Dynamic Relocation of Copper Catalysts in Gas Diffusion Electrodes during CO Electroreduction.

Developing technologies that convert CO into valuable carbon products using renewable energy is of growing significance. Copper (Cu) is a unique electrocatalyst capable of reducing CO to value-added multicarbon (C) compounds. While recent studies have elucidated the dynamic evolution of Cu catalysts during electrochemical CO reduction reactions (CORR), the relationship between catalyst behavior in gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) and C product selectivity at industrially relevant current densities remains insufficiently understood.

Improved serotonin neuron-specific viral vectors applicable for optogenetic manipulation and recording.

Serotonin neurons are central to the pathophysiology and therapeutics of mental disorders, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Genetically modified mice make it possible to target serotonin neurons by selective expression of the Cre and Flp genes; however, orthogonal methods that can be used in combination with Cre and Flp are of high importance, considering the highly complicated neural networks in the brain. Here, we improved serotonin neuron-specific viral vectors with higher specificity and sufficient potency for optogenetic manipulation and recording.

Crosstalk between environmental factors and sex determination pathway: insights from lepidopteran insects and cladoceran crustaceans.

Insects exhibit a remarkable diversity of sex determination systems. Sex determining mechanisms have been extensively analyzed using the genetic model insects, such as Drosophila melanogaster, revealing that insect sex is determined in a cell-autonomous manner. The sexual identity of each cell is governed by the conserved transcription factor Doublesex, while the regulatory mechanisms controlling its expression are species specific.

Beyond the Nucleus: Cytoplasmic Dominance in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Detection Using Single-Cell Raman Imaging across Multiple Devices.

Cytological diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is one of the main challenges in the field of endocrine oncology due to the absence of evident morphological indicators. Morphological abnormalities in the nucleus are typically key indicators of cancer cytopathology and are attributed to a range of biochemical alterations in nuclear components. Consequently, Raman spectroscopy has been widely used to detect cancer in various cytological samples, often identifying biochemical changes prior to observable morphological alterations.

Considerations for developing CYP induction assays in hepatocytes: Insights from a multilaboratory study.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction studies using primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were conducted across seven laboratories. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) were developed and distributed, ensuring all laboratories used PHH from the same donor and CYP inducers prepared at a single location. In each laboratory, PHH was seeded, cultured, and tested for CYP induction.

A Diverse Array of Catalytic Photoredox Reactions Based on Aluminum(III)-Salen Complexes: Understanding the Enhancement of Catalytic Activity via Amine Association.

Since aluminum is an earth-abundant and environmentally benign main-group metal, the development of aluminum-complex-based photoredox catalysts remains a significant issue. Herein, we report aluminum(III)-salen complexes (Al-salens) as versatile photoredox catalysts. The combination of an Al-salen catalyst with an amine under visible-light irradiation allowed the hydrodechlorinative transformations of aryl chlorides, the reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds, and the defluoroallylation of perfluoroalkylarenes.

Single-cell analysis reveals immune cell abnormalities underlying the clinical heterogeneity of patients with systemic sclerosis.

The autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis (SSc) presents with multiple organ manifestations that often complicate management strategies. To explore variations in immune cell subsets and their link to clinical heterogeneity, here we perform single-cell profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 21 SSc patients who never received immunosuppressive therapy. We identify a subset of EGR1 CD14 monocytes in patients with scleroderma renal crisis (SRC).

Structural basis of effector recognition by the T3SS chaperone VecA from Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Many pathogenic gram-negative bacteria utilise the type III secretion system (T3SS), a specific protein injection apparatus, to translocate virulence effectors into host cells, modulating host cell functions and establishing infection. To facilitate the precise cytosolic transport of effectors to T3SS, a class of proteins called chaperones plays a crucial role. However, a limited number of available structural data on chaperone-effector complexes hampers understanding of the mechanisms underlying this process.

Architectural RNAs: blueprints for functional membraneless organelle assembly.

