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Complex Iridate Solid Solutions for Catalyzing Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Comparison of Elemental Leaching and Stability Numbers

Intrinsic functional connectivity brain networks mediate effect of age on sociability

Social interaction has been shown to prolong lifespan and healthspan. For older adults living alone, social interaction largely comes from formal social participation, and thus depends on the sociability of the individual. This study aims to understand the effect of age on sociability, and the possible mechanisms behind the change. 196 German participants aged 20–77 (Mage = 37.9) completed a series of questionnaires as part of the Leipzig Study for Mind-Body-Emotion Interactions. Sociability was measured by a subscale of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (Short Form), and network-based statistics were performed on resting-state functional connectivity data to identify networks positively and negatively correlated with age. Mediation analysis was carried out between age and sociability, with both sets of edges as mediators. Overall, age correlated negatively with sociability. The brain network correlating positively with age correlated negatively with sociability, and vice versa for the network correlating negatively with. Both networks independently and completely mediated the age-sociability relationship. The limbic-insular and ventral attention-somatomotor connectivity featured prominently in the age-positive network, while the age-negative network is largely represented by subcortical-parietal and frontoparietal-default mode connections. Networks associated with brain aging can explain the negative relationship between age and sociability. Per Dunbar’s social brain hypothesis, age-related disruption in intrinsic functional connectivity may impair socio-cognitive functions necessary for forming and maintaining relationships, thus causing a decrease in sociability. Psychoeducation of these changes that occur with natural aging could prove useful in the promotion of successful aging.

Constructing Asymmetric Defects Pairs in Electrocatalysts for Efficient Glycerol Oxidation

Elevated nonhomologous end-joining by AATF enables efficient DNA damage repair and therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma

Estimation of finite population mean in a complex survey sampling

Accurate estimation of the finite population mean is a fundamental challenge in survey sampling, especially when dealing with large or complex populations. Traditional methods like simple random sampling may not always provide reliable or efficient estimates in such cases. Motivated by this, the current study explores complex sampling techniques to improve the precision and accuracy of mean estimators. Specifically, we employ two-stage and three-stage cluster sampling methods to develop unbiased estimators for the finite population mean. Building upon these, the next phase of the study formulates unbiased mean estimators using stratified two- and three-stage cluster sampling. To further enhance the precision of these estimators, a ranked-set sampling strategy is applied to the secondary and tertiary sampling stages. Additionally, unbiased variance estimators corresponding to the proposed mean estimators are derived. Real-world datasets are utilized to demonstrate the application of these complex survey sampling methodologies, with results showing that the mean estimates derived using ranked set sampling are more accurate than those obtained via simple random sampling.

¹³ C Chemical Shift of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Coinage Metal(I) Complexes and Clusters: <i>trans</i> -Influence and Spin–Orbit Coupling

Topobexin targets the Topoisomerase II ATPase domain for beta isoform-selective inhibition and anthracycline cardioprotection

Abstract Topoisomerase II alpha and beta (TOP2A and TOP2B) isoenzymes perform essential and non-redundant cellular functions. Anthracyclines induce their potent anti-cancer effects primarily via TOP2A, but at the same time they induce a dose limiting cardiotoxicity through TOP2B. Here we describe the development of the obex class of TOP2 inhibitors that bind to a previously unidentified druggable pocket in the TOP2 ATPase domain to act as allosteric catalytic inhibitors by locking the ATPase domain conformation with the capability of isoform-selective inhibition. Through rational drug design we have developed topobexin, which interacts with residues that differ between TOP2A and TOP2B to provide inhibition that is both selective for TOP2B and superior to dexrazoxane. Topobexin is a potent protectant against chronic anthracycline cardiotoxicity in an animal model. This demonstration of TOP2 isoform-specific inhibition underscores the broader potential to improve drug specificity and minimize adverse effects in various medical treatments.

Utility of population-based HIV impact assessments to understand the associations of stigma with the HIV treatment cascade: Analytical framework using cross-sectional evidence from Tanzania

Background Stigma is a major barrier to ending HIV as a public health threat. We present an analytical framework for quantifying the effects of HIV-related stigma on the treatment cascade using biomarker data from a Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) in Tanzania. Methods We first reviewed HIV-related stigma items from 15 PHIA surveys in sub-Saharan Africa. Using nationally representative data of 1,831 diagnosed and undiagnosed PLHIV aged 15 and older in Tanzania, we applied modified Poisson regression models to examine associations of stigma with the treatment cascade, adjusting for HIV knowledge and demographics. Results We identified 41 unique stigma-related items in 13 of the 15 PHIA surveys. In Tanzania, PLHIV who expressed any stigma driver (stigmatizing attitude, discriminatory attitude, or shame) were 27% less likely to know their HIV status (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.73; 95%CI [0.65–0.83], p &lt; 0.001), while those expressing all three were almost never aware of their status (aPR &lt; 0.01; 95%CI [0–0.01], p &lt; 0.001). Stigma drivers were not significantly associated with ART use among diagnosed PLHIV or viral load suppression (VLS) among those on ART. Diagnosed PLHIV who felt the need to hide their status when seeking non-HIV healthcare were 9% less likely to be on ART (aPR 0.91; 95%CI [0.85–0.98], p = 0.013), and those on ART were 10% less likely to achieve VLS (aPR 0.90; 95%CI [0.81–0.99], p = 0.047). Conclusions Stigma likely prevented many undiagnosed PLHIV in Tanzania from knowing their status. Fear of healthcare discrimination due to anticipated stigma undermines ART uptake among diagnosed PLHIV and viral suppression among those on ART. PHIA surveys have untapped potential to quantify the effects of HIV-related stigma and inform interventions to end HIV as a public health threat.

