bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety, immunogenicity and protective effectiveness of heterologous boost with a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) in adult recipients of inactivated vaccines
Authors: Luo Wenxin , Gan Jiadi , Luo Zhu , Li Shuangqing , Wang Zhoufeng , Wu Jiaxuan , Zhang Huohuo , Xian Jinghong , Cheng Ruixin , Tang Xiumei , Liu Yi , Yang Ling , Mou Qianqian , Zhang Xue , Chen Yi , Wang Weiwen , Wang Yantong , Bai Lin , Wei Xuan , Zhang Rui , Yang Lan , Chen Yaxin , Yang Li , Li Yalun , Liu Dan , Li Weimin , Chen Lei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVaccines have proven effective in protecting populations against COVID-19, including the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells), the first approved recombinant protein vaccine in China. In this positive-controlled trial with 85 adult participants (Sf9 cells group: n = 44; CoronaVac group: n = 41), we evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and protective effectiveness of a heterologous boost with the Sf9 cells vaccine in adults who had been vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine, and found a post-booster adverse events rate of 20.45% in the Sf9 cells group and 31.71% in the CoronaVac group (p = 0.279), within 28 days after booster injection. Neither group reported any severe adverse events. Following the Sf9 cells vaccine booster, the geometric mean titer (GMT) of binding antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of prototype SARS-CoV-2 on day 28 post-booster was significantly higher than that induced by the CoronaVac vaccine booster (100,683.37 vs. 9,451.69, p < 0.001). In the Sf9 cells group, GMTs of neutralizing antibodies against pseudo SARS-CoV-2 viruses (prototype and diverse variants of concern [VOCs]) increased by 22.23–75.93 folds from baseline to day 28 post-booster, while the CoronaVac group showed increases of only 3.29–10.70 folds. Similarly, neutralizing antibodies against live SARS-CoV-2 viruses (prototype and diverse VOCs) increased by 68.18–192.67 folds on day 14 post-booster compared with the baseline level, significantly greater than the CoronaVac group (19.67–37.67 folds). A more robust Th1 cellular response was observed with the Sf9 cells booster on day 14 post-booster (mean IFN-γ+ spot-forming cells per 2 × 105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells: 26.66 vs. 13.59). Protective effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 was approximately twice as high in the Sf9 cells group compared to the CoronaVac group (68.18% vs. 36.59%, p = 0.004). Our study findings support the high protective effectiveness of heterologous boosting with the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) against symptomatic COVID-19 of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, while causing no apparent safety concerns.
Cognitive and immunological effects of yoga compared to memory training in older women at risk for alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Grzenda Adrienne , Siddarth Prabha , Milillo Michaela M. , Aguilar-Faustino Yesenia , Khalsa Dharma S. , Lavretsky Helen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accompanied by cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are known to increase the risk of developing dementia. Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation, have been recognized as safe techniques with beneficial effects on cognitive functions in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Kundalini yoga training (KY) compared to memory enhancement training (MET) on mood and cognitive functioning in a group of older women with CVRFs and SCD (clinicaltrials.gov = NCT03503669). The KY intervention consisted of weekly, 60-min in-person classes with a certified instructor for 12 weeks, with a 12-min guided recording for daily homework practice at home. MET involved 12 weekly in-person group classes with 12-min daily homework exercises. Objective and subjective memory performance were the primary outcomes. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected at baseline, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks follow-up for RNA sequencing and cytokine/chemokine assays. A total of 79 patients (KY = 40; MET = 39) were randomized, and 63 completed the 24-week follow-up (KY = 65% completion rate; MET = 95%; χ2(1) = 10.9, p < 0.001). At 24-weeks follow-up, KY yielded a significant, large effect size improvement in subjective cognitive impairment measures compared to MET. KYOn a transcriptional level, at 12- and 24-week follow-up, KY uniquely altered aging-associated signatures, including interferon gamma and other psycho-neuro-immune pathways. Levels of chemokine eotaxin-1, an aging marker, increased over time in MET but not KY participants. These results suggest clinical and biological benefits to KY for SCD, linking changes in cognition to the anti-inflammatory effects of yoga.
