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Li H, Chng CB, Zheng H, Wu MS, Bartolo PJDS, Qi HJ, Tan YJ, Zhou K. Self-Healable and 4D Printable Hydrogel for Stretchable Electronics. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2305702. [PMID: 38263891 PMCID: PMC10987146 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Materials with high stretchability and conductivity are used to fabricate stretchable electronics. Self-healing capability and four-dimensional (4D) printability are becoming increasingly important for these materials to facilitate their recovery from damage and endow them with stimuli-response properties. However, it remains challenging to design a single material that combines these four strengths. Here, a dually crosslinked hydrogel is developed by combining a covalently crosslinked acrylic acid (AAC) network and Fe3+ ions through dynamic and reversible ionically crosslinked coordination. The remarkable electrical sensitivity (a gauge factor of 3.93 under a strain of 1500%), superior stretchability (a fracture strain up to 1700%), self-healing ability (a healing efficiency of 88% and 97% for the mechanical and electrical properties, respectively), and 4D printability of the hydrogel are demonstrated by constructing a strain sensor, a two-dimensional touch panel, and shape-morphing structures with water-responsive behavior. The hydrogel demonstrates vast potential for applications in stretchable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijun Li
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
| | - Chin Boon Chng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Design and EngineeringNational University of Singapore9 Engineering DriveSingapore117575Singapore
| | - Han Zheng
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
| | - Mao See Wu
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
| | - Paulo Jorge Da Silva Bartolo
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
| | - H. Jerry Qi
- School of Mechanical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Yu Jun Tan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Design and EngineeringNational University of Singapore9 Engineering DriveSingapore117575Singapore
- Centre for Additive ManufacturingNational University of SingaporeSingapore117602Singapore
| | - Kun Zhou
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
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2
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Lin R, Valuckas V, Do TTH, Nemati A, Kuznetsov AI, Teng J, Ha ST. Schrödinger's Red Beyond 65,000 Pixel-Per-Inch by Multipolar Interaction in Freeform Meta-Atom through Efficient Neural Optimizer. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2303929. [PMID: 38093513 PMCID: PMC10987134 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Freeform nanostructures have the potential to support complex resonances and their interactions, which are crucial for achieving desired spectral responses. However, the design optimization of such structures is nontrivial and computationally intensive. Furthermore, the current "black box" design approaches for freeform nanostructures often neglect the underlying physics. Here, a hybrid data-efficient neural optimizer for resonant nanostructures by combining a reinforcement learning algorithm and Powell's local optimization technique is presented. As a case study, silicon nanostructures with a highly-saturated red color are designed and experimentally demonstrated. Specifically, color coordinates of (0.677, 0.304) in the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) chromaticity diagram - close to the ideal Schrödinger's red, with polarization independence, high reflectance (>85%), and a large viewing angle (i.e., up to ± 25°) is achieved. The remarkable performance is attributed to underlying generalized multipolar interferences within each nanostructure rather than the collective array effects. Based on that, pixel size down to ≈400 nm, corresponding to a printing resolution of 65000 pixels per inch is demonstrated. Moreover, the proposed design model requires only ≈300 iterations to effectively search a thirteen-dimensional (13D) design space - an order of magnitude more efficient than the previously reported approaches. The work significantly extends the free-form optical design toolbox for high-performance flat-optical components and metadevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Lin
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08‐03Singapore138634Republic of Singapore
| | - Vytautas Valuckas
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08‐03Singapore138634Republic of Singapore
| | - Thi Thu Ha Do
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08‐03Singapore138634Republic of Singapore
| | - Arash Nemati
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08‐03Singapore138634Republic of Singapore
| | - Arseniy I. Kuznetsov
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08‐03Singapore138634Republic of Singapore
| | - Jinghua Teng
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08‐03Singapore138634Republic of Singapore
| | - Son Tung Ha
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE)2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08‐03Singapore138634Republic of Singapore
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3
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Tong CS, Su M, Sun H, Chua XL, Xiong D, Guo S, Raj R, Ong NWP, Lee AG, Miao Y, Wu M. Collective dynamics of actin and microtubule and its crosstalk mediated by FHDC1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1261117. [PMID: 38567385 PMCID: PMC10985548 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1261117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The coordination between actin and microtubule network is crucial, yet this remains a challenging problem to dissect and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we used travelling waves in the cell cortex to characterize the collective dynamics of cytoskeletal networks. Our findings show that Cdc42 and F-BAR-dependent actin waves in mast cells are mainly driven by formin-mediated actin polymerization, with the microtubule-binding formin FH2 domain-containing protein 1 (FHDC1) as an early regulator. Knocking down FHDC1 inhibits actin wave formation, and this inhibition require FHDC1's interaction with both microtubule and actin. The phase of microtubule depolymerization coincides with the nucleation of actin waves and microtubule stabilization inhibit actin waves, leading us to propose that microtubule shrinking and the concurrent release of FHDC1 locally regulate actin nucleation. Lastly, we show that FHDC1 is crucial for multiple cellular processes such as cell division and migration. Our data provided molecular insights into the nucleation mechanisms of actin waves and uncover an antagonistic interplay between microtubule and actin polymerization in their collective dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee San Tong
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maohan Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - He Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiang Le Chua
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ding Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Su Guo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ravin Raj
- Special Programme in Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole Wen Pei Ong
- Special Programme in Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ann Gie Lee
- Special Programme in Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yansong Miao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Shang C, Liu S, Jiang C, Shao R, Zang X, Lee CH, Thomale R, Manchon A, Cui TJ, Schwingenschlögl U. Observation of a Higher-Order End Topological Insulator in a Real Projective Lattice. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2303222. [PMID: 38214384 PMCID: PMC10953588 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The modern theory of quantized polarization has recently extended from 1D dipole moment to multipole moment, leading to the development from conventional topological insulators (TIs) to higher-order TIs, i.e., from the bulk polarization as primary topological index, to the fractional corner charge as secondary topological index. The authors here extend this development by theoretically discovering a higher-order end TI (HOETI) in a real projective lattice and experimentally verifying the prediction using topolectric circuits. A HOETI realizes a dipole-symmetry-protected phase in a higher-dimensional space (conventionally in one dimension), which manifests as 0D topologically protected end states and a fractional end charge. The discovered bulk-end correspondence reveals that the fractional end charge, which is proportional to the bulk topological invariant, can serve as a generic bulk probe of higher-order topology. The authors identify the HOETI experimentally by the presence of localized end states and a fractional end charge. The results demonstrate the existence of fractional charges in non-Euclidean manifolds and open new avenues for understanding the interplay between topological obstructions in real and momentum space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Shang
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)Thuwal23955‐6900Saudi Arabia
| | - Shuo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Caigui Jiang
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence and RoboticsXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049China
| | - Ruiwen Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Xiaoning Zang
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)Thuwal23955‐6900Saudi Arabia
| | - Ching Hua Lee
- Department of PhysicsNational University of SingaporeSingapore117551Republic of Singapore
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin UniversityInternational Campus of Tianjin UniversityFuzhou350207China
| | - Ronny Thomale
- Institut für Theoretische Physik und AstrophysikUniversität Würzburg97074WürzburgGermany
| | | | - Tie Jun Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Udo Schwingenschlögl
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)Thuwal23955‐6900Saudi Arabia
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Li D, Yadav A, Zhou H, Roy K, Thanasekaran P, Lee C. Advances and Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in Emerging Technologies: A Comprehensive Review. Glob Chall 2024; 8:2300244. [PMID: 38356684 PMCID: PMC10862192 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that are the wonder material of the 21st century consist of metal ions/clusters coordinated to organic ligands to form one- or more-dimensional porous structures with unprecedented chemical and structural tunability, exceptional thermal stability, ultrahigh porosity, and a large surface area, making them an ideal candidate for numerous potential applications. In this work, the recent progress in the design and synthetic approaches of MOFs and explore their potential applications in the fields of gas storage and separation, catalysis, magnetism, drug delivery, chemical/biosensing, supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries and self-powered wearable sensors based on piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators are summarized. Lastly, this work identifies present challenges and outlines future opportunities in this field, which can provide valuable references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxiao Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMSNational University of SingaporeSingapore117608Singapore
| | - Anurag Yadav
- Department of ChemistryPondicherry UniversityPuducherry605014India
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMSNational University of SingaporeSingapore117608Singapore
| | - Kaustav Roy
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMSNational University of SingaporeSingapore117608Singapore
| | | | - Chengkuo Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMSNational University of SingaporeSingapore117608Singapore
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6
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Kirk CH, Chong CYD, Wang X, Sun J, Zhao Q, Wang J. Nanofiltration Ceramic Membranes as a Feasible Two-Pronged Approach toward Desalination and Lithium Recovery. Glob Chall 2024; 8:2300151. [PMID: 38356683 PMCID: PMC10862150 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Ceramic membranes are taking center stage for separation technologies in water treatment. Among them, ceramic nanofiltration membranes are at the forefront of membrane technologies. The desalination of seawater using ceramic nanofiltration membranes is a potential application toward increasing the global water supply and tackling water scarcity. However, while the high fabrication cost poses a challenge to their large-scale applications, high-value separation applications can help to offset the overall cost. In this regard, ceramic nanofiltration membranes can also be explored as a viable option for high-value lithium extraction from the waste seawater brine. In order to determine the potential of nanofiltration ceramic membranes for desalination and lithium recovery from seawater, the current efficiency of salt rejection across various operation parameters must be thoroughly evaluated. Specifically, the interactions between the Donnan exclusion, steric exclusion, zeta potential, and salt concentration play an important role in determining the salt rejection efficiency. Several strategies are then proposed to guide ceramic nanofiltration membranes toward potentially practical applications regarding desalination and lithium recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Ho Kirk
