Central Site Research Articles

Controlling the amount of MoSe2 loaded SrTiO3 to activate peroxymonosulfate for efficient elimination of organic pollutants

ABSTRACT It is critical to effectively eliminate recalcitrant organic pollutants from wastewater. In this paper, the MoSe2/SrTiO3 (MST) catalysts were synthesized through simply controlling the amount of MoSe2 in the hydrothermal method to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of pollutants. The results demonstrated that sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline were almost eliminated by PMS/MST-3 (MoSe2/SrTiO3 mass ratio 0.3: 1) activation system. The effect of inorganic anions (Cl –, H2PO4 –, HCO3 –) and metal ions (Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) commonly found in actual water bodies on catalytic reaction was explored. Moreover, SO4 • –, •OH and 1O2 were identified by EPR tests and scavenger experiments, where the SO4 • – and •OH were the dominant reactive species. The XPS analysis indicated that the oxygen vacancies and charge transfer on the catalyst surface were the keys of PMS activation. The effect of active sites in SMX and TC on the catalytic degradation activity was explored by density functional theory, and it was obtained that the central nitrogen site of SMX was more vulnerable in the catalytic system, while the edge oxygen site of TC was more susceptible to attack.

Unraveling the separation mechanism of gas mixtures in MOFs by combining the breakthrough curve with machine learning and high-throughput calculation

In the field of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) screening studies, the batch calculation of the mixed gas breakthrough time difference (ΔTi) in MOFs and its intricate correlation with various descriptors remain underexplored. This research undertook batch calculations of the breakthrough curves (BC) for different gases within a simulated natural gas environment, designating ΔTi as the performance metric for MOFs in gas separation. The separation performance of computation-ready experimental MOFs for CH4/C2H6 and CH4/CO2 mixtures was analyzed in depth utilizing machine learning (ML)-assisted high-throughput computational screening (HTCS) techniques. Then, five ML algorithms were used to quantify the relationship between MOF descriptors and performance, and the effect of the metal center site on the separation performance was further explored. Ultimately, the top ten MOFs were selected for each system. Combining HTCS, ML, and BC, this work provides fresh insights for understanding and designing MOFs with customized adsorption and separation properties.

Adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles exert their preferential action in damaged central sites of SOD1 mice rather than peripherally.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving motor neuron (MN) loss in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord leading to progressive paralysis and death. Due to the pathogenetic complexity, there are no effective therapies available. In this context the use of mesenchymal stem cells and their vesicular counterpart is an emerging therapeutic strategy to counteract neurodegeneration. The extracellular vesicles derived from adipose stem cells (ASC-EVs) recapitulate and ameliorate the neuroprotective effect of stem cells and, thanks to their small dimensions, makes their use suitable to develop novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases as ALS. Here we investigate a therapeutic regimen of ASC-EVs injection in SOD1(G93A) mice, the most widely used murine model of ALS. Repeated intranasal administrations of high doses of ASC-EVs were able to ameliorate motor performance of injected SOD1(G93A) mice at the early stage of the disease and produce a significant improvement at the end-stage in the lumbar MNs rescue. Moreover, ASC-EVs preserve the structure of neuromuscular junction without counteracting the muscle atrophy. The results indicate that the intranasal ASC-EVs administration acts in central nervous system sites rather than at peripheral level in SOD1(G93A) mice. These considerations allow us to identify future applications of ASC-EVs that involve different targets simultaneously to maximize the clinical and neuropathological outcomes in ALS in vivo models.

An atlas of brain-bone sympathetic neural circuits in mice.

