzed by measuring optical density values at 600 nm (OD600 values).

Results

After 48 h incubation, the OD600 values of C. glabrata decreased to different extents in the presence of the four common organic solvents. The decrease in the OD600 values was greater with increasing concentrations within the experimental concentration range. When DMSO and acetone concentrations were higher than 2.5% (containing 2.5%) and methanol and ethanol concentrations were higher than 5.0% (containing 5.0%), the differences were statistically significant compared with the growth control wells without any organic solvent (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

All four organic solvents could inhibit C. glabrata growth and proliferation. When used as solvents for drug sensitivity testing in C. glabrata, the concentrations of DMSO, acetone, ethanol, and methanol should be below 2.5%, 2.5%, 5%, and 5%, respectively.
How tank-mix adjuvant type and concentration influence the contact angle on wheat leaf surface
Authors: Meng Yanhua , Wu Qiufang , Zhou Hanxue , Hu Hongyan
Published: November 2023

Currently, the utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for spraying pesticides is a prevalent issue in Asian countries. Improving the pesticide efficiency of UAV spraying is a major challenge for researchers. One of the factors that affect the efficiency is the wetting property of the spraying solutions on crop leaves. Tank-mix adjuvants, which can modify the wetting ability of the solutions, are often used for foliar application. However, different types and concentrations of tank-mix adjuvants may have different impacts on the wetting properties of droplets. In this article, we investigated the effects of four tank-mix adjuvants, Beidatong (BDT), Velezia Pro (VP), Nongjianfei (NJF), and Lieying (LY), on the dynamic contact angle (CA) values of droplets on the adaxial surface of wheat leaves. We measured the dynamic CA values of various concentrations of each adjuvant solution and determined the optimal concentrations based on the CA values, droplet spreading time, and cost. The results showed that adding any of the four adjuvants decreased the CA values, but the patterns of decrease varied among them. The CAs of BDT and VP solutions decreased slowly during the observation time (0–8.13 s), while those of NJF and LY solutions decreased rapidly throughout the observation period. According to the dynamic CA values of different concentrations, the optimal concentrations of BDT, VP, NJF, and LY for wheat field application were 12%, 16%, 6‰, and 0.3‰, respectively. Alkoxy-modified polytrisiloxane adjuvant (LY) could be recommended as an appropriate tank-mix adjuvant for wheat field application, considering spreading efficiency and cost. This study provides theoretical and practical guidance for selecting and optimizing tank-mix adjuvants for UAV spraying.
Headteachers Management Practices and its Influence on Teenage Pregnancies in Schools in Tana River Sub County, Tana River County, Kenya
Authors: Hiribae Napasha K.
Published: November 2023

The goal of the research was to evaluate the Head Teacher’s Management practices and its influence on Teenage pregnancy in schools in Tana River Sub- County, Tana River County. The study employed Rational Emotive Behavior Theory, Theory of Joharis Window of Personality and Communication Privacy Management Theory. The study employed descriptive research design. The study was carried out on 100 people from Galole North Zone in Tana River Sub County, Tana River County, Kenya. Stratified random sampling was encompassed to institute a sample size of 80. The investigator used primary data collection instruments. Expert opinion was used to ensure data validity and reliability. The data was analyzed descriptively by means and the standard deviation, while multiple regression analysis was used to establish the influence between the variables. The study revealed that the correlation coefficient between head teachers supervision practices and teen pregnancies in Tana River County is -0.088. The P-value of 0.544 also shows that there exist no significant association between head teachers supervision practices and teen pregnancies since the P-value is above the 0.05 test of significance. Support practices was found to be strongly positive correlated to teen pregnancies with a coefficient of 0.886 with a P-value of 0.000 which is below the threshold of 0.05 thereby indicating a statistically significant association between support practices and teen pregnancies. Communication practices was found have a weak positive correlation to teen pregnancies in Tana River County with a coefficient value of 0.427. The study found that parental communication on peer group pressure could reduce chances of teenage pregnancy in Tana River Sub- County. The study conclude that parental communication on peer group pressure could reduce chances of teenage pregnancy in Tana River Sub- County. The study recommends that efforts on educating people regarding teenage pregnancy should be focused on areas that are poor. Parents should also take the initiative of talking to their children about sex. The government should also ensure that they, the parents are well educated on the how and when to talk about sex with their children.
Framing Deforestation Discourse in Tanzanian Media: An Analysis of Framing Strategies in Daily News and the Guardian Newspapers
Authors: Mgaya Caunter Erasto , Britto Rajendran J. , Mkoko Egbert E.
Published: November 2023

This research delves into the framing of deforestation issues within Tanzania's Daily News and The Guardian newspapers, focusing on political framing, responsibility, environment, and human impact framing. The study centred on a content analysis of deforestation-related articles in these national newspapers, treating the Daily News and The Guardian in Tanzania as a case study. Findings reveal an average coverage of 1.7 deforestation stories per day across both newspapers. Notably, the articles exhibited a predominant political framing, constituting 57% of the content. Despite this emphasis on political perspectives, the study underscores the significance of framing deforestation issues within Tanzanian newspapers and suggests that future research should explore additional newspapers to enrich our understanding of this critical subject.
Diversity of Insects of Two Rice (Oryza sativa L. 1787) Farms in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Authors: Mbelede, K. C.  , Akunne, C. E.  , Ononye, B. U.  , Chidi, C. A.  , Okafor, K. P.  , T. E. Okeke, , Aniefuna, C. O.
Published: November 2023

