U1 snRNP regulates cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro

Device modeling of high performance and eco-friendly FAMASnI 3 based perovskite solar cell

Developing environmentally friendly and highly efficient inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) encounters significant challenges, specifically the potential toxicity and degradation of thin films in hybrid organic-inorganic photovoltaics (PV). We employed theoretical design strategies that produce hysteresis-reduced, efficient, and stable PSCs based on composition and interface engineering. The devices include a mixed-organic-cation perovskite formamidinium methylammonium tin iodide ( FAMASnI 3 ) as an absorber layer and zinc oxide (ZnO) together with a passivation film phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 61 BM ) as a double-electron transport layer (DETL). Furthermore, a nickel oxide (NiO) layer and a trap-free junction copper iodide (CuI) are used as a double-hole transport layer (DHTL). The optoelectronic characterization measurements were carried out to understand the physical mechanisms that govern the operation of the devices. The high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 24.27% and 23.50% were achieved in 1D and 2D simulations, respectively. This study illustrates that composition and interface engineering enable eco-friendly perovskite solar cells, improving performance and advancing clean energy.

Surface charge density and induced currents by self-charging sliding drops

Spontaneous charge separation in drops sliding over a hydrophobized insulator surface is a well-known phenomenon and lots of efforts have been made to utilize this effect for energy harvesting. For maximizing the efficiency of such devices, a comprehensive understanding of the dewetted surface charge would be required to quantitatively predict the electric current signals, in particular for drop sequences. Here, we use a method based on mirror charge detection to locally measure the surface charge density after drops move over a hydrophobic surface. For this purpose, we position a metal electrode beneath the hydrophobic substrate to measure the capacitive current induced by the moving drop. Furthermore, we investigate drop-induced charging on different dielectric surfaces together with the surface neutralization processes. The surface neutralizes over a characteristic time, which is influenced by the substrate and the surrounding environment. We present an analytical model that describes the slide electrification using measurable parameters such as the surface charge density and its neutralization time. Understanding the model parameters and refining them will enable a targeted optimization of the efficiency in solid-liquid charge separation.

Evaluating regression and probabilistic methods for ECG-based electrolyte prediction

Imbalances in electrolyte concentrations can have severe consequences, but accurate and accessible measurements could improve patient outcomes. The current measurement method based on blood tests is accurate but invasive and time-consuming and is often unavailable for example in remote locations or an ambulance setting. In this paper, we explore the use of deep neural networks (DNNs) for regression tasks to accurately predict continuous electrolyte concentrations from electrocardiograms (ECGs), a quick and widely adopted tool. We analyze our DNN models on a novel dataset of over 290,000 ECGs across four major electrolytes and compare their performance with traditional machine learning models. For improved understanding, we also study the full spectrum from continuous predictions to a binary classification of extreme concentration levels. Finally, we investigate probabilistic regression approaches and explore uncertainty estimates for enhanced clinical usefulness. Our results show that DNNs outperform traditional models but model performance varies significantly across different electrolytes. While discretization leads to good classification performance, it does not address the original problem of continuous concentration level prediction. Probabilistic regression has practical potential, but our uncertainty estimates are not perfectly calibrated. Our study is therefore a first step towards developing an accurate and reliable ECG-based method for electrolyte concentration level prediction-a method with high potential impact within multiple clinical scenarios.

Enhancing sorption kinetics by oriented and single crystalline array-structured ZSM-5 film on monoliths

To enhance the reaction kinetics without sacrificing activity in porous materials, one potential solution is to utilize the anisotropic distribution of pores and channels besides enriching active centers at the reactive surfaces. Herein, by designing a unique distribution of oriented pores and single crystalline array structures in the presence of abundant acid sites as demonstrated in the ZSM-5 nanorod arrays grown on monoliths, both enhanced dynamics and improved capacity are exhibited simultaneously in propene capture at low temperature within a short duration. Meanwhile, the ZSM-5 array also helps mitigate the long-chain HCs and coking formation due to the enhanced diffusion of reactants in and reaction products out of the array structures. Further integrating the ZSM-5 array with Co3O4 nanoarray enables comprehensive propene removal throughout a wider temperature range. The array structured film design could offer energy-efficient solutions to overcome both sorption and reaction kinetic restrictions in various solid porous materials for various energy and chemical transformation applications.

Electrolytic Hydrogen Release from Hydrogen Boride Sheets

Solid-state hydrogen storage materials are safe and lightweight hydrogen carriers. Among the various solid-state hydrogen carriers, hydrogen boride (HB) sheets possess a high gravimetric hydrogen capacity (8.5 wt%). However, heating at high temperatures and/or strong ultraviolet illumination is required to release hydrogen (H2) from HB sheets. In this study, the electrochemical H2 release from HB sheets using a dispersion system in an organic solvent without other proton sources is investigated. H2 molecules are released from the HB sheets under the application of a cathodic potential. The Faradaic efficiency for H2 release from HB sheets reached >90%, and the onset potential for H2 release is -0.445 V versus Ag/Ag+, which is more positive than those from other proton sources, such as water or formic acid, under the same electrochemical conditions. The total electrochemically released H2 in a long-time experiment reached ≈100% of the hydrogen capacity of HB sheets. The H2 release from HB sheets is driven by a small bias; thus, they can be applied as safe and lightweight hydrogen carriers with economical hydrogen release properties.

Embedding Bifurcations into Pneumatic Artificial Muscle

Harnessing complex body dynamics has long been a challenge in robotics, particularly when dealing with soft dynamics, which exhibit high complexity in interacting with the environment. Recent studies indicate that these dynamics can be used as a computational resource, exemplified by the McKibben pneumatic artificial muscle, a common soft actuator. This study demonstrates that bifurcations, including periodic and chaotic dynamics, can be embedded into the pneumatic artificial muscle, with the entire bifurcation structure using the framework of physical reservoir computing. These results suggest that dynamics not present in training data can be embedded through bifurcation embedment, implying the capability to incorporate various qualitatively different patterns into pneumatic artificial muscle without the need to design and learn all required patterns explicitly. Thus, this study introduces a novel approach to simplify robotic devices and control training by reducing reliance on external pattern generators and the amount and types of training data needed for control.