- Department of Material Science and EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117574Singapore
| | | | - Xingyang Wang
- Department of Material Science and EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117574Singapore
| | - Jianguo Sun
- Department of Material Science and EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117574Singapore
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Material Science and EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117574Singapore
| | - John Wang
- Department of Material Science and EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117574Singapore
- National University of Singapore (Chongqing) Research InstituteChongqing Liang Jiang New AreaChongqing401120China
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7
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Zhou L, Liang L, Chen J, Zhou X, Liu L, Xi S, Loh KP, Han Y, He Q, Liu X. Promoted Growth and Multiband Emission in Heterostructured Perovskites Through Cs + -Sublattice Interaction. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2306398. [PMID: 38018323 PMCID: PMC10797418 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Precise control of exciton confinement in metal halide perovskites is critical to the development of high-performance, stable optoelectronic devices. A significant hurdle is the swift completion of ionic metathesis reactions, often within seconds, making consistent control challenging. Herein, the introduction of different steric hindrances in a Cs+ sublattice within CsYb2 F7 is reported, which effectively modulates the reaction rate of Cs+ with lead (Pb2+ ) and halide ions in solution, extending the synthesis time for perovskite nanostructures to tens of minutes. Importantly, the Cs+ sublattice provides a crystal facet-dependent preference for perovskite growth and thus exciton confinement, allowing the simultaneous occurrence of up to six emission bands of CsPbBr3 . Moreover, the rigid CsYb2 F7 nano template offers high activation energy and enhances the stability of the resulting perovskite nanostructures. This methodology provides a versatile approach to synthesizing functional heterostructures. Its robustness is demonstrated by in-situ growth of perovskite nanostructures on Cs+ -mediated metal-organic frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- Department of ChemistryNational University of SingaporeSingapore117549Singapore
- School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologySun Yat‐sen UniversityZhuhai519802P. R. China
| | - Liangliang Liang
- Department of ChemistryNational University of SingaporeSingapore117549Singapore
| | - Jiaye Chen
- Department of ChemistryNational University of SingaporeSingapore117549Singapore
| | - Xin Zhou
- Materials Science and EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117575Singapore
| | - Lingmei Liu
- Multi‐scale Porous Materials CenterInstitute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies & School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Chongqing UniversityChongqing400044P. R. China
| | - Shibo Xi
- Institute of Sustainability for ChemicalsEnergy and Environment (ISCE2)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)1 Pesek Road Jurong IslandSingapore627833Singapore
| | - Kian Ping Loh
- Department of ChemistryNational University of SingaporeSingapore117549Singapore
| | - Yu Han
- Physical Sciences and Engineering DivisionAdvanced Membranes and Porous Materials (AMPM) CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)Thuwal23955–6900Saudi Arabia
| | - Qian He
- Materials Science and EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117575Singapore
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Department of ChemistryNational University of SingaporeSingapore117549Singapore
- Institute of Materials Research and EngineeringAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingapore138634Singapore
- The N1 Institute for HealthNational University of SingaporeSingapore117456Singapore
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Kwok FY, Wilkey ED, Peters L, Khiu E, Bull R, Lee K, Ansari D. Developmental dyscalculia is not associated with atypical brain activation: A univariate fMRI study of arithmetic, magnitude processing, and visuospatial working memory. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:6308-6325. [PMID: 37909347 PMCID: PMC10681641 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional neuroimaging serves as a tool to better understand the cerebral correlates of atypical behaviors, such as learning difficulties. While significant advances have been made in characterizing the neural correlates of reading difficulties (developmental dyslexia), comparatively little is known about the neurobiological correlates of mathematical learning difficulties, such as developmental dyscalculia (DD). Furthermore, the available neuroimaging studies of DD are characterized by small sample sizes and variable inclusion criteria, which make it problematic to compare across studies. In addition, studies to date have focused on identifying single deficits in neuronal processing among children with DD (e.g., mental arithmetic), rather than probing differences in brain function across different processing domains that are known to be affected in children with DD. Here, we seek to address the limitations of prior investigations. Specifically, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to probe brain differences between children with and without persistent DD; 68 children (8-10 years old, 30 with DD) participated in an fMRI study designed to investigate group differences in the functional neuroanatomy associated with commonly reported behavioral deficits in children with DD: basic number processing, mental arithmetic and visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM). Behavioral data revealed that children with DD were less accurate than their typically achieving (TA) peers for the basic number processing and arithmetic tasks. No behavioral differences were found for the tasks measuring VSWM. A pre-registered, whole-brain, voxelwise univariate analysis of the fMRI data from the entire sample of children (DD and TA) revealed areas commonly associated with the three tasks (basic number processing, mental arithmetic, and VSWM). However, the examination of differences in brain activation between children with and without DD revealed no consistent group differences in brain activation. In view of these null results, we ran exploratory, Bayesian analyses on the data to quantify the amount of evidence for no group differences. This analysis provides supporting evidence for no group differences across all three tasks. We present the largest fMRI study comparing children with and without persistent DD to date. We found no group differences in brain activation using univariate, frequentist analyses. Moreover, Bayesian analyses revealed evidence for the null hypothesis of no group differences. These findings contradict previous literature and reveal the need to investigate the neural basis of DD using multivariate and network-based approaches to brain imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Yu Kwok
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of EducationNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
- Macquarie School of EducationMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Eric D. Wilkey
- Brain and Mind InstituteWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
- Vanderbilt Brain InstituteVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Department of Psychology & Human DevelopmentPeabody College, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Lien Peters
- Brain and Mind InstituteWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology Research in Developmental Disorders LabGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Ellyn Khiu
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of EducationNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Rebecca Bull
- Macquarie School of EducationMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kerry Lee
- Department of Early Childhood EducationThe Education University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Daniel Ansari
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of EducationNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
- Brain and Mind InstituteWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
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Thng DKH, Hooi L, Toh CCM, Lim JJ, Rajagopalan D, Syariff IQC, Tan ZM, Rashid MBMA, Zhou L, Kow AWC, Bonney GK, Goh BKP, Kam JH, Jha S, Dan YY, Chow PKH, Toh TB, Chow EK. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (G9a) inhibition mitigates tumorigenicity in Myc-driven liver cancer. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:2275-2294. [PMID: 36896891 PMCID: PMC10620125 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third deadliest and sixth most common cancer in the world. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (also known as G9a) is a histone methyltransferase frequently overexpressed in many cancer types, including HCC. We showed that Myc-driven liver tumours have a unique H3K9 methylation pattern with corresponding G9a overexpression. This phenomenon of increased G9a was further observed in our c-Myc-positive HCC patient-derived xenografts. More importantly, we showed that HCC patients with higher c-Myc and G9a expression levels portend a poorer survival with lower median survival months. We demonstrated that c-Myc interacts with G9a in HCC and cooperates to regulate c-Myc-dependent gene repression. In addition, G9a stabilises c-Myc to promote cancer development, contributing to the growth and invasive capacity in HCC. Furthermore, combination therapy between G9a and synthetic-lethal target of c-Myc, CDK9, demonstrates strong efficacy in patient-derived avatars of Myc-driven HCC. Our work suggests that targeting G9a could prove to be a potential therapeutic avenue for Myc-driven liver cancer. This will increase our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms of aggressive tumour initiation and lead to improved therapeutic and diagnostic options for Myc-driven hepatic tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lissa Hooi
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Clarissa Chin Min Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Deepa Rajagopalan
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Imran Qamar Charles Syariff
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Zher Min Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | | | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Alfred Wei Chieh Kow
- Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical ClusterNational University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Glenn Kunnath Bonney
- Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical ClusterNational University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Brian Kim Poh Goh
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Juinn Huar Kam
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Sudhakar Jha
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOKUSA
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Pierce Kah Hoe Chow
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Academic Clinical Programme for SurgeryDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Edward Kai‐Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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10
