bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agar Dilution MIC Test
Authors: Patel Samir N. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The agar dilution MIC test is a quantitative method for the determination of in vitro activity of an antimicrobial agent against bacterial isolates, such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Following incubation using conditions appropriate for the test organisms, the MIC is determined by observing the lowest concentration of antimicrobial agent that inhibits visible growth of each test isolate. MICs obtained are interpreted as susceptible, intermediate, susceptible dose‐dependent, resistant, or non‐susceptible based on criteria defined by the CLSI or by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Recommendations for performance of the agar dilution method for susceptibility testing of aerobic bacteria are found in the CLSI M07 standard and include procedures for both non‐fastidious and fastidious organisms. The chapter covers proper quality control principles for analytical tests. With postanalytical considerations, it provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
Tularemia—
Francisella tularensis
Authors: Schaecher Kurt E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Francisella tularensis
is a fastidious, tiny, Gram‐negative coccobacillus and the etiological agent of tularemia.
F. tularensis
is a known risk for laboratory‐acquired infection. The identification of
F. tularensis
should not be attempted with commercial identification systems because of the potential of generating aerosols and the high probability of misidentification.
F. tularensis
is widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and is responsible for recent tularemia outbreaks in several countries, including Norway and Turkey.
F. tularensis
is a zoonotic pathogen with an extremely wide host range that includes mammals, birds, and amphibians. The primary hosts for
F. tularensis
are believed to be small rodents (hares, voles, muskrats).
F. tularensis
was actively pursued as a biological warfare agent by both the United States and the former Soviet Union.
Melioidosis (
Burkholderia pseudomallei
) and Glanders (
Burkholderia mallei
)
Authors: Egan Christina , Perry Michael J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Burkholderia mallei
is the etiologic agent of glanders, a febrile illness typically seen in equines, i.e., horses, mules, and donkeys. It is a nonmotile, aerobic Gram‐negative coccobacillus, which may or may not be oxidase positive or grow on MacConkey agar.
Burkholderia pseudomallei
was thought to cause a glanders‐like illness in humans.
B. pseudomallei
is an oxidase‐positive, aerobic Gram‐negative bacillus that is straight or slightly curved. The recent sequencing of the genomes suggests that
B. mallei
is a recently evolved clone of
B. pseudomallei
.
B. mallei
infections can present either as cutaneous or systemic. The chapter covers safety considerations, materials, specimen collection, and quality control principles for preanalytical considerations. For analytical considerations, it provides specimen processing, incubation and examination of cultures, and culture identification. With postanalytical considerations, the chapter also provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
Linking Nanoscopic Insights to Millimetric‐Devices in Formamidinium‐Rich Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Othman Mostafa , Jeangros Quentin , Rothmann Mathias Uller , Jiang Yang , Ballif Christophe , Hessler‐Wyser Aïcha , Wolff Christian M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHalide‐perovskite semiconductors have a high potential for use in single‐junction and tandem solar cells. Despite their unprecedented rise in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) for photovoltaic (PV) applications, it remains unclear whether perovskite solar modules can reach a sufficient operational lifetime. In order to make perovskite solar cells (PSCs) commercially viable, a fundamental understanding of the relationship between their nanostructure, optoelectronic properties, device efficiency, and long‐term operational stability/reliability needs to be established. In this review, the phase instabilities in state‐of‐the‐art formamidinium (FA)‐rich perovskite absorbers is discussed. Furthermore, the concerted efforts are summarized in this prospect, covering aspects from fundamental research to device engineering. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the dictating impact of the nanoscale landscape of perovskite materials on their resulting intrinsic stability is provided. Finally, the remaining challenges in the field are assessed and future research directions are proposed for improving the operational lifetimes of perovskite devices. It is believed that these approaches, which bridge nanoscale structural properties to working solar cell devices, will be critical to assessing the realization of a bankable PSC product.
