bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrostatic-induced ion-confined partitioning in graphene nanolaminate membrane for breaking anion–cation co-transport to enhance desalination
Authors: Zhang Haiguang , Xing Jiajian , Wei Gaoliang , Wang Xu , Chen Shuo , Quan Xie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractConstructing nanolaminate membranes made of two-dimensional graphene oxide nanosheets has gained enormous interest in recent decades. However, a key challenge facing current graphene-based membranes is their poor rejection for monovalent salts due to the swelling-induced weak nanoconfinement and the transmembrane co-transport of anions and cations. Herein, we propose a strategy of electrostatic-induced ion-confined partitioning in a reduced graphene oxide membrane for breaking the correlation of anions and cations to suppress anion-cation co-transport, substantially improving the desalination performance. The membrane demonstrates a rejection of 95.5% for NaCl with a water permeance of 48.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 in pressure-driven process, and it also exhibits a salt rejection of 99.7% and a water flux of 47.0 L m−2 h−1 under osmosis-driven condition, outperforming the performance of reported graphene-based membranes. The simulation and calculation results unveil that the strong electrostatic attraction of membrane forces the hydrated Na+ to undergo dehydration and be exclusively confined in the nanochannels, strengthening the intra-nanochannel anion/cation partitioning, which refrains from the dynamical anion-cation correlations and thereby prevents anions and cations from co-transporting through the membrane. This study provides guidance for designing advanced desalination membranes and inspires the future development of membrane-based separation technologies.
Active transcription and epigenetic reactions synergistically regulate meso-scale genomic organization
Authors: Kant Aayush , Guo Zixian , Vinayak Vinayak , Neguembor Maria Victoria , Li Wing Shun , Agrawal Vasundhara , Pujadas Emily , Almassalha Luay , Backman Vadim , Lakadamyali Melike , Cosma Maria Pia , Shenoy Vivek B. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn interphase nuclei, chromatin forms dense domains of characteristic sizes, but the influence of transcription and histone modifications on domain size is not understood. We present a theoretical model exploring this relationship, considering chromatin-chromatin interactions, histone modifications, and chromatin extrusion. We predict that the size of heterochromatic domains is governed by a balance among the diffusive flux of methylated histones sustaining them and the acetylation reactions in the domains and the process of loop extrusion via supercoiling by RNAPII at their periphery, which contributes to size reduction. Super-resolution and nano-imaging of five distinct cell lines confirm the predictions indicating that the absence of transcription leads to larger heterochromatin domains. Furthermore, the model accurately reproduces the findings regarding how transcription-mediated supercoiling loss can mitigate the impacts of excessive cohesin loading. Our findings shed light on the role of transcription in genome organization, offering insights into chromatin dynamics and potential therapeutic targets.
Cell-free biosynthesis and engineering of ribosomally synthesized lanthipeptides
Authors: Liu Wan-Qiu , Ji Xiangyang , Ba Fang , Zhang Yufei , Xu Huiling , Huang Shuhui , Zheng Xiao , Liu Yifan , Ling Shengjie , Jewett Michael C. , Li Jian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRibosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a major class of natural products with diverse chemical structures and potent biological activities. A vast majority of RiPP gene clusters remain unexplored in microbial genomes, which is partially due to the lack of rapid and efficient heterologous expression systems for RiPP characterization and biosynthesis. Here, we report a unified biocatalysis (UniBioCat) system based on cell-free gene expression for rapid biosynthesis and engineering of RiPPs. We demonstrate UniBioCat by reconstituting a full biosynthetic pathway for de novo biosynthesis of salivaricin B, a lanthipeptide RiPP. Next, we delete several protease/peptidase genes from the source strain to enhance the performance of UniBioCat, which then can synthesize and screen salivaricin B variants with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Finally, we show that UniBioCat is generalizable by synthesizing and evaluating the bioactivity of ten uncharacterized lanthipeptides. We expect UniBioCat to accelerate the discovery, characterization, and synthesis of RiPPs.