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Chen CY, Selvaraj P, Naqvi NI. Functional analysis of auxin derived from a symbiotic mycobiont. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1216680. [PMID: 37745999 PMCID: PMC10515717 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1216680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of auxin or indole-3-acetic acid by microorganisms has a major impact on plant-microbe interactions. Several beneficial microbiota are known to produce auxin, which largely influences root development and growth in the host plants. Akin to findings in rhizobacteria, recent studies have confirmed the production of auxin by plant growth-promoting fungi too. Here, we show that Penicillium citrinum isolate B9 produces auxin as deduced by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry analysis. Such fungal auxin is secreted and contributes directly to enhanced root and shoot development and overall plant growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. Furthermore, auxin production by P. citrinum likely involves more than one tryptophan-dependent pathway. Using auxin biosynthesis inhibitor L-Kynurenine, we show that the indole-3-pyruvate pathway might be one of the key biosynthetic routes involved in such auxin production. Confocal microscopy of the DR5rev:GFP Arabidopsis reporter line helped demonstrate that P. citrunum B9-derived auxin is biologically active and is able to significantly enhance auxin signaling in roots during such improved root growth and plant development. Furthermore, the phenotypic growth defects arising from impaired auxin signaling in Arabidopsis taa1 mutant or upon L-Kynurenine treatment of wild-type Arabidopsis seedlings could be significantly alleviated by fungus B9-derived auxin, thus suggesting its positive role in plant growth promotion. Collectively, our results provide clear evidence that the production of auxin is one of the main mechanisms involved in induction of the beneficial plant growth by P. citrinum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yen Chen
- Fungal Patho-Biology, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Naweed I. Naqvi
- Fungal Patho-Biology, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Watkins OC, Pillai RA, Selvam P, Yong HE, Cracknell‐Hazra VK, Sharma N, Cazenave‐Gassiot A, Bendt AK, Godfrey KM, Lewis RM, Wenk MR, Chan S. Myo-inositol alters the effects of glucose, leptin and insulin on placental palmitic acid and oleic acid metabolism. J Physiol 2023; 601:4151-4169. [PMID: 37602663 PMCID: PMC10952252 DOI: 10.1113/jp285036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-regulated placental palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) metabolism is vital for optimal placental function and fetal development, but dysregulation occurs with gestational diabetes (GDM). We hypothesized that such dysregulation might arise from increased maternofetal glucose, leptin or insulin concentrations present in GDM, and that dysregulated PA and OA lipid metabolism could be moderated by myo-inositol, a natural polyol and potential GDM intervention. Placental explants from 21 women were incubated with stable isotope-labelled 13 C-PA or 13 C-OA for 48 h. Explants were treated with glucose (5, 10 mm) or leptin (13 nm) or insulin (150 nm) in combination with myo-inositol (0.3, 30, 60 μm). Forty-seven 13 C-PA lipids and 37 13 C-OA lipids were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). Compared with controls (5 mm glucose), glucose (10 mm) increased 19 13 C-OA lipids and nine 13 C-PA lipids, but decreased 13 C-OA phosphatidylethanolamine 38:5 and 13 C-PA phosphatidylethanolamine 36:4. The effects of leptin and insulin were less prominent than glucose, with leptin increasing 13 C-OA acylcarnitine 18:1, and insulin increasing four 13 C-PA triacylglycerides. Most glucose, leptin and insulin-induced alterations in lipids were attenuated by co-incubation with myo-inositol (30 or 60 μm), with attenuation also occurring in all subgroups stratified by GDM status and fetal sex. However, glucose-induced increases in acylcarnitine were not attenuated by myo-inositol and were even exaggerated in some instances. Myo-inositol therefore appears to generally act as a moderator, suppressing the perturbation of lipid metabolic processes by glucose, leptin and insulin in placenta in vitro. Whether myo-inositol protects the fetus and pregnancy from unfavourable outcomes requires further research. KEY POINTS: Incubation of placental explants with additional glucose, or to a lesser extent insulin or leptin, alters the placental production of 13 C-lipids from 13 C-palmitic acid (PA) and 13 C-oleic acid (OA) in vitro compared with untreated controls from the same placenta. Co-incubation with myo-inositol attenuated most alterations induced by glucose, insulin or leptin in 13 C-lipids, but did not affect alterations in 13 C-acylcarnitines. Alterations induced by glucose and leptin in 13 C-PA triacylglycerides and 13 C-PA phospholipids were influenced by fetal sex and gestational diabetes status, but were all still attenuated by myo-inositol co-incubation. Insulin differently affected 13 C-PA triacylglycerides and 13 C-PA phospholipids depending on fetal sex, with alterations also attenuated by myo-inositol co-incubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver C. Watkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Reshma Appukuttan Pillai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Preben Selvam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Hannah E.J. Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingapore
| | - Victoria K.B. Cracknell‐Hazra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingapore
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustUK
| | - Neha Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Amaury Cazenave‐Gassiot
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Precision Medicine TRPNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, Life Sciences InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Anne K. Bendt
- Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, Life Sciences InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Keith M. Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustUK
| | - Rohan M. Lewis
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustUK
| | - Markus R. Wenk
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Precision Medicine TRPNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, Life Sciences InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Shiao‐Yng Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingapore
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12
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Siddiqui AA, Peter S, Ngoh EZX, Wang CI, Ng S, Dangerfield JA, Gunzburg WH, Dröge P, Makhija H. A versatile genomic transgenesis platform with enhanced λ integrase for human Expi293F cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1198465. [PMID: 37425360 PMCID: PMC10325659 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1198465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable cell-based platforms to test and/or produce biologics in a sustainable manner are important for the biotech industry. Utilizing enhanced λ integrase, a sequence-specific DNA recombinase, we developed a novel transgenesis platform involving a fully characterized single genomic locus as an artificial landing pad for transgene insertion in human Expi293F cells. Importantly, transgene instability and variation in expression were not observed in the absence of selection pressure, thus enabling reliable long-term biotherapeutics testing or production. The artificial landing pad for λ integrase can be targeted with multi-transgene constructs and offers future modularity involving additional genome manipulation tools to generate sequential or nearly seamless insertions. We demonstrated broad utility with expression constructs for anti PD-1 monoclonal antibodies and showed that the orientation of heavy and light chain transcription units profoundly affected antibody expression levels. In addition, we demonstrated encapsulation of our PD-1 platform cells into bio-compatible mini-bioreactors and the continued secretion of antibodies, thus providing a basis for future cell-based applications for more effective and affordable therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Azhar Siddiqui
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sabrina Peter
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eve Zi Xian Ngoh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng-I. Wang
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shirelle Ng
- Austrianova Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Walter H. Gunzburg
- Austrianova Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Dröge
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Zhao J, Lee K, Toh HC, Lam KP, Neo SY. Unravelling the role of obesity and lipids during tumor progression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1163160. [PMID: 37063269 PMCID: PMC10097918 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1163160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of the biochemical pathways in cancer promotes oncogenic transformations and metastatic potential. Recent studies have shed light on how obesity and altered lipid metabolism could be the driving force for tumor progression. Here, in this review, we focus on liver cancer and discuss how obesity and lipid-driven metabolic reprogramming affect tumor, immune, and stroma cells in the tumor microenvironment and, in turn, how alterations in these cells synergize to influence and contribute to tumor growth and dissemination. With increasing evidence on how obesity exacerbates inflammation and immune tolerance, we also touch upon the impact of obesity and altered lipid metabolism on tumor immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Zhao
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Keene Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kong Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi Yong Neo
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Shi Yong Neo,
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14
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Kalimuddin S, Chan YFZ, Sessions OM, Chan KR, Ong EZ, Low JG, Bertoletti A, Ooi EE. An experimental medicine decipher of a minimum correlate of cellular immunity: Study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135979. [PMID: 36969244 PMCID: PMC10038230 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination induces an adaptive immune response that protects against infectious diseases. A defined magnitude of adaptive immune response that correlates with protection from the disease of interest, or correlates of protection (CoP), is useful for guiding vaccine development. Despite mounting evidence for the protective role of cellular immunity against viral diseases, studies on CoP have almost exclusively focused on humoral immune responses. Moreover, although studies have measured cellular immunity following vaccination, no study has defined if a “threshold” of T cells, both in frequency and functionality, is needed to reduce infection burden. We will thus conduct a double-blind, randomized clinical trial in 56 healthy adult volunteers, using the licensed live-attenuated yellow fever (YF17D) and chimeric Japanese encephalitis-YF17D (JE-YF17D) vaccines. These vaccines share the entire non-structural and capsid proteome where the majority of the T cell epitopes reside. The neutralizing antibody epitopes, in contrast, are found on the structural proteins which are not shared between the two vaccines and are thus distinct from one another. Study participants will receive JE-YF17D vaccination followed by YF17D challenge, or YF17D vaccination followed by JE-YF17D challenge. A separate cohort of 14 healthy adults will receive the inactivated Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine followed by YF17D challenge that controls for the effect of cross-reactive flaviviral antibodies. We hypothesize that a strong T cell response induced by YF17D vaccination will reduce JE-YF17D RNAemia upon challenge, as compared to JE-YF17D vaccination followed by YF17D challenge. The expected gradient of YF17D-specific T cell abundance and functionality would also allow us to gain insight into a T cell threshold for controlling acute viral infections. The knowledge gleaned from this study could guide the assessment of cellular immunity and vaccine development.Clinical trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT05568953.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Kalimuddin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Shirin Kalimuddin, ; Eng Eong Ooi,
| | - Yvonne F. Z. Chan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - October M. Sessions
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Eugenia Z. Ong
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Viral Research and Experimental Medicine Centre (ViREMiCS), SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jenny G. Low
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Viral Research and Experimental Medicine Centre (ViREMiCS), SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eng Eong Ooi
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Viral Research and Experimental Medicine Centre (ViREMiCS), SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Shirin Kalimuddin, ; Eng Eong Ooi,
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15