There is clear evidence that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) mediates bone metabolism. Histological studies show abundant SNS innervation of the periosteum and bone marrow-these nerves consist of noradrenergic fibers that immunostain for tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, or neuropeptide Y. Nonetheless, the brain sites that send efferent SNS outflow to the bone have not yet been characterized. Using pseudorabies (PRV) viral transneuronal tracing, we report, for the first time, the identification of central SNS outflow sites that innervate bone. We find that the central SNS outflow to bone originates from 87 brain nuclei, sub-nuclei, and regions of six brain divisions, namely the midbrain and pons, hypothalamus, hindbrain medulla, forebrain, cerebral cortex, and thalamus. We also find that certain sites, such as the raphe magnus (RMg) of the medulla and periaqueductal gray (PAG) of the midbrain, display greater degrees of PRV152 infection, suggesting that there is considerable site-specific variation in the levels of central SNS outflow to the bone. This comprehensive compendium illustrating the central coding and control of SNS efferent signals to bone should allow for a greater understanding of the neural regulation of bone metabolism, and importantly and of clinical relevance, mechanisms for central bone pain.

Interactive Media-Based Approach for an Exception From Informed Consent Trial Involving Patients With Trauma

Exception From Informed Consent (EFIC) research requires community consultation (CC) and public disclosure (PD). Traditional methods of conducting CC and PD are slow, expensive, and labor intensive. To describe the feasibility and reach of a novel interactive, media-based approach to CC and PD and to identify the similarities and differences between trial sites in website views, survey responses, online community forum attendance, and opt-out requests. This survey study analyzed the CC and PD campaigns conducted for the TAP trial (Evaluation of BE1116 in Patients With Traumatic Injury and Acute Major Bleeding to Improve Survival), an EFIC trial of the early administration of prothrombin complex concentrate in patients with trauma. The CC and PD campaigns consisted of social media advertisements, linked websites, community surveys, and online community forums. These activities were coordinated from a central site and approved by a central institutional review board. This study focused on the first 52 of 91 TAP trial sites (level I trauma centers) in the US to have completed their CC and PD campaigns. Community members in the catchment areas of the participating trauma centers were targeted. Data analysis was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024. Social media advertisements, surveys, and online community meetings conducted as part of the CC and PD campaign for the TAP trial. Social media campaign reach and engagement, web page views, survey results, online community forum attendance, and opt-out requests. Fifty-two trial sites were approved for participant enrollment. Social media advertisements were displayed 92 million times, reaching 11.8 million individuals. The median (IQR) number of people reached in each location was 210 317 (172 068-276 968). Site-specific websites were viewed 144 197 times (median [IQR] viewings per site, 2984 [1267-4038]). A total of 17 206 fully or partly completed surveys were received, and survey respondents had a median (IQR) age of 40.1 (15-65) years and included 10 444 females (60.7%). Overall, 60.6% survey respondents said they would want to be entered into the trial even if they could not give consent, 87.7% agreed that emergency care research was necessary, and 88.0% agreed that the TAP trial should be conducted in their community. Online community forums were attended by a median (IQR) number of 38 (20-63) people. Four opt-out requests were received. The interactive media-based approach to CC and PD for the ongoing TAP trial showed the feasibility and benefits of executing an efficient, coordinated, centrally run series of locally branded and geographically targeted CC and PD campaigns for a large EFIC study.

Enhancing stability of mononuclear Pt atoms via chloride-to-bromide ligand exchange for hydrosilylation reaction

Single atom catalysts (SACs) offer high atom efficiency with highly selective reaction pathway. Various strategies have been developed to synthesize SACs, among which thermally stable metal centers are usually in high oxidation while they are susceptible to facile sintering in reduced state or under reducing conditions. One of the strategies developed very recently to achieve stable zero valent metal atoms is based on the selection of ligands with moderate coordination strength with the metal center. In this work, the crucial importance of ligand to the stability of single Pt0 atoms is investigated. While HCl and diether have been found to be able to stabilize single Pt0 atoms by forming Pt1@HCl adducts, HBr coordinated Pt single atom (Pt1@HBr) obtained by simply exchanging HCl with HBr shows increased thermal stability over the Pt1@HCl under H2 atmosphere at elevated temperature, as evidenced by DRFITs of CO chemisorption and HRTEM. This work offers a facile approach to tune the stability of Pt single atoms while keeping the structure of active sites of single atom center to achieve excellent catalytic performance, using hydrosilylation in the demonstrative studies.

