Unraveling the role of water in mechanism changes for economically viable catalytic plastic upcycling.

The surge in global plastic production, reaching 400.3 million tons in 2022, has exacerbated environmental pollution, with only 11% of plastic being recycled. Catalytic recycling, particularly through hydrogenolysis and hydrocracking, offers a promising avenue for upcycling polyolefin plastic, comprising 55% of global plastic waste.

Ultra-fast genetically encoded sensor for precise real-time monitoring of physiological and pathophysiological peroxide dynamics.

Hydrogen Peroxide (HO) is a central oxidant in redox biology due to its pleiotropic role in physiology and pathology. However, real-time monitoring of HO in living cells and tissues remains a challenge. We address this gap with the development of an optogenetic hydRogen perOxide Sensor (oROS), leveraging the bacterial peroxide binding domain OxyR.

Python-Based Algorithm for Estimating the Parameters of Physical Property Models for Substances Not Available in Database.

An in-house Python-based algorithm was developed using simplified molecular-input line-entry specification (SMILES) strings and a dipole moment for estimating the normal boiling point, critical properties, standard enthalpy, vapor pressure, liquid molar volume, enthalpy of vaporization, heat capacity, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and surface tension of molecules. Normal boiling point, critical properties, and standard enthalpy were estimated by using the Joback group contribution method. Vapor pressure, liquid molar volume, enthalpy of vaporization, heat capacity, and surface tension were estimated by using the Riedel model, Gunn-Yamada model, Clausius-Clapeyron equation, Joback group contribution method, and Brock-Bird model, respectively.

Structure-guided engineering of a fast genetically encoded sensor for real-time HO monitoring.

Hydrogen Peroxide (HO) is a central oxidant in redox biology due to its pleiotropic role in physiology and pathology. However, real-time monitoring of HO in living cells and tissues remains a challenge. We address this gap with the development of an optogenetic hydRogen perOxide Sensor (oROS), leveraging the bacterial peroxide binding domain OxyR.

Small-molecule inhibition of glycogen synthase 1 for the treatment of Pompe disease and other glycogen storage disorders.

Glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1), the rate-limiting enzyme in muscle glycogen synthesis, plays a central role in energy homeostasis and has been proposed as a therapeutic target in multiple glycogen storage diseases. Despite decades of investigation, there are no known potent, selective small-molecule inhibitors of this enzyme. Here, we report the preclinical characterization of MZ-101, a small molecule that potently inhibits GYS1 in vitro and in vivo without inhibiting GYS2, a related isoform essential for synthesizing liver glycogen.

Mapping Astrocytic and Neuronal μ-opioid Receptor Expression in Various Brain Regions Using MOR-mCherry Reporter Mouse.

The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) is a class of opioid receptors characterized by a high affinity for β-endorphin and morphine. MOR is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a role in reward and analgesic effects. While expression of MOR has been well established in neurons and microglia, astrocytic MOR expression has been less clear.

Hypothalamic GABRA5-positive neurons control obesity via astrocytic GABA.

The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) regulates food intake and energy balance. Although LHA neurons innervate adipose tissues, the identity of neurons that regulate fat is undefined. Here we show that GABRA5-positive neurons in LHA (GABRA5) polysynaptically project to brown and white adipose tissues in the periphery.

Enhancing the reliability of particulate matter sensing by multivariate Tobit model using weather and air quality data.

Low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors have been widely used following recent sensor-technology advancements; however, inherent limitations of low-cost monitors (LCMs), which operate based on light scattering without an air-conditioning function, still restrict their applicability. We propose a regional calibration of LCMs using a multivariate Tobit model with historical weather and air quality data to improve the accuracy of ambient air monitoring, which is highly dependent on meteorological conditions, local climate, and regional PM properties. Weather observations and PM (fine inhalable particles with diameters ≤ 2.

Kv7/KCNQ potassium channels in cortical hyperexcitability and juvenile seizure-related death in Ank2-mutant mice.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and various comorbidities, including epilepsy. ANK2, which encodes a neuronal scaffolding protein, is frequently mutated in ASD, but its in vivo functions and disease-related mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that mice with Ank2 knockout restricted to cortical and hippocampal excitatory neurons (Ank2-cKO mice) show ASD-related behavioral abnormalities and juvenile seizure-related death.

Visualizing reactive astrocyte-neuron interaction in Alzheimer's disease using 11C-acetate and 18F-FDG.

Reactive astrogliosis is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, a clinically validated neuroimaging probe to visualize the reactive astrogliosis is yet to be discovered. Here, we show that PET imaging with 11C-acetate and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) functionally visualizes the reactive astrocyte-mediated neuronal hypometabolism in the brains with neuroinflammation and AD.

Discovery of RMC-5552, a Selective Bi-Steric Inhibitor of mTORC1, for the Treatment of mTORC1-Activated Tumors.

Hyperactivation of mTOR kinase by mutations in the PI3K/mTOR pathway or by crosstalk with other mutant cancer drivers, such as RAS, is a feature of many tumors. Multiple allosteric inhibitors of mTORC1 and orthosteric dual inhibitors of mTORC1 and mTORC2 have been developed as anticancer drugs, but their clinical utility has been limited. To address these limitations, we have developed a novel class of "bi-steric inhibitors" that interact with both the orthosteric and the allosteric binding sites in order to deepen the inhibition of mTORC1 while also preserving selectivity for mTORC1 over mTORC2.

