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Inhibiting B cells enhances the efficacy of STING agonism or immune checkpoint blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma
Lightweight machine learning framework using temporal features for electric vehicle demand response forecasting on edge devices
Associations between refugee camp living and duration lived in refugee camps with health outcomes: A cross-sectional analysis of the Annual Survey of Refugees, 2021–2022
Introduction Refugees represent a growing, marginalized population who experience significant health disparities. Approximate 20% of refugees live in refugee camps. Quantitative studies examining the health effects of refugees living in refugee camps are limited. We examined whether living in camps (and duration) is associated with worse health among U.S. refugees. Methods We used two years of cross-sectional data from the Annual Survey of Refugees (ASR 2021 and 2022), involving refugees ≥ 16 years old who entered the U.S. between FY 2016 and FY 2021. We tested for associations of living in a refugee camp (and duration) with self-reported physical and mental health using separate logistic regression models. Results In this national sample of 3,005 refugees (mean age = 39.0 years, SD = 12.4 years; 46% women, 30% White, 31% Black, 18% Asian), more than one in three (37%) reported living in a refugee camp – of whom, over 88% lived in a refugee camp for a year or more or their whole life. Living in refugee camps was highest for refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo (75%), Somalia (58%), and Burma (44%). In adjusted analyses, compared to those who did not live in camps, those who lived in camps for ≥1 year had 27% greater odds of poor physical health (aOR: 1.27 [95% CI: 1.02, 1.60]). Association of camp living with mental health became insignificant when adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusions Refugees who lived in refugee camps, and for longer duration, may require targeted interventions to mitigate health harms from their refugee camp experience.
In-situ grafting of cobalt phthalocyanine on gas diffusion electrodes enables ampere-level CO2 reduction
Abstract Immobilizing molecular catalysts onto gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) through covalent bonds provides a strategy to circumvent their issues of aggregation, detachment and poor conductivity during CO 2 electrolysis. However, this approach has been limited to catalysts equipped with specially designed functional groups, and directly covalent grafting of pristine molecular catalysts onto GDEs remains a formidable challenge. Herein, using pristine cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) as a model catalyst, we propose a polypyrrole (ppy) mediated electro-polymerization strategy that creates robust C–C bonds between GDEs and pristine CoPc. In this scheme, ppy acts as both the conductive linker and scaffold for pristine CoPc, and its electron donation effects further enhances the CO 2 electrolysis activity of CoPc centres. Here we show that the assembled CO 2 electrolyzer using CoPc/ppy/GDE electrode achieves stable operation for 120 h at 500 mA cm −2 and 50 h at 1 A cm −2 in alkaline media. When coupled with a triple-junction solar cell, the resulting photovoltaic-electrolysis system attains a solar-to-CO efficiency of 19.2%.
Effects of different exogenous additives on humification and microbial community during tomato straw composting process
Hydrogen peroxide fogging of isolation gowns: Disinfection efficacy and VOC emissions
Isolation gowns constitute the majority of the PPE waste generated daily worldwide. Disinfection with reuse that is easily reproducible without the need for expensive equipment or trained personnel is needed. This study evaluated the use of 9% hydrogen peroxide fogging using a commercially available fogger on isolation gowns heavily inoculated in the torso region of the gown with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli to challenge efficacy. Cultures were obtained on isolation gowns immediately after inoculation from both the interior as well as the exterior of the gowns before disinfection. Gowns were then fogged with 9% hydrogen peroxide (HP) for 1 min and 30sec. A four-hour trying time was instituted, and gowns were cultured from the torso region again. All cultures were incubated at 37 °C for 72 hours. CFU at 48- and 72-hours post-incubation were obtained. Safety of this methodology was studied by evaluating Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) as a VOC index (1–500) as well as in parts per million (PPM) generated during HP fogging of gowns, aiming to determine whether the use of vacuum-aeration (VA) led to an improvement in VOCs generated. Results indicate that fogging with HP was effective at reducing S. epidermidis and E. coli as measured by CFU (100% reduction at 72 hours for both organisms). VOC index and PPM were greater without VA than with VA. The maximum Δ(Index BC ) (191) and Δ (PPM BC ) (0.301) occurred at 90 minutes and then fell to between 156 and 187 for Δ (Index BC ) and 0.202 and 0.253 for Δ (PPM BC ). This corresponded to 82% (156/191) and 98% (187/191) of the maximum VOC index and 67% (0.202/0.301) and 84% (0.253/0.301) of the maximum PPM without VA. Our results indicate that HP fogging may be a viable option for disinfection and reuse of single use isolation gowns and VA may be a valuable additional step in improving air quality during the process.