Lightweight and drift-free magnetically actuated millirobots via asymmetric laser-induced graphene
Authors: Chen Yun , Guo Yuanhui , Xie Bin , Jin Fujun , Ma Li , Zhang Hao , Li Yihao , Chen Xin , Hou Maoxiang , Gao Jian , Liu Huilong , Lu Yu-Jing , Wong Ching-Ping , Zhao Ni 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMillirobots must have low cost, efficient locomotion, and the ability to track target trajectories precisely if they are to be widely deployed. With current materials and fabrication methods, achieving all of these features in one millirobot remains difficult. We develop a series of graphene-based helical millirobots by introducing asymmetric light pattern distortion to a laser-induced polymer-to-graphene conversion process; this distortion resulted in the spontaneous twisting and peeling off of graphene sheets from the polymer substrate. The lightweight nature of graphene in combine with the laser-induced porous microstructure provides a millirobot scaffold with a low density and high surface hydrophobicity. Magnetically driven nickel-coated graphene-based helical millirobots with rapid locomotion, excellent trajectory tracking, and precise drug delivery ability were fabricated from the scaffold. Importantly, such high-performance millirobots are fabricated at a speed of 77 scaffolds per second, demonstrating their potential in high-throughput and large-scale production. By using drug delivery for gastric cancer treatment as an example, we demonstrate the advantages of the graphene-based helical millirobots in terms of their long-distance locomotion and drug transport in a physiological environment. This study demonstrates the potential of the graphene-based helical millirobots to meet performance, versatility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness requirements simultaneously.
A stem cell-based assay platform demonstrates alpha-synuclein dependent synaptic dysfunction in patient-derived cortical neurons
Authors: White Andrew J. , Clark Karis A. , Alexander Kellianne D. , Ramalingam Nagendran , Young-Pearse Tracy L. , Dettmer Ulf , Selkoe Dennis J. , Ho Gary P. H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlpha-synuclein (αS)-rich Lewy bodies and neurites in the cerebral cortex correlate with the presence of dementia in Parkinson disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), but whether αS influences synaptic vesicle dynamics in human cortical neurons is unknown. Using a new iPSC-based assay platform for measuring synaptic vesicle cycling, we found that in human cortical glutamatergic neurons, increased αS from either transgenic expression or triplication of the endogenous locus in patient-derived neurons reduced synaptic vesicle cycling under both stimulated and spontaneous conditions. Thus, using a robust, easily adopted assay platform, we show for the first time αS-induced synaptic dysfunction in human cortical neurons, a key cellular substrate for PD dementia and DLB.
Enhancing therapeutic efficacy: sustained delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) via thiolated chitosan nanoparticles targeting CD44 in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Anjum Sadia , Naseer Faiza , Ahmad Tahir , Jahan Faryal , Qadir Halima , Gul Rabia , Kousar Kousain , Sarwar Atif , Shabbir Abdallah 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOur current study reports the successful synthesis of thiolated chitosan-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery of 5-Fluorouracil. This process was achieved through the ionic gelation technique, aiming to improve the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic moiety by modifying the surface of the nanoparticles (NPs) with a ligand. We coated these NPs with hyaluronic acid (HA) to actively target the CD44 receptor, which is frequently overexpressed in various solid malignancies, including breast cancer. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM were used for the physicochemical analysis of the NPs. These 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) loaded NPs were evaluated on MDA-MB-231 (a triple-negative breast cell line) and MCF-10A (normal epithelial breast cells) to determine their in vitro efficacy. The developed 5-FU-loaded NPs exhibited a particle size within a favorable range (< 300 nm). The positive zeta potential of these nanoparticles facilitated their uptake by negatively charged cancer cells. Moreover, they demonstrated robust stability and achieved high encapsulation efficiency. These nanoparticles exhibited significant cytotoxicity compared to the crude drug (p < 0.05) and displayed a promising release pattern consistent with the basic diffusion model. These traits improve the pharmacokinetic profile, efficacy, and ability to precisely target these nanoparticles, offering a potentially successful anticancer treatment for breast cancer. However, additional in vivo assessments of these formulations are obligatory to confirm these findings.