Multiple structures of RNA polymerase II isolated from human nuclei by ChIP-CryoEM analysis

Abstract RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is a central transcription enzyme that exists as multiple forms with or without accessory factors, and transcribes the genomic DNA packaged in chromatin. To understand how RNAPII functions in the human genome, we isolate transcribing RNAPII complexes from human nuclei by chromatin immunopurification, and determine the cryo-electron microscopy structures of RNAPII elongation complexes (ECs) associated with genomic DNA in distinct forms, without or with the elongation factors SPT4/5, ELOF1, and SPT6. This ChIP-cryoEM method also reveals the two EC-nucleosome complexes corresponding nucleosome disassembly/reassembly processes. In the structure of EC-downstream nucleosome, EC paused at superhelical location (SHL) −5 in the nucleosome, suggesting that SHL(−5) pausing occurs in a sequence-independent manner during nucleosome disassembly. In the structure of the EC-upstream nucleosome, EC directly contacts the nucleosome through the nucleosomal DNA-RPB4/7 stalk and the H2A-H2B dimer-RPB2 wall interactions, suggesting that EC may be paused during nucleosome reassembly. These representative EC structures transcribing the human genome provide mechanistic insights into understanding RNAPII transcription on chromatin.

Improved gonadal hormones levels following 6 and 12 months of anti-retroviral therapy among men living with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Background Male hypogonadism is commonly reported in men living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (MLWH), reaching a prevalence of up to 89% and shown to decrease in the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era as compared to pre-ART era. Data regarding the effect of ART on gonadal hormones levels are scarce. We aimed to determine changes in gonadal hormones levels in HIV males following ART initiation. Methods This was a longitudinal study involving newly diagnosed ART naïve MLWH in Mwanza, Tanzania. All enrolled participants underwent thorough clinical and physical examination including anthropometric measurements. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Serum total testosterone (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol were estimated at baseline, six and twelve months after ART initiation. Serum TT &lt; 300 ng/dl, or ≥300 ng/dl with high LH and FSH were taken as markers of hypogonadism. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Results A total of 213 participants were enrolled in this study. Between individual’s pairs, the median levels of TT and LH after six and twelve months were found to be significantly higher while estradiol was significantly lower than at baseline (p &lt; 0.001). Between after six and after twelve months, only median estradiol levels showed significant change with levels being lower after twelve months (p &lt; 0.001). The change in FSH was not statistically significant. Of the 89 participants (41.8%) who had hypogonadism at baseline, 44 (49.4%) normalized TT (≥300 ng/ml) and had higher median testosterone than those who did not normalize. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant association between testosterone change and initial viral load (p = 0.049), WHO clinical stage (p = 0.031) and baseline hypogonadism status (p = 0.014). Conclusion This study concludes that TT improved significantly after ART initiation. Particularly, half of the MLWH who presented with low TT at baseline normalized it within the first year of treatment. Therefore, ART reduces prevalence of hypogonadism and baseline TT seems to be predictive of future evolution of the hypogonadism.

Ligand Basicity Modulates Metal Cation Reduction Potentials at Colloidal Cadmium Chalcogenide Quantum Dot Surfaces

Bioadhesive hydrogel-coupled and miniaturized ultrasound transducer system for long-term, wearable neuromodulation

Knowledge, attitude, and willingness to perform on-site Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among individuals trained in public CPR: A cross-sectional survey

Background The rescue rate by first responders who have received public Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training remains low. While CPR training boosts emergency knowledge and skills among the public, the degree to which this knowledge is retained, along with attitudes and willingness to perform CPR after training, remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to investigate factors influencing individuals’ retention of knowledge, attitude toward CPR, and willingness to perform on-site CPR following training. Methods This cross-sectional study targeted 190 participants from various regions of China who had undergone public CPR training. They completed a questionnaire via online survey between January and February 2024, following CPR training courses. Results Out of 190 distributed questionnaires, 186 were returned and deemed valid, yielding a response rate of 97.9%. The correct response rate for CPR knowledge was merely 39.2%. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude toward on-site CPR, with 86.0% strongly agreeing that “timely CPR can save many lives.” 95.7% were willing to perform CPR on a family member. 84.4% of the respondents believe that legal support is the influential factor that affects whether they provide on-site rescue. Factors such as having personal experience in performing CPR on-site, witnessing a cardiac arrest, frequency of CPR training attended in the past 12 months, and educational level significantly influenced (P &lt; 0.05) the mastery of CPR knowledge. Similarly, these factors, as well as having family members at high risk of cardiogenic sudden death, significantly affected the attitude towards performing CPR on-site (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Knowledge of CPR remains suboptimal.Although most participants displayed a positive attitude towards performing CPR on-site, their willingness was limited and influenced by various factors. Therefore, organizations offering public CPR training are recommended to implement regular refresher courses, scenario-based simulations, and interactive discussions to mitigate apprehensions and enhance the willingness of trainees for intervention.