Controllable synthesis of 3D PdCu/Ti3C2Tx hierarchical nanostructures for chemiresistive room temperature H2 sensors

To enhance the detection performance of hydrogen (H2), we employed a self-sacrificing template method to prepare a three-dimensional (3D) PdCu-modified Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite, denoted as PdCu/Ti3C2Tx. Within 3D PdCu/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite, PdCu as the active center component, was evenly distributed on Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. The unique architecture increased the exposure of active center sites, while the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets provided additional gas diffusion channels, thereby contributing to improved gas sensing performance. Comparing to PdCu nanoparticles, PdCu/Ti3C2Tx exhibited an enhancing response and a fast response time of 4 s to 0.5 % H2. PdCu/Ti3C2Tx also showed an ultra-low detection limit of 0.1 % H2 and excellent repeatability, selectivity and long-term stability. The outstanding gas sensing performance could be attributed to the 3D structure and the heterostructure between PdCu and Ti3C2Tx. The insights gained from this study provide novel perspectives for designing and synthesizing high-performance gas-sensitive materials.

Human mitochondrial carriers of the SLC25 family function as monomers exchanging substrates with a ping-pong kinetic mechanism

Members of the SLC25 mitochondrial carrier family link cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolism and support cellular maintenance and growth by transporting compounds across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Their monomeric or dimeric state and kinetic mechanism have been a matter of long-standing debate. It is believed by some that they exist as homodimers and transport substrates with a sequential kinetic mechanism, forming a ternary complex where both exchanged substrates are bound simultaneously. Some studies, in contrast, have provided evidence indicating that the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier (SLC25A4) functions as a monomer, has a single substrate binding site, and operates with a ping-pong kinetic mechanism, whereby ADP is imported before ATP is exported. Here we reanalyze the oligomeric state and kinetic properties of the human mitochondrial citrate carrier (SLC25A1), dicarboxylate carrier (SLC25A10), oxoglutarate carrier (SLC25A11), and aspartate/glutamate carrier (SLC25A13), all previously reported to be dimers with a sequential kinetic mechanism. We demonstrate that they are monomers, except for dimeric SLC25A13, and operate with a ping-pong kinetic mechanism in which the substrate import and export steps occur consecutively. These observations are consistent with a common transport mechanism, based on a functional monomer, in which a single central substrate-binding site is alternately accessible.

Nitro-functionalization on MIL-53(Fe) for PCMX degradation: Elevating Fenton-like catalytic propelled by abundant reaction sites and iron cycle

To address the issue of excessive residues of 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol (PCMX) in the water environment. In a one-step solvothermal process, iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) material MIL-53(Fe) undergoes a synthetic modification strategy. 2-Nitroterephthalic acid as an organic ligand reacted with Fe3+ in a solvothermal process lasting 18 h to yield the nitro-functionalized MIL-53(Fe)–NO2(18h). The objective was to augment the abundance of Fe central unsaturated coordination sites (Fe CUCs) and expedite the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle, thereby enhancing the heterogeneous Fenton-like treatment capability of pollutants. MIL-53(Fe)–NO2(18h) has excellent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalytic activity and PCMX degradation across a broad pH spectrum (4.0∼8.0). Almost complete removal of PCMX was achieved within 30 min, while pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constants (kobs) increased 4.37 times over MIL-53(Fe). The confirmation of increased Fe CUCs abundance in MIL-53(Fe)–NO2(18h) was achieved through Lewis acidity, oxygen vacancies (OVs) signals, and Fe–O coordination characterization results. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that Fe CUCs in MIL-53(Fe)–NO2(18h) exhibits heightened affinity for H2O2 adsorption, showcasing stronger charge transfer and enhanced H2O2 dissociation ability. The Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle, a driving force of Fenton-like reactions, was notably improved in the nitro-modified materials. These enhancements significantly expedited the Fenton-like process, resulting in the generation of increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), with hydroxyl radicals (OH·) being pivotal components in degradation. The MIL-53(Fe)–NO2(18h)/H2O2 system has demonstrated versatility in treating a variety of emerging contaminants, achieving removal efficiencies exceeding 99.7% for other antibiotics and endocrine disruptors within 60 min. Furthermore, MIL-53(Fe)–NO2(18h) demonstrated outstanding reusability and adaptability in actual water environments. This study introduces a straightforward and environmentally friendly strategy for remediating environmental pollution using Fe-MOF-catalysed heterogeneous Fenton-like technology.