Mesoporous Mn-substituted MnxZn1−xCo2O4 ternary spinel microspheres with enhanced electrochemical performance for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Dolla Tarekegn Heliso , Lawal Isiaka Ayobamidele , Kifle Gizachew Wendimu , Jikamo Samuel Chufamo , Matthews Thabo , Maxakato Nobanathi Wendy , Liu Xinying , Mathe Mkhulu , Billing David Gordon , Ndungu Patrick 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExtensive investigations have been carried out on spinel mixed transition metal oxide-based materials for high-performance electrochemical energy storage applications. In this study, mesoporous Mn-substituted MnxZn1−xCo2O4 (ZMC) ternary oxide microspheres (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1) were fabricated as electrode materials for supercapacitors through a facile coprecipitation method. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the formation of microspheres comprising interconnected aggregates of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the substitution of Mn into ZnCo2O4 significantly improved the surface area of the synthesized samples. The electrochemical test results demonstrate that the ZMC3 oxide microspheres with an optimal Mn substitution exhibited enhanced performance, displaying the largest specific capacitance of 589.9 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Additionally, the ZMC3 electrode maintained a capacitance retention of 92.1% after 1000 cycles and exhibited a significant rate capability at a current density of 10 A g−1. This improved performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of multiple metals resulting from Mn substitution, along with an increase in the surface area, which tailors the redox behavior of ZnCo2O4 (ZC) and facilitates charge transfer. These findings indicate that the incorporation of Mn into mixed transition metal oxides holds promise as an effective strategy for designing high-performance electrodes for energy storage applications.
Gamma radiation assisted green synthesis of hesperidin-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite targeted JNK/SMAD4/MMP2 signaling pathway
Authors: Kodous Ahmad S. , Taha Eman. O. , El-Maghraby Dina F. , Hassana Asmaa A. , Atta M. M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel method for the fabrication of hesperidin/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (RGOH) with the assistance of gamma rays is reported. The different RGOHs were obtained by varying hesperidin concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 wt.%) in graphene oxide (GO) solution. Hesperidin concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 wt.%) in graphene oxide (GO) were varied to produce the various RGOHs. Upon irradiation with 80 kGy from γ-Ray, the successful reduction of GO occurred in the presence of hesperidin. The reduction process was confirmed by different characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, and Raman Spectroscopy. A cytotoxicity study using the MTT method was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic-anticancer effects of arbitrary RGOH on Wi38, CaCo2, and HepG2 cell lines. The assessment of RGOH’s anti-inflammatory activity, including the monitoring of IL-1B and IL-6 activities as well as NF-kB gene expression was done. In addition, the anti-invasive and antimetastatic properties of RGOH, ICAM, and VCAM were assessed. Additionally, the expression of the MMP2-9 gene was quantified. The assessment of apoptotic activity was conducted by the detection of gene expressions related to BCl2 and P53. The documentation of the JNK/SMAD4/MMP2 signaling pathway was ultimately accomplished. The findings of our study indicate that RGOH therapy has significant inhibitory effects on the JNK/SMAD4/MMP2 pathway. This suggests that it could be a potential therapeutic option for cancer.
