The impact of interactions between heavy metals and smoking exposures on the formation of oral microbial communities.

Introduction: The primary objective of our investigation was to assess the repercussions of prolonged exposure to heavy metals and smoking on the microbiome of the oral buccal mucosa. Concurrently, we aimed to elucidate the intricate interplay between external environmental exposures and the composition of the oral microbial ecosystem, thereby discerning its potential implications for human health.

Methods: Our study cohort was stratified into four distinct groups: MS (characterized by concurrent exposure to heavy metals and smoking), M (exposed solely to heavy metals), S (exposed solely to smoking), and C (comprising individuals serving as a control group).

MOF-based Dual-Layer Pickering Emulsion: Molecular-Level Gating of Water Delivery at Water-Oil Interface for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogenation Using H2O as a Hydrogen Source.

Biphasic system not only presents a promising opportunity for complex catalytic processes, but also is a grand challenge in efficient tandem reactions. As an emerging solar-to-chemical conversion, the visible-light-driven and water-donating hydrogenation combines the sustainability of photocatalysis and economic-value of hydrogenation. However, the key and challenging point is to couple water-soluble photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with oil-soluble hydrogenation.

Tau is a receptor with low affinity for glucocorticoids and is required for glucocorticoid-induced bone loss.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most prescribed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. However, their use is often limited by substantial side effects, such as GC-induced osteoporosis (GIO) with the underlying mechanisms still not fully understood. In this study, we identify Tau as a low-affinity binding receptor for GCs that plays a crucial role in GIO.

Chromosome-scale assembly and annotation of the wild wheat relative Aegilops comosa.

Wild relatives of wheat are valuable sources for enhancing the genetic diversity of common wheat. Aegilops comosa, an annual diploid species with an MM genome constitution, possesses numerous agronomically valuable traits that can be exploited for wheat improvement. In this study, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of Ae.

Atomically engineering interlayer symmetry operations of two-dimensional crystals.

Crystal symmetry, which governs the local atomic coordination and bonding environment, is one of the paramount constituents that intrinsically dictate materials' functionalities. However, engineering crystal symmetry is not straightforward due to the isotropically strong covalent/ionic bonds in crystals. Layered two-dimensional materials offer an ideal platform for crystal engineering because of the ease of interlayer symmetry operations.