Effort in manual operation of reproductive health cryostorage facilities

Research questionWhat areas of manual IVF cryostorage operations are common to the safe operation of IVF cryostorage facilities and require effort from embryologists? DesignObservational time and motion data were collected by two observers equipped with the digital cameras over 2 weeks at four well-characterized US IVF centres (sites α, β, γ and δ) from 12 participants performing cryostorage tasks. To understand the work processes of the different sites and assist in the data analysis, informal interviews were conducted with the study participants and laboratory directors. Data were analysed to identify work processes that might be eliminated or diminished by automation and software improvements. ResultsOn average, it took 3.4 data record queries per retrieval from cryostorage to identify a cane, while the canister was lifted an average of 1.5 times per retrieval, with a mean 11.8 ± 9.2 s per lift. Of the total time spent working with cryostorage equipment, 47.25% was of a fatiguing nature. Sites α, β and γ utilized one person to fill the liquid nitrogen storage Dewars, while site δ had two technicians working in tandem to move and fill the Dewars, with different frequencies and determination factors for refills and efficiencies. ConclusionsThis time and motion study demonstrated significant time investment, task redundancy and fatiguing working conditions among embryologists using manual cryostorage processes. There was a disparity of processes and space capacity across different laboratories. Some of these issues may be addressed by the integration of automation and technology solutions.

Hexagonal Halide Perovskite Cs2LiInCl6: Cation Ordering, Face-Shared Octahedral Trimers and Mn2+ Luminescence.

The In-based double perovskite halides have been widely studied for promising optical-electric applications. The halide hexagonal perovskite Cs2LiInCl6 was isolated using solid-state reactions and investigated using X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR spectra. The material adopts a 12-layered hexagonal structure (12R) consisting of layered cationic orders driven by the cationic charge difference and has Li+ cations in the terminal site and In3+ in the central site of face-shared octahedron trimers. Such a cationic ordering pattern is stabilized by electrostatic repulsions between the next-nearest neighboring cations in the trimers. The LiCl6 octahedron displays large distortion and is confirmed by 7Li SSNMR in the Cs2LiInCl6. The Cs2LiInCl6 material has a direct bandgap of ~4.98 eV. The Cs2LiInCl6: Mn2+ displays redshift luminescence (centered at ~610-622 nm) from the substituted Mn2+ emission in octahedron with larger PLQY (17.8 %-48 %) compared with that of Cs2NaInCl6: Mn2+. The Mn-doped materials show luminescent concentration quenching and thermal quenching. The composition Cs2Li0.99In0.99Mn0.02Cl6 exhibits the highest PL intensity, a maximum PLQY of 48 %, and high luminescent retention rate of ~86 % below 400 K and is suitable for application for pc-LED. These findings contribute to our understanding of the chloride perovskites and hold potential for widespread optical applications.

Two- and Three-Spin Hybrid Inorganic-Organic [2]Rotaxanes Containing Metallated Salen Groups.