Multi-proxy record of the Austrian Upper Triassic Polzberg Konservat-Lagerstätte in light of the Carnian Pluvial Episode
Authors: Lukeneder Alexander , Lukeneder Petra , Sachsenhofer Reinhard F. , Roghi Guido , Rigo Manuel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe present a multi-proxy investigation of a lower Carnian basinal succession from Polzberg in the Northern Calcareous Alps (Lower Austria). A section comprising a unique Konservat-Lagerstätte was studied based on bio- and chemostratigraphy along with geophysical methods, yielding a detailed and robust stratigraphic calibration of the Polzberg succession. The Polzberg section revealed the paleoceanographic history and helped to identify a global climatic reversal, the Carnian Pluvial Episode. The age of the Upper Triassic Reingraben formation in the Northern Calcareous Alps is refined as the Austrotrachyceras austriacum Zone within the lower Carnian (Julian 2). Ammonoids and conodonts provide a detailed biostratigraphic subdivision that serves as a basis for analyses of the faunal distribution and the paleoenvironmental evolution of the Upper Triassic Reifling Basin. The succession includes lithological and facies changes similar to those of coeval units in the Tethys. The Carnian was characterized by a weak (~ 1‰) positive δ13C trend, punctuated by a negative shift during the lower Carnian corresponding to the initiation of the Carnian Pluvial Episode, a period representing the onset of early/late Carnian transitional global greenhouse conditions. Organic maturity parameters and the conodont alteration index (CAI) show that the thermal overprint of the Polzberg section is low. Biomarker proxies suggest that the organic matter of the uppermost Göstling formation is a mixture of marine and terrestrial material deposited in a dysoxic environment. Within the overlaying Reingraben formation, the amount of marine biomass decreased gradually upwards. Oxygen-depleted conditions, probably due to water-column stratification, continued during deposition of the Reingraben formation. Bacterial sulfate reduction played a major role in organic matter degradation.
Optimization of preparation conditions and performance of a new degradable soil water retaining agent
Authors: Yumang Zhang , Yongheng Wang , Chengyu Wang , Yunhang Gao , Shuxia Liu , Zhonglei Xie , Hongyan Chang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUsing polyaspartic acid (PAsp) and bentonite (BT) as the main raw materials, a new type of degradable soil water retaining agent (PAsp-AA/BT) was synthesized by microwave radiation. The optimum synthesis conditions and comprehensive properties of PAsp-AA/BT were discussed and the structure and surface characteristics of PAspsp-AA/BT were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD and TGA in the paper. The results showed that the optimum synthesis conditions of PAsp-AA/BT were as follows: the dosages of polyaspartic acid (PAsp), bentonite (BT), initiator potassium persulfate, crosslinking agent N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide was 5, 3, 0.3, 0.03%, respectively, the neutralization degree of acrylic acid was 75%, and the microwave power was 490W. Under this condition, the absorption ratio of the synthesized PAspsp-AA/BT in deionized water and 0.9% NaCl solution was 953 and 164 g/g, respectively. The synthesized PAsp-AA/BT had a high water absorption rate, good water retention and repeated water absorption, and the degradation rate in soil within 30 days reached 32.75%, with good degradation effect. The analysis of SEM, FT-IR, XRD and TGA showed that: the surface of PAsp-AA/BT was rough and had obvious pore structure, which was conducive to the diffusion of water molecules; polyaspartic acid, bentonite and acrylic acid were polymerized; the cross-linking structure was formed between polyaspartic acid, bentonite and acrylic acid; the product of PASP-AA/BT had good thermal stability. This study provides a new soil water retaining agent, which is helpful for the better development of soil water retaining agent research.