Among the pervasive transcripts from eukaryotic genomes, a novel subset, referred to as architectural RNAs (arcRNAs), has an essential role in assembling membraneless organelles (MLOs). These arcRNAs sequester specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and promote phase separation through multivalent interactions. NEAT1_2, an archetypal arcRNA, serves as a blueprint for paraspeckle architecture, characterized by a shell-and-core micelle-like configuration and immiscibility with other MLOs, relying on the cooperative contributions of distinct modular RNA domains.

Annulative π-Extension of Phospholes by Sequential Site-Selective C-H Iodination and Pd-Catalyzed C-H Coupling with Alkynes.

An annulative π-extension of the phospholes has been developed. The reaction system consists of site-selective C2-H iodination of the phosphole nucleus with generated IOMs and Pd-catalyzed C-H coupling with internal alkynes. The developed sequential protocol is convenient to perform through simple filtration without purification of the iodinated intermediate.

Rapid diagnosis of ocular viral infections via single-virus detection using solid-state nanopore: A diagnostic evaluation study.

Rapid and precise identification and discrimination of causative pathogens are required in the treatment of infectious diseases. Quantitative real-time PCR is used to detect and identify infectious viruses before treatment. Although it is an established modality, results take several hours, even in well-equipped hospitals.

The Ragulator complex and lysosomal calcium release are crucial for cell migration.

Immune cells migrate via actomyosin contractility mediated by myosin IIA activation, wherein the lysosomal Ragulator complex-MPRIP interaction is crucial. However, the precise mechanism underlying lysosome-mediated myosin IIA activation has not been elucidated. Here, we found that calcium efflux from the lysosomal TRPML1 channel promotes leukocyte trafficking by enhancing the interaction between the Ragulator complex and MPRIP.

Mixed-Metal Ce-Zr-Mn Clusters as Photo-Catalysts for Decarboxylative Functionalization of Carboxylic Acids.

Decarboxylative hydrazination of carboxylic acids was achieved using a 1:5:2 ratio of three metal salts, Ce(OBu), Zr(OBu), and Mn(OAc), as a catalyst under visible light irradiation. The catalytic activity, compared with our previously developed Ce cluster photo-catalysts, was enhanced by the formation of single cerium-incorporated hexanuclear mixed-metal clusters containing a [CeZrO(OH)] core. The manganese salts further accelerated the overall reaction rate (10 times faster reaction rate with the manganese salt than that of the manganese-free conditions).

Correlation between sensory attributes and Metabolomic profiles of cocoa liquor from different cacao genotypes.

Flavor is a critical quality of cacao beans and is significantly influenced by the genotype. Relying solely on sensory evaluation to describe the complex flavors of different cacao genotypes is insufficient because of the reliance on human expertise and the need for robust validation. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of flavor quality in different cacao genotypes by investigating the correlation between sensory attributes and metabolite profiles using metabolomics-based approach and sensory analysis.

Unexpected movement and improvement of residual subretinal fluid after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery.

Purpose: To report an unusual case of subretinal fluid (SRF) movement from the inferior region to the fovea following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery in a high myopic patient, despite the closure of the causative retinal tear.

Observation: A 38-year-old woman with high myopia and no medical history underwent a scleral buckling procedure for RRD in her right eye. Postoperatively, while the retinal hole was closed, SRF progressively moved from the inferior region towards the fovea.

Transcriptional landscape of aniridia-associated keratopathy through single-cell RNA sequencing.

Purpose: Aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK) is a progressive condition characterized by conjunctivalization of the cornea, yet its molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the transcriptional landscape of AAK by characterizing the gene expression profiles of corneal epithelial cells in a patient with congenital aniridia.

Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on epithelial tissues collected from the clear central corneal region and limbus of a 48-year-old female patient with congenital aniridia.

One-Step Surface Functionalization of Hydrogel-Based, Stimulus-Responsive 3D Microstructures for Human Stem Cells.

To regulate the maintenance and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells, a variety of hydrogels have been developed and applied as two-dimensional (2D) cell culture substrates that can provide well-defined mechanical cues by adjusting the stiffness. Recently, cell-laden hydrogels have been drawing attention as the three-dimensional (3D) cellular environments that can be patterned or printed by extrusion of the cell-polymer mixtures. Hydrogels also serve as 3D microstructures that can stimulate cells both mechanically and geometrically.