Synergistic Acid‐Base Action Leads to Ultrafast Decontamination of Nerve and Blister Agents by OH− Intercalated Zr4+‐Doped MgAl‐LDH under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Huang Chengcheng , Yang Ying , Wang Pingjing , Fu Hongchen , Hu Xin , Zhou Yunshan , Zhang Lijuan , Zhong Yuxu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDeveloping materials capable of rapidly decontaminating nerve and blister agents directly under ambient conditions are crucial for practical applications. In this work, Mg3Al1‐xZrx‐LDH with different Zr4+ doping contents and corresponding OH− intercalated materials Mg3Al1‐xZrx‐LDH‐OH are synthesized. First, they are used for the decontamination of nerve agents under ambient conditions, showing that increasing the Zr4+ doping amount accelerates the decontamination rate of diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP) and soman (GD), with the half‐life of DECP and GD being 3–5 times shorter with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4‐LDH (the highest Zr4+ doping content) compared to Mg3Al1‐LDH. Notably, the intercalation of OH− in Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4‐LDH further greatly enhances the catalytic activity for DECP and GD, the reaction half‐life of DECP and GD with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4‐LDH‐OH being 18 s and <15 s, respectively, which is the shortest recorded so far. Additionally, under ambient conditions, Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4‐LDH‐OH exhibits superior detoxification performance for mustard gas (HD) compared to Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4‐LDH, with 92.8% of HD being removed within 6 h. Mechanistic studies reveal that Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4‐LDH‐OH efficiently decontaminates nerve and blister agents utilizing the synergistic effect of Lewis acid‐base sites (Zr4+ and laminate OH groups) and interlayer OH−. To extend the practical applications of the materials, PVA@(PAN/LDH‐OH) self‐detoxifying fiber loaded with Mg3Al0.6Zr0.4‐LDH‐OH is prepared.
Simultaneous Regulating the Surface, Interface, and Bulk via Phosphating Modification for High‐Performance Li‐Rich Layered Oxides Cathodes
Authors: Lou Yuhang , Lin Zedong , Shen Jialong , Sun Junpeng , Wang Nan , Chen Zhihao , Huang Rong , Rui Xianhong , Wu Xiaojun , Yang Hai , Yu Yan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLi‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LRMOs) are regarded as the leading cathode materials to overcome the bottleneck of higher energy density. Nevertheless, they encounter significant challenges, including voltage decay, poor cycle stability, and inferior rate performance, primarily due to irreversible oxygen release, transition metal dissolution, and sluggish transport kinetics. Moreover, traditionally single modification strategies do not adequately address these issues. Herein, an innovative “all‐in‐one” modification strategy is developed, simultaneously regulating the surface, interface, and bulk via an in‐situ gas–solid interface phosphating reaction to create P‐doped Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2@Spinel@Li3PO4. Specifically, Li3PO4 surface coating layer shields particles from electrolyte corrosion and enhances Li+ diffusion; in‐situ constructed spinel interfacial layer reduces phase distortion and suppresses the lattice strain; the strong P─O bond derived from P‐doping stabilizes the lattice oxygen frame and inhibits the release of O2, thereby improving the reversibility of oxygen redox reaction. As a result, the phosphatized LRMO demonstrates an exceptional capacity retention of 82.1% at 1C after 300 cycles (compared to 50.8% for LRMO), an outstanding rate capability of 170.5 mAh g−1 at 5C (vs 98.9 mAh g−1 for LRMO), along with excellent voltage maintenance and thermostability. Clearly, this “all‐in‐one” modification strategy offers a novel approach for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries.
PNPO‐Mediated Oxidation of DVL3 Promotes Multiple Myeloma Malignancy and Osteoclastogenesis by Activating the Wnt/β‐Catenin Pathway
Authors: Deng Zhendong , Sun Shanliang , Zhou Nian , Peng Yumeng , Cheng Long , Yu Xichao , Yuan Yuxia , Guo Mengjie , Xu Min , Cheng Yuexin , Zhou Fan , Li Nianguang , Yang Ye , Gu Chunyan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells caused by abnormal gene expression and interactions within the bone marrow (BM) niche. The BM environment significantly influences the progression of MM. Celastrol, a natural compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits significant anticancer effects. This study aimed to identify specific targets of celastrol and develop more effective and less toxic treatment options for MM. Celastrol is used as a probe to determine its specific target, pyridoxine‐5′‐phosphate oxidase (PNPO). Increased levels of PNPO are associated with poor outcomes in MM patients, and PNPO promotes MM cell proliferation and induces osteoclast differentiation through exosomes. Mechanistically, PNPO oxidizes disheveled 3M282 (DVL3), leading to abnormal activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Based on the critical sites of PNPOR95/K117, Eltrombopag is identified as a potential therapeutic candidate for MM. In addition, the experiments showed its efficacy in mouse models. Eltrombopag inhibited the growth of MM cells and reduced bone lesions by disrupting the interaction between PNPO and DVL3, as supported by preliminary clinical trials. The study highlights the importance of PNPO as a high‐risk gene in the development of MM and suggests that Eltrombopag may be a promising treatment option.