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Huang JJ, Guan Z, Hong X, Zhou W. Performance evaluation of a novel adjustable lampshade-type reflector (ALR) in indoor farming practice using choy sum ( Brassica rapa var. parachinensis). Front Plant Sci 2023; 13:1057553. [PMID: 36844909 PMCID: PMC9950747 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1057553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The retrieval of lost light energy for promoting vegetable development could be a challenge in indoor farming practice, yet little is attempted so far. In this study, the performance of a novel adjustable lampshade-type reflector (ALR) was investigated to evaluate the feasibility of applying such a device in indoor farm racks (IFR). This application targeted at reflecting stray light back to the IFR for improving the growth and quality of leafy vegetable choy sum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis). The optimal configuration of ALR was firstly confirmed via simulations using TracePro software. The combination of an included angle at 32° and a reflective board width of 10 cm, under 12 cm of distance between the light sources and the germination tray surface, was revealed to achieve a cost-optimal reflective effect. The simulation-based ALR was subsequently custom-built for actual performance validation. It was shown to effectively produce uniform distributions of temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetic photon flux density as well as to accumulate more photosynthetic photon energy density along the cultivation shelf. Compared with the control where no ALR was used, the fresh weight and the dry weight of choy sum shoots cultivated using an ALR were increased by up to 14% and 18%, respectively. In addition, their morphological traits were found to be more uniform. Furthermore, their total carotenoid level was enhanced by up to 45%, while the chlorophyll b level was markedly decreased. However, no statistically significant difference was found in total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity across the shelf, indicating that the ALR application led to a more uniform antioxidant-related quality of choy sum shoot. ALR application in IFR can thus effectively boost vegetable production and result in quality improvements under an identical amount of electricity consumption in indoor farming compared with ALR-free control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Junhui Huang
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zijie Guan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaotang Hong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weibiao Zhou
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Imangali N, Sokolova V, Kostka K, Epple M, Winkler C. Functionalized calcium phosphate nanoparticles to direct osteoprotegerin to bone lesion sites in a medaka ( Oryzias latipes) osteoporosis model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1101758. [PMID: 36909307 PMCID: PMC9992893 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1101758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium phosphate (CaP) is the inorganic part of hard tissues, such as bone, teeth and tendons, and has a high biocompatibility and good biodegradability. Therefore, CaP nanoparticles functionalized with DNA encoding bone anabolic factors are promising carrier-systems for future therapeutic development. Here, we analysed CaP nanoparticles in a genetically modified medaka fish model, where osteoporosis-like lesions can be induced by transgenic expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (Rankl). Rankl-transgenic medaka were used to visualize and understand effects of microinjected functionalized CaP nanoparticles during modulation of osteoclast activity in vivo. For this, we synthetized multi-shell CaP nanoparticles by rapid precipitation of calcium lactate and ammonium hydrogen phosphate followed by the addition of plasmid DNA encoding the osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor osteoprotegerin-b (Opgb). An additional layer of poly(ethyleneimine) was added to enhance cellular uptake. Integrity of the synthesized nanoparticles was confirmed by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Fluorescently labelled CaP nanoparticles were microinjected into the heart, trunk muscle or caudal fins of Rankl-transgenic medaka embryos that expressed fluorescent reporters in various bone cell types. Confocal time-lapse imaging revealed a uniform distribution of CaP nanoparticles in injected tissues and showed that nanoparticles were efficiently taken up by macrophages that subsequently differentiated into bone-resorbing osteoclasts. After Rankl induction, fish injected with Opg-functionalized nanoparticles showed delayed or absent degradation of mineralized matrix, i.e. a lower incidence of osteoporosis-like phenotypes. This is proof of principle that CaP nanoparticles can be used as carriers to efficiently deliver modulatory compounds to osteoclasts and block their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurgul Imangali
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Viktoriya Sokolova
- Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kostka
- Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Epple
- Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Winkler
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Christoph Winkler,
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17
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Tartarini F, Schiavon S, Quintana M, Miller C. Personal comfort models based on a 6-month experiment using environmental parameters and data from wearables. Indoor Air 2022; 32:e13160. [PMID: 36437680 PMCID: PMC9827859 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Personal thermal comfort models are a paradigm shift in predicting how building occupants perceive their thermal environment. Previous work has critical limitations related to the length of the data collected and the diversity of spaces. This paper outlines a longitudinal field study comprising 20 participants who answered Right-Here-Right-Now surveys using a smartwatch for 180 days. We collected more than 1080 field-based surveys per participant. Surveys were matched with environmental and physiological measured variables collected indoors in their homes and offices. We then trained and tested seven machine learning models per participant to predict their thermal preferences. Participants indicated 58% of the time to want no change in their thermal environment despite completing 75% of these surveys at temperatures higher than 26.6°C. All but one personal comfort model had a median prediction accuracy of 0.78 (F1-score). Skin, indoor, near body temperatures, and heart rate were the most valuable variables for accurate prediction. We found that ≈250-300 data points per participant were needed for accurate prediction. We, however, identified strategies to significantly reduce this number. Our study provides quantitative evidence on how to improve the accuracy of personal comfort models, prove the benefits of using wearable devices to predict thermal preference, and validate results from previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Schiavon
- Center for the Built EnvironmentUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Matias Quintana
- Department of the Built EnvironmentNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Clayton Miller
- Department of the Built EnvironmentNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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18
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Li R, Lau HX, Yap QV, Chan YH, Tham EH, Goh AEN, Van Bever H, Eriksson JG, Chan S, Tan KH, Chong YS, Lee BW, Shek LP, Yap FKP, Calder PC, Godfrey KM, Chong MF, Loo EXL. Maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids and allergic disease development in the offspring. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13876. [PMID: 36433851 PMCID: PMC10946560 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Li
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
| | - Hui Xing Lau
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
| | - Qai Ven Yap
- Department of Biostatistics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Department of Biostatistics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Elizabeth Huiwen Tham
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Khoo Teck Puat‐National University Children's Medical InstituteNational University Hospital, National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Anne Eng Neo Goh
- Allergy Service, Department of PaediatricsKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Hugo Van Bever
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Johan Gunnar Eriksson
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of Singapore and National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
- Folkhälsan Research CenterHelsinkiFinland
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health CareUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Shiao‐Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of Singapore and National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Kok Hian Tan
- Department of Maternal Fetal MedicineKK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of Singapore and National University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Bee Wah Lee
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lynette Pei‐chi Shek
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Fabian Kok Peng Yap
- Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Endocrinology Service, Department of PaediatricsKK Women's and Children's HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Philip C. Calder
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research CentreUniversity Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Keith M. Godfrey
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research CentreUniversity Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Mary Foong‐Fong Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public HealthNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Evelyn Xiu Ling Loo
- Singapore Institute for Clinical SciencesAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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19
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Wong D, Chua J, Bujor I, Chong RS, Nongpiur ME, Vithana EN, Husain R, Aung T, Popa‐Cherecheanu A, Schmetterer L. Comparison of machine learning approaches for structure-function modeling in glaucoma. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1515:237-248. [PMID: 35729796 PMCID: PMC10946805 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate machine learning (ML) approaches for structure-function modeling to estimate visual field (VF) loss in glaucoma, models from different ML approaches were trained on optical coherence tomography thickness measurements to estimate global VF mean deviation (VF MD) and focal VF loss from 24-2 standard automated perimetry. The models were compared using mean absolute errors (MAEs). Baseline MAEs were obtained from the VF values and their means. Data of 832 eyes from 569 participants were included, with 537 Asian eyes for training, and 148 Asian and 111 Caucasian eyes set aside as the respective test sets. All ML models performed significantly better than baseline. Gradient-boosted trees (XGB) achieved the lowest MAE of 3.01 (95% CI: 2.57, 3.48) dB and 3.04 (95% CI: 2.59, 3.99) dB for VF MD estimation in the Asian and Caucasian test sets, although difference between models was not significant. In focal VF estimation, XGB achieved median MAEs of 4.44 [IQR 3.45-5.17] dB and 3.87 [IQR 3.64-4.22] dB across the 24-2 VF for the Asian and Caucasian test sets and was comparable to VF estimates from support vector regression (SVR) models. VF estimates from both XGB and SVR were significantly better than the other models. These results show that XGB and SVR could potentially be used for both global and focal structure-function modeling in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Wong
- SERI‐NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE)Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
- Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore National Eye CentreSingapore
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical OphthalmologyBaselSwitzerland
| | - Jacqueline Chua
- SERI‐NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE)Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore National Eye CentreSingapore
| | - Inna Bujor
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and PharmacyBucharestRomania
| | - Rachel S. Chong
- Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore National Eye CentreSingapore
| | | | - Eranga N. Vithana
- Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore National Eye CentreSingapore
| | - Rahat Husain
- Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore National Eye CentreSingapore
| | - Tin Aung
- Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore National Eye CentreSingapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