Mono- and bis-salen functionalised [2]rotaxanes have been synthesised from the esterification of [2]rotaxanes containing phenol-terminated threads (salen=N,N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine). The [2]rotaxanes have general formula [RH][Cr7NiF8(O2CtBu)16], where [RH]+ is a thread with a central secondary ammonium site that templates a [Cr7NiF8(O2CtBu)16]- ring. The threads are terminated at one or both ends by carboxylic acid functionalised salen groups. The {M(salen)} groups can be free-base [M=(H+)2] or metallated [M=Cu2+, Ni2+, (VO)2+]. The [2]rotaxanes have been characterised by single crystal XRD and solid- and solution-state EPR spectroscopy. Where two paramagnetic M ions are involved [M=Cu2+ and/or (VO)2+] the [2]rotaxanes contain three electron spin S= centres, since the {Cr7Ni} ring has an S= ground state which is well isolated at low temperatures. These three-spin [2]rotaxanes have been characterised in solution by pulsed dipolar EPR spectroscopies (DEER, also known as PELDOR, and RIDME). The M⋅⋅⋅M and M⋅⋅⋅{Cr7Ni} interactions measured are consistent with dipolar interactions and also with the distances from single crystal XRD. The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Structures of synaptic vesicle protein 2A and 2B bound to anticonvulsants.

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by abnormal activity of neuronal networks, leading to seizures. The racetam class of anti-seizure medications bind specifically to a membrane protein found in the synaptic vesicles of neurons called synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) A (SV2A). SV2A belongs to an orphan subfamily of the solute carrier 22 organic ion transporter family that also includes SV2B and SV2C. The molecular basis for how anti-seizure medications act on SV2s remains unknown. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of SV2A and SV2B captured in a luminal-occluded conformation complexed with anticonvulsant ligands. The conformation bound by anticonvulsants resembles an inhibited transporter with closed luminal and intracellular gates. Anticonvulsants bind to a highly conserved central site in SV2s. These structures provide blueprints for future drug design and will facilitate future investigations into the biological function of SV2s.

Emergency logistics siting-path question for engineering construction projects based on quantum particle swarm algorithm

Emergency material security is the key to post-disaster emergency relief in complex environment engineering construction projects. Aiming at the emergency logistics center site path planning problem, the uncertain parameters of congestion time and maximum rescue time are described using trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, and the emergency logistics site path model of the two-phase engineering construction project is established. A quantum particle swarm optimization model is designed to avoid premature population convergence and maintain population diversity. The particle swarm algorithm uses the quantum spin gate’s rotation angle update to represent the particle velocity update. Taking the engineering construction project in the western mountainous area as an example, the validity and applicability of the model are verified through model comparison and sensitivity analysis. The results of the example show that in the complex environment, the quantum particle swarm algorithm takes 29.35 s in convergence time, and the particle swarm algorithm takes 40.12 s, which is 36.69% higher than the efficiency of PSO. In total cost, the quantum particle swarm algorithm has a total cost of 46,632.40 RMB, and the particle swarm algorithm has a total cost of 48,319.51 RMB, which is 3.62% lower than the cost of PSO. The quantum particle swarm algorithm’s total distance is 550.57 km, and the particle swarm algorithm’s total distance is 579.35 km, 5.23% lower than the total distance of PSO. The model established in this study can scientifically select the location of emergency facilities and formulate the emergency rescue path, reduce the response time of emergency rescue and storage costs, and provide decision support for the scheduling of emergency supplies for engineering construction projects in complex and dangerous areas.

Response of hyporheic biofilms to temperature changes and dissolved organic carbon enrichment: a mesocosm study