Stable Tribrominated Phenalenyl Radical Exhibiting Long-Lived Luminescence from a Monomer-π-Dimer Equilibrium.

Open-shell organic radicals exhibit exceptional photophysical properties due to their unique electronic structures. Herein, we report the 2,5,8-tribromophenalenyl radical () as a stable, emissive phenalenyl derivative. shows a monomer-π-dimer equilibrium in solution and emits light from its monomeric radical state.

An in vitro safety evaluation model for assessing the effects of a chemical drug on the human intestinal barrier integrity using genetically modified Caco-2 cells expressing drug-metabolizing enzymes.

The human intestinal cell line Caco-2 is widely used as an in vitro human intestinal barrier-integrity model for safety evaluation of xenobiotics including drugs, but the profiles of chemical-metabolizing enzymes differ between Caco-2 and the human intestine. In particular, Caco-2 cells are characterized by the presence of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), lower expression of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1). To overcome these differences, a series of genetically modified Caco-2 cell lines have been generated, but their applicability as a human intestinal model to evaluate effects of xenobiotics on the intestinal barrier integrity remains unclear.

Next-generation hydrogen peroxide sensors based on ordered carbonaceous frameworks derived from iron porphyrin.

Carbon materials with ordered frameworks and atomically dispersed metal sites, referred to as ordered carbonaceous frameworks (OCFs), have attracted considerable attention for their promising potential in fundamental research and diverse practical applications, particularly in electrocatalysis. In this work, we synthesize Fe-incorporated OCF (Fe-OCF) with a heme-like structure through structure-preserving pyrolysis of Fe-porphyrin with four ethynyl groups. Fe-OCF is characterized by its ordered microporous framework, incorporating atomically dispersed Fe(III) sites with a high content of 6.

Different impacts of intestinal microbiota and lifestyle factors on advanced adenoma and colorectal cancer risk.

The association between intestinal microbiota, dietary and lifestyle habits, and colorectal cancer (CRC) development is not fully understood. This study aimed to assess the association between intestinal microbiota composition and CRC risk across clinical stages, accounting for dietary and lifestyle factors. This cross-sectional study conducted in Japan included 499 participants who underwent colonoscopies.

Cell cycle dynamics analysis of drug-tolerant persister cells in non-small cell lung cancer.

Molecular-targeted therapy remains effective in cancer treatment; however, drug resistance inevitably arises after prolonged administration for several years. Drug-tolerant persister cells (DTPs), which are subpopulations of cells derived from drug-sensitive cells that develop tolerance after short-term exposure (lasting days or weeks) to drugs, have gained substantial attention. However, the specific characteristics of DTPs remain unclear as they encompass a diverse cell population, although they generally exhibit low proliferative potential.

Multilayered substructures of a non-enzymatic chemical reaction network for synthesizing sugars.

In biological chemical reactions, substructures formed through multi-step enzymatic reactions organize into large chemical reaction networks (CRNs) that produce complex and sophisticated functions. Recently, significant attention has been paid to artificial, non-enzymatic control of multi-step chemical reactions aimed at synthesizing compounds with structural complexity. However, the synergistic effects arising from the activation of different substructures within a CRN by multiple catalysts remain unexplored.

Structural basis of cuproenzyme nitrite reduction at the level of a single hydrogen atom.

Hydrogen (H) atoms account for about half the atoms in biomacromolecules and are essential for their biochemical properties such as enzymatic functions. Obtaining precise enzyme structures that include all the H atoms allows a deeper understanding of their structure-function relationships. Copper-containing nitrite reductases (CuNIRs) catalyze transformation of nitrite to nitric oxide, which has impacts on geochemical, agricultural, and medical health fields.

Development and characterization of MRC-5 and Vero cell-adapted enterovirus D68 strains for vaccine production.

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a pathogen that causes respiratory and neurological diseases. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines for EV-D68. Here, we adapted EV-D68 to MRC-5 and Vero cells, which are widely used in vaccine manufacturing, to develop EV-D68 strains applicable for vaccine production.