| | - Alina Popa‐Cherecheanu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and PharmacyBucharestRomania
- Department of OphthalmologyEmergency University HospitalBucharestRomania
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- SERI‐NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE)Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
- Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore National Eye CentreSingapore
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical OphthalmologyBaselSwitzerland
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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20
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Zhao H, Ye W, Guo J, Wang J, Jiao D, Xu K, Yang C, Chen S, Jamal MA, Bai Z, Wei T, Cai J, Nguyen TD, Qing Y, Cheng W, Jia B, Li H, Zhao HY, Chen Q, Wei HJ. Development of RAG2-/-IL2Rγ-/Y immune deficient FAH-knockout miniature pig. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950194. [PMID: 36032112 PMCID: PMC9400017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human hepatocyte transplantation for liver disease treatment have been hampered by the lack of quality human hepatocytes. Pigs with their large body size, longevity and physiological similarities with human are appropriate animal models for the in vivo expansion of human hepatocytes. Here we report on the generation of RAG2-/-IL2Rγ-/YFAH-/- (RGFKO) pigs via CRISPR/Cas9 system and somatic cell nuclear transfer. We showed that thymic and splenic development in RGFKO pigs was impaired. V(D)J recombination processes were also inactivated. Consequently, RGFKO pigs had significantly reduced numbers of porcine T, B and NK cells. Moreover, due to the loss of FAH, porcine hepatocytes continuously undergo apoptosis and consequently suffer hepatic damage. Thus, RGFKO pigs are both immune deficient and constantly suffer liver injury in the absence of NTBC supplementation. These results suggest that RGFKO pigs have the potential to be engrafted with human hepatocytes without immune rejection, thereby allowing for large scale expansion of human hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhao
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Weijian Ye
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianxiong Guo
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiaoxiang Wang
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Deling Jiao
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Kaixiang Xu
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Chang Yang
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuhan Chen
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | | | - Zhongbin Bai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Taiyun Wei
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Cai
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Tien Dat Nguyen
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yubo Qing
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenmin Cheng
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Baoyu Jia
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Honghui Li
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Hong-Ye Zhao
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Jiang Wei, ; Qingfeng Chen, ; Hong-Ye Zhao,
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Hong-Jiang Wei, ; Qingfeng Chen, ; Hong-Ye Zhao,
| | - Hong-Jiang Wei
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Xenotransplantation Research Engineering Centre, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Jiang Wei, ; Qingfeng Chen, ; Hong-Ye Zhao,
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21
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Wu H, Song L, Yam JKH, Plotkin M, Wang H, Rybtke M, Seliktar D, Kofidis T, Høiby N, Tolker-Nielsen T, Song Z, Givskov M. Effects of antibiotic treatment and phagocyte infiltration on development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm—Insights from the application of a novel PF hydrogel model in vitro and in vivo. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:826450. [PMID: 35959369 PMCID: PMC9362844 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.826450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Bacterial biofilm infections are major health issues as the infections are highly tolerant to antibiotics and host immune defenses. Appropriate biofilm models are important to develop and improve to make progress in future biofilm research. Here, we investigated the ability of PF hydrogel material to facilitate the development and study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Methods Wild-type P. aeruginosa PAO1 bacteria were embedded in PF hydrogel situated in vitro or in vivo, and the following aspects were investigated: 1) biofilm development; 2) host immune response and its effect on the bacteria; and 3) efficacy of antibiotic treatment. Results Microscopy demonstrated that P. aeruginosa developed typical biofilms inside the PF hydrogels in vitro and in mouse peritoneal cavities where the PF hydrogels were infiltrated excessively by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The bacteria remained at a level of ~106 colony-forming unit (CFU)/hydrogel for 7 days, indicating that the PMNs could not eradicate the biofilm bacteria. β-Lactam or aminoglycoside mono treatment at 64× minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) killed all bacteria in day 0 in vitro biofilms, but not in day 1 and older biofilms, even at a concentration of 256× MIC. Combination treatment with the antibiotics at 256× MIC completely killed the bacteria in day 1 in vitro biofilms, and combination treatment in most of the cases showed significantly better bactericidal effects than monotherapies. However, in the case of the established in vivo biofilms, the mono and combination antibiotic treatments did not efficiently kill the bacteria. Conclusion Our results indicate that the bacteria formed typical biofilms in PF hydrogel in vitro and in vivo and that the biofilm bacteria were tolerant against antibiotics and host immunity. The PF hydrogel biofilm model is simple and easy to fabricate and highly reproducible with various application possibilities. We conclude that the PF hydrogel biofilm model is a new platform that will facilitate progress in future biofilm investigations, as well as studies of the efficacy of new potential medicine against biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wu
- Costerton Biofilm Center, and Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lulu Song
- The Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joey Kuok Hoong Yam
- The Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marian Plotkin
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hengzhuang Wang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Rybtke
- Costerton Biofilm Center, and Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dror Seliktar
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Theodoros Kofidis
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Niels Høiby
- Costerton Biofilm Center, and Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, and Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zhijun Song
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hospital South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Zhijun Song,
| | - Michael Givskov
- Costerton Biofilm Center, and Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore, Singapore
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22
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Zhang L, Jiang Z, Tsui TH, Loh KC, Dai Y, Tong YW. A Review on Enhancing Cupriavidus necator Fermentation for Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) Production From Low-Cost Carbon Sources. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:946085. [PMID: 35928944 PMCID: PMC9343952 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.946085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of a circular economy, bioplastic production using biodegradable materials such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) has been proposed as a promising solution to fundamentally solve the disposal issue of plastic waste. PHB production techniques through fermentation of PHB-accumulating microbes such as Cupriavidus necator have been revolutionized over the past several years with the development of new strategies such as metabolic engineering. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest PHB production technologies via Cupriavidus necator fermentation. The mechanism of the biosynthesis pathway for PHB production was first assessed. PHB production efficiencies of common carbon sources, including food waste, lignocellulosic materials, glycerol, and carbon dioxide, were then summarized and critically analyzed. The key findings in enhancing strategies for PHB production in recent years, including pre-treatment methods, nutrient limitations, feeding optimization strategies, and metabolism engineering strategies, were summarized. Furthermore, technical challenges and future prospects of strategies for enhanced production efficiencies of PHB were also highlighted. Based on the overview of the current enhancing technologies, more pilot-scale and larger-scale tests are essential for future implementation of enhancing strategies in full-scale biogas plants. Critical analyses of various enhancing strategies would facilitate the establishment of more sustainable microbial fermentation systems for better waste management and greater efficiency of PHB production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zicheng Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - To-Hung Tsui
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kai-Chee Loh
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanjun Dai
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yen Wah Tong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Yen Wah Tong,
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23
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Bai Y, Li C, Liu L, Yamaguchi Y, Bahri M, Yang H, Gardner A, Zwijnenburg MA, Browning ND, Cowan AJ, Kudo A, Cooper AI, Sprick RS. Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting Under Visible Light Enabled by a Particulate Conjugated Polymer Loaded with Palladium and Iridium. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202201299. [PMID: 35377540 PMCID: PMC9321674 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Polymer photocatalysts have received growing attention in recent years for photocatalytic hydrogen production from water. Most studies report hydrogen production with sacrificial electron donors, which is unsuitable for large‐scale hydrogen energy production. Here we show that the palladium/iridium oxide‐loaded homopolymer of dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone (P10) facilitates overall water splitting to produce stoichiometric amounts of H2 and O2 for an extended period (>60 hours) after the system stabilized. These results demonstrate that conjugated polymers can act as single component photocatalytic systems for overall water splitting when loaded with suitable co‐catalysts, albeit currently with low activities. Transient spectroscopy shows that the IrO2 co‐catalyst plays an important role in the generation of the charge separated state required for water splitting, with evidence for fast hole transfer to the co‐catalyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Materials Innovation Factory & Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL7 3NYUK
- Institute of Materials Research and EngineeringAgency for Science Technology and ResearchSingapore138634Singapore
| | - Chao Li
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable EnergyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 7ZFUK
| | - Lunjie Liu
- Materials Innovation Factory & Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL7 3NYUK
| | - Yuichi Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied ChemistryTokyo University of ScienceTokyo162-8601Japan
| | - Mounib Bahri
- Albert Crewe Centre for Electron MicroscopyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3GLUK
| | - Haofan Yang
- Materials Innovation Factory & Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL7 3NYUK
| | - Adrian Gardner
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable EnergyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 7ZFUK
| | | | - Nigel D. Browning
- Albert Crewe Centre for Electron MicroscopyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3GLUK
| | - Alexander J. Cowan
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable EnergyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 7ZFUK
| | - Akihiko Kudo
- Department of Applied ChemistryTokyo University of ScienceTokyo162-8601Japan
| | - Andrew I. Cooper
- Materials Innovation Factory & Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL7 3NYUK
| | - Reiner Sebastian Sprick