The recognition of insect-related damages to rice plants and the subsequent consequences for biodiversity have shown the relevance of insect communities in rice farms. This study documented the insect fauna of rice (Oryza sativa L. 1787) in two rice farms in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from September to November, 2022. The insects associated with the two sites were collected using handpicking, sweep net, water trap and pitfall trap methods. Data collected from the study were subjected to non-parametric t- test at 5% significant level. A total of 51,021 insects belonging to twelve insect orders were found associated with the two sites. Out of the aforementioned number, 15,120 (29.63%) were collected from site 1 while 35,901 (70.37%) were collected in site 2. There was significant difference (P <0.05) on insect abundance between site 1 and 2. Crematogaster peringueyi was found to be the most abundant (82.67%) insect in site 1, whereas Camponotus perrisi was found to be the most abundant (27.85%) in site 2. The result further showed that only Hobomok skipper had the least relative abundance (0.01%) in site 1, while Catantops quadratu, Anacatantops notatus, Dysdercus cingulatus, Crematogaster peringueyi, Dasyleurotettix infaustus and Apis mellifera had the least relative abundance (0.01%) in site 2. The diversity indices computed showed that Site 1 had a higher Simpson dominance index (0.6845), Shannon Weiner diversity index (1.07597) and Shannon Weiner evenness  than site 2 (0.0019, 0.41248and 0.0393 respectively). The Margalef richness index (6.3879) of site 2 was greater than site 1 (4.9876).There is need for regular monitoring of insects in rice farms for sustainable management of the crop.
Potential Renewable Energy Source from Nutmeg-Coconut Shell Waste in North Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: Abdullah Abulkhair , Muhammad Zulfian A. Disi  , Hi. Yusuf Muhammad Fakhrur Rajih , Mutmainnah
Published: November 2023

In 2019, North Maluku exported 54,470,489 kg of copra and 2,712,999 kg of nutmeg. The large export value of these two commodities shows that not a small amount of organic waste is produced per year. The high market demand for these two superior commodities will have an impact on the high production of waste generated. Nutmeg shells and coconut shells are dry organic waste. Although organic waste can decompose naturally, both wastes will take a long time to decompose compared to wet organic waste. Waste that is not handled properly will have a worse impact in the future. On the other hand, these wastes have excellent potential if utilized as a renewable energy source. In this study, briquettes were made from nutmeg shell charcoal (NSC) and coconut shell charcoal (CSC) as basic materials, while the adhesive used a 4 % starch solution. This study aims to obtain the optimum ratio of nutmeg shell and coconut shell mixture as raw material for briquettes. The ratio of AP:AK in the briquettes is as follows: Formula B1 (3:1); Formula B2 (1:1); and Formula B3 (1:3). The briquettes were evaluated with reference to SNI 01-6235-2000. The results of the briquette evaluation are as follows: Formula B1 (water content 7.21 %; volatile matter 36.28 %; ash content 7.50 %; calories 6219.07 cal/g); Formula B2 (water content 7.18 %; volatile matter 32.39 %; ash content 6.52 %; calories 6485.14 cal/g); and Formula B3 (water content 6.93 %; volatile matter 29.41 %; ash content 7.06 %; calories 6813.80 cal/g). Based on the briquette evaluation results, Formula B3 is the best quality briquette.
Studies on Correlation and Path Analysis of Yield and its Contributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum)
Authors: Madhu B. , Padmaja D. , Srikanth T. , Balram N.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationships between seed yield and yield-attributing characters in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as well as evaluating their direct and indirect effects. Results indicated that number of capsules per plant (0.806) and 1000-seed weight (0.657) showed positive correlation with seed yield  per plant .  Path  coefficient  analysis  indicated  that  number of capsules per plant (0.806) and 1000  seed  weight  (0.111) exhibited  positive  direct  effect  on seed yield. Positive indirect effect was observed through number of branches per plant   via   number of capsules per plant (0.657).  Number of capsules per plant exhibited positive indirect effect via 1000 seed weight (0.111). Since, it showed strong correlation and direct effect on seed  yield  per plant, selecting    for    this    trait    may  leads to improvement of seed yield per plant. Present   study   revealed   that   the   traits   viz., number of capsules per plant and 1000 seed weight association was highly desirable as the improvement in any of the yield components results into overall increase in seed yield. Selection among  genotypes based  on this  analyses  can  be  made  for  further  improvement  in  seed  yield per plant and  its contributing characters.
Performance Evaluation of Inverted Umbrella Type Rainwater Harvesting System at Raichur Campus
Authors: Tarranum Rubeena , Babu Maheshwara , Kulkarni Prasad S. , Reddy G. V. Srinivasa , Palled Vijaykumar , Ramesh G.
Published: November 2023

