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The therapeutic potential of pegylated arginase I treatment in glioblastoma

Comparing the linkages between carbon components and soil aggregates in vegetable fields to continuous input of different carbon sources

Aims To address the issue of declining soil organic carbon (SOC) in vegetable fields, this study investigated the effects of continuous input of different carbon sources on soil carbon pool dynamics. Methods A five-year field plot experiment was conducted to analyze the impact of organic fertilizer, biochar, and their combined application on soil organic carbon components, aggregate stability, and carbon pool characteristics. Results The continuous application of biochar and organic fertilizer significantly increased the content of soil organic carbon components. Organic fertilizer contributed more actively to labile organic carbon fractions, whereas biochar primarily supplied stable organic carbon. All treatments enhanced the proportion of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) and improved aggregate stability, with organic fertilizer exhibiting superior effects compared to biochar. Organic fertilizer also promoted organic carbon sequestration in aggregates by enriching readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC) and water-soluble organic carbon (DOC). In contrast, biochar application significantly increased inert organic carbon (IOC), leading to higher total SOC compared to organic fertilizer alone. Carbon pool characteristic indices improved significantly under continuous biochar and organic fertilizer application. Organic fertilizer treatment showed a higher carbon pool activity index, while biochar outperformed in other indices. The combined application yielded the most favorable results. Correlation analysis revealed that soil aggregate stability was significantly associated with DOC and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Both biochar and organic fertilizer enhanced soil available nutrient content, which increased dynamically over time. Principal component analysis confirmed that the combined application of organic fertilizer and biochar was most effective for soil carbon sequestration and fertility improvement. Conclusion Biochar and organic fertilizer differentially influenced soil organic carbon composition. Organic fertilizer improved carbon pool characteristics by mediating macroaggregate formation through labile organic carbon (e.g., DOC and MBC), while biochar contributed directly to carbon sequestration due to its inert and stable nature. Their combined application synergistically enhanced the formation and stability of soil macroaggregates, improved soil carbon pool characteristics, and optimized nutrient availability in vegetable fields. This version improves clarity, conciseness, and flow while maintaining scientific accuracy. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!.

Synthesis, conformational control, and photothermal application of helically twisted 3,6-carbazole-based porphyrinoids and mono-palladium complex

Metabarcoding provides accurate estimation of volumetric diet composition in a top predator despite interference from blocking primers

Abstract The study of diet is central to wildlife ecology, management and conservation. Metabarcoding enhanced the ability to identify species contributing to wildlife diets, and blocking primers can maximize prey detection. Relative read abundance (RRA) of different prey species has been used as semi-quantitative approach, assuming that RRA reflects species’ contributions to diet. We tested accuracy of RRA in diet estimation by feeding captive wolves six different diets. We analyzed samples both without and with four blocking primer concentrations (5, 10, 15 and 20×). RRA provided a highly accurate representation of the overall dietary composition, with best results obtained without blocking primer (0.775 ± 0.033; P < 0.001; R 2 = 0.815). While the use of blocking the primer resulted in higher proportions of reads for diet items it did not increase the probability of detecting diet components. Moreover, the blocking primer led to increased detections of items not fed to wolves and produced slightly less accurate estimates of diet composition. Resampling indicated that sample sizes beyond 30 scats improved the accuracy of diet estimation. Our results are promising and support the use of metabarcoding to determine volumetric diet but caution and further research are necessary before extrapolating findings.

Dimensions of music use motivations: Genetic and environmental underpinnings, and associations with Big Five and Empathy traits