Enhanced Oxidative Phosphorylation Driven by TACO1 Mitochondrial Translocation Promotes Stemness and Cisplatin Resistance in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Deng Minhua , Zhou Zhaohui , Chen Jiawei , Li Xiangdong , Liu Zefu , Ye Jingwei , Wei Wensu , Wang Ning , Peng Yulu , Luo Xin , Jiang Lijuan , Zhou Fangjian , Zheng Xianchong , Liu Zhuowei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractChemoresistance poses a critical obstacle in bladder cancer (BCa) treatment, and effective interventions are currently limited. Elevated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) has been linked to cancer stemness, a determinant of chemoresistance. However, the mechanisms underlying increased OXPHOS during cancer cell chemoresistance remain unclear. This study revealed that the mitochondrial translational activator of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (TACO1) is linked to stemness and cisplatin resistance in BCa cells. Mechanistically, mitochondrial TACO1 enhances the translation of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (MTCO1), promoting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) by upregulating OXPHOS, consequently driving cancer stemness and cisplatin resistance. Intriguingly, the mitochondrial translocation of TACO1 is mediated by the heat shock protein 90 β (HSP90β), a process that requires circFOXK2 as a scaffold for the TACO1‐HSP90β interaction. The mutations at the binding sites of TACO1‐circFOXK2‐HSP90β disturb the ternary complex and inhibit cancer stemness and cisplatin resistance in BCa cells by suppressing the MTCO1/OXPHOS/mtROS axis. Clinically, BCa patients with increased mitochondrial TACO1 expression respond poorly to cisplatin treatment. This study elucidates the mechanisms by which TACO1 promotes BCa stemness and cisplatin resistance, providing a potential target for mitigating cisplatin resistance for BCa and a biomarker for predicting cisplatin response.
BRD8 Guards the Pluripotent State by Sensing and Maintaining Histone Acetylation
Authors: Sun Li , Fu Xiuling , Xiao Zhen , Ma Gang , Zhou Yibin , Hu Haoqing , Shi Liyang , Li Dongwei , Jauch Ralf , Hutchins Andrew Paul 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEpigenetic control of cell fates is a critical determinant to maintain cell type stability and permit differentiation during embryonic development. However, the epigenetic control mechanisms are not well understood. Here, it is shown that the histone acetyltransferase reader protein BRD8 impairs the conversion of primed mouse EpiSCs (epiblast stem cells) to naive mouse ESCs (embryonic stem cells). BRD8 works by maintaining histone acetylation on promoters and transcribed gene bodies. BRD8 is responsible for maintaining open chromatin at somatic genes, and histone acetylation at naive‐specific genes. When Brd8 expression is reduced, chromatin accessibility is unchanged at primed‐specific genes, but histone acetylation is reduced. Conversely, naive‐specific genes has reduced repressive chromatin marks and acquired accessible chromatin more rapidly during the cell type conversion. It is shown that this process requires active histone deacetylation to promote the conversion of primed to naive. This data supports a model for BRD8 reading histone acetylation to accurately localize the genome‐wide binding of the histone acetyltransferase KAT5. Overall, this study shows how the reading of the histone acetylation state by BRD8 maintains cell type stability and both enables and impairs stem cell differentiation.