The Inverted Umbrella-Type Rainwater Harvesting System is an innovative approach to collecting and storing rainwater efficiently. It is designed in the shape of an inverted umbrella, with a lightweight and durable frame that can be installed on rooftops, open fields, and urban landscapes. This unique design was used with a aim to maximizes rainwater collection efficiency, even during light showers, while occupying minimal space. The system's adaptability to various geographic and climatic conditions makes it a versatile solution for addressing water scarcity. It has potential applications in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, contributing to more responsible water resource management. Rainfall data was collected from meteorological station at Raichur and potential for rainwater harvesting was calculated. Developed rainwater harvesting system was made out of Mild Steel material and transparent white polyethylene sheet was used as cladding material.. The Inverted Umbrella-Type Rainwater Harvesting System represents a promising step toward more responsible water resource management. The Inverted Umbrella-Type Rainwater Harvesting System of size 3m*3m was selected in the study to analyze rain water harvesting efficiency with components like canopy, central conveying pipe, storage tank, filteration mechanism etc. Once the rain falls over the canopy it was diverted to a central connecting pipe and then stored in a storage tank. A co-efficient of performance for kharif season during the year 2022 was developed to estimate the efficiency of the system. Annually 5700 litres of water can be harvested from a single unit of inverted umbrella type rainwater harvesting system. Anticipated and actual water yield during kharif season was found as 4627.56 and 4480.5 L respectively with overall efficiency as 97%. Key features of this system include high collection efficiency, a small footprint, environmental sustainability, ease of maintenance, and water quality assurance. It reduces reliance on traditional water sources, helping conserve water and mitigate environmental impacts
Impact of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Watershed Projects on Cultivable Lands in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Shankar M. Girija , Murthy V. Divya Thejo , Somasekhar K.
Published: November 2023

Aim: This study was taken up to investigate the usefulness of Remote Sensing & GIS tools for the evaluation of fourteen watershed projects implemented under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) project in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted by Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Andhra Pradesh 2009 to 2022.

Methodology: High-resolution data like Resourcesat-2, Linear Imaging and Self Scanning-IV (LISS-IV) of 2011 (pre-treatment) and 2016 (post-treatment) were used in this project to measure the changes in land use/land cover and biomass during the project period (2011-16). Due to the implementation of the watershed developmental activities, an additional area of 11417 ha has been brought under cultivation.

Results: The fallow land area decreased by 3686.12 Ha (24.12%) which is attributed to dense and open vegetation categories. The output of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index classification indicates the increase in dense vegetation by 9804.05 ha, which indicates there is an improvement in the open vegetation category due to the reclamation of fallow land.

Conclusion: This study reveals that an additional area of 126.88 ha (12.80%) increased under water bodies and 3686.12 ha wasteland converted to cultivable land due to the construction of farm ponds, percolation tanks and check dams. This area is attributed to cropland and plantations.
Effect of Problem-based Learning Strategy on Senior Secondary Two Students’ Achievement in Geometry in Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Emefo Chinyere N.  , Bot Thomas D.  , Binda Shem I.
Published: November 2023

This study focused on investigating the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) strategy on Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students’ achievement in geometry in Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest control group. A population of 256 SS2 students and a sample of 60 SS2 students from two secondary schools participated in the study. The treatment group was exposed to PBL for a period of eight weeks totaling to 20 hours, while the control group received the lecture teaching method. The research instrument used was Geometry Achievement Test (GAT). The data were analyzed with the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistic at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in the achievement of experimental group when compared with control group. It was concluded that problem-based learning is effective in the teaching and learning of geometry. It was recommended that teachers of Senior Secondary Two classes should adopt problem-based learning strategy in the teaching and learning of Geometry.
Perception of Men on Family Planning: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Isa Bilkisu , Mandara Mairo , Buba Aisha Adamu , Ibrahim Sanusi Mohammed
Published: November 2023

Family planning plays a key role in population growth, poverty reduction, and improving maternal health. Family planning advocates call for engaging men in contraceptive decision making, yet little is known about men's contraceptive and pregnancy attitudes and behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine knowledge, attitudes and practice towards family planning of men in Jere Local government area, Borno State. The study employed the survey method and questionnaires were admitted to respondents, it was conducted in 2022. The study population comprised all the men who were aged older than 18 years. A combination of multi-stage and systematic sampling techniques was used to select a sample size of one hundred and fifty respondents used for the study. Related literatures were reviewed and primary data constituted and the inputs used for the analysis of data. Although 92.0% of the men had heard about family planning, only 26% practice it. Most men perceive that family planning make its users promiscuous (40%), their role in family planning conflict with their moral/ cultural/ religious beliefs (46%). Level of education, employment status, number of children and marital setting significantly affected family planning practice. While respondents aged >25years have higher negative perception toward FP than those aged between 18-25 years. X2 =13.253, P<0.010. Also married respondents have higher negative perception on family planning (95.0%) than single respondents (5.0%).X2 =13.276, P<0.010; there is significant relationship between the marital setting of respondents X2=87.780; p<0.0001 and their attitude toward family planning. Respondents age 18-25 years and unmarried seem to have positive perception on family planning. The study have shown that majority of the respondents are aware and had knowledge of family planning and less than half of them practice family planning and most of them had never been involved themselves in family planning; this may be attributed to negative perceptions recorded among them on family planning and health care system. There should be intensive and adequate education programme addressed at the men based on accurate and relevant information to deal with not only the benefits but also the unfounded misconceptions, religious and socio-cultural belief.
Development of Linagliptin Ultra Fine Solid Supersaturated Bio-SNEDDS Using Triangular Mixture Design for Enhancement of Oral Bioavailability: Impact of P-gp Inhibition
Authors: Mansour Hend Mohammed , El-Gawad Abd El-Gawad H. Abd , Boughdady Mariza Fouad
Published: November 2023

Linagliptin (LIN) is a newly developed dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor oral antidiabetic drug. LIN is considered a P-gp substrate, thus suffers from poor bioavailability (< 30%). The aim of this study was to develop and characterize LIN bioactive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to circumvent its poor bioavailability and enhance its therapeutic efficacy.