People differ in their motivation for seeking musical experiences and these differences appear to be partially attributable to their personality. However, little is known about the role of genetic and environmental factors in shaping individual differences in motivations for music use and their shared etiology with personality. This study investigated, using the classical twin design in a sample of 2611 Norwegian twins, the genetic and environmental architecture of four dimensions of motivations for music use (musical transcendence, emotion regulation, social bonding, and musical identity and expression). We also examined their phenotypic associations, as well as genetic and environmental overlap with general personality traits, including the Big Five and Trait Empathy facets. Additive genetic and unique environmental effects largely accounted for the variation in the four dimensions (heritability 38%−52%, mean = 45%), though univariate analyses of the social bonding dimension indicated common environmental influences for this specific subscale. In line with previous studies, trait-congruent phenotypic associations were found between specific personality traits and music use motives, including facets of negative emotionality and musical emotion regulation. Other facets – particularly aesthetic sensitivity (open-mindedness) and fantasy (trait empathy) – were closely tied to all dimensions. Multivariate biometric modeling of the links between personality traits and motivations for music use revealed that these relationships were primarily driven by correlated genetic factors, with personality traits accounting for 40%−66% of the total genetic variance and 5%−17% of the total environmental variance in the music use motivation dimensions. These findings shed new light on the etiology of dispositional music use and provide a comprehensive baseline for future investigations of associations with personality, mental health, and well-being.

Ecological connectivity of genomic markers of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli in Hong Kong

Scientific planning of dynamic crops in complex agricultural landscapes based on adaptive optimization hybrid SA-GA method

In Silico identification and modelling of FDA-approved drugs targeting T-type calcium channels

Studies have shown that inhibition of the Cav3.1 T-type calcium channel can prevent or suppress neurological diseases, such as epileptic seizures and diabetic neuropathy. In this study, we aimed to use in silico simulations to identify a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug that can bind to the Cav3.1 T-type calcium channel. We used the automated docking suite GOLD v5.5 with the genetic algorithm to simulate molecular docking and predict the protein-ligand binding modes, and the ChemPLP empirical scoring function to estimate the binding affinities of 2,115 FDA-approved drugs to the human Cav3.1 channel. Drugs with high binding affinity and appropriate pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties were selected for molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) and molecular mechanics generalised Born surface area (MMGBSA) binding free energy calculations, GROMACS molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and Monte Carlo Cell (MCell) simulations. The docking results indicated that the FDA-approved drug montelukast has a high binding affinity to Cav3.1, and data from the literature suggested that montelukast has the appropriate drug-like properties to cross the human blood-brain barrier and reach synapses in the central nervous system. MMPBSA, MMGBSA, and MD simulations showed the high stability of the montelukast-Cav3.1 complex. MCell simulations indicated that the blockage of Cav3.1 by montelukast reduced the number of synaptic vesicles being released from the pre-synaptic region to the synaptic cleft, which may reduce the probability and amplitude of postsynaptic potentials.

Universal peptide synthesis via solid-phase methods fused with chemputation

Abstract Since the advent of automated solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), many commercial platforms have been developed, facilitating cutting-edge research across many biochemical fields. However, despite considerable technological advancements, these systems remain limited in flexibility and chemical capability. Herein, we present a fully automated programmable platform that combines the efficiency of SPPS with the chemical flexibility of a Chemical Processing Unit (Chemputer). SPPS protocols, from resin swelling to peptide precipitation, are captured and automated using the Chemical Description Language (χDL), affording peptide sequences in high purity (>79%) and on a multi-milligram scale. Owing to the modularity of the platform, valuable transformations are integrated into the workflow, including ring-closing metathesis, copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, and native chemical ligation. These tailored modifications are carried out in one, uninterrupted synthetic protocol, performing up to 1635-unit operations, executed over 85 h of activity, producing peptides such as GHRH(1-29), Semaglutide, and Capitellacin, finally unlocking bottlenecks in automated SPPS.

Experimental and finite element analysis of a two wheeler handlebar subjected to semi active constrained layer damping treatment

Abstract The study investigates the transient vibration analysis of two-wheeler handlebar and the optimization of vibration damping using constrained layer Magnetorheological Elastomers (MRE). The research explores how varying magnetic field strengths affect the damping properties of MRE, which is strategically implemented in the handlebar of a two-wheeler with a view to reducing vibrations and improving rider comfort. This study is a combination of numerical simulation and experimental data to highlight the effectiveness of semi-active damping systems under different magnetic fields. A sandwich beam was prepared at the laboratory for the damping material, and it was tested for the variation in damping ratio when the magnetic field was varied. The results demonstrate significant improvements in vibration attenuation when MRE damping ratios are optimized by varying the magnetic field, resulting in enhanced structural integrity and rider comfort.