PurposeHyporheic biofilms are the central site for biogeochemical cycling in streams and rivers. In view of global warming and increasing human pressures, this study aimed to compare the response of hyporheic biofilm biomass and activities from an unpolluted reference stream reach surrounded by forest with those from a stream reach exposed to agricultural and urban land use using a mesocosm experiment in which the water temperature and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents were manipulated.MethodsHyporheic sediments collected in the field from the two study reaches (i.e. reference and impacted) were incubated in the laboratory at two different temperatures (10 °C, 14 °C) and wetted with three types of synthetic water (control [C] – 0 mg L−1; low DOC – 5 mg L−1; high DOC – 30 mg L−1) for four weeks. The responses of the hyporheic biofilms were measured weekly using structural (total protein content [TPC] as a proxy for biofilm biomass) and functional measures (electron transport system activity [ETSA] and community-level physiological profiling [CLPP]).ResultsThe response of hyporheic biofilms to temperature changes and DOC enrichment was site-specific for all studied measures (TPC, ETSA and CLPP, including measured average well colour development [AWCD]). The addition of DOC to biofilms from the pristine stream reach significantly heightened the responses at 10 °C, a temperature within the normal environmental temperature ranges of the reference location, but not at 14 °C, which was here, a temperature outside normal environmental range. On the other hand, biofilms from the impacted stream reach exhibited increased responses following DOC enrichment under both temperature regimes, with a particularly pronounced response at 14 ºC, in this case, both experimental temperatures were within the normal environmental temperature ranges of the study locations.ConclusionHyporheic biofilms were shown to be, like benthic biofilms, sensitive to temperature changes and organic enrichment, but their response to temperature changes and enrichment caused by climate change and/or other anthropogenic pressures (i.e. point and non-point pollution, removal of the riparian zone, hydromorphological modifications, etc.) was not simply linear but site-specific. The intensity of the response, characterized by increased activity and biomass production, appears to be constrained within the temperature ranges prevalent in the environment from which the biofilms originate. These findings emphasize the importance of site-specific considerations in predicting the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on these critical components of river and stream ecosystems.

Drivers of autochthonous malaria cases over time: could the Central European present the African future?

BackgroundResults of spatial and temporal comparison of malaria hotspots and coldspots could improve the health measures of malaria control and eradication strategies. The study aimed to reveal the spatially and temporally independent correlations between the potentially most effective background variables and the number of autochthonous malaria cases.MethodsRelationships between malaria cases and background variables were studied in 2 km × 2 km sized quadrates (10 Central European and 10 African). In addition to the current habitat structure of the African sites, annual precipitation, and annual mean temperature, data of the above parameters detected in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and currently in the Central European sites were included in the analyses (n = 40). Mann–Whitney tests, Principal Component Analysis, and Generalized Linear Models were used for the examinations.ResultsIn addition to the apparent significant positive correlation of malaria cases with annual rainfall and mean temperature, several correlations were found for habitat parameters. The cover of marshlands in the 19th-century habitat structure of Central European quadrates was considerably the same as in the recent African ones. The extent of rural residential areas was significantly smaller in the 19th-century habitat structure of Central European quadrats than in present-day African ones. According to the revealed correlations, the surface cover of rural residential areas is the main driver of the number of autochthonous malaria cases that we can directly impact.ConclusionsThe study confirmed with historical comparison that not only the annual rainfall and mean temperature, the cover of marshlands and other habitats with breeding sites, but also the elements of the rural human environment play a significant role in the high number of autochthonous malaria cases, probably through the concentration and enhancing sites for vector mosquitoes. The latter confirms that a rapid urbanization process could reduce malaria cases in the most infected areas of Africa. Until the latter happens, extensive biological control of Anopheles larvae and chemical control (both outdoor and indoor) of their imagoes, further mosquito nets, repellents, and carbon dioxide traps will need to be applied more widely in the most heavily infested areas.

Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: Is More Emphasis on Managing and Mitigating its Stressful Ramifications, and Enhancing Coping, and Self Efficacy Cognitions Indicated?

Efforts to mitigate or prevent painful disabling osteoarthritis have been pursued for more than a century with limited success. This current overview briefly summarizes how selected beliefs and behaviors, including coping and stress management approaches are potential mediators or moderators of osteoarthritis pain and its overall common adverse prognosis and outcome. Published data housed predominantly in PUBMED, PUBMED CENTRAL, SCIENCE DIRECT, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR sites and pertaining to selected aspects of the literature of current interest, cumulative results reported as of May 30, 2024, show a modest to strong rationale exists for considering the abovementioned factors in efforts to reduce pain and enable daily functions. Accordingly this line of research should be continued, and translated clinically without undue delay, especially in the face of increases in the aging population and osteoarthritis prevalence and undue suffering.