- Materials Innovation Factory & Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL7 3NYUK
- Department of Pure and Applied ChemistryUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowG1 1XLUK
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24
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Nguyen M, Lallemant D. Order Matters: The Benefits of Ordinal Fragility Curves for Damage and Loss Estimation. Risk Anal 2022; 42:1136-1148. [PMID: 34424557 PMCID: PMC9545040 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Probabilistic loss assessments from natural hazards require the quantification of structural vulnerability. Building damage data can be used to estimate fragility curves to obtain realistic descriptions of the relationship between a hazard intensity measure and the probability of exceeding certain damage grades. Fragility curves based on the lognormal cumulative distribution function are popular because of their empirical performance as well as theoretical properties. When we are interested in estimating exceedance probabilities for multiple damage grades, these are usually derived per damage grade via separate probit regressions. However, they can also be obtained simultaneously through an ordinal model which treats the damage grades as ordered and related instead of nominal and distinct. When we use nominal models, a collapse fragility curve is constructed by treating data of "near-collapse" and "no damage" the same: as data of noncollapse. This leads to a loss of information. Using synthetic data as well as real-life data from the 2015 Nepal earthquake, we provide one of the first formal demonstrations of multiple advantages of the ordinal model over the nominal approach. We show that modeling the ordering of damage grades explicitly through an ordinal model leads to higher sensitivity to the data, parsimony and a lower risk of overfitting, noncrossing fragility curves, and lower associated uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Nguyen
- Asian School of the EnvironmentNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - David Lallemant
- Asian School of the EnvironmentNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
- Earth Observatory of SingaporeNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
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Sathish CI, Kothandam G, Selvarajan P, Lei Z, Lee J, Qu J, Al‐Muhtaseb AH, Yu X, Breese MBH, Zheng R, Yi J, Vinu A. Ordered Mesoporous Boron Carbon Nitrides with Tunable Mesopore Nanoarchitectonics for Energy Storage and CO 2 Adsorption Properties. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2105603. [PMID: 35384377 PMCID: PMC9165510 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Porous boron carbon nitride (BCN) is one of the exciting systems with unique electrochemical and adsorption properties. However, the synthesis of low-cost and porous BCN with tunable porosity is challenging, limiting its full potential in a variety of applications. Herein, the preparation of well-defined mesoporous boron carbon nitride (MBCN) with high specific surface area, tunable pores, and nitrogen contents is demonstrated through a simple integration of chemical polymerization of readily available sucrose and borane ammonia complex (BAC) through the nano-hard-templating approach. The bimodal pores are introduced in MBCN by controlling the self-organization of BAC and sucrose molecules within the nanochannels of the template. It is found that the optimized sample shows a high specific capacitance (296 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 ), large specific capacity for sodium-ion battery (349 mAg h-1 at 50 mAh g-1 ), and excellent CO2 adsorption capacity (27.14 mmol g-1 at 30 bar). Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that different adsorption sites (BC, BN, CN, and CC) and the large specific surface area strongly support the high adsorption capacity. This finding offers an innovative breakthrough in the design and development of MBCN nanostructures for energy storage and carbon capture applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- CI Sathish
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)College of EngineeringScience and EnvironmentThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSW2308Australia
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kothandam
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)College of EngineeringScience and EnvironmentThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSW2308Australia
| | - Premkumar Selvarajan
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)College of EngineeringScience and EnvironmentThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSW2308Australia
| | - Zhihao Lei
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)College of EngineeringScience and EnvironmentThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSW2308Australia
| | - Jangmee Lee
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)College of EngineeringScience and EnvironmentThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSW2308Australia
| | - Jiangtao Qu
- School of PhysicsThe University of SydneySydneyNew South Wales2006Australia
| | - Ala'a H. Al‐Muhtaseb
- Department of Petroleum and Chemical EngineeringCollege of EngineeringSultan Qaboos UniversityMuscat33Oman
| | - Xiaojiang Yu
- Singapore Synchrotron Light SourceNational University of SingaporeSingapore117603Singapore
| | - Mark B. H. Breese
- Singapore Synchrotron Light SourceNational University of SingaporeSingapore117603Singapore
- Department of PhysicsNational University of SingaporeSingapore117542Singapore
| | - Rongkun Zheng
- School of PhysicsThe University of SydneySydneyNew South Wales2006Australia
| | - Jiabao Yi
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)College of EngineeringScience and EnvironmentThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSW2308Australia
| | - Ajayan Vinu
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)College of EngineeringScience and EnvironmentThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSW2308Australia
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26
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Martín‐Illán JÁ, Suárez JA, Gómez‐Herrero J, Ares P, Gallego‐Fuente D, Cheng Y, Zhao D, Maspoch D, Zamora F. Ultralarge Free-Standing Imine-Based Covalent Organic Framework Membranes Fabricated via Compression. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2104643. [PMID: 35038248 PMCID: PMC8895050 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Demand continues for processing methods to shape covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into macroscopic objects that are needed for their practical applications. Herein, a simple compression method to prepare large-scale, free-standing homogeneous and porous imine-based COF-membranes with dimensions in the centimeter range and excellent mechanical properties is reported. This method entails the compression of imine-based COF-aerogels, which undergo a morphological change from an elastic to plastic material. The COF-membranes fabricated upon compression show good performances for the separation of gas mixtures of industrial interest, N2 /CO2 and CH4 /CO2 . It is believed that the new procedure paves the way to a broader range of COF-membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Antonio Suárez
- Departamento de Química InorgánicaUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)CSIC and BISTCampus UAB BellaterraBarcelona08193Spain
| | - Julio Gómez‐Herrero
- Departamento de Física de la Materia CondensadaUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
- Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
| | - Pablo Ares
- Departamento de Física de la Materia CondensadaUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
- Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
| | - Daniel Gallego‐Fuente
- Departamento de Física de la Materia CondensadaUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
| | - Youdong Cheng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 4Singapore117585Singapore
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 4Singapore117585Singapore
| | - Daniel Maspoch
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)CSIC and BISTCampus UAB BellaterraBarcelona08193Spain
- ICREAPg. Lluís Companys 23Barcelona08010Spain
| | - Félix Zamora
- Departamento de Química InorgánicaUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA‐Nanociencia)CantoblancoMadrid28049Spain
- Institute for Advanced Research in Chemical Sciences (IAdChem)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid28049Spain
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Abstract
The ever-increasing concerns over indoor/outdoor air quality, industrial gas leakage, food freshness, and medical diagnosis require miniaturized gas sensors with excellent sensitivity, selectivity, stability, low power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and long lifetime. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), featuring structural diversity, large specific surface area, controllable pore size/geometry, and host-guest interactions, hold great promises for fabricating various MOF-based devices for diverse applications including gas sensing. Tremendous progress has been made in the past decade on the fabrication of MOF-based sensors with elevated sensitivity and selectivity toward various analytes due to their preconcentrating and molecule-sieving effects. Although several reviews have recently summarized different aspects of this field, a comprehensive review focusing on MOF-based gas sensors is absent. In this review, the latest advance of MOF-based gas sensors relying on different transduction mechanisms, for example, chemiresistive, capacitive/impedimetric, field-effect transistor or Kelvin probe-based, mass-sensitive, and optical ones are comprehensively summarized. The latest progress for making large-area MOF films essential to the mass-production of relevant gas sensors is also included. The structural and compositional features of MOFs are intentionally correlated with the sensing performance. Challenges and opportunities for the further development and practical applications of MOF-based gas sensors are also given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongye Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 4Singapore117585Singapore
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of MaterialsShaanxi International Research Center for Soft MatterSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an710049P. R. China
| | - Nanxi Li
- Institute of MicroelectronicsA*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research)2 Fusionopolis Way, #08‐02 Innovis TowerSingapore138634Singapore
| | - Weidong Fan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 4Singapore117585Singapore
| | - Hong Cai
- Institute of MicroelectronicsA*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research)2 Fusionopolis Way, #08‐02 Innovis TowerSingapore138634Singapore
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 4Singapore117585Singapore
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Yeo KT, Chia WN, Tan CW, Ong C, Yeo JG, Zhang J, Poh SL, Lim AJM, Sim KHZ, Sutamam N, Chua CJH, Albani S, Wang LF, Chua MC. Neutralizing Activity and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine mRNA Persistence in Serum and Breastmilk After BNT162b2 Vaccination in Lactating Women. Front Immunol 2022; 12:783975. [PMID: 35087517 PMCID: PMC8787073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.783975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited information on the functional neutralizing capabilities of breastmilk SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and the potential adulteration of breastmilk with vaccine mRNA after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of lactating healthcare workers who received the BNT162b2 vaccine and their infants. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, antibody isotypes (IgG, IgA, IgM) and intact mRNA in serum and breastmilk was evaluated at multiple time points using a surrogate neutralizing assay, ELISA, and PCR, over a 6 week period of the two-dose vaccination given 21 days apart. Results Thirty-five lactating mothers, median age 34 years (IQR 32-36), were included. All had detectable neutralizing antibodies in the serum immediately before dose 2, with significant increase in neutralizing antibody levels 7 days after this dose [median 168.4 IU/ml (IQR 100.7-288.5) compared to 2753.0 IU/ml (IQR 1627.0-4712.0), p <0.001]. Through the two vaccine doses, all mothers had detectable IgG1, IgA and IgM isotypes in their serum, with a notable increase in all three antibody isotypes after dose 2, especially IgG1 levels. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in majority of breastmilk samples a week after dose 2 [median 13.4 IU/ml (IQR 7.0-28.7)], with persistence of these antibodies up to 3 weeks after. Post the second vaccine dose, all (35/35, 100%) mothers had detectable breastmilk SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD-specific IgG1 and IgA antibody and 32/35 (88.6%) mothers with IgM. Transient, low intact vaccine mRNA levels was detected in 20/74 (27%) serum samples from 21 mothers, and 5/309 (2%) breastmilk samples from 4 mothers within 1 weeks of vaccine dose. Five infants, median age 8 months (IQR 7-16), were also recruited - none had detectable neutralizing antibodies or vaccine mRNA in their serum. Conclusion Majority of lactating mothers had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibody isotypes and neutralizing antibodies in serum and breastmilk, especially after dose 2 of BNT162b2 vaccination. Transient, low levels of vaccine mRNA were detected in the serum of vaccinated mothers with occasional transfer to their breastmilk, but we did not detect evidence of infant sensitization. Importantly, the presence of breastmilk neutralising antibodies likely provides a foundation for passive immunisation of the breastmilk-fed infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee Thai Yeo