Methodology: In this study, we developed solid supersaturated bioactive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (Ss-bio-SNEDDS) of LIN, using clove oil as an oil phase, cremophor CO 40 as a surfactant, labrasol as a co-surfactant and Hydroxy-propyl-B-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) as a precipitation inhibitor (PI); all components are of established P-gp inhibition activity. Optimization was performed by means of triangular mixture design based on particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI) and percent transmittance. The two optimized formulations (F4 and F8) were designated and evaluated for stability and cloud point. Also, the effect of pH on particle size and PDI was assessed. Additionally, examination of particles’ surface morphology of the two optimized formulations was performed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The prepared liquid supersaturated-SNEDDS (s-SNEDDS) were converted into solid supersaturated-SNEDDS (Ss-SNEDDS) via adsorption on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Further evaluations were carried out, including in vitro drug release, in vitro precipitation and in vivo studies.

Results: The optimized formulations F4 and F8 manifested promising characteristics concerning particle size (< 50 nm), PDI (< 0.3) and percent transmittance (> 99%). Stability study showed no phase separation or precipitation with rapid emulsification time. The two optimized formulations showed high cloud point temperature (above 70°C). TEM images of F4 and F8 showed spheroid like appearance with relatively smooth surface. Results of the in vivo study in rats revealed a significant increase in AUC of solid-F4, solid-F8 and solid supersaturated-F4 (S-F4, S-F8 and Ss-F4) by 2.32, 2.89 and 2.54 folds, respectively compared to LIN solution; with a noticeable reduction in blood glucose level at each point.

Conclusion: In a nutshell, Ss-bio-SNEDDS are considered as auspicious nano-carriers for LIN with the virtue of augmented bioavailability and possible dose reduction.
Expression of the Wolbachia male‐killing factor Oscar impairs dosage compensation in lepidopteran embryos
Authors: Fukui Takahiro , Kiuchi Takashi , Tomihara Kenta , Muro Tomohiro , Matsuda‐Imai Noriko , Katsuma Susumu
Published: November 2023

Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria in insects that can manipulate the sexual development and reproduction by male killing or other methods. We have recently identified a Wolbachia protein named Oscar that acts as a male‐killing factor for lepidopteran insects. Oscar interacts with the Masculinizer (Masc) protein, which is required for both masculinization and dosage compensation (DC) in lepidopteran insects. Embryonic expression of Oscar inhibits masculinization and causes male killing in two lepidopteran species, Ostrinia furnacalis and Bombyx mori. However, it remains unknown whether Oscar‐induced male killing is caused by a failure of DC. Here, we performed a transcriptome analysis of Oscar complementary RNA‐injected O. furnacalis and B. mori embryos, and found that Oscar primarily targets the Masc protein, resulting in male killing by interfering with DC in lepidopteran insects.
Position‐Responsive SEI Layer in Bicomponent‐Bidirectional Gradient Current Collector Induces Homogenized Ion Flux for Highly Reversible Li Metal Anode
Authors: Yin Xiangkai , Zhu Runxi , Hu Xiaofei , Zhao Hongyang , Li Xinyang , Liu Limin , Niu Shuwen , Wang Jiazheng , Meng Yi , Su Yaqiong , Ding Shujiang , Yu Wei
Published: November 2023

A gradient current collector (GCC) can encourage preferential Li metal deposition on the more lithiophilic/conductive bottom of 3D anodes, enhancing the reversibility of the battery. However, as the deposition proceeds, the reduction of lithophilicity/conductivity easily causes the disturbance of Li+ flux. Herein, a brand‐new bicomponent‐bidirectional gradient current collector (BGCC) is proposed. The BGCC constructs slow‐release additives with reverse gradient distribution (SA gradient) based on GCC, allowing it to build a position‐responsive solid electrolyte interface layer. Additionally, as the deposition amount increases, the slow‐release additives will release more and present a stronger ability to regulate Li+ flux, ensuring the anodereversibility under large deposition amounts conditions. Consequently, asymmetric cells can exhibit high reversibility with an average coulomb efficiency (CE) of 97.8% and sustain over 200 cycles using carbonate‐based electrolytes. The Li@BGCC||LiFePO4 full cells hold a capacity retention of 94.8% over 400 cycles with thin Li. Notably, even at low temperatures, the Li@BGCC anodes can exhibit a CE as high as 98.46% and excellent capacity retention of 97.8% after 100 cycles paired with NCM811 cathodes. This strategy opens up a new direction for the development of 3D current collectors.
Charge Separation to Facilitate The Conversion of Copper‐Phenylacetylide from Aggregation‐Induced Emission to Efficient Photocatalysis
Authors: Sun Huiying , Zhao Zhao , Xing Yanmei , Wei Kaiqiang , Zhao Xinyu , Zhao Yingnan , Wang Xin , Kang Zhenhui , Li Yangguang , Tan Huaqiao
Published: November 2023