Risk factor analysis and nomogram development and verification for medullary carcinoma of the colon using SEER database
Authors: Yang Lu , Yu Lei , Zhou Qiang , Liu Li , Shen Na , Li Na 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMedullary Carcinoma of the Colon (MCC) is a rare histological subtype of colon cancer, and there is currently no recognized optimal treatment plan for it, with its prognosis remaining unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the independent prognostic factors for MCC patients and develop and validate nomograms to predict overall survival (OS). A total of 760 patients newly diagnosed with MCC from 2004 to 2020 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. All patients were randomly allocated to a training group and a validation group in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors and construct nomograms. The nomogram prediction model was evaluated and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The study found that elderly women are more susceptible to MCC, and the ascending colon and cecum are the most common sites of involvement. MCC is poorly differentiated, with stages II and III being the most common. Surgery is the primary treatment for MCC. The prognosis for patients with stage IV MCC is poor, with a median survival time of only 10 months. Independent prognostic factors for MCC include age, N stage, M stage, surgery, chemotherapy, and tumor size. Among them, age < 75 years and completion of chemotherapy were protective factors for colon medullary carcinoma, while N2 (HR = 2.18, 95%CI 1.40–3.38), M1 (HR = 3.31, 95%CI 2.01–5.46), no surgery (HR = 27.94, 95%CI 3.69–211.75), and tumor diameter > 7 cm (HR = 1.66, 95%CI 1.20–2.30) were risk factors for colon medullary carcinoma. The results of ROC, AUC, calibration curves, and DCA demonstrate that the nomogram prediction model exhibits good predictive performance. We have updated the demographic characteristics of colon medullary carcinoma and identified age, N staging, M staging, surgery, chemotherapy and tumor size as independent prognostic factors for colon medullary carcinoma. Additionally, we have established nomograms for prognostic prediction. These nomograms can provide personalized predictions and serve as valuable references for clinical decision-making.
Multi-disciplinary strategy to optimize irrigation efficiency in irrigated agriculture
Authors: Batisha Ayman 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEquilibrium among water, food, energy, and climate actions is necessary for life to exist, quality, and sustainability. This article explored how to ensure sustainability, and equilibrium in the irrigation processes by proposing irrigation equilibrium indicators (IEIs) for sustainable irrigated agriculture (SIA). The primary purpose of IEIs is to achieve a state of sustainable climate and environmental balance. The pressures driving agriculture and irrigation professionals to enhance the irrigation scheme performance are tremendous in all agricultural communities. Monitoring, assessment, and improvement of agriculture practices and irrigation schemes for enhancing the Climate, water, food, and energy (CWFE) nexus is a must. As an auspicious climate action, IEIs were developed to enhance the irrigation scheme’s efficiency, within the scope of SIA. Subsequently, water, agricultural, food, and energy productivity could be optimized. Then, the appropriate equilibrium indicators could identify the actual performance of the CWFE nexus as a whole and the performance of each component. The effective irrigation scheme is the backbone of SIA. IEIs could measure the degree of achieving the overall and specific objectives and designated irrigation processes. The ultimate measure of equilibrium is optimizing sustainable agricultural yields and productivity, ensuring environmental balance, strengthening life quality, and maximizing economic returns.
Autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells are safe for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Goldberg Andrew J. , Masci Lorenzo , O’Donnell Paul , Green Ruth , Brooking Deirdre , Bassett Paul , Lowdell Mark W. , Smith Roger K. W. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAchilles tendinopathy is a disabling condition that affects more than 50% of runners. Pre-clinical studies in a large animal model of naturally-occurring tendinopathy similar to human Achilles tendinopathy has shown benefits of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation. However, MSCs are advanced therapies medicinal products (ATMPs), with strict regulatory requirements. Guided by the regulator we carried out a first in man study to assess the safety and efficacy of autologous MSC injection in human patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Ten patients, mean age 47 with mid-portion Achilles tendon pain and swelling for more than 6 months, underwent autologous cultured cell injections (median 12.2 × 106, range 5–19 × 106 cells) into their Achilles tendon. At 24 weeks follow-up, no serious adverse reactions or important medical events were observed. MOXFQ, EQ-5D-5L, and VISA-A scores improved clinically at 12 and 24 weeks. VAS pain improved increasingly at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. MOXFQ Pain and VISA-A Scores improved > 12 points from baseline to 24 weeks in 8 patients. Maximum anteroposterior tendon thickness as measured by greyscale US decreased by mean 0.8 mm at 24 weeks. This phase IIa study demonstrated the safety of autologous MSC injection for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy and provides proof-of-concept of the technique in patients, all of whom had previously failed conservative treatments for chronic disease and leads the way for a larger randomised controlled trial.