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Translational Immunology Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wan Ni Chia
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chee Wah Tan
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chengsi Ong
- Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- KK Human Milk Bank, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joo Guan Yeo
- Translational Immunology Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jinyan Zhang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Li Poh
- Translational Immunology Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda Jin Mei Lim
- Translational Immunology Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kirsten Hui Zhi Sim
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nursyuhadah Sutamam
- Translational Immunology Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Camillus Jian Hui Chua
- Translational Immunology Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Translational Immunology Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lin-Fa Wang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singhealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Chien Chua
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- KK Human Milk Bank, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
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Jin M, Yu P, Fan C, Li Q, Kong P, Shen Z, Qin X, Chi Z, Jin C, Liu G, Zhong G, Xu G, Liu Z, Zhu J. Discovery of Dome-Shaped Superconducting Phase and Anisotropic Transport in a van der Waals Layered Candidate NbIrTe 4 under Pressure. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2021; 8:e2103250. [PMID: 34723437 PMCID: PMC8693038 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The unique electronic structure and crystal structure driven by external pressure in transition metal tellurides (TMTs) can host unconventional quantum states. Here, the discovery of pressure-induced phase transition at ≈2 GPa, and dome-shaped superconducting phase emerged in van der Waals layered NbIrTe4 is reported. The highest critical temperature (Tc ) is ≈5.8 K at pressure of ≈16 GPa, where the interlayered Te-Te covalent bonds form simultaneously derived from the synchrotron diffraction data, indicating the hosting structure of superconducting evolved from low-pressure two-dimensional (2D) phase to three-dimensional (3D) structure with pressure higher than 30 GPa. Strikingly, the authors have found an anisotropic transport in the vicinity of the superconducting state, suggesting the emergence of a "stripe"-like phase. The dome-shaped superconducting phase and anisotropic transport are possibly due to the spatial modulation of interlayer Josephson coupling .
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Jin
- Department of Physics and Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Frontier Materials Synthesis at High PressuresSouthern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)Shenzhen518055China
- Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR)Beijing100094China
| | - Peng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologiesSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Changzeng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and TechnologyYanshan UniversityQinhuangdao066004China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of PhysicsShanghai Normal UniversityShanghai200234China
| | - Panlong Kong
- Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR)Beijing100094China
| | - Zhiwei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and TechnologyYanshan UniversityQinhuangdao066004China
| | - Xiaomei Qin
- Department of PhysicsShanghai Normal UniversityShanghai200234China
| | - Zhenhua Chi
- Institute of High Pressure PhysicsSchool of Physical Science and TechnologyNingbo UniversityNingbo315211China
| | - Changqing Jin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter PhysicsInstitute of PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesSchool of Physical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
| | - Guangtong Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter PhysicsInstitute of PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesSchool of Physical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
| | - Guyue Zhong
- Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center and School of PhysicsHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
| | - Gang Xu
- Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center and School of PhysicsHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
| | - Zheng Liu
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore639798Singapore
| | - Jinlong Zhu
- Department of Physics and Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Frontier Materials Synthesis at High PressuresSouthern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)Shenzhen518055China
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30
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Lim J, Puan KJ, Wang LW, Teng KWW, Loh CY, Tan KP, Carissimo G, Chan YH, Poh CM, Lee CYP, Fong SW, Yeo NKW, Chee RSL, Amrun SN, Chang ZW, Tay MZ, Torres-Ruesta A, Leo Fernandez N, How W, Andiappan AK, Lee W, Duan K, Tan SY, Yan G, Kalimuddin S, Lye DC, Leo YS, Ong SWX, Young BE, Renia L, Ng LFP, Lee B, Rötzschke O. Data-Driven Analysis of COVID-19 Reveals Persistent Immune Abnormalities in Convalescent Severe Individuals. Front Immunol 2021; 12:710217. [PMID: 34867943 PMCID: PMC8640498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.710217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger uncontrolled innate and adaptive immune responses, which are commonly associated with lymphopenia and increased neutrophil counts. However, whether the immune abnormalities observed in mild to severely infected patients persist into convalescence remains unclear. Herein, comparisons were drawn between the immune responses of COVID-19 infected and convalescent adults. Strikingly, survivors of severe COVID-19 had decreased proportions of NKT and Vδ2 T cells, and increased proportions of low-density neutrophils, IgA+/CD86+/CD123+ non-classical monocytes and hyperactivated HLADR+CD38+ CD8+ T cells, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor A, long after virus clearance. Our study suggests potential immune correlates of "long COVID-19", and defines key cells and cytokines that delineate true and quasi-convalescent states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackwee Lim
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kia Joo Puan
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liang Wei Wang
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karen Wei Weng Teng
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chiew Yee Loh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kim Peng Tan
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Guillaume Carissimo
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi-Hao Chan
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chek Meng Poh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Yi-Pin Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siew-Wai Fong
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Kim-Wah Yeo
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rhonda Sin-Ling Chee
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siti Naqiah Amrun
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Wei Chang
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matthew Zirui Tay
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anthony Torres-Ruesta
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Norman Leo Fernandez
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilson How
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anand Kumar Andiappan
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wendy Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kaibo Duan
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seow-Yen Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gabriel Yan
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shirin Kalimuddin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Chien Lye
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee-Sin Leo
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sean W. X. Ong
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Barnaby E. Young
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laurent Renia
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lisa F. P. Ng
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Disease Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bernett Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Olaf Rötzschke
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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Kaiser S, Byrne SR, Ammann G, Asadi Atoi P, Borland K, Brecheisen R, DeMott MS, Gehrke T, Hagelskamp F, Heiss M, Yoluç Y, Liu L, Zhang Q, Dedon PC, Cao B, Kellner S. Strategies to Avoid Artifacts in Mass Spectrometry-Based Epitranscriptome Analyses. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:23885-23893. [PMID: 34339593 PMCID: PMC8597057 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202106215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we perform structure validation of recently reported RNA phosphorothioate (PT) modifications, a new set of epitranscriptome marks found in bacteria and eukaryotes including humans. By comparing synthetic PT-containing diribonucleotides with native species in RNA hydrolysates by high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS), metabolic stable isotope labeling, and PT-specific iodine-desulfurization, we disprove the existence of PTs in RNA from E. coli, S. cerevisiae, human cell lines, and mouse brain. Furthermore, we discuss how an MS artifact led to the initial misidentification of 2'-O-methylated diribonucleotides as RNA phosphorothioates. To aid structure validation of new nucleic acid modifications, we present a detailed guideline for MS analysis of RNA hydrolysates, emphasizing how the chosen RNA hydrolysis protocol can be a decisive factor in discovering and quantifying RNA modifications in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Kaiser
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe-University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Shane R. Byrne
- Department of Biological Engineering and Center for Environmental Health SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Gregor Ammann
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
| | - Paria Asadi Atoi
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
| | - Kayla Borland
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
| | | | - Michael S. DeMott
- Department of Biological Engineering and Center for Environmental Health SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | | | - Felix Hagelskamp
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
| | - Matthias Heiss
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
| | - Yasemin Yoluç
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
| | - Lili Liu
- College of Life SciencesQufu Normal UniversityQufuShandong273165China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- College of Life SciencesQufu Normal UniversityQufuShandong273165China
| | - Peter C. Dedon
- Department of Biological Engineering and Center for Environmental Health SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research GroupSingapore-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alliance for Research and Technology138602SingaporeSingapore
| | - Bo Cao
- College of Life SciencesQufu Normal UniversityQufuShandong273165China
| | - Stefanie Kellner
- Ludwig-Maximilians Universität MünchenButenandtstr. 5–1381137MünchenDeutschland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryGoethe-University FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438FrankfurtGermany
