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Huamin zhang et al. review upcoming stem cell transplantation methods for clinical application, and the results of ongoing clinical trials, to provide ideas for the clinical use of stem cell transplantation as a potential treatment for Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic, relapsing disease that severely affects patients' quality of life [[25]]. 35887140 14 Park S.-Y., Kim D.-S., Kim H.-M., Lee J.-K., Hwang D.-Y., Kim T.-H., You S., Han D.K. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Neural Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells. Agnieszka Surowiecka et al. describe in their review the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of a burn wound and conclude that cellular therapy in burn wound treatment remains an experimental method [[22]]. Amelia Cataldi et al. studied how the mineralization of pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPSCs, dental pulp stem cells) is affected by inducible NOS (iNOS) upregulation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Skin aging is characterized by an imbalance between the generation and degradation of extracellular matrix molecules (ECM). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the primary enzymes responsible for ECM breakdown. Intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli can induce different MMPs. However, there is limited literature especially on the summary of skin MMPs and potential inhibitors., Objective: We aim to focus on the upregulation of MMP expression or activity in skin cells following exposure to UV radiation. We also would like to offer valuable insights into potential clinical applications of MMP inhibitors for mitigating skin aging., Methods: This article presents the summary of prior research, which involved an extensive literature search across diverse academic databases including Web of Science and PubMed., Results: Our findings offer a comprehensive insight into the effects of MMPs on skin aging after UV irradiation, including their substrate preferences and distinct roles in this process. Additionally, a comprehensive list of natural plant and animal extracts, proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, as well as natural and synthetic compounds that serve as inhibitors for MMPs is compiled., Conclusion: Skin aging is a complex process influenced by environmental factors and MMPs. Research focuses on UV-induced skin damage and the formation of Advanced Glycosylation End Products (AGEs), leading to wrinkles and impaired functionality. Inhibiting MMPs is crucial for maintaining youthful skin. Natural sources of MMP inhibitor substances, such as extracts from plants and animals, offer a safer approach to obtain inhibitors through dietary supplements. Studying isolated active ingredients can contribute to developing targeted MMP inhibitors., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

High spin states of 134Sb, 134,135Te, 135,136I, 137Xe and 139Ba near 132Sn are reanalysed in order to search for octupole phonon vibrational states. New spins and parities are tentatively assigned to the 2203.9 keV state in 137Xe and the 1976.6 and 2091.7 keV states in 139Ba from the state energy plots of the N = 82 and 83 nuclei. High spin states of 134Sb, 134,135Te, 135,136I, 137Xe and 139Ba connected by E1, E3/M2 and E3 transitions are proposed, for the ?rst time, as zero-, one- and two-phonon octupole vibrational (POV) states. One- and two-POV states in 134Sb and 135Te are built on a 7- (πg7/2υf7/2) state and a1 9/2- (υf7/2⊗61+) state, respectively. One-POV states built on the 19/2- (υf7/2⊗61+) and the 21/2- (υh9/2⊗62+) states coexist in 137Xe. Then, one- and two-POV states in 139Ba are built only on the 21/2- (υh9/2 62+) state. One- and two-POV states in 134Te are built on the 62+ state with some mixing with the 61+ state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited states in 88,89,90,92Sr are reanalyzed by assigning new spins and parities according to the published DCO ratios (RDCO). Possible candidates for the two-POV 6+ states are proposed in 88,90,92Sr not only based on spins but also by investigating the state energy and E2 transition energy systematics between 96Zr, 146Gd and the neighboring Sr isotopes. Multiple excited states (multiplets) with the same configuration in 88,89Sr are interpreted as the weak coupling of a 2+ one-phonon quadrupole or a 3- one-phonon octupole vibration to the excited 8+ state for 88Sr and a 3- one-phonon octupole vibration to the excited 21/2+ state for 89Sr. The 8+⊗2+ quintuplet and 8+⊗3- multiplet in 88Sr and 8+⊗3- septuplet in 89Sr are reported. Two excited states with the new spins and parities of 10+ and 12+ in 90,92Sr have the configurations of 8+⊗2+ and 8+⊗4+, respectively. Also, 8+⊗2+ quintuplets and 8+⊗3- multiplets are proposed for 94,96Zr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils have been recognised for their potential benefits in oral care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antiproliferative activity of essential oils derived from four Zingiberaceae species. A combination of GC/MS and GC-FID was employed to analyse these essential oils. The results showed that β-myrcene (79.77 %) followed by ethyl-cinnamate (40.14 %), β-curcumene (34.90 %), and alloaromadendrene (25.15 %) as the primary constituents of Curcuma mangga, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Kaempferia galanga and Curcuma aeruginosa, respectively. The Zingiberaceae oils were tested for their antibacterial activity against oral bacteria using the disc diffusion test. Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil showed the largest inhibition zones against Streptococcus mitis (19.50±2.22 mm) and Streptococcus sanguinis (15.04±3.05 mm). Similarly, Curcuma mangga oil exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (12.55±0.45 mm) and mixed oral bacteria (15.03±3.82 mm). Furthermore, the MTT viability assay revealed moderate inhibitory activity of these essential oils against H103 and ORL-204 oral cancer cells. The study findings demonstrate that Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma mangga essential oils have potent antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential use as natural alternatives to synthetic antibacterial agents in oral care products. However, further investigations are necessary to fully explore their therapeutic applications., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The utility of knotted proteins in biological activities has been ambiguous since their discovery. From their evolutionary significance to their functionality in stabilizing the native protein structure, a unilateral conclusion hasn’t been achieved yet. While most studies have been performed to understand the stabilizing effect of the knotted fold on the protein chain, more ideas are yet to emerge regarding the interactions in stabilizing the knot. Using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have explored the dynamics of the figure-of-eight knotted domain present in ketol acid reductoisomerase (KARI). Our main focus was on the presence of a salt bridge network evident within the knotted region and its role in shaping the conformational dynamics of the knotted chain. Through the potential of mean forces (PMFs) calculation, we have also marked the specific salt bridges that are pivotal in stabilizing the knotted structure. The correlated motions have been further monitored with the help of principal component analysis (PCA) and dynamic cross-correlation maps (DCCM). Furthermore, mutation of the specific salt bridges led to a change in their conformational stability, vindicating their importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional circuit paradigm, utilizing a small set of gates to construct arbitrary quantum circuits, is hindered by significant noise. In the quantum Fourier transform, for instance, the standard gate paradigm employs two CNOT gates for the partial CPhase. In contrast, some quantum computers can directly implement such operations using their native interaction, resulting in less noisy gates. Unfortunately, coherent errors degrade the performance of these gates. In Clifford gates such as the CNOT, these errors can be addressed through randomized compiling (RC). However, RC does not apply to the non-Clifford multi-qubit native implementations described above. The present work introduces and experimentally demonstrates a technique called 'Pseudo Twirling' (PST) to address coherent errors. We demonstrate experimentally that integrating PST with the 'Adaptive KIK' quantum error mitigation method enables the simultaneous mitigation of noise and coherent errors in multi-qubit non-Clifford gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a natural bioactive compound, curcumin (Cur) has traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, but due to low solubility, poor skin permeability, and the possibility of superficial staining, its topical applications is restricted. Thus, this study aimed to develop a topical formulation, increasing the solubility of Cur and promoting potential applications. In this context, Cur nanoemulsions were prepared through continuous emulsification and optimized with different ratios of components to achieve desirable properties and superior encapsulation. Accordingly, nanoemulsions prepared by the oleic acid (10%w/w) as oil phase, PEG 400 (6%w/w) as co-surfactant and mixture of Tween 80® and Span 80® (8%w/w) as surfactant showed the most favorable properties with a droplet size of 12.26 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.254. Afterward, the optimized formulation was converted to nanoemulgel using 1%w/w of Carbopol 940. The Cur formulation presented good physiochemical properties in terms of uniformity, thermodynamic stability, spreadability, and droplet size. The results showed that the release profile follows the Higuchi kinetic model. Moreover, this formulation presented excellent antioxidant capacity (FRAP value of 533.49 ± 2.84 µM Fe (II)/g) and potential photoprotective efficacy (SPF value of 13.86). It was also found to have high anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial activity (250 µg/ml ≤ MIC < 500 µg/ml) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. According to the results, the current formulation of Cur is a promising candidate to improve the solubility and promote its efficacy for various topical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed literature data on the composition of 479 glasses used to stabilize radioactive wastes, covering a wide range and including 51 oxides and few fluorides. The most common glass constituents included SiO2, B2O3, Na2O, and Fe2O3 in varying amounts, with a predominance of borosilicate glasses. Seven families of waste radioactive glasses were observed, including borosilicates, silicates, boroaluminosilicates, iron phosphates, aluminosilicates, sodium iron phosphates, and boroaluminates. These data were used to estimate an average composition associated with a sodium borosilicate glass. Multivariate exploratory methods were used to analyze and classify the compositions of the waste radioactive glasses using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering. Four main clusters were observed, the largest with 417 glasses, mainly silicates, borosilicates, aluminosilicates, and boroaluminosilicates. The results of this work have shown that it is possible to map radioactive waste glasses according to their composition, promoting a road map for future applications with specific properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we employ polymer physics models of chromatin to investigate the 3D folding of a 2 Mb wide genomic region encompassing the human LTN1 gene, a crucial DNA locus involved in key cellular functions. Through extensive Molecular Dynamics simulations, we reconstruct in silico the ensemble of single-molecule LTN1 3D structures, which we benchmark against recent in situ Hi-C 2.0 data. The model-derived single molecules are then used to predict structural folding features at the single-cell level, providing testable predictions for super-resolution microscopy experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary cardiomyopathies (CMPs), including arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), represent a group of heart disorders that significantly contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and are often driven by genetic factors. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology have enabled the identification of rare variants in both well-established and minor genes associated with CMPs. Nowadays, a set of core genes is included in diagnostic panels for ACM, DCM, and HCM. On the other hand, despite their lesser-known status, variants in the minor genes may contribute to disease mechanisms and influence prognosis. This review evaluates the current evidence supporting the involvement of the minor genes in CMPs, considering their potential pathogenicity and clinical significance. A comprehensive analysis of databases, such as ClinGen, ClinVar, and GeneReviews, along with recent literature and diagnostic guidelines provides a thorough overview of the genetic landscape of minor genes in CMPs and offers guidance in clinical practice, evaluating each case individually based on the clinical referral, and insights for future research. Given the increasing knowledge on these less understood genetic factors, future studies are essential to clearly assess their roles, ultimately leading to improved diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies in hereditary CMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) differentiate into periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and cementoblasts. To identify inducers of PDL fibroblastic differentiation, monoclonal antibody series were developed a series of against membrane/extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules through decoy immunization. The anti-PDL13 antibody targets ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), renowned for regulating skeletal and soft tissue mineralization. ENPP1 accumulates in the periodontal ligament region of tooth roots, and specifically localizes to the cell boundaries and elongated processes of the fibroblastic cells. As ENPP1 expression increases during fibroblastic differentiation, mineralization induced by tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), a pyrophosphate-degrading enzyme, is completely inhibited. This is consistent with ENPP1 and TNAP acting in opposition, and TGF-ß1-induced ENPP1 expression creates an essential environment for PDL fibroblast differentiation. Representative fibroblastic differentiation markers decrease with endogenous ENPP1 inhibition by siRNA and antibody blocking. ENPP2 generates lipid signaling molecules. In contrast to ENPP1, ENPP2 disappears in TGF-ß1-induced PDL fibroblasts. Ectopic expression of ENPP2 hinders TGF-ß1-induced PDL fibroblastic differentiation. Suppression of ENPP1 and ENPP2 leads to severe defects in undifferentiated and differentiated cells, demonstrating that these two factors play opposing roles in soft and hard tissue differentiation but can complement each other for cell survival. In conclusion, increased ENPP1 is crucial for TGF-ß1-induced PDL differentiation, while ENPP2 and TNAP can inhibit ENPP1. ENPP1 and ENPP2 exhibit complementary functions in the cell survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High quality MAPbBr3 films were grown by pulsed laser deposition of single-crystalline targets using an on-axis geometry. The gas ambience up to the mbar range and laser fluence of some tenths of Joule per square centimeter yielded single α-phase polycrystalline MAPbBr3 films, as revealed by ex situ XRD analysis. In situ low T studies allowed for the observation of cubic-to-tetragonal and of tetragonal-to-orthorombic phase transitions. Absorption and photoluminescence spectra show characteristic peaks around 2.35 eV. In particular, for thin films, PL measurements at low temperature showed narrow peaks characteristic of high crystalline quality and the absence of relevant defect-related recombination. The present results indicate a route to grow high quality thin films of metal halide perovskites via PLD of single-crystalline targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fermented foods made through microbial growth and enzymatic conversions have been integral to human diets for at least 10,000 years. Recent interest in fermented foods has surged due to their functional properties and health benefits. Cruciferous vegetables of the genus Brassica, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are commonly used to produce fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pao cai, fermented turnips, and others. These foods are rich in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bioactive compounds, which contribute to their potential health-promoting properties. We examined 12 clinical trials investigating fermented foods of the genus Brassica. These studies, which mainly assessed the health benefits of kimchi or sauerkraut consumption, found that regular intake can alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), aid weight loss, and enhance metabolic health. Seven observational studies also observed health benefits when consuming fermented foods of the genus Brassica. Six of the seven observational studies on kimchi intake linked kimchi intake to