Nucleosome unwrapping and PARP1 allostery drive affinities for chromatin and DNA breaks
Effect of cellulosic fibres on the interfacial friction between ceramic and glass
Abstract The effect of Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose (MFC) on the interfacial friction between ceramic and glass was investigated as a function of the applied load, surface roughness, sliding distance, sliding velocity, and liquid present. With a normal load of 4 N, high friction was observed whilst maintaining a low wear. Increasing the roughness ( R a ) of the ceramic substrate from 0.99 to 3.01 µm could result in a slight increase in the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) from 0.36 to 0.46, but a remarkable increase in wear (depth of the wear track) from 0.27 to 1.31 µm. Friction and wear thresholds were identified after a sliding distance of 400 mm, whilst an increased sliding velocity could reduce both friction and wear. This study also investigated MFC with Xanthan Gum (XG), both with similar rheological behaviour, confirming that the physical presence of fibres in the formulation was responsible for the improved interfacial lubrication.
Optical tissue clearing and 3D imaging of intact primate testicular tissue: a novel technology development
Classical histology struggles to preserve three-dimensional spatial context, prompting the emergence of optical tissue clearing techniques that enable imaging of intact specimens at cellular or subcellular resolution. These techniques have revolutionised fields like cell biology, developmental biology, and neuroscience. However, their application in reproductive biology remains unexplored – particularly in studying the complexities of testicular development. We developed a novel, efficient and affordable toolbox for studying intact testicular tissues, PT-CLEAR3D, that stands for primate testis – whole mount staining, tissue clearing and three-dimensional imaging. Intact testicular tissues from humans (transgender model), common marmosets and macaques underwent antibody labelling, clearing with organic solvents, and three-dimensional imaging using light sheet fluorescence microscopy. Marker specificity was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of 3 and 25 µm testicular sections, followed by imaging with confocal microscopy. The testicular structure was evaluated using several markers: spermatogonia (melanoma-associated antigen 4), least differentiated spermatogonia (Piwi-like protein 4), Sertoli cells (vimentin and SRY-Box transcription Factor 9), peritubular myoid cells and vasculature (alpha-smooth muscle actin), and NucSpot as a nuclear dye. PT-CLEAR3D efficiently achieved optical transparency while a commercial kit that was run in parallel was inefficient. This study presents a pioneering three-dimensional visualization of intact testicular samples of up to 50 mm 3 in size and imaging depth of up to 4.5 mm across three primate species. Remarkably, PT-CLEAR3D revealed critical details at both tissue and cellular levels such as the spatial distribution of germ and somatic cells, cellular bridges, and vasculature. Furthermore, PT-CLEAR3D enabled three-dimensional reconstructions that effectively reduces confirmation bias enhancing our observation of spermatogonial clones organized as single cells, pairs, and quartets. Importantly, it adeptly identified testicular pathology and the persistence of germ cell clones in select tubules within the transgender testis following hormonal suppression of spermatogenesis. This technological development offers a versatile toolbox with benefits such as applicability across multiple species, fluorophore multiplexing, compatibility with different fixatives and deep tissue volumetric imaging with cellular resolution. Overall, PT-CLEAR3D establishes a foundation for spatial evaluation of testicular development, presenting substantial potential for advancing our understanding of the intricate kinetics of spermatogenesis in health and disease.