SALL4 promotes cancer stem-like cell phenotype and radioresistance in oral squamous cell carcinomas via methyltransferase-like 3-mediated m6A modification
Authors: Huang Junhong , Li Huan , Yang Zihui , Liu Rong , Li Yahui , Hu Yating , Zhao Shengnan , Gao Xiang , Yang Xinjie , Wei Jianhua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRadioresistance imposes a great challenge in reducing tumor recurrence and improving the clinical prognosis of individuals having oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSCC harbors a subpopulation of CD44(+) cells that exhibit cancer stem-like cell (CSC) characteristics are involved in malignant tumor phenotype and radioresistance. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms in CD44( + )-OSCC remain unclear. The current investigation demonstrated that methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is highly expressed in CD44(+) cells and promotes CSCs phenotype. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we further showed that Spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) is involved in the maintenance of CSCs properties. Furthermore, the overexpression of SALL4 in CD44( + )-OSCC cells caused radioresistance in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, silencing SALL4 sensitized OSCC cells to radiation therapy (RT). Mechanistically, we illustrated that SALL4 is a direct downstream transcriptional regulation target of METTL3, the transcription activation of SALL4 promotes the nuclear transport of β-catenin and the expression of downstream target genes after radiation therapy, there by activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, effectively enhancing the CSCs phenotype and causing radioresistance. Herein, this study indicates that the METTL3/SALL4 axis promotes the CSCs phenotype and resistance to radiation in OSCC via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and provides a potential therapeutic target to eliminate radioresistant OSCC.
Long noncoding RNA H19: functions and mechanisms in regulating programmed cell death in cancer
Authors: Xia Yuyang , Pei Tianjiao , Zhao Junjie , Wang Zilin , Shen Yu , Yang Yang , Liang Jiayu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs with transcript lengths of >200 nucleotides. Mounting evidence suggests that lncRNAs are closely associated with tumorigenesis. LncRNA H19 (H19) was the first lncRNA to function as an oncogene in many malignant tumors. Apart from the established role of H19 in promoting cell growth, proliferation, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis, it has been recently discovered that H19 also inhibits programmed cell death (PCD) of cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which H19 regulates PCD in cancer cells through various signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms, and epigenetic modifications. H19 regulates PCD through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the PI3K–Akt–mTOR pathway. It also acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in PCD regulation. The interaction between H19 and RNA-binding proteins (RBP) regulates apoptosis in cancer. Moreover, epigenetic modifications, including DNA and RNA methylation and histone modifications, are also involved in H19-associated PCD regulation. In conclusion, we summarize the role of H19 signaling via PCD in cancer chemoresistance, highlighting the promising research significance of H19 as a therapeutic target. We hope that our study will contribute to a broader understanding of H19 in cancer development and treatment.
Heavy fermions vs doped Mott physics in heterogeneous Ta-dichalcogenide bilayers
Authors: Crippa Lorenzo , Bae Hyeonhu , Wunderlich Paul , Mazin Igor I. , Yan Binghai , Sangiovanni Giorgio , Wehling Tim , Valentí Roser 
Published: February 2024

AbstractControlling and understanding electron correlations in quantum matter is one of the most challenging tasks in materials engineering. In the past years a plethora of new puzzling correlated states have been found by carefully stacking and twisting two-dimensional van der Waals materials of different kind. Unique to these stacked structures is the emergence of correlated phases not foreseeable from the single layers alone. In Ta-dichalcogenide heterostructures made of a good metallic “1H”- and a Mott insulating “1T”-layer, recent reports have evidenced a cross-breed itinerant and localized nature of the electronic excitations, similar to what is typically found in heavy fermion systems. Here, we put forward a new interpretation based on first-principles calculations which indicates a sizeable charge transfer of electrons (0.4-0.6 e) from 1T to 1H layers at an elevated interlayer distance. We accurately quantify the strength of the interlayer hybridization which allows us to unambiguously determine that the system is much closer to a doped Mott insulator than to a heavy fermion scenario. Ta-based heterolayers provide therefore a new ground for quantum-materials engineering in the regime of heavily doped Mott insulators hybridized with metallic states at a van der Waals distance.