Longitudinal association between psychological distress and mask-wearing post COVID-19 among psychiatric outpatients in Japan

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted psychological distress globally and led to widespread behavioral changes, including mask-wearing. Research shows that mask-wearing behavior may have psychological consequences. Infection control behaviors and psychological distress are expected to decrease as the pandemic subsides. However, the effect of these changes on patients with mental illnesses remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of relaxed mask-wearing guidelines on psychological distress among psychiatric outpatients in Japan and its association with changes in mask-wearing behavior. It included 109 outpatients from a general hospital’s psychiatric department. Psychological distress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-12 at two time points: before and after the guideline change. Mask-wearing behavior was recorded through self-reports. Changes in psychological distress were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the association between changes in mask-wearing behavior and psychological distress was examined using multiple regression analysis, adjusting for preceding psychological distress, age, and gender. Among the 109 participants (12 with schizophrenia, 55 with mood disorders, 34 with anxiety disorders, and 8 with other conditions), a significant reduction in psychological distress was observed after the guideline relaxation (Cohen’s d = 0.344, p < 0.01). Outdoor mask-wearing decreased from 89% before the guideline change to 65% after the change. Changes in mask-wearing behavior were significantly associated with reduced psychological distress (β = 2.72, p < 0.01). Relaxed mask-wearing guidelines positively impacted psychological distress among psychiatric outpatients, with unmasking associated with improved mental health. Thus, the relaxation of public health measures can contribute to improved mental health among vulnerable populations. This study provides new insights into the psychological implications of mask-wearing policies in the post-COVID-19 society and informs strategies to support mental health in future public health crises.

Structure and function of the human apoptotic scramblase Xkr4

CTAB modified SnO₂ PEDOT PSS heterojunction humidity sensor with enhanced sensitivity stability and machine learning evaluation

Immunosuppression variably impacts outcomes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

Background Adults with immunosuppression are more likely to develop severe COVID-19 than adults without immunosuppression. Less is known about differences in outcomes for adults with immunosuppression who are hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods A retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 at Northwestern Medicine hospitals between 03/01/2020 and 05/31/2022 was performed. Regression analyses were performed comparing in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, oxygenation requirements, and hospital/ICU length of stay among patients without immunosuppression (n = 9079) and patients with immunosuppression (n = 873). Results Patients with immunosuppression had significantly higher mortality than patients without immunosuppression (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.11–1.60). This effect was even stronger when controlling for age at admission, diabetes, obesity, SARS-CoV-2 variant era, and COVID-19 medication use (adjusted OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.46–2.16). ICU admission (adjusted OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.41–1.90) and invasive ventilation (adjusted OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.36–2.06) were also significantly higher in patients with immunosuppression. Hospitalization length (median: 7 days) and ICU length of stay (median: 2.5 days) were longer in patients with immunosuppression compared to patients without immunosuppression (median: 5 days, adjusted p < 0.001; median: 2 days, adjusted p = 0.04). Subgroup analyses showed that patients with solid organ transplant, HIV with low CD4 cell count, and secondary immunodeficiency had significantly higher adjusted mortality and ICU admission compared to patients without immunosuppression. Patients with solid organ transplant also had significantly higher invasive ventilation and ICU length of stay. Conclusions Patients with immunosuppression had worse outcomes than patients without immunosuppression. Subgroup analyses showed that patients with solid organ transplant had the worst outcomes overall. Patients with HIV had similar outcomes as patients without immunosuppression unless CD4 cell count was low.