Process development, techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment for laccase catalyzed synthesis of lignin hydrogel.

In this study, an effort has been undertaken to study process design, techno-economic analysis, and life-cycle assessment (LCA) of lignin hydrogel (LH) which has potential applications in environmental remediation. Minimum selling price (MSP) of LHs has been estimated to be 2,141 US$/ton and it lies within the range of market price (1,420-2,280 US$/ton) for commercial coagulants. Further, sensitivity analysis has been conducted and it was observed that "% efficiency of lignin hydrogel production" and "lignin price" were the most influential parameters.

Observation of spin-glass-like characteristics in ferrimagnetic TbCo through energy-level-selective approach.

Rare earth (RE)-transition metal (TM) ferrimagnetic alloys are gaining increasing attention because of their potential use in the field of antiferromagnetic spintronics. The moment from RE sub-lattice primarily originates from the 4f-electrons located far below the Fermi level (E), and the moment from TM sub-lattice arises from the 3d-electrons across the E. Therefore, the individual magnetic moment configurations at different energy levels must be explored to clarify the microscopic mechanism of antiferromagnetic spin dynamics.

Inhibiting peripheral and central MAO-B ameliorates joint inflammation and cognitive impairment in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and the destruction of joints and systemic organs. RA is commonly accompanied by neuropsychiatric complications, such as cognitive impairment and depression. However, the role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and its inhibitors in controlling neurotransmitters associated with these complications in RA have not been clearly identified.

Toward Economical and Sustainable Production of Renewable Plastic: Integrative System-Level Analyses.

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is one of the promising renewable plastic monomers enabling to address several environmental issues, instead of petroleum-based terephthalic acid (TPA). In this study, an integrative process for the co-production of FDCA and furfural as well as activated carbon was developed, and the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability for the proposed process were evaluated. In the proposed process, there were major four catalytic conversion reactions: (1) hydrolysis of biomass to its derivatives (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), (2) dehydration of hemicellulose to furfural, (3) dehydration of cellulose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and (4) successive oxidation of HMF to FDCA.

Development of AE147 Peptide-Conjugated Nanocarriers for Targeting uPAR-Overexpressing Cancer Cells.

Purpose: An AE147 peptide-conjugated nanocarrier based on PEGylated liposomes was developed in order to target the metastatic tumors overexpressing urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), which cancer progression via uPA signaling. Therefore, the AE147 peptide-conjugated nanocarrier system may hold the potential for active targeting of metastatic tumors.

Methods: The AE147 peptide, an antagonist of uPAR, was conjugated to the PEGylated liposomes for targeting metastatic tumors overexpressing uPAR.

Hygroscopic properties of particulate matter and effects of their interactions with weather on visibility.

The hygroscopic property of particulate matter (PM) influencing light scattering and absorption is vital for determining visibility and accurate sensing of PM using a low-cost sensor. In this study, we examined the hygroscopic properties of coarse PM (CPM) and fine PM (FPM; PM) and the effects of their interactions with weather factors on visibility. A censored regression model was built to investigate the relationships between CPM and PM concentrations and weather observations.

A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol for Soma Experiencing Motion Program (Soma e-motion Program): The Effectiveness of Contemplative Movement for Emotion Regulation.

Somatics refers to body work and movement study that emphasize internal perception and experience. Recently, a new perspective has emerged that views somatics-based techniques as a kind of mindful movement. Somatic techniques as contemplative movement can improve emotional regulation ability through improvement of body awareness or interoception.

A Retrospective Analysis on Clinical Practice-Based Approaches Using Zolpidem and Lorazepam in Disorders of Consciousness.

This is a retrospective study to investigate the results of using zolpidem and lorazepam in persons with disorders of consciousness (DoC) and to provide practical information for clinical application and further studies. The cohort included 146 patients (11 hemorrhagic stroke, 87 traumatic brain injury (TBI), 48 anoxic brain injury (ABI)) admitted to a specialized DoC rehabilitation program. A positive trial indicated a patient responded to either zolpidem or lorazepam with prominent functional improvements necessitating routine use of the medication.

Adenovirus-induced Reactive Astrogliosis Exacerbates the Pathology of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative motor disorder. While PD has been attributed to dopaminergic neuronal death in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), accumulating lines of evidence have suggested that reactive astrogliosis is critically involved in PD pathology. These pathological changes are associated with α-synuclein aggregation, which is more prone to be induced by an A53T mutation.

Platycodin D, a natural component of Platycodon grandiflorum, prevents both lysosome- and TMPRSS2-driven SARS-CoV-2 infection by hindering membrane fusion.

An ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now the greatest threat to global public health. Herbal medicines and their derived natural products have drawn much attention in the treatment of COVID-19, but the detailed mechanisms by which natural products inhibit SARS-CoV-2 have not been elucidated. Here, we show that platycodin D (PD), a triterpenoid saponin abundant in Platycodon grandiflorum (PG), a dietary and medicinal herb commonly used in East Asia, effectively blocks the two main SARS-CoV-2 infection routes via lysosome- and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2)-driven entry.

Simultaneous production of 1,6-hexanediol, furfural, and high-purity lignin from white birch: Process integration and techno-economic evaluation.

An integrated strategy of multiple catalytic conversions was developed to completely utilize three major fractions of biomass, thereby increasing the revenue from lignocellulosic biomass (white birch). Cellulose was converted into 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HDO) with a yield of 21.8% via a series of catalytic conversions, hemicellulose was converted into furfural with a yield of 87.