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) materials are considered promising photocatalyst candidates due to their robust light‐harvesting and efficient photoexcitation, if their photoexcited carriers can be separated effectively. Herein, by skillfully selecting multi‐alkynyl ligands instead of phenylacetylene to construct multi‐channel charge separation, copper‐phenylacetylide (CP‐1) with AIE properties is successfully transformed into efficient photocatalysts CP‐2P (copper‐1,4‐diethynylbenzene) and CP‐2M (copper‐1,3‐diethylnylbenzene). In these structures, the multi‐alkynyl ligands connects the copper‐ladder into multi‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks with greatly reduced bandgap, enhances charge transfer and separation, and facilitated oxygen adsorption and activation. As a representative, CP‐2P has the best photocatalytic activity and stability for photocatalytic aerobic oxidation, such as thioanisole oxidation (conv. > 99%, methyl phenyl sulfoxide sel. ≧ 94%), benzyl alcohol oxidation (conv. > 99%, benzaldehyde sel. > 99%) and benzylamine oxidation (conv. > 99%, N‐benzylidene benzylamine sel. > 99%), which can be used for large‐scale sunlight‐driven organic photosynthesis. This work confirms the feasibility of controlled conversion of the conventional copper‐alkynyl from AIE material to efficient photocatalyst using charge separation strategy, which provides an important guidance for the rational design of new high‐efficiency photocatalyst.
AI‐Driven Design System for Fabrication of Inhalable Nanocatchers for Virus Capture and Neutralization
Authors: Pang Hao‐Han , Li Nan‐Si , Hsu Ying‐Pei , Ju Shin‐Pon , Syu Guan‐Da , Du Pin‐Xian , Huang Chiung‐Yin , Wei Kuo‐Chen , Yang Hung‐Wei
Published: November 2023

The global pandemic presents a critical threat to humanity, with no effective rapid‐response solutions for early‐stage virus dissemination. This study aims to create an AI‐driven entry‐blocker design system (AIEB) to fabricate inhalable virus‐like nanocatchers (VLNCs) fused with entry‐blocking peptides (EBPs) to counter pandemic viruses and explore therapeutic applications. This work focuses on developing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)‐mimic domain‐fused VLNCs (ACE2@VLNCs) using AIEB and analyzing their interaction with the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor binding domain (RBD), demonstrating their potential to hinder SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Aerosol‐based tests show ACE2@VLNCs persist over 70 min in the air and neutralize pseudoviruses within 30 min, indicating their utility in reducing airborne virus transmission. In vivo results reveal ACE2@VLNCs mitigate over 67% of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. Biosafety studies confirm their safety, causing no damage to eyes, skin, lungs, or trachea, and not eliciting significant immune responses. These findings offer crucial insights into pandemic virus prevention and treatment, highlighting the potential of the ACE2@VLNCs system as a promising strategy against future pandemics.
Self‐Assembled Multiepitope Nanovaccine Provides Long‐Lasting Cross‐Protection against Influenza Virus
Authors: Nie Jiaojiao , Wang Qingyu , Li Chenxi , Zhou Yongfei , Yao Xin , Xu Lipeng , Chang Yaotian , Ding Fan , Sun Lulu , Zhan Li , Zhu Lvzhou , Xie Kunpeng , Wang Xu , Shi Yuhua , Zhao Qi , Shan Yaming
Published: November 2023

Seasonal influenza vaccines typically provide strain‐specific protection and are reformulated annually, which is a complex and time‐consuming process. Multiepitope vaccines, combining multiple conserved antigenic epitopes from a pathogen, can trigger more robust, diverse, and effective immune responses, providing a potential solution. However, their practical application is hindered by low immunogenicity and short‐term effectiveness. In this study, multiple linear epitopes from the conserved stem domain of hemagglutinin and the ectodomain of matrix protein 2 are combined with the Helicobacter pylori ferritin, a stable self‐assembled nanoplatform, to develop an influenza multiepitope nanovaccine, named MHF. MHF is prokaryotically expressed in a soluble form and self‐assembles into uniform nanoparticles. The subcutaneous immunization of mice with adjuvanted MHF induces cross‐reactive neutralizing antibodies, antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, and cellular immunity, offering complete protection against H3N2 as well as partial protection against H1N1. Importantly, the vaccine cargo delivered by ferritin triggers epitope‐specific memory B‐cell responses, with antibody level persisting for over 6 months post‐immunization. These findings indicate that self‐assembled multiepitope nanovaccines elicit potent and long‐lasting immune responses while significantly reducing the risk of vaccine escape mutants, and offer greater practicality in terms of scalable manufacturing and genetic manipulability, presenting a promising and effective strategy for future vaccine development.
Hybrid Endometrial‐Derived Hydrogels: Human Organoid Culture Models and In Vivo Perspectives
Authors: Gómez‐Álvarez María , Bueno‐Fernandez Clara , Rodríguez‐Eguren Adolfo , Francés‐Herrero Emilio , Agustina‐Hernández Marcos , Faus Amparo , Gisbert Roca Fernando , Martínez‐Ramos Cristina , Galán Amparo , Pellicer Antonio , Ferrero Hortensia , Cervelló Irene
Published: November 2023