Mitigating ion flux vortex enables reversible zinc electrodeposition

Abstract Metal anodes hold considerable promise for high-energy-density batteries but are fundamentally limited by electrochemical irreversibility caused by uneven metal deposition and dendrite formation, which compromise battery lifespan and safety. The chaotic ion flow (or ion flux vortex) near the electrode surface, driving these instabilities, has remained elusive due to limitations in conventional techniques such as scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, which are invasive and incapable of probing internal structures of deposits. Here, we employ in-situ X-ray computed tomography (CT) to non-destructively visualize Zn deposition on LAPONITE-coated Zn anodes, thereby revealing the internal structural evolution and deposition orientation. Combined with computational fluid dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that the LAPONITE coating, with its separated positive and negative charge centers, suppresses ionic vortex formation, guiding uniform, dense, and vertically aligned Zn growth along (100) plane, thereby significantly mitigating dendrite growth. This translates into a 3.17-Ah Zn-MnO2 pouch cell with stable performance over 100 cycles, offering a viable path toward scalable, high-performance metal-anode batteries.

First record and integrative analysis of the invasive aphid Cinara pilicornis in South Korea

Precision-cut tumor tissue slices, a novel tool to study the tumor microenvironment interactions with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells

Up until present day, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has only been approved for hematological malignancies, as CAR-T cells do not show comparable efficacy in solid tumors. Therefore, understanding the features of the tumor microenvironment (TME), is key to improve efficacy of adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) against solid tumors. In this context, robust workflows, which dissect the complex interactions between CAR-T cells and the TME are still lacking. To address this need, we have established an ex vivo workflow co-culturing tissue slices from patient tumor resections with CAR-T cells. The workflow is composed of assessing several complementary attributes, such as cytokine release via flow cytometry, quantification of cell infiltration into the tumor and assessment of the regions of the tissue slice the CAR-T cell infiltrate into by using the MACSima™ imaging cyclic staining technology. Using this workflow it is possible to observe the behavior of CAR-T cells within the tumor and its TME, their infiltration into distinct tumor compartments, as well as to dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive T cell migration, thanks to MACSima™ multiplexing technology and its ability to image several markers at the same time. Assessment of ovarian carcinoma tissue slices revealed substantial release of specific cytokines and increased infiltration of T cells in the tumor areas when CAR-T cells were added to the tissue slices as compared to non-engineered T cells. The establishment of this novel approach will enable researchers to better characterize the interaction between CAR-T cells and the TME. Tissue slices present an intrinsic heterogeneity, which is indeed an advantage compared to other in vitro models but can turn itself into complex results interpretation. Therefore, we recommend that any conclusion derived from this assay should be verified with complementary models.

Smart fiber with overprinted patterns to function as chip-like multi-threshold logic switch circuit

Hemoglobin and mean platelet volume abnormalities in children exposed to heavy metals and metalloids in a pilot biomonitoring study

Changes in functional outcome after a first-time stroke: Data from a longitudinal study

Background Strokes are the major cause of disability. Functional recovery following an acute stroke is time-dependent and varies depending on several factors. This study aimed to investigate changes in functional outcomes after stroke from discharge to six months post-discharge and to identify factors associated with changes in functional outcomes during this six-month period. Methods The study included 155 consecutive patients with a first stroke and were hospitalized in an acute stroke unit at an advanced tertiary hospital in Bangkok between April 2020 and August 2021. The patients’ functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Barthel Index (BI) before hospital discharge and at one-, three-, and six-month post-discharge. Friedman tests were used to assess changes in mRS scores over six months. Linear mixed effect regression was applied to identify the change in BI scores during the six months post-discharge. Results Of the participants, 62.6% were men, and the mean age was 64.0 (SD = 12.5). The median mRS scores ranged from 3.0 at discharge to 0.0 at six months post-discharge. Significant changes in mRS scores were identified within three months post-discharge, and differences by stroke subtype and severity (P < 0.05). The crude BI means ranged from 70.6 (SD = 28.5) at discharge to 93.1 (SD = 20.4) at six months post-discharge. Female participants and those with hemorrhagic strokes had lower adjusted BI scores compared to male participants and those with ischemic strokes, with differences of 4.1 and 4.5 points, respectively. Additionally, stroke severity was inversely related to adjusted BI scores. One increased National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score decreased adjusted BI scores by 3.6. Conclusion The time after discharge, gender, stroke subtype, and stroke severity are significant factors affecting functional outcomes after a stroke. The most significant improvement in functional outcomes occurred within one month post-discharge.