TGF-β blockade drives a transitional effector phenotype in T cells reversing SIV latency and decreasing SIV reservoirs in vivo
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Bose Deepanwita , Araínga Mariluz , Haque Muhammad R. , Fennessey Christine M. , Caddell Rachel A. , Thomas Yanique , Ferrell Douglas E. , Ali Syed , Grody Emanuelle , Goyal Yogesh , Cicala Claudia , Arthos James , Keele Brandon F. , Vaccari Monica , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon , Hope Thomas J. , Villinger Francois , Martinelli Elena 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHIV-1 persistence during ART is due to the establishment of long-lived viral reservoirs in resting immune cells. Using an NHP model of barcoded SIVmac239 intravenous infection and therapeutic dosing of anti-TGFBR1 inhibitor galunisertib (LY2157299), we confirm the latency reversal properties of in vivo TGF-β blockade, decrease viral reservoirs and stimulate immune responses. Treatment of eight female, SIV-infected macaques on ART with four 2-weeks cycles of galunisertib leads to viral reactivation as indicated by plasma viral load and immunoPET/CT with a 64Cu-DOTA-F(ab’)2-p7D3-probe. Post-galunisertib, lymph nodes, gut and PBMC exhibit lower cell-associated (CA-)SIV DNA and lower intact pro-virus (PBMC). Galunisertib does not lead to systemic increase in inflammatory cytokines. High-dimensional cytometry, bulk, and single-cell (sc)RNAseq reveal a galunisertib-driven shift toward an effector phenotype in T and NK cells characterized by a progressive downregulation in TCF1. In summary, we demonstrate that galunisertib, a clinical stage TGF-β inhibitor, reverses SIV latency and decreases SIV reservoirs by driving T cells toward an effector phenotype, enhancing immune responses in vivo in absence of toxicity.
Epigenetic regulation of CD38/CD48 by KDM6A mediates NK cell response in multiple myeloma
Authors: Liu Jiye , Xing Lijie , Li Jiang , Wen Kenneth , Liu Ning , Liu Yuntong , Wu Gongwei , Wang Su , Ogiya Daisuke , Song Tian-Yu , Kurata Keiji , Penailillo Johany , Morelli Eugenio , Wang Tingjian , Hong Xiaoning , Gulla Annamaria , Tai Yu-Tzu , Munshi Nikhil , Richardson Paul , Carrasco Ruben , Hideshima Teru , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAnti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies like Daratumumab (Dara) are effective in multiple myeloma (MM); however, drug resistance ultimately occurs and the mechanisms behind this are poorly understood. Here, we identify, via two in vitro genome-wide CRISPR screens probing Daratumumab resistance, KDM6A as an important regulator of sensitivity to Daratumumab-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Loss of KDM6A leads to increased levels of H3K27me3 on the promoter of CD38, resulting in a marked downregulation in CD38 expression, which may cause resistance to Daratumumab-mediated ADCC. Re-introducing CD38 does not reverse Daratumumab-mediated ADCC fully, which suggests that additional KDM6A targets, including CD48 which is also downregulated upon KDM6A loss, contribute to Daratumumab-mediated ADCC. Inhibition of H3K27me3 with an EZH2 inhibitor resulted in CD38 and CD48 upregulation and restored sensitivity to Daratumumab. These findings suggest KDM6A loss as a mechanism of Daratumumab resistance and lay down the proof of principle for the therapeutic application of EZH2 inhibitors, one of which is already FDA-approved, in improving MM responsiveness to Daratumumab.