The endometrium plays a vital role in fertility, providing a receptive environment for embryo implantation and development. Understanding the endometrial physiology is essential for developing new strategies to improve reproductive healthcare. Human endometrial organoids (hEOs) are emerging as powerful models for translational research and personalized medicine. However, most hEOs are cultured in a 3D microenvironment that significantly differs from the human endometrium, limiting their applicability in bioengineering. This study presents a hybrid endometrial‐derived hydrogel that combines the rigidity of PuraMatrix (PM) with the natural scaffold components and interactions of a porcine decellularized endometrial extracellular matrix (EndoECM) hydrogel. This hydrogel provides outstanding support for hEO culture, enhances hEO differentiation efficiency due to its biochemical similarity with the native tissue, exhibits superior in vivo stability, and demonstrates xenogeneic biocompatibility in mice over a 2‐week period. Taken together, these attributes position this hybrid endometrial‐derived hydrogel as a promising biomaterial for regenerative treatments in reproductive medicine.
Piezoionic High Performance Hydrogel Generator and Active Protein Absorber via Microscopic Porosity and Phase Blending
Authors: Lu Xi , Chen Yao , Zhang Yihe , Cheng Jiajun , Teng Kaixuan , Chen Yunfan , Shi Jing , Wang Danlei , Wang Long , You Shaohua , Feng Zeguo , An Qi
Published: November 2023

Generating electricity in hydrogel is very important but remains difficult. Hydrogel with electricity generation capability is more capable in bio‐relevant tasks such as tissue engineering, artificial skin, or medical treatment, because electricity is indispensable in regulating physiological activities. Here, a porous and phase blending hydrogel structure for effective piezoionic electricity generation is developed. Dynamic electric field is generated taking advantage of the difference in streaming speeds of sodium and chloride in the material. Microscopic porosity and hydrophilic‐hydrophobic phase blending are the two key factors for prominent piezoionic performance. Voltages as high as 600 mV are first realized in hydrogels in response to medical ultrasound stimulation. The hydrogel structure is also subjective to effective substance exchange and can actively enrich proteins from surroundings under mechanical stimuli. Preliminary applications in neural stimulation, constructing complex spatial‐temporal chemical and electric field distribution patterns, mimetic tactile sensor, sample pretreatment in fast detection, and enzyme immobilization are demonstrated.
Room Temperature NUV‐To‐NIR Up‐ and Down‐Conversion Photoluminescence in Erbium‐Doped GaAs
Authors: Cheng Yuanbo , Zuo Zongyan , Yao Jinshan , Zhang Kedong , Lu Yang , Li Chen , Deng Yu , Zhang Xuejin , Lu Hong , Chen Yan‐Feng
Published: November 2023

Erbium (Er)‐doped III‐V semiconductors are promising for optoelectronic devices due to the unique intra‐4f electronic transitions of Er3+; however, the Er‐related luminescence at room temperature has always been challenging to obtain. In this work, High crystalline quality ErAs:GaAs films are grown with self‐assembled ErAs nanoparticles embedded within the GaAs matrix by molecular beam epitaxy. Rich photoluminescence spectra in a broad wavelength ranging from near‐ultraviolet to near‐infrared are observed at room temperature and confirmed to be Er‐related. A carrier‐mediated energy transfer up‐conversion mechanism is proposed, and the pump power‐dependent photoluminescence results reveal that the excited‐state absorption is governed by a single photonic process. The efficient interaction and energy transfer between the semiconductor matrix and Er3+ ions offered by this unique nanocomposite material provide a promising route to achieve novel optoelectronic devices with the potential to cover a broad wavelength range.
Optimized Two‐Color Single‐Molecule Tracking of Fast‐Diffusing Membrane Receptors
Authors: Schirripa Spagnolo Chiara , Moscardini Aldo , Amodeo Rosy , Beltram Fabio , Luin Stefano
Published: November 2023

Single particle tracking (SPT) combined with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFm) is an outstanding approach to decipher mechanisms on the cell membrane at the nanoscale. Multicolor configurations, needed to investigate interactions, are still hindered by several challenges. This work systematically and quantitatively analyzes the impact of necessary elements of SPT‐TIRFm setups on the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), which must be optimized especially in dynamic studies needing minimally invasive dyes for biomolecule labeling. Autofluorescence originating from commonly used optical glass results in the dominant limiting factor in TIRFm, and a cover glass material is tested yielding significant SNR improvements in multichannel TIRFm. Moreover, methodologies are optimized for reducing fluorophore photobleaching in multicolor implementations requiring simultaneous stabilization of multiple dyes. The developed strategies are applied to the fast p75NTR receptors labeled by two fluorophores on the membrane of living cells, achieving reliable, simultaneous two‐color SPT, contrary to configurations using standard cover glasses. This work highlights the importance of optical materials suitable for microscopy and with reduced autofluorescence for increasing sensitivity toward ultimate spatiotemporal resolutions. In particular, the present protocols can pave the way for multicolor super‐resolved localization and tracking of single molecules by TIRFm, greatly expanding the potential of SPT.
Unveiling The Role of Cu+ Doping in Rb2AgBr3 Scintillators toward Enhanced Photoluminescence Quantum Efficiency and Light Yield
Authors: Hu Yakun , Jin Jiance , Han Kai , Xia Zhiguo
Published: November 2023