The synergistic interplay of artificial intelligence and digital twin in environmentally planning sustainable smart cities: A comprehensive systematic review

The dynamic landscape of sustainable smart cities is witnessing a significant transformation due to the integration of emerging computational technologies and innovative models. These advancements are reshaping data-driven planning strategies, practices, and approaches, thereby facilitating the achievement of environmental sustainability goals. This transformative wave signals a fundamental shift - marked by the synergistic operation of artificial intelligence (AI), artificial intelligence of things (AIoT), and urban digital twin (UDT) technologies. While previous research has largely explored urban AI, urban AIoT, and UDT in isolation, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding their synergistic interplay, collaborative integration, and collective impact on data-driven environmental planning in the dynamic context of sustainable smart cities. To address this gap, this study conducts a comprehensive systematic review to uncover the intricate interactions among these interconnected technologies, models, and domains while elucidating the nuanced dynamics and untapped synergies in the complex ecosystem of sustainable smart cities. Central to this study are four guiding research questions: 1. What theoretical and practical foundations underpin the convergence of AI, AIoT, UDT, data-driven planning, and environmental sustainability in sustainable smart cities, and how can these components be synthesized into a novel comprehensive framework? 2. How does integrating AI and AIoT reshape the landscape of data-driven planning to improve the environmental performance of sustainable smart cities? 3. How can AI and AIoT augment the capabilities of UDT to enhance data-driven environmental planning processes in sustainable smart cities? 4. What challenges and barriers arise in integrating and implementing AI, AIoT, and UDT in data-driven environmental urban planning, and what strategies can be devised to surmount or mitigate them? Methodologically, this study involves a rigorous analysis and synthesis of studies published between January 2019 and December 2023, comprising an extensive body of literature totaling 185 studies. The findings of this study surpass mere interdisciplinary theoretical enrichment, offering valuable insights into the transformative potential of integrating AI, AIoT, and UDT technologies to advance sustainable urban development practices. By enhancing data-driven environmental planning processes, these integrated technologies and models offer innovative solutions to address complex environmental challenges. However, this endeavor is fraught with formidable challenges and complexities that require careful navigation and mitigation to achieve desired outcomes. This study serves as a comprehensive reference guide, spurring groundbreaking research endeavors, stimulating practical implementations, informing strategic initiatives, and shaping policy formulations in sustainable urban development. These insights have profound implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, providing a roadmap for fostering resiliently designed, technologically advanced, and environmentally conscious urban environments.

Carbon Dots: A Bright Future as Anticounterfeiting Encoding Agents

Counterfeit products and data vulnerability present significant challenges in contemporary society. Hence, various methods and technologies are explored for anticounterfeiting encoding, with luminescent tracers, particularly luminescent carbon dots (CDs), emerging as a notable solution. CDs offer promising contributions to product security, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy. This critical review aims to highlight the luminescence responsiveness of CDs to physical and chemical stimuli, achieved through nanoengineering their chemical structure. The discussion will delve into the various tunable luminescence mechanisms and decay times of CDs, investigating preferential excitations such as up-conversion, delayed fluorescence, fluorescence, room temperature phosphorescence, persistent luminescence, energy and charge transfer, as well as photo-chemical interactions. These insights are crucial for advancing anticounterfeiting solutions. Following this exploration, a systematic review will focus on the research of luminescent CDs' smart encoding applications, encompassing anticounterfeiting, product tracing, quality certification, and information encryption. Finally, the review will address key challenges in implementing CDs-based technology, providing specific insights into strategies aimed at maximizing their stability and efficacy in anticounterfeiting encoding applications.

Ultrasensitive Monolithic Dopamine Microsensors Employing Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanofibers

Brain-on-Chip devices, which facilitate on-chip cultures of neurons to simulate brain functions, are receiving tremendous attention from both fundamental and clinical research. Consequently, microsensors are being developed to accomplish real-time monitoring of neurotransmitters, which are the benchmarks for neuron network operation. Among these, electrochemical sensors have emerged as promising candidates for detecting a critical neurotransmitter, dopamine. However, current state-of-the-art electrochemical dopamine sensors are suffering from issues like limited sensitivity and cumbersome fabrication. Here, a novel route in monolithically microfabricating vertically aligned carbon nanofiber electrochemical dopamine microsensors is reported with an anti-blistering slow cooling process. Thanks to the microfabrication process, microsensors is created with complete insulation and large surface areas. The champion device shows extremely high sensitivity of 4.52× 104 µAµM-1·cm-2, which is two-orders-of-magnitude higher than current devices, and a highly competitive limit of detection of 0.243 nM. These remarkable figures-of-merit will open new windows for applications such as electrochemical recording from a single neuron.

Reprogrammable Magnetic Soft Actuators with Microfluidic Functional Modules via Pixel-Assembly

Magnetic soft actuators and robots have attracted considerable attention in biomedical applications due to their speedy response, programmability, and biocompatibility. Despite recent advancements, the fabrication process of magnetic actuators and the reprogramming approach of their magnetization profiles continue to pose challenges. Here, a facile fabrication strategy is reported based on arrangements and distributions of reusable magnetic pixels on silicone substrates, allowing for various magnetic actuators with customizable architectures, arbitrary magnetization profiles, and integration of microfluidic technology. This approach enables intricate configurations with decent deformability and programmability, as well as biomimetic movements involving grasping, swimming, and wriggling in response to magnetic actuation. Moreover, microfluidic functional modules are integrated for various purposes, such as on/off valve control, curvature adjustment, fluid mixing, dynamic microfluidic architecture, and liquid delivery robot. The proposed method fulfills the requirements of low-cost, rapid, and simplified preparation of magnetic actuators, since it eliminates the need to sustain pre-defined deformations during the magnetization process or to employ laser heating or other stimulation for reprogramming the magnetization profile. Consequently, it is envisioned that magnetic actuators fabricated via pixel-assembly will have broad prospects in microfluidics and biomedical applications.

A High-Entropy Single-Atom Catalyst Toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Acidic and Alkaline Conditions

The design of high-entropy single-atom catalysts (HESAC) with 5.2 times higher entropy compared to single-atom catalysts (SAC) is proposed, by using four different metals (FeCoNiRu-HESAC) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Fe active sites with intermetallic distances of 6.1 Å exhibit a low ORR overpotential of 0.44 V, which originates from weakening the adsorption of OH intermediates. Based on density functional theory (DFT) findings, the FeCoNiRu-HESAC with a nitrogen-doped sample were synthesized. The atomic structures are confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption (XAS), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The predicted high catalytic activity is experimentally verified, finding that FeCoNiRu-HESAC has overpotentials of 0.41 and 0.37 V with Tafel slopes of 101 and 210 mVdec-1 at the current density of 1 mA cm-2 and the kinetic current densities of 8.2 and 5.3 mA cm-2, respectively, in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. These results are comparable with Pt/C. The FeCoNiRu-HESAC is used for Zinc-air battery applications with an open circuit potential of 1.39 V and power density of 0.16 W cm-2. Therefore, a strategy guided by DFT is provided for the rational design of HESAC which can be replaced with high-cost Pt catalysts toward ORR and beyond.

Electrogenic sulfur oxidation mediated by cable bacteria and its ecological effects

At the sediment-water interfaces, filamentous cable bacteria transport electrons from sulfide oxidation along their filaments towards oxygen or nitrate as electron acceptors. These multicellular bacteria belonging to the family Desulfobulbaceae thus form a biogeobattery that mediates redox processes between multiple elements. Cable bacteria were first reported in 2012. In the past years, cable bacteria have been found to be widely distributed across the globe. Their potential in shaping the surface water environments has been extensively studied but is not fully elucidated. In this review, the biogeochemical characteristics, conduction mechanisms, and geographical distribution of cable bacteria, as well as their ecological effects, are systematically reviewed and discussed. Novel insights for understanding and applying the role of cable bacteria in aquatic ecology are summarized.

