Air pollution by particulate matter (PM) in the air including PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10, which are categorized by particle size, is a critical global environmental issue, harming the climate, ...ecosystems, and human health. Especially, ultrafine dust including PM1.0 and PM2.5 poses significant human health risks. Commercial fabric‐based filters effectively trap PMs but cause high‐pressure drop and limited filter capacity and reusability. Electrospun nanofiber filters address some issues but have low mechanical strength, toxic exposure risks, long fabrication times, and restrained reusability. Herein, a reusable and transparent impaction‐based PM filter using a UV‐curable polymeric stencil with micro apertures is proposed. The polymeric stencil filters achieve high filter efficiency (68–94%), superior filter capacity, and low‐pressure drop (<64 Pa). The polymeric stencil filters can be easily cleaned with water or ethanol and remain stable under extreme temperatures (−196 to 450 °C) with slight shrinkage (0–7%). The polymeric stencil filters can be broadly utilized for not only industrial, indoor, and vehicle filters but also transparent and flexible facial health masks.
A reusable impaction‐based filter using micro‐apertured polymeric stencils for capturing particulate matter is developed. The stencil filter exhibits low‐pressure drop, and high filter capacity and efficiency. And, the flexible and transparent filters can be used for human health masks, which are stable even under extreme temperature conditions.
Single-cell nanopore sequencing of full-length mRNAs transforms single-cell multi-omics studies. However, challenges include high sequencing errors and dependence on short-reads and/or barcode ...whitelists. To address these, we develop scNanoGPS to calculate same-cell genotypes (mutations) and phenotypes (gene/isoform expressions) without short-read nor whitelist guidance. We apply scNanoGPS onto 23,587 long-read transcriptomes from 4 tumors and 2 cell-lines. Standalone, scNanoGPS deconvolutes error-prone long-reads into single-cells and single-molecules, and simultaneously accesses both phenotypes and genotypes of individual cells. Our analyses reveal that tumor and stroma/immune cells express distinct combination of isoforms (DCIs). In a kidney tumor, we identify 924 DCI genes involved in cell-type-specific functions such as PDE10A in tumor cells and CCL3 in lymphocytes. Transcriptome-wide mutation analyses identify many cell-type-specific mutations including VEGFA mutations in tumor cells and HLA-A mutations in immune cells, highlighting the critical roles of different mutant populations in tumors. Together, scNanoGPS facilitates applications of single-cell long-read sequencing technologies.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a medical condition characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia. An increase in the incidence of MetS provokes an ...escalation in health care costs and a downturn in quality of life. However, there is currently no cure for MetS, and the absence of immediate treatment for MetS has prompted the development of novel therapies. In accordance with recent studies, the brown seaweed
(LJP) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and so forth. LJP contains bioactive compounds used as food globally, and it has been used as a medicine in East Asian countries. We conducted a systematic review to examine whether LJP could potentially be a useful therapeutic drug for MetS. The following databases were searched from initiation to September 2021: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Library. Clinical trials and in vivo studies evaluating the effects of LJP on MetS were included. LJP reduces the oxidative stress-related lipid mechanisms, inflammatory cytokines and macrophage-related chemokines, muscle cell proliferation, and migration. Bioactive-glucosidase inhibitors reduce diabetic complications, a therapeutic target in obesity and type 2 diabetes. In obesity, LJP increases AMP-activated protein kinase and decreases acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Based on our findings, we suggest that LJP could treat MetS, as it has pharmacological effects on MetS.