reduced obesity risk and other health benefits. An observational study linked sauerkraut and cabbage consumption to reduced breast cancer risk. Despite these findings, the exact roles of various microorganisms and bioactive compounds within these health effects require further investigation. This review underscores the potential of fermented cruciferous vegetables as functional foods, and advocates for more clinical trials and mechanistic studies to understand and optimize their health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative balance plays a pivotal role in physiological homeostasis, and many diseases, particularly age-related conditions, are closely associated with oxidative imbalance. While the strategic role of oxidative regulation in various diseases is well-established, the specific involvement of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis remains elusive. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by plaque formation within the arteries. Alterations in the oxidative status of vascular tissues are linked to the onset, progression, and outcome of atherosclerosis. This review examines the role of redox signaling in atherosclerosis, including its impact on risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyle, along with dysregulation, vascular homeostasis, immune system interaction, and therapeutic considerations. Understanding redox signal transduction and the regulation of redox signaling will offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of various model organisms has made a huge contribution to understanding the causes and mechanisms of disease development and the study of pathological processes occurring during the development of diseases of the human cardiovascular system, and, in particular, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The optimal solution in the study of primary molecular disturbances is the use of cellular models such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), primary rodent cardiomyocytes (CMs), and immortalized lines. In this review, we have focused on the most commonly used cell models, including freshly isolated adult and neonatal rodent CMs, and on the commercially available immortalized cell lines (HL-1, AC16, and H9c2). In order to assess the adequacy of these lines as CM models for studying human myocardial pathologies, a comparative analysis of phenotypic characteristics (morphology, metabolism, calcium homeostasis, etc.) and the nuances of practical use (availability, response to hypertrophic inducers, transfection, etc.) was carried out. The latest published data on the use of these models to assess the pathogenicity of HCM-associated mutations, as well as to screen the effectiveness of developed therapeutic drugs, are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, a multifactorial disease characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, remains a global health challenge with significant morbidity and mortality. Genomic and molecular aberrations, coupled with environmental factors, contribute to its heterogeneity and complexity. Chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin (Dox) have shown efficacy against various cancers but are hindered by dose-dependent cytotoxicity, particularly on vital organs like the heart and brain. Autophagy, a cellular process involved in self-degradation and recycling, emerges as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy and neurodegenerative diseases. Dysregulation of autophagy contributes to cancer progression and drug resistance, while its modulation holds the potential to enhance treatment outcomes and mitigate adverse effects. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests a potential link between autophagy, DNA damage, and caretaker breast cancer genes BRCA1/2, highlighting the interplay between DNA repair mechanisms and cellular homeostasis. This review explores the intricate relationship between cancer, Dox-induced cytotoxicity, autophagy modulation, and the potential implications of autophagy in DNA damage repair pathways, particularly in the context of BRCA1/2 mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, topological ring resonators (TRRs) have emerged as a burgeoning platform for exploring the topological aspects of photonic systems and resonator dynamics. Integrating topology into cavity dynamics offers a new paradigm to unveil various fascinating phenomena, including backscattering immune wave propagation, unidirectional transmission, and reflection-free energy transport. With this background, we provide a scheme to achieve robust high Q resonances in a metal-based topological photonic crystal (TPC) exhibiting defect-immune spectral characteristics in the microwave frequency regime. Coupled with a ring resonator, our proposed topological platform demonstrates the excitation of high Q resonances in the range 230–540. Except for the resonances, a robust microwave transmission ( ∼ 0 dB ) is observed in the investigated frequency regime 7.1–7.6 GHz depicting a minimal scattering loss even around the sharp corners of the ring resonator. Further, the topological robustness of the propagating microwave and the excited resonances are examined by introducing an external Si obstacle at the domain interface. Our study reveals a minimal transmission loss ( < 7 dB ) and negligible perturbation ( < 8 % ) in the Q factors when the Si barrier placed towards the input end of the straight topological waveguide. In addition, we have also demonstrated a novel way of exciting new resonances in the ring resonator that holds considerable promise for designing a TRR-based all-pass notch filter in the microwave regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulations of the leakage and diffusion behavior of liquid CO2 vessels and security analyses were conducted in this paper, based on a