A unifying model for microRNA-guided silencing of messenger RNAs
Landscape design concept generation combining cultural mapping technology and multimodal modeling
An exploratory study on the preparation of metallic rhenium (Re) and ReO3 via non-contact solution plasma electrolysis
Metallic rhenium (Re) and its oxides (e.g., rhenium trioxide ReO 3 ) have been extensively utilized in fields including national defense, aerospace, and electronics, owing to their unique “Re effect” and favorable thermal expansion characteristics. However, conventional preparation methods confront substantial scientific and technical challenges, primarily arising from the intrinsic physicochemical properties of Re and the complexity of synthesis processes. This study focused on the synthesis of ultrafine Re/ReO 3 composite particles via plasma electrolysis in aqueous solutions, employing a Re-containing precursor as the anode feedstock and a tungsten (W) wire as the cathode. The effects of key process parameters, including discharge voltage, electrolyte composition, solution acidity, and electrolysis duration on the morphological features of the resultant particles were systematically investigated. Additionally, plasma emission spectra, discharge behavior (encompassing cathode/anode voltage variations), electrolyte volume, and temperature evolution were monitored to elucidate the reaction mechanisms and dynamic behaviors governing the synthesis of different ultrafine powders. The results demonstrated that ReO 3 - Re composite powders can be successfully prepared using this method. Notably, reducing the discharge voltage suppressed W sputtering from the cathode and promoted the formation of ReO 3 as the dominant phase. Furthermore, the addition of H 2 SO 4 mitigated particle aggregation by enhancing hydrogen-bonding coordination among particles and electrolyte components.
Contrasting climate oscillations impacts on phytoplankton in the western and eastern tropical Pacific
Clinical score based on CGRP, PD-1, and PD-L1 for PICC-related bloodstream infections in breast cancer
Coaching doctors to improve ethical decision-making in adult hospitalized patients potentially receiving excessive treatment: Process evaluation study of the CODE intervention in doctors and nurses working in ten acute hospital wards
Introduction High quality hospital care for serious ill persons requires exemplary team-based communication and decision-making. However, there is a need for evidence-based interventions in this area. This study’s aim is to gain insight in the adoption and implementation of the COaching Doctors to improve Ethical decision-making (CODE) intervention, composed of one-on-one professional coaching in doctors and an alert to identify patients potentially receiving excessive treatment. Methods Mixed-method process evaluation study using focus group interviews, sub-analysis of the ethical decision-making climate questionnaire (EDMCQ) in nurses and doctors and a satisfaction survey in doctors. Results Of the 423 clinicians, 198 (60.2%) nurses and 63 (67.0%) doctors filled-out the EDMCQ and 20 nurses and 12 doctors participated to the focus-group interviews respectively. Thirty-five (70%) of the 50 coached doctors filled-out the satisfaction survey. Doctors estimated their leadership skills higher than the nurses prior to the study period (P = 0.006) but no longer after the study period (P = 0.366). Nurses estimated ethical awareness and reflection higher (respectively, P = 0.002 and P = 0.049) and non-avoiding end-of-life decisions and active involvement of nurses lower than the doctors (respectively P < 0.001 and P = 0.023) after the study period but not before the study period (all P-values >0.05). Doctors testified of increased awareness in ethical decision-making, more open interactions with patients and nurses, and more courage to intervene instead of doing nothing. Nurses spoke of an increased awareness to act as patient advocate, increased deliberation among peer nurses and frustration when they felt no effect of activating the CODE alert. Both doctors and nurses advised for more active involvement of nurses. The mean overall satisfaction score in doctors was 8.69 on 10. Conclusion The CODE study intervention was effective in raising awareness and self-reflection, yet did not succeed to close the (communication) gap between doctors and nurses in team-based ethical decision-making. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT 05167019.
β-sheet stabilization of the island domain underlies ligand-induced LRR-RP activation of plant immune signaling
Abstract Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinases (RKs) and receptor proteins (RPs) are important classes of plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) activating pattern-triggered immunity. While both classical and AI-based structural approaches have recently provided crucial insights into ligand-LRR-RK binding mechanisms, our understanding of ligand perception by LRR-RPs remains limited. Here, we employed an AI-based approach to reveal a ligand-binding mechanism shared by the Arabidopsis LRR-RPs RLP23 and RLP42 – the PRRs for the short peptide ligands nlp20 and pg13, derived from NECROSIS- AND ETHYLENE-INDUCING PEPTIDE 1-like proteins (NLPs) and fungal endopolygalacturonases (PGs), respectively. Additionally, we investigated the larger and more complex binding interface of RLP32 – the PRR for proteobacterial TRANSLATION INITIATION FACTOR 1 (IF1), a folded protein ligand that requires its tertiary structure for recognition. Finally, we describe a mechanistic role of the ID for co-receptor recruitment conserved across LRR-RPs. Together, our results shed light on the ligand-binding mechanisms and receptor complex formation of LRR-RPs, opening avenues for their engineering for crop disease resistance.