Electrocatalytic oxidation of pyrrole on a quasi-reversible silver nanodumbbell particle surface for supramolecular porphyrin production

Photoactive supramolecular porphyrin assemblies are attractive molecules for light-harvesting applications. This is due to their relatively non-toxicity, biological activities and charge and energy exchange characteristics. However, the extreme cost associated with their synthesis and requirements for toxic organic solvents during purification pose a challenge to the sustainability characteristics of their applications. This work presents the first report on the sustainable synthesis, spectroscopic and photophysical characterizations of a near-infrared (NIR) absorbing Ca(II)-meso-tetrakis (4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin using an electrolyzed pyrrole solution. The latter was obtained by cycling the pyrrole solution across the silver nanodumbbell particle surface at room temperature. The electrolyzed solution condensed readily with acidified p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, producing the targeted purple porphyrin. The non-electrolyzed pyrrole solution formed a green substance with significantly different optical properties. Remarkable differences were observed in the voltammograms of the silver nanodumbbell particles and those of the conventional gold electrode during the pyrrole cycling, suggesting different routes of porphyrin formation. The rationale behind these formations and the associated mechanisms were extensively discussed. Metalation with aqueous Ca2+ ion caused a Stokes shift of 38.75 eV. The current study shows the advantage of the electrochemical method towards obtaining sustainable light-harvesting porphyrin at room temperature without the need for high-energy-dependent conventional processes.

Innovative approaches to wound healing: insights into interactive dressings and future directions

The objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date and all-encompassing account of the recent advancements in the domain of interactive wound dressings. Considering the gap between the achieved and desired clinical outcomes with currently available or under-study wound healing therapies, newer more specific options based on the wound type and healing phase are reviewed. Starting from the comprehensive description of the wound healing process, a detailed classification of wound dressings is presented. Subsequently, we present an elaborate and significant discussion describing interactive (unconventional) wound dressings. Latter includes biopolymer-based, bioactive-containing and biosensor-based smart dressings, which are discussed in separate sections together with their applications and limitations. Moreover, recent (2-5 years) clinical trials, patents on unconventional dressings, marketed products, and other information on advanced wound care designs and techniques are discussed. Subsequently, the future research direction is highlighted, describing peptides, proteins, and human amniotic membranes as potential wound dressings. Finally, we conclude that this field needs further development and offers scope for integrating information on the healing process with newer technologies.

Formation of Anisotropic Conducting Interlayer for High-Resolution Epidermal Electromyography Using Mixed-Conducting Particulate Composite

Epidermal electrophysiology is a non-invasive method used in research and clinical practices to study the electrical activity of the brain, heart, nerves, and muscles. However, electrode/tissue interlayer materials such as ionically conducting pastes can negatively affect recordings by introducing lateral electrode-to-electrode ionic crosstalk and reducing spatial resolution. To overcome this issue, biocompatible, anisotropic-conducting interlayer composites (ACI) that establish an electrically anisotropic interface with the skin are developed, enabling the application of dense cutaneous sensor arrays. High-density, conformable electrodes are also microfabricated that adhere to the ACI and follow the curvilinear surface of the skin. The results show that ACI significantly enhances the spatial resolution of epidermal electromyography (EMG) recording compared to conductive paste, permitting the acquisition of single muscle action potentials with distinct spatial profiles. The high-density EMG in developing mice, non-human primates, and humans is validated. Overall, high spatial-resolution epidermal electrophysiology enabled by ACI has the potential to advance clinical diagnostics of motor system disorders and enhance data quality for human-computer interface applications.

Time Refraction and Time Reflection above Critical Angle for Total Internal Reflection

We study the time reflection and time refraction of waves caused by a spatial interface with a medium undergoing a sudden temporal change in permittivity. We show that monochromatic waves are transformed into a pulse by the permittivity change, and that time reflection is enhanced at the vicinity of the critical angle for total internal reflection. In this regime, we find that the evanescent field is transformed into a propagating pulse by the sudden change in permittivity. These effects display enhancement of the time reflection and high sensitivity near the critical angle, paving the way to experiments on time reflection and photonic time crystals at optical frequencies.

Biomimetic Approaches in Scaffold-Based Blood Vessel Tissue Engineering

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality globally, with atherosclerosis representing a significant pathological means, often leading to myocardial infarction. Coronary artery bypass surgery, a common procedure used to treat coronary artery disease, presents challenges due to the limited autologous tissue availability or the shortcomings of synthetic grafts. Consequently, there is a growing interest in tissue engineering approaches to develop vascular substitutes. This review offers an updated picture of the state of the art in vascular tissue engineering, emphasising the design of scaffolds and dynamic culture conditions following a biomimetic approach. By emulating native vessel properties and, in particular, by mimicking the three-layer structure of the vascular wall, tissue-engineered grafts can improve long-term patency and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, ongoing research focuses on enhancing biomimicry through innovative scaffold materials, surface functionalisation strategies, and the use of bioreactors mimicking the physiological microenvironment. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this review provides insight into the latest advancements and future directions of vascular tissue engineering, with particular reference to employing biomimicry to create systems capable of reproducing the structure-function relationships present in the arterial wall. Despite the existence of a gap between benchtop innovation and clinical translation, it appears that the biomimetic technologies developed to date demonstrate promising results in preventing vascular occlusion due to blood clotting under laboratory conditions and in preclinical studies. Therefore, a multifaceted biomimetic approach could represent a winning strategy to ensure the translation of vascular tissue engineering into clinical practice.

Hole transport layer engineering in high performance quasi-2D perovskite blue light emitting diodes

Quasi-2D perovskites have emerged as highly promising materials for application in perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs), garnering significant attention due to their outstanding semiconductor properties. These materials boast an inherent multi-quantum well structure that imparts a robust confinement effect, particularly advantageous for blue emission. However, the development of blue emitters utilizing quasi-2D perovskites encounters challenges, notably colour instability, multipeak emission, and suboptimal fluorescence yield. The hole transfer layer (HTL) on which the perovskite layer is deposited in PeLEDs further affects the performance and efficiency. In this review, we delve into the evolution of blue PeLEDs and elucidate the optical properties of quasi-2D perovskites with the primary focus on HTL materials. We explore different HTL materials like PEDOT:PSS, metal oxides, and conjugated polyelectrolytes as well as ionic liquids, and their role in enhancing the colour stability, minimizing interfacial defects and increasing the fluorescence yield. This review endeavours to provide a holistic perspective of the different HTLs and serve as a valuable reference for researchers navigating the realm of HTL engineering towards the realization of high-performance blue quasi-2D PeLEDs.