CO2 compression energy storage system. With isentropic choking model, the leakage of vessels under specific conditions was numerically simulated. The influence of different wind speeds on leakage in near-zone field was studied. Meanwhile, the diffusion characteristics of CO2 under three different influencing factors were investigated with the UDM (Unified Dispersion Model) diffusion model, and the diffusion ranges of certain concentrations were detected in the far-zone field. The results show that the low-temperature zone of the 50 mm leak aperture can reach 0.74 m downwind, and basically does not change with wind speed. In the leakage direction, the maximum damage zone of high-speed flow can reach 7.70 m. For the far-zone field, the diffusion area and downwind distance of a dangerous concentration decrease with the increasing of wind speed, and the hazardous area of the low concentration is greatly affected. Based on specific conditions, the maximum diffusion area is 78.46 m2 at 1 m/s wind speed, and the dangerous range reaches 36.32 m downwind. The larger the leakage aperture, the faster the growth trend of the low concentration area under the same conditions. As the equivalent radius of the leakage aperture is less than 50 mm, the maximum diffusion area is proportional to the cubic of the leakage aperture radius. The higher the height of the leakage source, the smaller the concentration range at 1.5 m, which is the average human breathing height. The overall cloud moves upward, meaning that the ground risk decreases. When the leakage aperture is 50 mm and the wind speed is 1 m/s, the maximum cloud diffusion range is 857.35 m2 at the leakage height of 2 m, and the dangerous range reaches 109.53 m downwind, where the maximum concentration is 14.65%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the planar, electric, double-layer structures of non-polarizable electrodes in electrolyte solutions are studied with Gaussian field theory. A response function with two Yukawa functions is used to capture the electrostatic response of the electrolyte solution, from which the modified response function in the planar symmetry is derived analytically. The modified response function is further used to evaluate the induced charge density and the electrostatic potential near an electrode. The Gaussian field theory, combined with a two-Yukawa response function, can reproduce the oscillatory decay behavior of the electric potentials in concentrated electrolyte solutions. When the exact sum rules for the bulk electrolyte solutions and the electric double layers are used as constraints to determine the parameters of the response function, the Gaussian field theory could at least partly capture the nonlinear response effect of the surface charge density. Comparison with results for a planar electrode with fixed surface charge densities from molecular simulations demonstrates the validity of Gaussian field theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the modified Bigeleisen–Mayer equation to compute kinetic isotope effect values for non-enzymatic phosphoryl transfer reactions from classical and path integral molecular dynamics umbrella sampling. The modified form of the Bigeleisen–Mayer equation consists of a ratio of imaginary mode vibrational frequencies and a contribution arising from the isotopic substitution's effect on the activation free energy, which can be computed from path integral simulation. In the present study, we describe a practical method for estimating the frequency ratio correction directly from umbrella sampling in a manner that does not require normal mode analysis of many geometry optimized structures. Instead, the method relates the frequency ratio to the change in the mass weighted coordinate representation of the minimum free energy path at the transition state induced by isotopic substitution. The method is applied to the calculation of 16/18O and 32/34S primary kinetic isotope effect values for six non-enzymatic phosphoryl transfer reactions. We demonstrate that the results are consistent with the analysis of geometry optimized transition state ensembles using the traditional Bigeleisen–Mayer equation. The method thus presents a new practical tool to enable facile calculation of kinetic isotope effect values for complex chemical reactions in the condensed phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer (BC) stands out as the most commonly type of cancer diagnosed in women worldwide, and chemotherapy, a key component of treatment, exacerbates cancer-induced skeletal muscle wasting, contributing to adverse health outcomes. Notably, the impact of chemotherapy on skeletal muscle seems to surpass that of the cancer itself, with inflammation identified as a common trigger for muscle wasting in both contexts. In skeletal muscle, pro-inflammatory cytokines modulate pathways crucial for the delicate balance between protein synthesis and breakdown, as well as satellite cell activation and myonuclear accretion. Physical exercise consistently emerges as a crucial therapeutic strategy to counteract cancer and chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting, ultimately enhancing patients' quality of life. However, a "one size fits all" approach does not apply to the prescription of exercise for BC patients, with factors such as age, menopause and comorbidities influencing the response to exercise. Hence, tailored exercise regimens, considering factors such as duration, frequency, intensity, and type, are essential to maximize efficacy in mitigating muscle wasting and improving disease outcomes. Despite the well-established anti-inflammatory role of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise proves equally or more beneficial in terms of mass and strength gain, as well as enhancing quality of life. This review comprehensively explores the