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Afiq‐Rosli L, Wainwright BJ, Gajanur AR, Lee AC, Ooi SK, Chou LM, Huang D. Barriers and corridors of gene flow in an urbanized tropical reef system. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2502-2515. [PMID: 34745340 PMCID: PMC8549622 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Information about the distribution of alleles among marine populations is critical for determining patterns of genetic connectivity that are essential in modern conservation planning. To estimate population connectivity in Singapore's urbanized equatorial reef system, we analysed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from two species of reef-building corals with distinct life histories. For Porites sp., a broadcast-spawning coral, we found cryptic lineages that were differentially distributed at inshore and central-offshore sites that could be attributed to contemporary surface current regimes. Near panmixia was observed for Pocillopora acuta with differentiation of colonies at the farthest site from mainland Singapore, a possible consequence of the brooding nature and relatively long pelagic larval duration of the species. Furthermore, analysis of recent gene flow showed that 60-80% of colonies in each population were nonmigrants, underscoring self-recruitment as an important demographic process in this reef system. Apart from helping to enhance the management of Singapore's coral reef ecosystems, findings here pave the way for better understanding of the evolution of marine populations in South-East Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfi Afiq‐Rosli
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Benjamin John Wainwright
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Yale‐NUS CollegeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Anya Roopa Gajanur
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Ai Chin Lee
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Seng Keat Ooi
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Loke Ming Chou
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Nature‐based Climate SolutionsNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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33
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Gao X, Zhang J, Luo Y, Ma Q, Bai GD, Zhang HC, Cui TJ. Reconfigurable Parametric Amplifications of Spoof Surface Plasmons. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2021; 8:e2100795. [PMID: 34219411 PMCID: PMC8425943 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation inter-chip communication requires ultrafast ultra-compact interconnects. Designer plasmonics offers a possible route towards this goal. Further development of the plasmonic technique to circuit applications requires the direct amplification of plasmonic signals on a compact platform. However, significant signal distortions and limited operational speeds prevent the application of traditional MOS-based amplifiers to plasmonics. Up to day, the amplification of surface plasmons without phase distortion has remained a scientific challenge. In this work, the concept of parametric amplification (PA) is transplanted to the plasmonics and is realized experimentally an ultrathin reconfigurable PA using a spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) waveguide integrated with tunable and nonlinear varactors. The measured parametric gain in the experiment can reach up to 9.14 dB within a short nonlinear propagation length, for example, six SSPP wavelengths, in excellent agreement with the theoretical prediction. By tuning the bias voltage of varactors, the phase-matching condition can be precisely controlled over a broad frequency band, enabling the authors to realize the multi-frequency PA of plasmonic signals. Measured phase responses confirm that the plasmonic parametric amplifier can significantly suppress the signal distortions as compared with the traditional MOS-based amplifier, which is a property highly desired for ultrafast wireless communication systems and integrated circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Gao
- Institute of Electromagnetic SpaceSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Center of Intelligent MetamaterialsPazhou LaboratoryGuangzhou510330China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Institute of Electromagnetic SpaceSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Center of Intelligent MetamaterialsPazhou LaboratoryGuangzhou510330China
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversityNanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
| | - Qian Ma
- Institute of Electromagnetic SpaceSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Center of Intelligent MetamaterialsPazhou LaboratoryGuangzhou510330China
| | - Guo Dong Bai
- Institute of Electromagnetic SpaceSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Hao Chi Zhang
- Institute of Electromagnetic SpaceSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Center of Intelligent MetamaterialsPazhou LaboratoryGuangzhou510330China
| | - Tie Jun Cui
- Institute of Electromagnetic SpaceSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- State Key Laboratory of Millimeter WavesSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Center of Intelligent MetamaterialsPazhou LaboratoryGuangzhou510330China
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Zhang N, Lin J, Lin VPH, Milbreta U, Chin JS, Chew EGY, Lian MM, Foo JN, Zhang K, Wu W, Chew SY. A 3D Fiber-Hydrogel Based Non-Viral Gene Delivery Platform Reveals that microRNAs Promote Axon Regeneration and Enhance Functional Recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2021; 8:e2100805. [PMID: 34050637 PMCID: PMC8336488 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment approaches toward spinal cord injuries (SCI) have mainly focused on overcoming the inhibitory microenvironment that surrounds lesion sites. Unfortunately, the mere modulation of the cell/tissue microenvironment is often insufficient to achieve desired functional recovery. Therefore, stimulating the intrinsic growth ability of injured neurons becomes crucial. MicroRNAs (miRs) play significant roles during axon regeneration by regulating local protein synthesis at growth cones. However, one challenge of using miRs to treat SCI is the lack of efficient delivery approaches. Here, a 3D fiber-hydrogel scaffold is introduced which can be directly implanted into a spinal cord transected rat. This 3D scaffold consists of aligned electrospun fibers which provide topographical cues to direct axon regeneration, and collagen matrix which enables a sustained delivery of miRs. Correspondingly, treatment with Axon miRs (i.e., a cocktail of miR-132/miR-222/miR-431) significantly enhances axon regeneration. Moreover, administration of Axon miRs along with anti-inflammatory drug, methylprednisolone, synergistically enhances functional recovery. Additionally, this combined treatment also decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and enhance gene expressions related to extracellular matrix deposition. Finally, increased Axon miRs dosage with methylprednisolone, significantly promotes functional recovery and remyelination. Altogether, scaffold-mediated Axon miR treatment with methylprednisolone is a promising therapeutic approach for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Junquan Lin
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Vincent Po Hen Lin
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Ulla Milbreta
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Jiah Shin Chin
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate SchoolNanyang Technological University61 Nanyang DriveSingapore637335Singapore
| | - Elaine Guo Yan Chew
- Human GeneticsGenome Institute of Singapore60 Biopolis StreetSingapore138672Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| | - Michelle Mulan Lian
- Human GeneticsGenome Institute of Singapore60 Biopolis StreetSingapore138672Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Human GeneticsGenome Institute of Singapore60 Biopolis StreetSingapore138672Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| | - Kunyu Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Wutian Wu
- Guangdong‐Hongkong‐Macau Institute of CNS RegenerationMinistry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint LaboratoryJinan University601 West Huangpu AvenueGuangzhou510632P. R. China
- Re‐Stem Biotechnology Co., Ltd.1463 Wuzhong AveSuzhou330520P. R. China
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
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Mao N, Aggarwal N, Poh CL, Cho BK, Kondo A, Liu C, Yew WS, Chang MW. Future trends in synthetic biology in Asia. Adv Genet (Hoboken) 2021; 2:e10038. [PMID: 36618442 PMCID: PMC9744534 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.10038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology research and technology translation has garnered increasing interest from the governments and private investors in Asia, where the technology has great potential in driving a sustainable bio-based economy. This Perspective reviews the latest developments in the key enabling technologies of synthetic biology and its application in bio-manufacturing, medicine, food and agriculture in Asia. Asia-centric strengths in synthetic biology to grow the bio-based economy, such as advances in genome editing and the presence of biofoundries combined with the availability of natural resources and vast markets, are also highlighted. The potential barriers to the sustainable development of the field, including inadequate infrastructure and policies, with suggestions to overcome these by building public-private partnerships, more effective multi-lateral collaborations and well-developed governance framework, are presented. Finally, the roles of technology, education and regulation in mitigating potential biosecurity risks are examined. Through these discussions, stakeholders from different groups, including academia, industry and government, are expectantly better positioned to contribute towards the establishment of innovation and bio-economy hubs in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Mao
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Nikhil Aggarwal
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program and Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Ling School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Chueh Loo Poh
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Byung Kwan Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, and KI for the BioCenturyKorea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Engineering Biology Research CenterKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Chenli Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program and Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Ling School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Matthew Wook Chang
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program and Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Ling School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that led to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic, has resulted in substantial overburdening of healthcare systems as well as an economic crisis on a global scale. This has in turn resulted in widespread efforts to identify suitable therapies to address this aggressive pathogen. Therapeutic antibody and vaccine development are being actively explored, and a phase I clinical trial of mRNA-1273 which is developed in collaboration between the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Moderna, Inc. is currently underway. Timelines for the broad deployment of a vaccine and antibody therapies have been estimated to be 12-18 months or longer. These are promising approaches that may lead to sustained efficacy in treating COVID-19. However, its emergence has also led to a large number of clinical trials evaluating drug combinations composed of repurposed therapies. As study results of these combinations continue to be evaluated, there is a need to move beyond traditional drug screening and repurposing by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize combination therapy design. This may lead to the rapid identification of regimens that mediate unexpected and markedly enhanced treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Ho
- The N. 1 Institute for Health (N. 1)National University of SingaporeSingapore117456Singapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM)Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore117456Singapore
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNUS EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117583Singapore
- Department of PharmacologyYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore117600Singapore
- Smart Systems InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingapore119613Singapore
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