Dual‐Enhanced SERS Satellite Immuno‐Nanocomplex for Multiple PSA‐Mediated PHI Assay Toward Clinical Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Chen Dong , Ma Yilin , Yang Annan , Hu Liping , Zhou Hanlin , Xu Jun , Chen Shanze , Nie Dingmeng , Feng Weifeng , Cai Huaihong , Cong Yanguang , Pi Jiang , Rao Lang , Huang Xueqin , Sun Pinghua , Zhou Haibo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractProstate specific antigen (PSA) is widely used in liquid biopsy of prostate cancer (PCa) but still faces challenges due to the poor specificity. Herein, this study reports a double‐SERS satellite immunoassay, made of an Au–Ag dealloyed intra‐nanogap nanoflower (Au–Ag DINF) with strong SERS signals and Au magnetic nanoparticles (AuMNPs) with magnetic capture and SERS amplification, for sensing multiple PSA (free PSA (fPSA), complexed PSA (cPSA) and [‐2]proPSA (p2PSA)) toward potential PCa screening. Unlike the previous studies focus on the tPSA and fPSA/tPSA ratio (f/t PSA%), this work introduces a multiple PSA‐mediated Prostate Health Index (PHI) assay with significantly increased the predictive accuracy and specificity of PCa, especially the patients with a tPSA level in the “diagnostic gray zone”. Practical analysis of clinical samples demonstrated the SERS immunoassay is capable of identifying the PCa subjects from healthy candidates (N = 13), and monitoring PCa patients before and after surgery (N = 5), as well as screening suspicious ones who are in the “gray zone” (N = 10). Overall, benefiting from the PSA‐responsive satellite immuno‐nanoassemble strategy, dual‐SERS magnification effect, and multiple PSA‐based PHI assessment, this proposes bioassay held enormous potential for the early diagnosis, screening, monitoring, and prognosis of PCa.
Hydrogen‐Generating Magnesium Alloy Seed Strand Sensitizes Solid Tumors to Iodine‐125 Brachytherapy
Authors: Hu Pan , Lin Letao , Chen Guanyu , Liu Dengyao , Guo Huanqing , Xiao Meigui , Zhong Zhihui , Yang Guang , Xu Bingchen , Huang Dongcun , Peng Sheng , Li Yong , Zhang Yanling , Huang Tao , Zhang Fujun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRadioactive iodine‐125 (125I) seed implantation, a brachytherapy technique, effectively kills tumor cells via X‐rays and gamma rays, serving as an alternative therapeutic option following the failure of frontline treatments for various solid tumors. However, tumor radioresistance limits its efficacy. Hydrogen gas has anticancer properties and can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. However, its role in radiotherapy sensitization has rarely been reported. Many current hydrogen delivery methods involve hydrogen‐generating nanomaterials, such as magnesium‐based nanomaterials. This study introduces an AZ31 magnesium alloy 125I seed strand (termed AMASS) with pH‐dependent slow‐release hydrogen characteristics and excellent mechanical properties. AMASS can be implanted into tumors via minimally invasive surgery, releasing hydrogen around the 125I seeds. In vitro experiments showed that hydrogen from AMASS degradation significantly inhibited tumor proliferation, increased apoptosis, disrupted redox homeostasis and mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced adenosine triphosphate levels, and induced DNA damage due to 125I radiation. In mouse xenograft and rabbit liver tumor models, hydrogen from AMASS showed superior therapeutic effects compared with 125I seeds alone, with no noticeable side effects. In addition, AMASS has a uniform radiation dose distribution and simple implantation. Therefore, hydrogen from AMASS enhanced 125I seed efficacy, supporting the further promotion and application of 125I seed implantation in cancer therapy.