Doping in luminescent metal halides has become an effective strategy for tailoring the optoelectronic properties. Herein, Cu+ is introduced into Rb2AgBr3 to design the synthesis of Rb2AgBr3:xCu+, which possess cold‐white light emission at room‐temperature without changing the spectral profiles; however, the Cu+ incorporation significantly enhances the photoluminescence quantum efficiency to 98.8% in Rb2AgBr3:0.05Cu+. Additionally, a high scintillation light yield of up to 79 250 photons MeV−1 and a low detection limit of 714.83 nGy s−1 have been achieved via this Cu+ doping engineering. X‐ray imaging with a spatial resolution of up to 5.8 lp mm−1 is further realized using a large scintillator film prepared by mixing polydimethylsiloxane with Cu+ doped Rb2AgBr3 scintillators. This study provides a Cu+ doping design principle for improving both the photoluminescence and scintillation performances of metal halides.
Enantioselective Syntheses of Multiply Functionalized Six‐Membered Carbocycles from Nitroalkenes and γ,δ‐Unsaturated ß‐Ketoesters using Chiral Catalysts Derived from Cobalt(III) and 1,2‐Diphenylethylenediamine
Authors: Wang Katherine , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Gladysz John A.
Published: November 2023

Condensations of the title educts R4CH=CH(C=O)CH2CO2Et and R6CH=CHNO2 in the presence of NEt3 and the catalyst Λ‐[Co((S,S)‐dpen)3]3+2Cl−B(C6F5)4− (both 10 mol%, 0 °C; dpen=1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine) afford R6CHCH(NO2)CH(R4)CH2C(OH)CCO2Et, with three contiguous carbon stereocenters, as >99:1 to 85:15 mixtures of diastereomers (ten examples). The major diastereomers are isolated in 81–63% yields and 97–76% ee. When R4 and R6 are both aryl groups, additions of 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylquanidine/CH3CN epimerize the CHNO2 moieties, affording 78:22 to 67:33 mixtures of the new/old diastereomers (2 h, RT). Alternatively, epimerization to >99:1 mixtures occurs spontaneously over 4 weeks in hexanes/isopropanol. These transformations entail two consecutive Michael additions, and two crystal structures confirm the relative and absolute product configurations. These assignments are supported by NMR data in solution and literature studies of similar compounds. Overall, catalyst Λ‐[Co((S,S)‐dpen)3]3+2Cl−B(C6F5)4− affords superior yields and enantio‐ or diastereoselectivities compared to those previously reported for the title reaction.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Indoles to Access Tryptanthrins at Room Temperature
Authors: Guo Ziyi , Liu Yi , Li Hang , Wu Jiaping , Xie Meihua , Zhang Jitan
Published: November 2023

An electrooxidative reconstruction of the indole core under ambient conditions is reported, resulting in the construction of tryptanthrins. This electrochemical strategy simplifies molecular skeleton‐hopping by employing commercially available NH‐indole feedstock as the starting materials. Furthermore, the synthetic value of this skeletal reconstruction was demonstrated by divergent further transformations. A preliminary mechanistic investigation involving control experiments and cyclovoltammetric studies showed the indispensability of electricity, as well as the importance of oxygen and TEMPO, thereby revealing a possible reaction pathway.
Nanotechnology and Cancer Bioelectricity: Bridging the Gap Between Biology and Translational Medicine
Authors: Moreddu Rosalia
Published: November 2023

Bioelectricity is the electrical activity that occurs within living cells and tissues. This activity is critical for regulating homeostatic cellular function and communication, and disruptions of the same can lead to a variety of conditions, including cancer. Cancer cells are known to exhibit abnormal electrical properties compared to their healthy counterparts, and this has driven researchers to investigate the potential of harnessing bioelectricity as a tool in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In parallel, bioelectricity represents one of the means to gain fundamental insights on how electrical signals and charges play a role in cancer insurgence, growth, and progression. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature in this field, addressing the fundamentals of bioelectricity in single cancer cells, cancer cell cohorts, and cancerous tissues. The emerging role of bioelectricity in cancer proliferation and metastasis is introduced. Based on the acknowledgement that this biological information is still hard to access due to the existing gap between biological findings and translational medicine, the latest advancements in the field of nanotechnologies for cellular electrophysiology are examined, as well as the most recent developments in micro‐ and nano‐devices for cancer diagnostics and therapy targeting bioelectricity.
IGF2BP2 Drives Cell Cycle Progression in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer by Recruiting EIF4A1 to Promote the m6A‐Modified CDK6 Translation Initiation Process
Authors: Xia Tian , Dai Xin‐Yuan , Sang Ming‐Yi , Zhang Xu , Xu Feng , Wu Jing , Shi Liang , Wei Ji‐Fu , Ding Qiang
Published: November 2023