A robust model for cell type-specific interindividual variation in single-cell RNA sequencing data

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been widely used to characterize cell types based on their average gene expression profiles. However, most studies do not consider cell type-specific variation across donors. Modelling this cell type-specific inter-individual variation could help elucidate cell type-specific biology and inform genes and cell types underlying complex traits. We therefore develop a new model to detect and quantify cell type-specific variation across individuals called CTMM (Cell Type-specific linear Mixed Model). We use extensive simulations to show that CTMM is powerful and unbiased in realistic settings. We also derive calibrated tests for cell type-specific interindividual variation, which is challenging given the modest sample sizes in scRNA-seq. We apply CTMM to scRNA-seq data from human induced pluripotent stem cells to characterize the transcriptomic variation across donors as cells differentiate into endoderm. We find that almost 100% of transcriptome-wide variability between donors is differentiation stage-specific. CTMM also identifies individual genes with statistically significant stage-specific variability across samples, including 85 genes that do not have significant stage-specific mean expression. Finally, we extend CTMM to partition interindividual covariance between stages, which recapitulates the overall differentiation trajectory. Overall, CTMM is a powerful tool to illuminate cell type-specific biology in scRNA-seq.

Current Developments in Emerging Lanthanide-Doped Persistent Luminescent Scintillators and Their Applications

Lanthanide-doped scintillators have the ability to convert the absorbed X-ray irradiation into ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), or near-infrared (NIR) light. Lanthanide-doped scintillators with excellent persistent luminescence (PersL) are emerging as a new class of PersL materials recently. They have attracted great attention due to their unique "self-luminescence" characteristic and potential applications. In this review, we comb through and focus on current developments of lanthanide-doped persistent luminescent scintillators (PersLSs), including their PersL mechanism, synthetic methods, tuning of PersL properties (e. g. emission wavelength, intensity, and duration time), as well as their promising applications (e. g. information storage, encryption, anti-counterfeiting, bio-imaging, and photodynamic therapy). We hope this review will provide valuable guidance for the future development of PersLSs.

The neuroprotective effects of SFGDI on sirtuin 3-related oxidative stress by regulating the Sirt3/SOD/ROS pathway and energy metabolism in BV2 cells

Recently, the investigation of neuroprotective peptides has gained attention in addressing memory impairment and cognitive decline. Although the potential neuroprotective peptide Serine-Phenylalanine-Glycine-Aspartic acid-Isoleucine (SFGDI) has been identified from sea cucumber, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study was conducted to explore the neuroprotection of SFGDI against 3-TYP-induced oxidative stress in BV2 cells. The results showed a retention rate of 76.70% during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and an absorption rate of 10.41% in a rat-everted gut sac model for SFGDI. Two hours following the administration of SFGDI via gavage in mice, a notable fluorescence was observed in the brain, indicating a potential neuroprotection of SFGDI through its interactions with nerve cells. By utilizing a model of oxidative stress injury induced by 3-TYP in BV2 cells, it was determined that pretreatment with SFGDI (50-200 μg mL-1) resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the acetylated SOD level, leading to enhanced SOD activity and reduced levels of ROS and MDA. In addition, this pretreatment triggered an increase in unsaturated lipid levels, which helped maintain the intracellular lipid metabolism balance and preserve the mitochondrial function and glycolysis levels to regulate energy metabolism. The results of this study indicate that SFGDI demonstrates neuroprotective properties through its modulation of the Sirt3/SOD/ROS pathway, regulation of lipid metabolism, and enhancement of energy metabolism in BV2 cells. These findings suggest potential novel therapeutic approaches for addressing Sirt3-related memory deficits and neurodegenerative disorders.

Chip collection of hepatocellular carcinoma based on O2 heterogeneity from patient tissue

Hepatocellular carcinoma frequently recurs after surgery, necessitating personalized clinical approaches based on tumor avatar models. However, location-dependent oxygen concentrations resulting from the dual hepatic vascular supply drive the inherent heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, which presents challenges in developing an avatar model. In this study, tissue samples from 12 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are cultured directly on a chip and separated based on preference of oxygen concentration. Establishing a dual gradient system with drug perfusion perpendicular to the oxygen gradient enables the simultaneous separation of cells and evaluation of drug responsiveness. The results are further cross-validated by implanting the chips into mice at various oxygen levels using a patient-derived xenograft model. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells exposed to hypoxia exhibit invasive and recurrent characteristics that mirror clinical outcomes. This chip provides valuable insights into treatment prognosis by identifying the dominant hepatocellular carcinoma type in each patient, potentially guiding personalized therapeutic interventions.

A Highly Sustainable Supramolecular Bioplastic Film with Superior Hydroplasticity and Biodegradability

Massive accumulation of postconsumer plastic waste in eco-system has raised growing environmental concerns. Sustainable end-of-life managements of the indispensable plastic are highly demanding and challenging in modern society. To relieve the plastic menace, herein we present a full life cycle sustainable supramolecular bioplastic made from biomass-derived polyelectrolyte (chitosan quaternary ammonium salt, QCS) and natural sodium fatty acid (sodium laurate, SL) through solid-phase molecular self-assembly (SPMSA), by which the QCS-SL complexes, precipitated from mixing the aqueous solutions, self-assemble to form bioplastic film by mildly pressing at room temperature. The QCS-SL bioplastic films display superior hydroplasticity owing to the water-activated molecular rearrangement and electrostatic bond reconstruction, which allows facile self-healing and reprocessing at room temperature to significantly extend the service lifetime of both products and raw materials. With higher water content, the dynamic electrostatic interactions and precipitation-dissolution equilibrium endow the QCS-SL bioplastic films with considerable solubility in water, which is promising to mitigate the plastic accumulation in aquatic environment. Because both QCS and SL are biocompatible and biodegradable, the dissolved QCS-SL films are nontoxic and environmentally friendly. Thus, this novel supramolecular bioplastic is highly sustainable throughout the whole life cycle, which is expected to open a new vista in sustainable plastic materials.

Directional Localization from a Magnetic Field in Moiré Systems

Moiré materials provide a highly tunable platform in which novel electronic phenomena can emerge. We study strained moiré materials in a uniform magnetic field and predict highly anisotropic electrical conductivity that switches easy axis as magnetic field or strain is varied. The dramatic anisotropy reflects one-dimensional localization (directional localization) of the electron wave functions along a crystal axis due to quantum interference effects. This can be understood in an effective one-dimensional quasiperiodic Aubry-André-Harper-like model, or in a complementary semiclassical picture. This phenomenon should be observable in strained moiré materials at realistic fields and low strain disorder, as well as unstrained systems with anisotropic Fermi surfaces.

Testing Theories of the Glass Transition with the Same Liquid but Many Kinetic Rules

We study the glass transition by exploring a broad class of kinetic rules that can significantly modify the normal dynamics of supercooled liquids while maintaining thermal equilibrium. Beyond the usual dynamics of liquids, this class includes dynamics in which a fraction (1-f_{R}) of the particles can perform pairwise exchange or "swap moves," while a fraction f_{P} of the particles can move only along restricted directions. We find that (i) the location of the glass transition varies greatly but smoothly as f_{P} and f_{R} change and (ii) it is governed by a linear combination of f_{P} and f_{R}. (iii) Dynamical heterogeneities (DHs) are not governed by the static structure of the material; their magnitude correlates instead with the relaxation time. (iv) We show that a recent theory for temporal growth of DHs based on thermal avalanches holds quantitatively throughout the (f_{R},f_{P}) diagram. These observations are negative items for some existing theories of the glass transition, particularly those reliant on growing thermodynamic order or locally favored structure, and open new avenues to test other approaches, as we illustrate.