Oncoprotein SET-associated transcription factor ZBTB11 triggers lung cancer metastasis
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Yao Han , Wu Zhen , Yan Xiaojun , Jiao Zishan , Liu Yajing , Zhang Meng , Wang Donglai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetastasis is the major cause of lung cancer-related death, but the mechanisms governing lung tumor metastasis remain incompletely elucidated. SE translocation (SET) is overexpressed in lung tumors and correlates with unfavorable prognosis. Here we uncover SET-associated transcription factor, zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 11 (ZBTB11), as a prometastatic regulator in lung tumors. SET interacts and collaborates with ZBTB11 to promote lung cancer cell migration and invasion, primarily through SET-ZBTB11 complex-mediated transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). Additionally, by transcriptional repression of proline-rich Gla protein 2 (PRRG2), ZBTB11 links Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) activation to drive lung tumor metastasis independently of SET-ZBTB11 complex. Loss of ZBTB11 suppresses distal metastasis in a lung tumor mouse model. Overexpression of ZBTB11 is recapitulated in human metastatic lung tumors and correlates with diminished survival. Our study demonstrates ZBTB11 as a key metastatic regulator and reveals diverse mechanisms by which ZBTB11 modulates lung tumor metastasis.
Sequential stacking link prediction algorithms for temporal networks
Authors: He Xie , Ghasemian Amir , Lee Eun , Clauset Aaron , Mucha Peter J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLink prediction algorithms are indispensable tools in many scientific applications by speeding up network data collection and imputing missing connections. However, in many systems, links change over time and it remains unclear how to optimally exploit such temporal information for link predictions in such networks. Here, we show that many temporal topological features, in addition to having high computational cost, are less accurate in temporal link prediction than sequentially stacked static network features. This sequential stacking link prediction method uses 41 static network features that avoid detailed feature engineering choices and is capable of learning a highly accurate predictive distribution of future connections from historical data. We demonstrate that this algorithm works well for both partially observed and completely unobserved target layers, and on two temporal stochastic block models achieves near-oracle-level performance when combined with other single predictor methods as an ensemble learning method. Finally, we empirically illustrate that stacking multiple predictive methods together further improves performance on 19 real-world temporal networks from different domains.
Hierarchical Li electrochemistry using alloy-type anode for high-energy-density Li metal batteries
Authors: Cao Jiaqi , Shi Yuansheng , Gao Aosong , Du Guangyuan , Dilxat Muhtar , Zhang Yongfei , Cai Mohang , Qian Guoyu , Lu Xueyi , Xie Fangyan , Sun Yang , Lu Xia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExploiting thin Li metal anode is essential for high-energy-density battery, but is severely plagued by the poor processability of Li, as well as the uncontrollable Li plating/stripping behaviors and Li/electrolyte interface. Herein, a thickness/capacity-adjustable thin alloy-type Li/LiZn@Cu anode is fabricated for high-energy-density Li metal batteries. The as-formed lithophilic LiZn alloy in Li/LiZn@Cu anode can effectively regulate Li plating/stripping and stabilize the Li/electrolyte interface to deliver the hierarchical Li electrochemistry. Upon charging, the Li/LiZn@Cu anode firstly acts as Li source for homogeneous Li extraction. At the end of charging, the de-alloy of LiZn nanostructures further supplements the Li extraction, actually playing the Li compensation role in battery cycling. While upon discharging, the LiZn alloy forms just at the beginning, thereby regulating the following Li homogeneous deposition. The reversibility of such an interesting process is undoubtedly verified from the electrochemistry and in-situ XRD characterization. This work sheds light on the facile fabrication of practical Li metal anodes and useful Li compensation materials for high-energy-density Li metal batteries.