Early diagnosis of canine pancreatitis is challenging due to non-specific clinical signs. Currently, abdominal ultrasonography and measurement of canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) have been employed for ...the diagnosis of pancreatitis.IMPORTANCEEarly diagnosis of canine pancreatitis is challenging due to non-specific clinical signs. Currently, abdominal ultrasonography and measurement of canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) have been employed for the diagnosis of pancreatitis.Many qualitative and quantitative commercial cPL tests have been developed and used in veterinary clinics. This study aimed to compare three different methodologies SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, and Vcheck cPL tests to assess the concordance of these assays.OBJECTIVEMany qualitative and quantitative commercial cPL tests have been developed and used in veterinary clinics. This study aimed to compare three different methodologies SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, and Vcheck cPL tests to assess the concordance of these assays.Fifty serum samples were collected from 36 dogs with or without pancreatitis and subjected to SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, and Vcheck cPL tests. Agreement and correlation coefficients were calculated between the test results, and correlations were determined during the management of the patients.METHODSFifty serum samples were collected from 36 dogs with or without pancreatitis and subjected to SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, and Vcheck cPL tests. Agreement and correlation coefficients were calculated between the test results, and correlations were determined during the management of the patients.The results of the three cPL assays were strongly correlated in 47/50 serum samples (94%). Cohen's kappa analysis between the Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL showed near perfect agreement (κ = 0.960, p < 0.001), SNAP cPL and Vcheck cPL (κ = 0.920, p < 0.001), and Spec cPL and SNAP cPL (κ = 0.880, p < 0.001). The correlation coefficients (r) between data from Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL tests was calculated by Spearman's correlation test (r = 0.958, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the patterns of change in serum cPL concentrations determined using Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL were significantly consistent during the monitoring period in 11 patients.RESULTSThe results of the three cPL assays were strongly correlated in 47/50 serum samples (94%). Cohen's kappa analysis between the Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL showed near perfect agreement (κ = 0.960, p < 0.001), SNAP cPL and Vcheck cPL (κ = 0.920, p < 0.001), and Spec cPL and SNAP cPL (κ = 0.880, p < 0.001). The correlation coefficients (r) between data from Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL tests was calculated by Spearman's correlation test (r = 0.958, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the patterns of change in serum cPL concentrations determined using Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL were significantly consistent during the monitoring period in 11 patients.Our data illustrated that Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL tests are compatible for clinical use in the diagnosis and monitoring of canine pancreatitis.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCEOur data illustrated that Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL tests are compatible for clinical use in the diagnosis and monitoring of canine pancreatitis.
Coupling renewable energy with the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to chemicals and fuels has been proposed as a strategy to achieve a new circular carbon economy and help mitigate the effects of ...anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Liquid‐like Nanoparticle Organic Hybrid Materials (NOHMs) are composed of polymers tethered to nanoparticles and are previously explored as CO2 capture materials and electrolyte additives. In this study, two types of aqueous NOHM‐based electrolytes are prepared to explore the effect of CO2 binding energy (i.e., chemisorption versus physisorption) on CO2 electroreduction over a silver nanoparticle catalyst for syngas production. Poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) and Jeffamine M2070 (HPE) are ionically tethered to SiO2 nanoparticles to form the amine‐containing NOHM‐I‐PEI and ether‐containing NOHM‐I‐HPE, respectively. At less negative cathode potentials, PEI and NOHM‐I‐PEI‐based electrolytes produce CO at higher rates than 0.1 molal. KHCO3 due to favorable catalyst‐electrolyte interactions. Whereas at more negative potentials, H2 production is favored because of the carbamate electrochemical inactivity. Conversely, HPE and NOHM‐I‐HPE‐based electrolytes display poor CO2 reduction performance at less negative potentials. At more negative potentials, their performance approached that of 0.1 molal. KHCO3, highlighting how the polymer functional groups of NOHMs can be strategically selected to produce value‐added products from CO2 with highly tunable compositions.
NOHMs (Nanoparticle Organic Hybrid Materials) consist of a polymer canopy tethered to a nanoparticle core and are proposed for combined CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion. The ionic conductivity and CO2 binding energy of the polymer canopy are identified as critical design parameters for the production of highly tunable syngas compositions over a silver nanoparticle catalyst in CO2 electroreduction.
Variant H3.3, along with H2A.Z, is notably enriched at promoter regions and is commonly associated with transcriptional activation. However, the specific molecular mechanisms through which H3.3 ...influences chromatin dynamics at transcription start sites, and its role in gene regulation, remain elusive. Using a combination of biochemistry and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we show that the inclusion of H3.3 alone does not induce discernible changes in nucleosome DNA dynamics. Conversely, the presence of both H3.3 and H2A.Z enhances DNA’s flexibility similarly to H2A.Z alone. Interestingly, our findings suggest that the presence of H3.3 in the H2A.Z nucleosome provides slightly increased protection to DNA at internal sites within the nucleosome. These results imply that while H2A.Z at active promoters promotes the formation of more accessible nucleosomes with increased DNA accessibility to facilitate transcription, the simultaneous presence of H3.3 offers an additional mechanism to fine-tune nucleosome accessibility and the chromatin environment.