Design and Synthesis of a Cluster-Based Supramolecular Reaction Pump for the Efficient Catalysis of Amination Reactions

Interlayer-bonded Ni/MoO2 electrocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction with stability over 6000 h at 1000 mA cm−2

South Arabia’s prehistoric monument landscape shows social resilience to climate change

In arid regions across northern Africa, Asia and Arabia, ancient pastoralists constructed small-scale stone monuments of varying form, construction, placement, age, and function. Classification studies of each type have inhibited a broader model of their collective and enduring role within desert socio-ecosystems. Our multivariate analysis of 371 archaeological monuments in the arid Dhofar region of Oman identifies environmental and cultural factors that influenced variable placement and construction across a 7000-year history. Our results show that earlier monuments were built by larger, concurrent groups during the Holocene Humid Period (10,000–6000 cal BP). With increasing aridification, smaller groups constructed monuments and eventually switched to building them in repetitive visits. Our model emphasizes the core role of monuments as a flexible technology in social resilience among desert pastoralists.

In Situ Construction of Amide-Functionalized 2D Conjugated Metal–Organic Frameworks with Multiple Active Sites for High-Performance Potassium-Ion Batteries

Self-packaged stretchable printed circuits with ligand-bound liquid metal particles in elastomer

Abstract Packaging in stretchable electronics is crucial to protect components from environmental damage while preserving mechanical flexibility and providing electrical insulation. The conventional packaging process involves multiple steps that increase in complexity as the number of circuit layers multiply. In this study, we introduce a self-packaged stretchable printed circuit board enabled by the in situ phase separation of liquid metal particles (LMPs) within various polymer matrices during solution-based printing processes. The ligand-bound LMPs (LB-LMPs), engineered to inhibit oxide growth, undergo in situ sintering, prompting vertical phase separation. This synthesis strategy not only achieves high initial conductivity of the LMPs but also encapsulates them within the polymer matrix, preventing leakage and providing electrical insulation. Our method enables multi-layer circuit printing, eliminating the need for additional activation and packaging processes. Furthermore, by integrating conductive materials into packaging layers for selective electrical conductivity, vertical interconnect accesses and conductive pads can be formed, enabling large-scale, stretchable, and leakage-free multi-layer electrical circuits and bio-interfaces.

Characteristic genes and immune landscape of interstitial cystitis

Background Interstitial cystitis (IC) was still a disease with the exclusive diagnosis and lacked an effective gold standard. It was of great significance to find diagnostic markers for IC. Our study was aimed to screen characteristic genes via machine learning algorithms, characterize the immune landscape of IC, and show correlations between characteristic genes and immune cell subtypes. Methods RNA sequencing data sets on IC were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE57560, GSE11783 and GSE621, whose corresponding platforms were GPL16699, GPL570 and GPL262 respectively. Three machine learning algorithms were applied for identification of characteristic gene for IC. Single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) was applied to figure out the immune cell infiltration (ICI) of IC and normal tissue samples. Correlation analysis was performed via Spearman test. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate diagnostic efficacy of key genes. Results CCL18, MMP10 and WIF1 were identified as characteristic gene via machine learning algorithms. MMP10 and CCL18 were with higher expression in IC tissues compared with normal bladder tissues, while WIF1 had lower expressionin IC tissues (P &lt; 0.05). These three genes had good diagnostic efficacy for IC. Compared with normal bladder tissues, 18 immune cell subtypes were up-regulated in interstitial cystitis tissues (P &lt; 0.05). MMP10 and CCL18 were positively correlated to immune scores in IC, while WIF1 was negatively correlated to immune scores (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion We screened the feature genes, CCL18, MMP10 and WIF1, among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by three different machine learning algorithms. They showed good diagnostic performance in both training and testing cohorts and were potential diagnostic markers for IC. We paint the immune landscape of IC. In IC tissue, immune cell subtypes infiltrated extensively. Most immune cell subtypes were up-regulated in IC tissue, including mast cells, activated CD4 T cells, and regulatory T cells that suppress immune responses. MMP10 and CCL18 had positive correlation to ICI, while WIF was negatively correlated with ICI. MMP10 and CCL18 may be the driving factors of immune response or their expression levels may be increased by immune response. The effect of characteristic genes of IC on immune cell subtypes still needed to be further explored.

Coverage-Dependent Selective Conversion of Methane into Value-Added Ethane over Noble-Metal-Free Ni₁-CeO₂ Photocatalyst