molecular pathways affected by distinct exercise regimens in the skeletal muscle of cancer patients during chemotherapy, providing critical insights for precise exercise implementation to prevent skeletal muscle wasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebites affect about 1.8 million people annually. The current standard of care involves antibody-based antivenoms, which can be difficult to access and are generally not effective against local tissue injury, the primary cause of morbidity. Here, we used a pooled whole-genome CRISPR knockout screen to define human genes that, when targeted, modify cell responses to spitting cobra venoms. A large portion of modifying genes that conferred resistance to venom cytotoxicity was found to control proteoglycan biosynthesis, including EXT1, B4GALT7, EXT2, EXTL3, XYLT2, NDST1, and SLC35B2, which we validated independently. This finding suggested heparinoids as possible inhibitors. Heparinoids prevented venom cytotoxicity through binding to three-finger cytotoxins, and the US Food and Drug Administration–approved heparinoid tinzaparin was found to reduce tissue damage in mice when given via a medically relevant route and dose. Overall, our systematic molecular dissection of cobra venom cytotoxicity provides insight into how we can better treat cobra snakebite envenoming. Editor's summary: Snakebite is considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization, and although antibody-based antivenoms exist, they are species specific, are expensive, and require cold storage as well as intravenous administration in a health care setting. Here, Du and colleagues conducted a whole-genome CRISPR knockout screen to identify genes required for spitting cobra venom cytotoxicity. This screen highlighted genes involved in proteoglycan biosynthesis, suggesting that heparinoids could potentially block spitting cobra venom cytotoxicity. The heparinoid tinzaparin, given subcutaneously at the time of intradermal venom injection, effectively reduced the size of the resulting dermonecrotic lesions in mice, supporting the further evaluation of this drug for the treatment of local tissue damage from spitting cobra envenoming. —Melissa L. Norton [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Вуглецеві наноматеріали (ВН) зарекомендували себе надзвичайно ефективними для видалення важких металів із забрудненої води та навколишнього середовища завдяки своїм унікальним структурним і хімічним властивостям. Однак гідрофобна природа ВН і їхня схильність до агрегації в більшості розчинників створюють значні труднощі для їх практичного застосування. Функціоналізація вуглецевих наноматеріалів за допомогою білків є перспективним вирішенням цих проблем, що може призвести до створення систем з безпрецедентною ефективністю. Перед тим як створювати білково-ВН системи для виявлення та видалення важких металів, важливо оцінити афінність зв'язування металів та можливі взаємодії за допомогою комп'ютерних методів. У цьому дослідженні була використано метод молекулярного докінгу для вивчення взаємодій між солями важких металів (AsO4, Cd(NO3)2, Fe(NO3)3, NiSO4, PbSO4, PtCl4), вуглецевими наноматеріалами (фулерени С24 i C60, a також одностінні вуглецеві нанотрубки) і В-лактоглобуліном. Результати докінгу показали, що: 1) розмір, форма та поверхневі властивості вуглецевих матеріалів суттєво впливають на здатність комплексів В-лактоглобуліну з ВН взаємодіяти з різними важкими металами; 2) афінність солей важких металів до створених наносистем в значній мірі варіюється; 3) водневі зв'язки та гідрофобні взаємодії відіграють суттєву роль у комплексоутворенні солей важких металів В-лактоглобуліном та вуглецевими матеріалами. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline anticancer agent that is highly effective in the treatment of solid tumors. Given the multiplicity of mechanisms involved in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, it is difficult to identify a precise molecular target for toxicity. The findings of a literature review suggest that natural products may offer cardioprotective benefits against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, both in vitro and in vivo. However, further confirmatory studies are required to substantiate this claim. It is of the utmost importance to direct greater attention towards the intricate signaling networks that are of paramount importance for the survival and dysfunction of cardiomyocytes. Notwithstanding encouraging progress made in preclinical studies of natural products for the prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, these have not yet been translated for clinical use. One of the most significant obstacles hindering the development of cardioprotective adjuvants based on natural products is the lack of adequate bioavailability in humans. This review presents an overview of current knowledge on doxorubicin DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, with a focus on the potential benefits of natural compounds and herbal preparations in preventing this adverse effect. As literature search engines, the browsers in the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov register were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large and ever-growing body of geophysical information is measured in campaigns and at specialized observatories as a part of scientific expeditions and experiments. These collections of observed data include many essential climate variables (as defined by the Global Climate Observing System) but are often distinguished by a wide range of additional non-routine measurements that are designed to not only document the state of the environment but also the drivers that contribute to that state. These field data are used not only to further understand environmental processes through observation-based studies but also to provide baseline