Dynamics of the Molecular Geometric Phase

The fate of the molecular geometric phase in an exact dynamical framework is investigated with the help of the exact factorization of the wave function and a recently proposed quantum hydrodynamical description of its dynamics. An instantaneous, gauge-invariant phase is introduced for arbitrary paths in nuclear configuration space in terms of hydrodynamical variables, and shown to reduce to the adiabatic geometric phase when the state is adiabatic and the path is closed. The evolution of the closed-path phase over time is shown to adhere to a Maxwell-Faraday induction law, with nonconservative forces arising from the electron dynamics that play the role of electromotive forces. We identify the pivotal forces that are able to change the value of the phase, thereby challenging any topological argument. Nonetheless, negligible changes in the phase occur when the local dynamics along the probe loop is approximately adiabatic. That is, the geometric phase effects that arise in an adiabatic limiting situation remain suitable to effectively describe certain dynamic observables.

CryoEM reveals the structure of an archaeal pilus involved in twitching motility

Amongst the major types of archaeal filaments, several have been shown to closely resemble bacterial homologues of the Type IV pili (T4P). Within Sulfolobales, member species encode for three types of T4P, namely the archaellum, the UV-inducible pilus system (Ups) and the archaeal adhesive pilus (Aap). Whereas the archaellum functions primarily in swimming motility, and the Ups in UV-induced cell aggregation and DNA-exchange, the Aap plays an important role in adhesion and twitching motility. Here, we present a cryoEM structure of the Aap of the archaeal model organism Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. We identify the component subunit as AapB and find that while its structure follows the canonical T4P blueprint, it adopts three distinct conformations within the pilus. The tri-conformer Aap structure that we describe challenges our current understanding of pilus structure and sheds new light on the principles of twitching motility.

Lanthanide-based nanomaterials for temperature sensing in the near-infrared spectral region: illuminating progress and challenges

Being first proposed as a method to overcome limitations associated with conventional contact thermometers, luminescence thermometry has been extensively studied over the past two decades as a sensitive and fast approach to remote and minimally invasive thermal sensing. Herein, lanthanide (Ln)-doped nanoparticles (Ln-NPs) have been identified as particularly promising candidates, given their outstanding optical properties. Known primarily for their upconversion emission, Ln-NPs have also been recognized for their ability to be excited with and emit in the near-infrared (NIR) regions matching the NIR transparency windows. This sparked the emergence of the development of NIR-NIR Ln-NPs for a wide range of temperature-sensing applications. The shift to longer excitation and emission wavelengths resulted in increased efforts being put into developing nanothermometers for biomedical applications, however most research is still preclinical. This mini-review outlines and addresses the challenges that limit the reliability and implementation of luminescent nanothermometers to real-life applications. Through a critical look into the recent developments from the past 4 years, we highlight attempts to overcome some of the limitations associated with excitation wavelength, thermal sensitivity, calibration, as well as light-matter interactions. Strategies range from use of longer excitation wavelengths, brighter emitters through strategic core/multi-shell architectures, exploitation of host phonons, and a shift from double- to single-band ratiometric as well as lifetime-based approaches to innovative methods based on computation and machine learning. To conclude, we offer a perspective on remaining gaps and where efforts should be focused towards more robust nanothermometers allowing a shift to real-life, e.g., in vivo, applications.

Bonding states of gold/silver plasmonic nanostructures and sulfur-containing active biological ingredients in biomedical applications: a review

As one of the most instrumental components in the architecture of advanced nanomedicines, plasmonic nanostructures (mainly gold and silver nanomaterials) have been paid a lot of attention. This type of nanomaterial can absorb light photons with a specific wavelength and generate heat or excited electrons through surface resonance, which is a unique physical property. In innovative biomaterials, a significant number of theranostic (therapeutic and diagnostic) materials are produced through the conjugation of thiol-containing ingredients with gold and silver nanoparticles (Au and Ag NPs). Hence, it is essential to investigate Au/Ag-S interfaces precisely and determine the exact bonding states in the active nanobiomaterials. This study intends to provide useful insights into the interactions between Au/Ag NPs and thiol groups that exist in the structure of biomaterials. In this regard, the modeling of Au/Ag-S bonding in active biological ingredients is precisely reviewed. Then, the physiological stability of Au/Ag-based plasmonic nanobioconjugates in real physiological environments (pharmacokinetics) is discussed. Recent experimental validation and achievements of plasmonic theranostics and radiolabelled nanomaterials based on Au/Ag-S conjugation are also profoundly reviewed. This study will also help researchers working on biosensors in which plasmonic devices deal with the thiol-containing biomaterials (e.g., antibodies) inside blood serum and living cells.

The interplay of group size and flow velocity modulates fish exploratory behaviour

Social facilitation is a well-known phenomenon where the presence of organisms belonging to the same species enhances an individual organism's performance in a specific task. As far as fishes are concerned, most studies on social facilitation have been conducted in standing-water conditions. However, for riverine species, fish are most commonly located in moving waters, and the effects of hydrodynamics on social facilitation remain largely unknown. To bridge this knowledge gap, we designed and performed flume experiments where the behaviour of wild juvenile Italian riffle dace (Telestes muticellus) in varying group sizes and at different mean flow velocities, was studied. An artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning algorithm was developed and employed to track fish positions in time and subsequently assess their exploration, swimming activity, and space use. Results indicate that energy-saving strategies dictated space use in flowing waters regardless of group size. Instead, exploration and swimming activity increased by increasing group size, but the magnitude of this enhancement (which quantifies social facilitation) was modulated by flow velocity. These results have implications for how future research efforts should be designed to understand the social dynamics of riverine fish populations, which can no longer ignore the contribution of hydrodynamics.

Adoption of CRISPR-Cas for crop production: present status and future prospects

Background

Global food systems in recent years have been impacted by some harsh environmental challenges and excessive anthropogenic activities. The increasing levels of both biotic and abiotic stressors have led to a decline in food production, safety, and quality. This has also contributed to a low crop production rate and difficulty in meeting the requirements of the ever-growing population. Several biotic stresses have developed above natural resistance in crops coupled with alarming contamination rates. In particular, the multiple antibiotic resistance in bacteria and some other plant pathogens has been a hot topic over recent years since the food system is often exposed to contamination at each of the farm-to-fork stages. Therefore, a system that prioritizes the safety, quality, and availability of foods is needed to meet the health and dietary preferences of everyone at every time.

Methods

This review collected scattered information on food systems and proposes methods for plant disease management. Multiple databases were searched for relevant specialized literature in the field. Particular attention was placed on the genetic methods with special interest in the potentials of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and Cas (CRISPR associated) proteins technology in food systems and security.

Results

The review reveals the approaches that have been developed to salvage the problem of food insecurity in an attempt to achieve sustainable agriculture. On crop plants, some systems tend towards either enhancing the systemic resistance or engineering resistant varieties against known pathogens. The CRISPR-Cas technology has become a popular tool for engineering desired genes in living organisms. This review discusses its impact and why it should be considered in the sustainable management, availability, and quality of food systems. Some important roles of CRISPR-Cas have been established concerning conventional and earlier genome editing methods for simultaneous modification of different agronomic traits in crops.