Relationship between indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity in a residential building in Central Europe

Relative humidity and temperature in indoor spaces are two important environmental factors that not only determine the behaviour and well-being of building occupants but also influence airborne transmission of respiratory diseases in closed spaces. While recent studies have examined how well indoor conditions relate to outdoor ambient weather, most studies on weather-related health effects still use a single central site monitor such as a weather station since outdoor values are more convenient to measure. However, the correlation between indoor and outdoor values is not always straightforward. Our case study explores the relationships between indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity in a residential building apartment in a temperate climate in Central Europe. Measurements performed over the period of one year allow for a detailed comparison and analysis of correlations between both daily averages as well as daily profiles of indoor and outdoor variables. The results of this case study add further evidence to the observations that day-to-day variation in indoor temperature and relative humidity are not well-represented by outdoor measurements. It further adds to the growing body of data on indoor environmental variables and should thus prove useful in studies aiming to determine the influence of relative humidity and temperature on indoor transmission of airborne diseases as well as in studies examining the influence of these two variables on the well-being of building occupants.

Rational design of disulfide bonds to improve the thermostability and γ-cyclodextrin production capacity of γ-cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase

The ability of γ-cyclodextrin(γ-CD)to form inclusion complexes with various guest compounds, together with its relatively high solubility, gives γ-CD advantages over both α-cyclodextrin(α-CD) and β-cyclodextrin(β-CD). The thermostability of γ-cyclodextrin glycosyltransferases (γ-CGTase) which can produce γ-CD discovered so far is poor, which is one of the problems limiting its industrial application. To enhance the thermostability of γ-CGTase from Bacillus clarkii 7364, potential disulfide bond mutants were predicted by Disulfide by Design. Five pairs of mutants were constructed by analyzing the predicted results. The t1/2 of S172C-R183C was 2.25 h, which was 3.17 times of WT. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the increase of thermostability of S172C-R183C may be due to the formation of disulfide bond, which leads to the increase of structure rigidity of protein. Then the ability of S172C-R183C mutant to produce cyclodextrins(CDs) was tested. Compared with WT, the maximum CD yield, γ-CD yield and γ-CD specificity of S172C-R183C in the non-complexant catalysed reaction were increased by 6.9 %, 8.8 %, and 2.4 % respectively. In the complexant catalyzed reaction, the CDs yield of S172C-R183C increased by 17.0 %, in which the γ-CD yield increased by 21.7 %, and the γ-CD specificity increased by 3.9 %. Molecular docking results showed that S172C-R183C formed more hydrogen bonds with γ-CD, especially Y186, which was the key central site affecting product specificity. This work involving rational protein engineering provided a new method for adjusting γ-CGTase thermostability.

Travel-time barriers to specialized cancer care for adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Prior studies demonstrate that 20%-50% of adolescents and young adults (age 15-39 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive care at specialty cancer centers, yet a survival benefit has been observed for patients at these sites. Our objective was to identify patients at risk of severe geographic barriers to specialty cancer center-level care. We used data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries Cancer in North America database to identify adolescent and young adult ALL patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 across 43 US states. We calculated driving distance and travel time from counties where participants lived to the closest specialty cancer center sites. We then used multivariable logistic regression models to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of counties where adolescent and young adult ALL patients resided and the need to travel more than 1 hour to obtain care at a specialty cancer center. Among 11 813 adolescent and young adult ALL patients, 43.4% were aged 25-39 years, 65.5% were male, 32.9% were Hispanic, and 28.7% had public insurance. We found 23.6% of adolescent and young adult ALL patients from 60.8% of included US counties would be required to travel more than 1 hour one way to access a specialty cancer center. Multivariable models demonstrate that patients living in counties that are nonmetropolitan, with lower levels of educational attainment, with higher income inequality, with lower internet access, located in primary care physician shortage areas, and with fewer hospitals providing chemotherapy services are more likely to travel more than 1 hour to access a specialty cancer center. Substantial travel-related barriers exist to accessing care at specialty cancer centers across the United States, particularly for patients living in areas with greater concentrations of historically marginalized communities.