Natural selection and genetic diversity maintenance in a parasitic wasp during continuous biological control application
Authors: Li Bingyan , Duan Yuange , Du Zhenyong , Wang Xuan , Liu Shanlin , Feng Zengbei , Tian Li , Song Fan , Yang Hailin , Cai Wanzhi , Lin Zhonglong , Li Hu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAphidius gifuensis is a parasitoid wasp and primary endoparasitoid enemy of the peach potato aphid, Myzus persicae. Artificially reared, captive wasps of this species have been extensively and effectively used to control populations of aphids and limit crop loss. However, the consequences of large-scale releasing of captive A. gifuensis, such as genetic erosion and reduced fitness in wild populations of this species, remains unclear. Here, we sequence the genomes of 542 A. gifuensis individuals collected across China, including 265 wild and 277 human-intervened samples. Population genetic analyses on wild individuals recovered Yunnan populations as the ancestral group with the most complex genetic structure. We also find genetic signature of environmental adaptation during the dispersal of wild populations from Yunnan to other regions. While comparative genomic analyses of captive wasps revealed a decrease in genetic diversity during long-term rearing, population genomic analyses revealed signatures of natural selection by several biotic (host plants) or abiotic (climate) factors, which support maintenance of the gene pool of wild populations in spite of the introduction of captive wasps. Therefore, the impact of large-scale release is reduced. Our study suggests that A. gifuensis is a good system for exploring the genetic and evolutionary effects of mass rearing and release on species commonly used as biocontrol agents.
Ripples in the bottom of the potential energy landscape of metallic glass
Authors: Zella Leo , Moon Jaeyun , Egami Takeshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the absence of periodicity, the structure of glass is ill-defined, and a large number of structural states are found at similar energy levels. However, little is known about how these states are connected to each other in the potential energy landscape. We simulate mechanical relaxation by molecular dynamics for a prototypical $${{{\rm{C}}}}{{{{\rm{u}}}}}_{64.5}{{{\rm{Z}}}}{{{{\rm{r}}}}}_{35.5}$$
C

u

64.5

Z

r

35.5

metallic glass and follow the mechanical energy loss of each atom to track the change in the state. We find that the energy barriers separating these states are remarkably low, only of the order of 1 meV, implying that even quantum fluctuations can overcome these potential energy barriers. Our observation of numerous small ripples in the bottom of the potential energy landscape puts many assumptions regarding the thermodynamic states of metallic glasses into question and suggests that metallic glasses are not totally frozen at the local atomic level.
Three dimensional classification of dislocations from single projections
Authors: Niermann Tore , Niermann Laura , Lehmann Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMany material properties are governed by dislocations and their interactions. The reconstruction of the three-dimensional structure of a dislocation network so far is mainly achieved by tomographic tilt series with high angular ranges, which is experimentally challenging and additionally puts constraints on possible specimen geometries. Here, we show a way to reveal the three dimensional location of dislocations and simultaneously classify their type from single 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy measurements. The dislocation’s strain field causes inter-band scattering between the electron’s Bloch waves within the crystal. This scattering in turn results in characteristic interference patterns with sufficient information to identify the dislocations type and depth in beam direction by comparison with multi-beam calculations. We expect the presented measurement principle will lead to fully automated methods for reconstruction of the three dimensional strain fields from such measurements with a wide range of applications in material and physical sciences and engineering.
Iodide manipulation using zinc additives for efficient perovskite solar minimodules
Authors: Uddin Md Aslam , Rana Prem Jyoti Singh , Ni Zhenyi , Yang Guang , Li Mingze , Wang Mengru , Gu Hangyu , Zhang Hengkai , Dou Benjia Dak , Huang Jinsong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInterstitial iodides are the most critical type of defects in perovskite solar cells that limits efficiency and stability. They can be generated during solution, film, and device processing, further accelerating degradation. Herein, we find that introducing a small amount of a zinc salt- zinc trifluoromethane sulfonate (Zn(OOSCF3)2) in the perovskite solution can control the iodide defects in resultant perovskites ink and films. CF3SOO̶ vigorously suppresses molecular iodine formation in the perovskites by reducing it to iodide. At the same time, zinc cations can precipitate excess iodide by forming a Zn-Amine complex so that the iodide interstitials in the resultant perovskite films can be suppressed. The perovskite films using these additives show improved photoluminescence quantum efficiency and reduce deep trap density, despite zinc cations reducing the perovskite grain size and iodide interstitials. The zinc additives facilitate the formation of more uniform perovskite films on large-area substrates (78-108 cm2) in the blade-coating process. Fabricated minimodules show power conversion efficiencies of 19.60% and 19.21% with aperture areas of 84 and 108 cm2, respectively, as certified by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the highest efficiency certified for minimodules of these sizes.