Conclusion

Despite the controversies over the safety of the CRISPR-Cas system, its importance has been evident in the engineering of disease- and drought-resistant crop varieties, the improvement of crop yield, and enhancement of food quality.

Modular photoorigami-based 4D manufacturing of vascular junction elements

Four-dimensional (4D) printing, combining three-dimensional (3D) printing with time-dependent stimuli-responsive shape transformation, eliminates the limitations of the conventional 3D printing technique for the fabrication of complex hollow constructs. However, existing 4D printing techniques have limitations in terms of the shapes that can be created using a single shape-changing object. In this paper, we report an advanced 4D fabrication approach for vascular junctions, particularly T-junctions, using the 4D printing technique based on coordinated sequential folding of two or more specially designed shape-changing elements. In our approach, the T-junction is split into two components, and each component is 4D printed using different synthesized shape memory polyurethanes and their nanohybrids, which have been synthesized with varying hard segment contents and by incorporating different weight percentages of photo-responsive copper sulfide-polyvinyl pyrrolidone nanoparticles. The formation of a T-junction is demonstrated by assigning different shape memory behaviors to each component of the T-junction. A cell culture study with human umbilical vein endothelial cells reveals that the cells proliferate over time, and almost 90% of cells remain viable on day 7. Finally, the formation of the T-junction in the presence of near-infrared light has been demonstrated after seeding the endothelial cells on the programmed flat surface of the two components and fluorescence microscopy at day 3 and 7 reveals that the cells adhered well and continue to proliferate over time. Hence, the proposed alternative approach has huge potential and can be used to fabricate vascular junctions in the future.

Stretchable OLEDs based on a hidden active area for high fill factor and resolution compensation

Stretchable organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have emerged as promising optoelectronic devices with exceptional degree of freedom in form factors. However, stretching OLEDs often results in a reduction in the geometrical fill factor (FF), that is the ratio of an active area to the total area, thereby limiting their potential for a broad range of applications. To overcome these challenges, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) architecture adopting a hidden active area that serves a dual role as both an emitting area and an interconnector. For this purpose, an ultrathin OLED is first attached to a 3D rigid island array structure through quadaxial stretching for precise, deformation-free alignment. A portion of the ultrathin OLED is concealed by letting it 'fold in' between the adjacent islands in the initial, non-stretched condition and gradually surfaces to the top upon stretching. This design enables the proposed stretchable OLEDs to exhibit a relatively high FF not only in the initial state but also after substantial deformation corresponding to a 30% biaxial system strain. Moreover, passive-matrix OLED displays that utilize this architecture are shown to be configurable for compensation of post-stretch resolution loss, demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed approach in realizing the full potential of stretchable OLEDs.

Evidence for dynastic succession among early Celtic elites in Central Europe

The early Iron Age (800 to 450 BCE) in France, Germany and Switzerland, known as the 'West-Hallstattkreis', stands out as featuring the earliest evidence for supra-regional organization north of the Alps. Often referred to as 'early Celtic', suggesting tentative connections to later cultural phenomena, its societal and population structure remain enigmatic. Here we present genomic and isotope data from 31 individuals from this context in southern Germany, dating between 616 and 200 BCE. We identify multiple biologically related groups spanning three elite burials as far as 100 km apart, supported by trans-regional individual mobility inferred from isotope data. These include a close biological relationship between two of the richest burial mounds of the Hallstatt culture. Bayesian modelling points to an avuncular relationship between the two individuals, which may suggest a practice of matrilineal dynastic succession in early Celtic elites. We show that their ancestry is shared on a broad geographic scale from Iberia throughout Central-Eastern Europe, undergoing a decline after the late Iron Age (450 BCE to ~50 CE).

Unveiling Highly Sensitive Active Site in Atomically Dispersed Gold Catalysts for Enhanced Ethanol Dehydrogenation

Developing a desirable ethanol dehydrogenation process necessitates a highly efficient and selective catalyst with low cost. Herein, we show that the "complex active site" consisting of atomically dispersed Au atoms with the neighboring oxygen vacancies (Vo) and undercoordinated cation on oxide supports can be prepared and display unique catalytic properties for ethanol dehydrogenation. The "complex active site" Au-Vo-Zr3+ on Au1/ZrO2 exhibits the highest H2 production rate, with above 37,964 mol H2 per mol Au per hour (385 g H2 g Au - 1 ${{\rm{g}}_{{\rm{Au}}}^{ - 1} }$  h-1) at 350 °C, which is 3.32, 2.94 and 15.0 times higher than Au1/CeO2, Au1/TiO2, and Au1/Al2O3, respectively. Combining experimental and theoretical studies, we demonstrate the structural sensitivity of these complex sites by assessing their selectivity and activity in ethanol dehydrogenation. Our study sheds new light on the design and development of cost-effective and highly efficient catalysts for ethanol dehydrogenation. Fundamentally, atomic-level catalyst design by colocalizing catalytically active metal atoms forming a structure-sensitive "complex site", is a crucial way to advance from heterogeneous catalysis to molecular catalysis. Our study advanced the understanding of the structure sensitivity of the active site in atomically dispersed catalysts.

WASP: weighted average of sequential projections for ptychographic phase retrieval

We introduce the weighted average of sequential projections, or WASP, an algorithm for ptychography. Using both simulations and real-world experiments, we test this new approach and compare performance against several alternative algorithms. These tests indicate that WASP effectively combines the benefits of its competitors, with a rapid initial convergence rate, robustness to noise and poor initial conditions, a small memory footprint, easy tuning, and the ability to reach a global minimum when provided with noiseless data. We also show how WASP can be parallelised to split operation across several different computation nodes.

The Efficacy of Risk Factor Modification Compared to NAD+ Repletion in Diastolic Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a growing global concern. This study evaluated myocardial oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels in human systolic and diastolic HF and in a murine model of HF with preserved ejection fraction, exploring NAD+ repletion as therapy. We quantified myocardial NAD+ and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase levels, assessing restoration with nicotinamide riboside (NR). Findings show significant NAD+ and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase depletion in human diastolic HF myocardium, but NR successfully restored NAD+ levels. In murine HF with preserved ejection fraction, NR as preventive and therapeutic intervention improved metabolic and antioxidant profiles. This study underscores NAD+ repletion's potential in diastolic HF management.

A new insight into the role of pericytes in ischemic stroke

The functional structure of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) deteriorates after stroke by developing diffuse microvascular and neurovascular dysfunction and loss of white matter integrity. This causes nervous tissue injury and causes sensory and motor disabilities in stroke patients. Improving the integrity of the BBB and neurovascular remodeling after stroke can promote post-stroke injury conditions. Pericytes are contractile cells abundant in the BBB and sandwiched between astrocytes and endothelial cells of the microvessels. Stroke could lead to the degeneration of pericytes in the BBB. However, recent evidence shows that promoting pericytes enhances BBB integrity and neurovascular remodeling. Furthermore, pericytes achieve multipotent properties under hypoxic conditions, allowing them to transdifferentiate into the brain resident cells such as microglia. Microglia regulate immunity and inflammatory response after stroke. The current review studies recent findings in the intervening mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of pericytes in BBB recovery after stroke.