Research on deformation characteristics and mechanisms of an open pit coal mine landslide event in extremely cold region
Abstract For the sake of heavy rainfall, a landslide occurred at the Baorixile open-pit coal mine, at 13:40 (Beijing time, UTC + 8) on April 30, 2020, in China. The landslide event was about 130 × 10 5 m 3 and produced considerable damage in addition to economic loss. Determining the trigger factors and ascertaining unstable slopes and initial displacements – which can be attained by utilizing remote sensing data are pivotal for disaster prevention and risk reduction in open-pit mining areas. An exhaustive integrated methodology was applied. This methodology combined post-hazard investigation, UAV aerial digital photogrammetry interpretation, and geological mapping. It was used to analyze the deformation characteristics and clarify the process and causes.deformation characteristics. The research adopts this approach through back analysis of the Baorixile open-pit coal mine landslide event. Initially, the landslide area was split into four subzones: the rear tension crack zone, the detachment zone at the top, the middle sliding subsidence zone, and the anterior sliding colluvium zone. The analysis suggests that engineering activities, freeze-thawing, and persistent rainfall were the dominant external factors triggering the landslide. Weak intercalated layers in the local topography were the principal inherent factors for the event. The digital image correlation technique reveals each stage in the four-stage hazard chain identified by AL-DIC during the whole failure processing. Finally, the objective of this research is to supply an acquaintance with toppling stage connected to the interplay between the climate and open-pit mining related instabilities.
Controlled Dual Activation of Rhenium(I) Photosensitizers and Profluorophores/Prodrugs via a Dissociative Bioorthogonal Tetrazine–Isonitrile Reaction
Abstract Strategies for prodrug activation have been developed to enhance treatment efficacy, with bioorthogonal dissociation reactions emerging as a promising approach due to their remarkable specificity. In this work, we designed three rhenium(I) polypyridine complexes featuring a tetrazylmethyl (TzMe) group capable of bioorthogonal activation by 3‐isocyanopropyl (ICPr) or 3‐isocyanopropyl‐1‐carbamoyl (ICPrc) derivatives. This design serves as a dual‐release platform, which liberates rhenium(I) 3‐hydroxypyridine complexes and functional payloads from rhenium(I) TzMe complexes and ICPr/ICPrc‐caged compounds, respectively. Upon incubation with an ICPrc derivative, the TzMe complexes exhibited strong emission in acidic buffers, attributed to the predominant existence of the resulting rhenium(I) 3‐hydroxypyridine complexes in their protonated form. Confocal imaging of live cells incubated with a TzMe complex and ICPr‐caged fluorescein unveiled intense intracellular emission in distinct channels. Importantly, the therapeutic potential of this approach was underscored by the treatment of cells with a TzMe complex and ICPrc‐caged doxorubicin. The anticancer effect was amplified through the synergy between singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) photosensitization and prodrug activation, effectively combining photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy. The more pronounced 1 O 2 generation of the 3‐hydroxypyridine complexes in acidic media and their specific accumulation within the acidic lysosomes of cancer cells highlight the potential of bioorthogonal prodrug activation for effective cancer‐targeted therapy.
Can nonpartisan primaries boost turnout and lessen demographic disparities?
U.S. congressional general elections are largely uncompetitive, featuring candidates who emerge from low-turnout primaries. Voters in these primaries are unrepresentative of the broader electorate; primary voters tend to be older and wealthier. Previous research has focused on how open and nonpartisan primaries may affect the turnout of unaffiliated voters in primaries. We are interested in the downstream effects of opening primaries, including their estimated effects on turnout of younger voters and those with lower socioeconomic status. This study uses large samples of administrative voter file data to investigate whether nonpartisan and open primaries were associated with higher turnout across multiple elections (2018 and 2022). Results find open primaries were not associated with higher individual-level turnout. We found that nonpartisan primaries were associated with higher turnout across all age groups, including both low- and high-income groups, as well as low- and high-education groups. The results find the greatest proportionate increases for younger voters.