data to test model performance and to codify understanding to improve predictive capabilities. To address the considerable barriers and difficulty in utilizing these diverse and complex data for observation–model research, the Merged Observatory Data File (MODF) concept has been developed. A MODF combines measurements from multiple instruments into a single file that complies with well-established data format and metadata practices and has been designed to parallel the development of corresponding Merged Model Data Files (MMDFs). Using the MODF and MMDF protocols will facilitate the evolution of model intercomparison projects into model intercomparison and improvement projects by putting observation and model data "on the same page" in a timely manner. The MODF concept was developed especially for weather forecast model studies in the Arctic. The surprisingly complex process of implementing MODFs in that context refined the concept itself. Thus, this article explains the concept of MODFs by providing details on the issues that were revealed and resolved during that first specific implementation. Detailed instructions are provided on how to make MODFs, and this article can be considered a MODF creation manual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcus neoformans is a type of fungal infection, which primarily affects the central nervous system and lungs of immunocompromised individuals. Spinal infections are known to be a rare manifestation of cryptococcosis. Herein, we report a case of a patient with isolated nonspecific spinal lesions at the T10 vertebra. The patient received non-surgical treatment with antifungal drugs, resulting in satisfactory clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentrations of carnauba waxes (CRWs) that can compromise organoleptic properties are required to create self‐sustained and functional oleogels. The weak physical properties and stability of 4% w/w CRW–rice bran oil (RBO) oleogel were addressed by substituting CRW with beeswax (BW) in different weight ratios. The texture profile analyzer revealed that substituting only 10% (weight ratio) of CRW with BW improved the hardness compared to the mono‐CRW oleogel. The hardness of binary oleogels increased gradually as the proportion of BW increased. At a BW ratio of 70% or more, the hardness was three times higher than that of mono‐BW oleogel. Rheology analysis showed the same trend as the large deformation test; however, the hardest binary oleogels had lower critical strain and yield point compared to the mono‐wax oleogels, implying that they are more prone to lose their structure upon applied stress. Nevertheless, nearly all binary mixtures (except for 10%BW90%CRW) showed oil‐binding capacities above 99%, suggesting improved nucleation and crystallization process. Polarized light microscopy showed the coexistence of BW and CRW crystals and changes in the size and arrangement of wax crystals upon proportional changes of the two waxes. X‐ray diffraction confirmed no differences in the peaks' location, and all oleogels had β′ polymorphism. Differential scanning calorimetry showed eutectic melting behavior in some binary blends. Oxidation stability in the binary wax oleogels improved as compared to the mono‐wax oleogel and bulk RBO. BW and CRW mixtures have promising oil‐structuring abilities and have various properties at different ratios that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes. Practical Application: As a trending green oil‐structuring technology, oleogelation has shown great potential to reduce saturated fats in food systems. The current research provides valuable fundamental information on the strong synergistic interactions between beeswax and carnauba wax that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes created with a much lower total concentration of the required wax. This will help create wax oleogels with better organoleptic properties and less negative waxy mouthfeel. Such knowledge could prove beneficial for the development of healthy products that have potential applications in meat, bakery, dairy, pharmaceutical, as well as cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melt ponds are a core component of the summer sea ice system in the Arctic, increasing the uptake of solar energy and impacting the ice-associated ecosystem. They were thus one of the key topics during the 1-year drift campaign Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) in the Transpolar Drift 2019/2020. Pond depth is a dominating factor in describing the surface meltwater volume; it is necessary to estimate budgets and used in model parameterization to simulate pond coverage evolution. However, observational data on pond depth are spatially and temporally strongly limited to a few in situ measurements. Pond bathymetry, which is pond depth spatially fully resolved, remains unexplored. Here, we present a newly developed method to derive pond bathymetry from aerial images. We determine it from a photogrammetric multi-view reconstruction of the summer ice surface topography. Based on images recorded on dedicated grid flights and facilitated assumptions, we were able to obtain pond depth with a mean deviation of 3.5 cm compared to manual in situ observations. The method is independent of pond color and sky conditions, which is an advantage over recently developed radiometric airborne retrieval methods. It can furthermore be implemented in any typical photogrammetry workflow. We present the retrieval algorithm, including requirements for the data recording and survey planning, and a correction method for refraction at the air–pond interface. In addition, we show how the retrieved surface topography model synergizes with the initial image data to retrieve the water level of individual ponds from the visually determined pond margins. We use the method to give a