Antibiotic resistance profiles of sentinel bacteria isolated from aquaculture in Cambodia

The misuse of antibiotics and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a concern in the aquaculture industry because it contributes to global health risks and impacts the environment. This study analyzed the AMR of sentinel bacteria associated with striped catfish (Pangasisanodon hypophthalmus) and giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes), the two main fish species reared in the pond culture in Cambodia. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the recovered isolates from fish, water, and sediment samples revealed the presence of bacteria, such as 22 species belonging to families Aeromonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae. Among 48 isolates, Aeromonas caviae (n = 2), Aeromonas hydrophila (n = 2), Aeromonas ichthiosmia (n = 1), Aeromonas salmonicida (n = 4) were detected. A. salmonicida and A. hydrophilla are known as fish pathogens that occur worldwide in both fresh and marine water aquaculture. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed antibiotic resistance patterns of 24 (50 %) isolates among 48 isolates with higher multiple antibiotic resistance index (> 0.2). All the isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is a frontline antibiotic that is not recommended to use in aquaculture. Therefore, its use has to be strictly controlled. This study expands our knowledge of the AMR status in aquaculture farms which is very limited in Cambodia.

Coupling Exponential to Linear Amplification for Endpoint Quantitative Analysis

Exponential DNA amplification techniques are fundamental in ultrasensitive molecular diagnostics. These systems offer a wide dynamic range, but the quantification requires real-time monitoring of the amplification reaction. Linear amplification schemes, despite their limited sensitivity, can achieve quantitative measurement from a single end-point readout, suitable for low-cost, point-of-care, or massive testing. Reconciling the sensitivity of exponential amplification with the simplicity of end-point readout would thus break through a major design dilemma and open a route to a new generation of massively scalable quantitative bioassays. Here a hybrid nucleic acid-based circuit design is introduced to compute a logarithmic function, therefore providing a wide dynamic range based on a single end-point measurement. CELIA (Coupling Exponential amplification reaction to LInear Amplification) exploits a versatile biochemical circuit architecture to couple a tunable linear amplification stage - optionally embedding an inverter function - downstream of an exponential module in a one-pot format. Applied to the detection of microRNAs, CELIA provides a limit of detection in the femtomolar range and a dynamic range of six decades. This isothermal approach bypasses thermocyclers without compromising sensitivity, thereby opening the way to applications in various diagnostic assays, and providing a simplified, cost-efficient, and high throughput solution for quantitative nucleic acid analysis.

A comparison of gender diversity in transgender young people with and without autistic traits from the Trans 20 cohort study

Background

There is an elevated co-occurrence of autism in trans individuals, with recent meta-analyses suggesting that 11% of trans individuals are autistic. The presence of autism in trans young people can create clinical challenges by adding complexity to the presentation, assessment and management of those presenting to gender clinics. Although many trans young people display traits of autism, how these traits relate to the nature of their gender diversity is unclear.

Methods

This study compared gender identity, gender expression and gender dysphoria (GD) in trans young people with and without autistic traits. Baseline data from a cohort study of trans children and adolescents who first attended the Royal Children's Hospital Gender Service (Victoria, Australia) between February 2017 and January 2020 were analysed cross-sectionally. Autistic traits were assessed via the Social Responsiveness Scale-2. Gender was assessed using tools that measure gender identity, social transition, GD, body dissatisfaction, voice dysphoria, and chest dysphoria.

Findings

522 participants were included, of whom 239 (45.8%) exhibited autistic traits (SRS total T-score ≥60). Those with and without autistic traits were similar in their age (mean (SD) age 14.0 (2.9) and 13.1 (3.6) years respectively) and gender identity: the majority (73.7% (n = 174) and 70.5% (n = 198) respectively) identified in a binary way. Higher rates of social transition (specifically, changing pronouns) were noted in those with autistic traits (Difference in proportion 11.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-21.1, p = 0.014). GD was high in both groups with ∼95% displaying clinically relevant levels of GD. Chest dysphoria was similar between groups, while voice dysphoria was higher in those with autistic traits (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-0.5 p = 0.00087). Dissatisfaction with secondary gendered characteristics (SMD = 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.5 p = 0.0011) and hormonally unresponsive body characteristics (SMD = 0.2, CI: 0.1-0.4 p = 0.016) was higher in trans young people with autistic traits.

Interpretation

The similarly high severity of GD in those with and without autistic traits reinforces the importance of trans young people with and without autistic traits being availed the same opportunities to access gender-affirming care. Subtle differences identified between the groups in other areas of gender diversity suggest trans young people with autistic traits may have distinct needs and that gender-affirming care may need to be tailored accordingly.

Funding

The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation, Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation; Australian National Health and Medical Research Council-Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies scheme (GNT 2006529).

Construction of a pathological model of skin lesions in acute herpes zoster virus infection and its molecular mechanism

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a common pathogen with humans as the sole host, causes primary infection and undergoes a latent period in sensory ganglia. The recurrence of VZV is often accompanied by severe neuralgia in skin tissue, which has a serious impact on the life of patients. During the acute infection of VZV, there are few related studies on the pathophysiological mechanism of skin tissue. In this study, transcriptome sequencing data from the acute response period within 2 days of VZV antigen stimulation of the skin were used to explore a model of the trajectory of skin tissue changes during VZV infection. It was found that early VZV antigen stimulation caused activation of mainly natural immune-related signaling pathways, while in the late phase activation of mainly active immune-related signaling pathways. JAK-STAT, NFκB, and TNFα signaling pathways are gradually activated with the progression of infection, while Hypoxia is progressively inhibited. In addition, we found that dendritic cell-mediated immune responses play a dominant role in the lesion damage caused by VZV antigen stimulation of the skin. This study provides a theoretical basis for the study of the molecular mechanisms of skin lesions during acute VZV infection.

Biocontrol of plant pathogens in omics era-with special focus on endophytic bacilli

Nearly all plants and their organs are inhabited by endophytic microbes which play a crucial role in plant fitness and stress resilience. Harnessing endophytic services can provide effective solutions for a sustainable increase in agriculture productivity and can be used as a complement or alternative to agrochemicals. Shifting agriculture practices toward the use of nature-based solutions can contribute directly to the global challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. However, microbial inoculants have been used in agriculture for several decades with inconsistent efficacy. Key reasons of this inconsistent efficacy are linked to competition with indigenous soil microflora and inability to colonize plants. Endophytic microbes provide solutions to both of these issues which potentially make them better candidates for microbial inoculants. This article outlines the current advancements in endophytic research with special focus on endophytic bacilli. A better understanding of diverse mechanisms of disease control by bacilli is essential to achieve maximum biocontrol efficacy against multiple phytopathogens. Furthermore, we argue that integration of emerging technologies with strong theoretical frameworks have the potential to revolutionize biocontrol approaches based on endophytic microbes.