CDC20‐Mediated Selective Autophagy Degradation of PBRM1 Affects Immunotherapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fan Yizeng , Dan Weichao , Que Taotao , Wei Yi , Liu Bo , Wang Zixi , Zhang Yulin , Wang Yuzhao , Liu Tianjie , Zhuang Yanxin , Li Mengxing , Guo Chendong , Zeng Jin , Ma Bohan , Li Lei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPolybromo 1 (PBRM1) inactivating mutations are associated with clinical benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, whether targeting PBRM1 has the potential to enhance immunotherapy efficacy in patients with wild‐type PBRM1 and the upstream pathways that regulate PBRM1 protein stability remain unclear. Here, it is demonstrated that PBRM1 knockdown induced M1 macrophage polarization and infiltration, which enhanced the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy in RCC. Meanwhile, CDC20 catalyzes K27 ubiquitination of PBRM1 and promotes its degradation via p62‐mediated selective autophagy. A bicyclic peptide (PB1‐p62) is designed and constructed to target PBRM1 and p62, thereby promoting the degradation of PBRM1. As a result, the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy is enhanced, leading to improved overall survival rates in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Overall, this finding suggest the clinical application of PB1‐p62 and provide a novel approach for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in RCC patients with wild‐type PBRM1.
Dual Inhibition of CDK4/6 and CDK7 Suppresses Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Progression via Epigenetic Modulation of SREBP1‐Regulated Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Yang Yilan , Liao Jiatao , Pan Zhe , Meng Jin , Zhang Li , Shi Wei , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Xiaomeng , Zhou Zhirui , Luo Jurui , Chen Xingxing , Yang Zhaozhi , Mei Xin , Ma Jinli , Zhang Zhen , Jiang Yi‐Zhou , Shao Zhi‐Min , Chen Fei Xavier , Yu Xiaoli , Guo Xiaomao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInhibitors targeting cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) to block cell cycle progression have been effective in treating hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer, but triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains largely resistant, limiting their clinical applicability. The study reveals that transcription regulator cyclin‐dependent kinase7 (CDK7) is a promising target to circumvent TNBC's inherent resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Combining CDK4/6 and CDK7 inhibitors significantly enhances therapeutic effectiveness, leading to a marked decrease in cholesterol biosynthesis within cells. This effect is achieved through reduced activity of the transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), which normally increases cholesterol production by inducing SREBF1 expression. Furthermore, this dual inhibition strategy attenuates the recruitment of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP1) and p300 to genes essential for cholesterol synthesis, thus hindering tumor growth. This research is corroborated by an in‐house cohort showing lower survival rates in TNBC patients with higher cholesterol production gene activity. This suggests a new treatment approach for TNBC by simultaneously targeting CDK4/6 and CDK7, warranting additional clinical trials.
Proteolytic Enzyme Activity and mRNA Expressions of Amino Acid and Peptide Transporter Genes in Tissues of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Exposed to Different Salinities
Authors: Kombat Emmanuel O. , Abakari Godwin , Salifu Abdul‐Razak , Alhassan Elliot H. , Zhao Jin‐Liang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study examined the effects of different salinity levels and exposure time on the activity of proteolytic enzymes and the mRNA expression of amino acid (AA) and peptide transporter genes in various fish tissues of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). O. niloticus juveniles, weighing 25.30 ± 4.82 g, were subjected to salt concentrations of 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 g/L for 30 days. After being exposed to salt for 3 h (acute exposure) and 30 days (chronic exposure), fish tissues (liver, gills and intestines) were sampled. Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) was used to determine the mRNA expressions of peptide and AA transporter genes, while the activities of proteolytic enzymes were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits. Salinity and exposure time had no significant impact (p > 0.05) on the proteolytic enzyme activity in both intestine and liver tissues of O. niloticus, except for elastase and protease at 24 g/L salinity. PepT1a mRNA gene expression in the fish gut was observed to be considerably elevated (p < 0.05) at both exposure times with increasing salinities. PepT1b did not exhibit any appreciable alterations (p < 0.05) in the gills or intestines at the various salinities. In the intestine, the expression of PepT2 was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) with rising salinity for chronic exposure but remained unchanged for acute exposure. In contrast, the expression of PepT2 rose substantially (p < 0.05) in the gills with rising salinity for acute exposure and downregulated for chronic exposure. Both exposure time and salinity significantly impacted (p < 0.05) the expression of slc3a1 in the gut. There were significant variations (p < 0.05) in slc3a9 expression in the gut and gill at all salinities for both acute and chronic exposures. In contrast, substantial variations in slc3a19 expression were seen in the intestine at various salinities for acute exposure but not for chronic exposure. The gills displayed significant differences at all salinities for both exposure times.