profound overview of the pond coverage on the MOSAiC floe, on which we found unexpected steady pond coverage and volume. We were able to derive individual pond properties of more than 1600 ponds on the floe, including their size, bathymetry, volume, surface elevation above sea level, and temporal evolution. We present a scaling factor for single in situ depth measurements, discuss the representativeness of in situ pond measurements and the importance of such high-resolution data for new satellite retrievals, and show indications for non-rigid pond bottoms. The study points out the great potential to derive geometric properties of the summer sea ice surface emerging from the increasingly available visual image data recorded from uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) or aircraft, allowing for an integrated understanding and improved formulation of the thermodynamic and hydrological pond system in models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper is a foundational resource for power distribution and management decisions, thoroughly examining short-term load forecasting (STLF) models within power systems. The study categorizes these models into three groups: statistical approaches, intelligent-computing-based methods, and hybrid models. Performance indicators are compared, revealing the superiority of heuristic search and population-based optimization learning algorithms integrated with artificial neural networks (ANNs) for STLF. However, challenges persist in ANN models, particularly in weight initialization and susceptibility to local minima. The investigation underscores the necessity for sophisticated predictive models to enhance forecasting accuracy, advocating for the efficacy of hybrid models incorporating multiple predictive approaches. Acknowledging the changing landscape, the focus shifts to STLF in smart grids, exploring the transformative potential of advanced power networks. Smart measurement devices and storage systems are pivotal in boosting STLF accuracy, enabling more efficient energy management and resource allocation in evolving smart grid technologies. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary predictive models and suggests that ANNs and hybrid models could be the most suitable methods to attain reliable and accurate STLF. However, further research is required, including considerations of network complexity, improved training techniques, convergence rates, and highly correlated inputs to enhance STLF model performance in modern power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to reveal the effectiveness of myofunctional speech therapy on facial rejuvenation and/or improvement of orofacial function. A systematic review of four medical electronic databases (Medline, Google Scholar, SciELO, and LILACS) was conducted between January and March 2023. The research question was defined using the PICO model: Population (P): adult subjects with signs of physiological aging of facial skin. Intervention (I): aesthetic speech therapy (facial exercises and/or myofunctional therapy). Control (C): absence of treatment. Outcome (O): facial rejuvenation. Through the search process, a total of 472 potentially relevant articles were identified. A total of 21 studies were included in the review. Most of the studies required the participants to perform exercises learned during the weekly session on a daily basis. The subjects underwent an integrated treatment with facial exercises and worked on the stomatognathic functions for different durations. Many differences were found in the evaluation tools used to investigate the starting situation and the effects obtained following the treatment. At the diagnostic level, there was no concordance in the choice of the most appropriate scales and assessment tools, but great heterogeneity was observed. Indeed, forty-eight percent of the studies collected objective data through the use of various instruments (oral devices, electromyographs, cutometers, muscle ultrasound scans, and laser scans of the face). The observed improvements included not only a reduction in wrinkles and frown lines but also decreased muscle tension and slackness, enhanced facial symmetry and lip competence, improved skin elasticity, and restored stomatognathic function. These changes led to myofunctional restoration and facial rejuvenation, resulting in increased satisfaction with self-image and proprioception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing global demand for energy and the continuous destruction of the environment, the demand for sustainable green development is becoming increasingly urgent. However, the development and renewal of new-energy vehicles and various electronic devices have resulted in an increasing number of waste batteries. The key to the sustainable development of today's battery industry is the efficient and green recycling of valuable waste batteries, especially metal resources. Recycling batteries cannot only halt the environmental pollution caused by batteries but also transform waste into resources for reuse. Current mainstream recycling methods, such as traditional hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, can cause substantial environmental pollution. We systematically reviewed the recent research progress on using green solvents to recycle battery metal materials. We summarized the characteristics and efficiency of each recycling process in detail to provide an effective reference for the future development of green solvents in the battery recycling industry. Finally, the prospects for developing battery technology and green solvent systems for recycling battery metal materials are discussed, and current considerations in the field of battery recycling and possibilities for each green solvent hybrid system are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]