The enhancement of M13 phage titration by optimizing the origin of replication

Background and purpose

M13KO7, a modified M13 phage variant, carries the p15A replication origin and Tn903 kanamycin resistance gene. This study aimed to optimize M13KO7's replication by substituting the p15A origin with the higher-copy pMB1 origin (500-700 copy numbers).

Experimental approach

A 6431-nucleotide fragment from the M13KO7 plasmid lacking the p15A replication origin and kanamycin resistance gene was amplified using a long polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The modified M13AMB1 plasmid was created by adding adenine to the 3' ends of this fragment and ligating it to the pMB1-containing fragment using T/A cloning. Afterward, to prepare the phage, pM13AMB1 was transformed into E. coli TG1 bacteria, and then, using the PEG-NaCl precipitation, the modified phage was propagated. The modified phage titer was determined utilizing the serial dilution and the qPCR methods, compared with the M13KO7 phage.

Findings/Results

The results showed that in the serial dilution method, the titers of modified phage and M13KO7 phage were 4.8 × 1014 and 7 × 1012 pfu/mL, respectively. Besides, the phage titer calculated by the qPCR method for the modified phage was equal to 1.3 × 109 pfu/mL, whereas it was 4.08 × 108 pfu/mL for the M13KO7 phage.

Conclusion and implications

This study provides evidence that replication origin replacement led to a significant increase in phage titers. It highlights the importance of replication optimization for molecular biology applications.

Current research hotspots and frontier trends on carbon budget of coastal wetlands: A bibliometric analysis

Coastal wetlands are the main distribution of blue carbon in coastal zones and well known for their high carbon sequestration capacity. Investigating the variation of carbon budget is crucial for understanding the functionality of coastal wetlands and effectively addressing climate change. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of 4,509 articles was conducted to reveal research progress, hot issues, and emerging trends in the coastal wetland carbon budget field. The number of publications and citations in this field increased exponentially from 1991 to 2022. The leading subject category was Environmental Sciences with 1,844 articles (40.9%). At present, studies have been focused on blue carbon, the effects of climate change and man-made disturbances on carbon cycle, and the restoration of coastal wetlands. Based on the hotspots and trends in this field, the future researches should include (1) exploring the functional mechanisms of various factors affecting carbon cycle and establishing a methodological system for the estimation of blue carbon in coastal wetlands; (2) researching restoration techniques of coastal wetland and constructing wetland restoration evaluation index system; and (3) formulating enforceable carbon trading policy and strengthening international cooperation.

Building blocks needed for mechanistic modeling of bioprocesses: A critical review based on protein production by CHO cells

This paper reviews the key building blocks needed to develop a mechanistic model for use as an operational production tool. The Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell, one of the most widely used hosts for antibody production in the pharmaceutical industry, is considered as a case study. CHO cell metabolism is characterized by two main phases, exponential growth followed by a stationary phase with strong protein production. This process presents an appropriate degree of complexity to outline the modeling strategy. The paper is organized into four main steps: (1) CHO systems and data collection; (2) metabolic analysis; (3) formulation of the mathematical model; and finally, (4) numerical solution, calibration, and validation. The overall approach can build a predictive model of target variables. According to the literature, one of the main current modeling challenges lies in understanding and predicting the spontaneous metabolic shift. Possible candidates for the trigger of the metabolic shift include the concentration of lactate and carbon dioxide. In our opinion, ammonium, which is also an inhibiting product, should be further investigated. Finally, the expected progress in the emerging field of hybrid modeling, which combines the best of mechanistic modeling and machine learning, is presented as a fascinating breakthrough. Note that the modeling strategy discussed here is a general framework that can be applied to any bioprocess.

Recent updates on structural insights of MAO-B inhibitors: a review on target-based approach

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slow movement, tremors, and stiffness caused due to loss of dopaminergic neurons caused in the brain's substantia nigra. The concentration of dopamine is decreased in the brain. Parkinson's disease may be happened because of various genetic and environmental factors. Parkinson's disease is related to the irregular expression of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme, precisely type B, which causes the oxidative deamination of biogenic amines such as dopamine. MAO-B inhibitors, available currently in the market, carry various adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting, etc. So, there is an urgent need to develop new MAO-B inhibitors with minimum side effects. In this review, we have included recently studied compounds (2018 onwards). Agrawal et al. reported MAO-B inhibitors with IC50 0.0051 µM and showed good binding affinity. Enriquez et al. reported a compound with IC50 144 nM and bind with some critical amino acid residue Tyr60, Ile198, and Ile199. This article also describes the structure-activity relationship of the compounds and clinical trial studies of related derivatives. These compounds may be used as lead compounds to develop potent compounds as MAO-B inhibitors.

Palm-Sized Lab-In-A-Magnetofluidic Tube Platform for Rapid and Sensitive Virus Detection

Simple, sensitive, and accurate molecular diagnostics are critical for preventing rapid spread of infection and initiating early treatment of diseases. However, current molecular detection methods typically rely on extensive nucleic acid sample preparation and expensive instrumentation. Here, a simple, fully integrated, lab-in-a-magnetofluidic tube (LIAMT) platform is presented for "sample-to-result" molecular detection of virus. By leveraging magnetofluidic transport of micro/nano magnetic beads, the LIAMT device integrates viral lysis, nucleic acid extraction, isothermal amplification, and CRISPR detection within a single engineered microcentrifuge tube. To enable point-of-care molecular diagnostics, a palm-sized processor is developed for magnetofluidic separation, nucleic acid amplification, and visual fluorescence detection. The LIAMT platform is applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 and HIV viruses, achieving a detection sensitivity of 73.4 and 63.9 copies µL-1, respectively. Its clinical utility is further demonstrated by detecting SARS-CoV-2 and HIV in clinical samples. This simple, affordable, and portable LIAMT platform holds promise for rapid and sensitive molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases at the point-of-care.

Development and validation of AI/ML derived splice-switching oligonucleotides

Splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) are antisense compounds that act directly on pre-mRNA to modulate alternative splicing (AS). This study demonstrates the value that artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) provides for the identification of functional, verifiable, and therapeutic SSOs. We trained XGboost tree models using splicing factor (SF) pre-mRNA binding profiles and spliceosome assembly information to identify modulatory SSO binding sites on pre-mRNA. Using Shapley and out-of-bag analyses we also predicted the identity of specific SFs whose binding to pre-mRNA is blocked by SSOs. This step adds considerable transparency to AI/ML-driven drug discovery and informs biological insights useful in further validation steps. We applied this approach to previously established functional SSOs to retrospectively identify the SFs likely to regulate those events. We then took a prospective validation approach using a novel target in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), NEDD4L exon 13 (NEDD4Le13). Targeting NEDD4Le13 with an AI/ML-designed SSO decreased the proliferative and migratory behavior of TNBC cells via downregulation of the TGFβ pathway. Overall, this study illustrates the ability of AI/ML to extract actionable insights from RNA-seq data.