Liquid‐like nanoparticle organic hybrid materials (NOHMs) consisting of a silica core with ionically grafted branched polyethyleneimine chains (referred to as NIPEI) are encapsulated within ...submicron‐scale polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/polymer‐derived‐ceramic electrospun fibers. The addition of a room‐temperature curable, liquid‐phase organopolysilazane (OPSZ) ceramic precursor to the PAN/NOHM solution enhances the internal dispersion of NOHMs and forms a thin ceramic sheath layer on the fiber exterior, shielding the hydrophilic NIPEI to produce near‐superhydrophobic non‐woven fiber mats with contact angles exceeding 140°. 60:40 loadings of NOHMs to PAN/OPSZ can be reliably achieved with low OPSZ percentages required, and up to 4:1 NOHM:polymer loadings are possible before losing hydrophobicity. These fibers demonstrate up to ≈2 mmol CO2 g−1 fiber capture capacities in a pure CO2 atmosphere through the nonwoven fibrous networks and the permeability of the OPSZ shell. The hybrid fibers additionally show enhanced capture kinetics under pure CO2 and 400 ppm CO2 conditions, indicating their promising application as a direct air capture platform.
In this work, polyethyleneimine‐grafted silica nanoparticles are encapsulated within polymer/ceramic electrospun nanofibers for direct air capture of CO2. This fiber matrix ensures effective internal dispersion and hydrophobic shielding of the nanoparticles, which translates to enhanced capture kinetics and high CO2 uptakes under both pure CO2 and 400 ppm CO2 conditions with stable cycling behavior.
Cancer is a major health problem worldwide, which is responsible for more than 10 million deaths annually. Cancer treatment has traditionally been based on chemotherapy and surgery; however, owing to ...cytotoxicity, drug resistance, and non-specificity, cancer immunotherapy, which involves using the patient’s own immune system in treatment, has recently gained prominence as a new cancer treatment strategy. Cancer immunotherapy includes strategies such as adoptive T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint blockade, and cancer vaccines, all of which have shown significant anticancer effects. To improve the therapeutic effectiveness and safety and lower the side effects of these strategies, nano- and micro-technologies are being applied to advance the technology. Several studies have reported the use of liposomes (i.e., lipid nanoparticles) in the context of cancer treatment. Liposomes, which are excellent carriers with biocompatibility, amphiphilicity, and drug protection, can be used for passive and active targeting to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize cancer immunotherapy and discusses the strategies and benefits of using various liposomes in cancer immunotherapy.
Blood perfusion of skeletal muscle and callus was evaluated using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in a canine osteotomy model to determine the applicability of CEUS in the assessment of ...neovascularization during fracture healing and to compare the vascular signals on CEUS between external skeletal fixation and cast-applied dogs. In 6 Beagle dogs, a simple transverse osteotomy was performed at the left tibial shaft and external skeletal fixation (n = 3) or a cast (n = 3) was applied. Radiography, power Doppler ultrasonography (power Doppler), and CEUS were performed until complete union was achieved. On CEUS, vascular changes were quantitatively evaluated by measuring peak intensity (PI) and time to PI in the soft tissue and callus and by counting the vascular signals. Vascular signals from the soft tissue were detected on power Doppler and CEUS on day 2. Significantly more vascular signals were detected by CEUS than by power Doppler. On CEUS, PI in the surrounding soft tissue was markedly increased after the fracture line appeared indistinctively changed on radiography in all dogs. In the cast-applied dogs, vascular signals from the periosteal and endosteal callus were detected on CEUS before mineralized callus was observed on radiography. CEUS was useful in assessing the vascularity of soft tissue and callus, particularly in indirect fracture healing, and provided indications of a normally healing fracture.
Objective—To determine the effect of region of interest (ROI) setting and slice thickness on trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) measured with quantitative CT in dogs. Animals—14 healthy Beagles. ...Procedures—CT of the lumbar vertebrae and a quantitative CT phantom was performed. The BMD of trabecular bone was measured from L1 to L7 in 2 ways in all dogs. First, sequential 9.6-mm-thick CT images were acquired and then CT images were reconstructed into transverse CT images with slice thicknesses of 2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 mm. The obtained images were analyzed by circular ROI and trace ROI methods. Second, lumbar vertebrae were scanned with the installed quantitative CT protocol with a slice thickness of 10 mm and then the CT images were analyzed by installed automatic BMD software. Results—Interclass correlation coefficients of the automatic software (0.975 to 1.0) and the circular method (0.871 to 0.996) were high, compared with those of the trace method (0.582 to 0.996). The BMD measured with the automatic software was not significantly different from that measured with circular ROI and a slice thickness of 9.6 mm. The BMD measured by use of the circular method was not different according to slice thickness. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results obtained by use of automatic software were similar to those obtained by use of more manual methods. The CT images with thinner slice thickness (2.4 and 4.8 mm) could be used in dogs of toy and small breeds to measure lumbar vertebrae BMD to reduce the limitations of the standard 10-mm slice thickness.
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