IGF2BP2 is a new identified N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) reader and associated with poor prognosis in many tumors. However, its role and related mechanism in breast cancer, especially in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), remains unclear. In this study, it is found that IGF2BP2 is highly expressed in TNBC due to the lower methylation level in its promoter region. Functional and mechanical studies displayed that IGF2BP2 could promote TNBC proliferation and the G1/S phase transition of the cell cycle via directly regulating CDK6 in an m6A‐dependent manner. Surprising, the regulation of protein levels of CDK6 by IGF2BP2 is related to the changes in translation rate during translation initiation, rather than mRNA stability. Moreover, EIF4A1 is found to be recruited by IGF2BP2 to promote the translation output of CDK6, providing new evidence for a regulatory role of IGF2BP2 between m6A methylation and translation. Downregulation of IGF2BP2 in TNBC cell could enhance the sensitivity to abemaciclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor. To sum up, our study revealed IGF2BP2 could facilitate the translation output of CDK6 via recruiting EIF4A1 and also provided a potential therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC, as well as a new strategy for broadening the drug indications for CDK4/6 inhibitors.
A Novel Bioswitchable miRNA Mimic Delivery System: Therapeutic Strategies Upgraded from Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid System for Fibrotic Disease Treatment and Pyroptosis Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Jiang Yueying , Li Songhang , Shi Ruijianghan , Yin Wumeng , Lv Weitong , Tian Taoran , Lin Yunfeng
Published: November 2023

There has been considerable interest in gene vectors and their role in regulating cellular activities and treating diseases since the advent of nucleic acid drugs. MicroRNA (miR) therapeutic strategies are research hotspots as they regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally and treat a range of diseases. An original tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) analog, a bioswitchable miR inhibitor delivery system (BiRDS) carrying miR inhibitors, is previously established; however, it remains unknown whether BiRDS can be equipped with miR mimics. Taking advantage of the transport capacity of tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) and upgrading it further, the treatment outcomes of a traditional tFNA and BiRDS at different concentrations on TGF‐β‐ and bleomycin‐induced fibrosis simultaneously in vitro and in vivo are compared. An upgraded traditional tFNA is designed by successfully synthesizing a novel BiRDS, carrying a miR mimic, miR‐27a, for treating skin fibrosis and inhibiting the pyroptosis pathway, which exhibits stability and biocompatibility. BiRDS has three times higher efficiency in delivering miRNAs than the conventional tFNA with sticky ends. Moreover, BiRDS is more potent against fibrosis and pyroptosis‐related diseases than tFNAs. These findings indicate that the BiRDS can be applied as a drug delivery system for disease treatment.
Loss of ESRP2 Activates TAK1‐MAPK Signaling through the Fetal RNA‐Splicing Program to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Yan Qian , Fang Xiaona , Liu Xiaoxia , Guo Sai , Chen Siqi , Luo Min , Lan Ping , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: November 2023

Tumors usually display fetal‐like characteristics, and many oncofetal proteins have been identified. However, fetal‐like reprogramming of RNA splicing in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. Here, it is demonstrated that the expression of epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2), an RNA splicing factor, is suppressed in fetal hepatocytes and HCC, in parallel with tumor progression. By combining RNA‐Seq with splicing analysis, it is identified that ESRP2 controls the fetal‐to‐adult switch of multiple splice isoforms in HCC. Functionally, ESRP2 suppressed cell proliferation and migration by specifically switching the alternative splicing (AS) of the TAK1 gene and restraining the expression of the fetal and oncogenic isoform, TAK1_ΔE12. Notably, aberrant TAK1 splicing led to the activation of p38MAPK signaling and predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. Further investigation revealed that TAK1_ΔE12 protein interacted closely with TAB3 and formed liquid condensation in HCC cells, resulting in p38MAPK activation, enhanced cell migration, and accelerated tumorigenesis. Loss of ESRP2 sensitized HCC cells to TAK1 kinase inhibitor (TAK1i), promoting pyroptotic cell death and CD8+ T cell infiltration. Combining TAK1i with immune checkpoint therapy achieved potent tumor regression in mice. Overall, the findings reveal a previously unexplored onco‐fetal reprogramming of RNA splicing and provide novel therapeutic avenues for HCC.
A Facile Design for Water‐Oxidation Molecular Catalysts Precise Assembling on Photoanodes
Authors: Jiang Wenchao , Li Siyuan , Sui Qi , Gao Yujie , Li Fei , Xia Lixin , Jiang Yi
Published: November 2023

Regulating the interfacial charge transfer behavior between cocatalysts and semiconductors remains a critical challenge for attaining efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation reactions. Herein, using bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoanode as a model, it introduces an Au binding bridge as holes transfer channels onto the surfaces of BiVO4, and the cyano‐functionalized cobalt cubane (Co4O4) molecules are preferentially immobilized on the Au bridge due to the strong adsorption of cyano groups with Au nanoparticles. This orchestrated arrangement facilitates the seamless transfer of photogenerated holes from BiVO4 to Co4O4 molecules, forming an orderly charge transfer pathway connecting the light‐absorbing layer to reactive sites. An exciting photocurrent density of 5.06 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (3.4 times that of BiVO4) is obtained by the Co4O4@Au(A)/BiVO4 photoanode, where the surface charge recombination is almost completely suppressed accompanied by a surface charge transfer efficiency over 95%. This work represents a promising strategy for accelerating interfacial charge transfer and achieving efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation reaction.