bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible‐Light Photoreforming of Biomass Derivatives through MBi2O4‐P25 Heterostructures: Study of the Influence of Metals (M = Cu, Ni, Zn, Co)
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Djaballah Ahmed Malek , Bellardita Marianna , Bagtache Radia , Palmisano Leonardo , Trari Mohamed
Published: June 2024

In this work, MBi2O4‐P25 (M = Cu, Ni, Co, Zn) composites are successfully synthesized by a simple ball milling method by varying some parameters (rotation speed, rotation time, metal/TiO2 ratio) to optimize the preparation conditions. The noble metal‐free TiO2‐based photocatalysts are used to carry out the partial oxidation of glucose and glycerol with the simultaneous H2 production under simulated solar light irradiation. Starting from glucose, 2.6 mmol of H2 are obtained with a conversion of 34%, along with arabinose, formic acid and gluconic acid as main intermediates. By using glycerol, 3.2 mmol of H2 are produced, with 17% conversion and the production of dihydroxyacetone and glycolic acid. The composites exhibit higher activity than pure P25 and CuBi2O4 (CBO). The produced H2 amount is comparable to that reported in the literature by using Pt–TiO2 photocatalysts. This study offers a paradigm for the future design of bifunctional photocatalysts for simultaneous noble metal‐free H2 production and biomass valorization under environmentally friendly conditions with a possible scale up of the process.
Ex Vivo Modeling of the Tumor Microenvironment to Develop Therapeutic Strategies for Gliomas
Authors: Graber Philipp , Dolman M. Emmy M. , Jung MoonSun , Kavallaris Maria
Published: June 2024

Improving the prognosis for patients diagnosed with aggressive tumors remains a critical challenge in clinical oncology. One crucial aspect of addressing this challenge involves the development of preclinical models that can accurately predict the effectiveness of potential therapies for clinical application. A pivotal element in enhancing these models lies in their ability to accurately recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. In this review, the authors focus on investigating the tumor microenvironment in the context of ex vivo glioma modelling, with a specific emphasis on the extracellular matrix. The review discusses the changes that occur within the extracellular matrix of pediatric and adult gliomas. Furthermore, it explores the potential of advanced cellular models, particularly those employing bioprinting technologies, to replicate the extracellular matrix ex vivo.
Creation of Three‐Scroll Hidden Conservative Lorenz‐Like Chaotic Flows
Authors: Ke Guiyao
Published: June 2024

In contrast to the various well‐known two‐scroll hidden Lorenz‐like attractors, little seems to be known about three‐scroll hidden conservative chaotic flows in the 3D Lorenz‐like system family whose Kaplan–Yorke dimension is approximately equal to . This technical note first proposes a three‐scroll chaotic system, i.e., , , , which generates three‐scroll hidden chaotic flows without equilibrium points when . Moreover, its Kaplan–Yorke dimension is . Then, for and , this system has another type of singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycle consisting of two different equilibria in the lines of semi‐hyperbolic equilibria and , i.e., and , with . With a small perturbation of , the kind of three‐scroll hidden conservative chaotic flows described above are created. Finally, five cycles are obtained when the proposed system undergoes Hopf bifurcation.
Systematically Evaluating Cell‐Free DNA Fragmentation Patterns for Cancer Diagnosis and Enhanced Cancer Detection via Integrating Multiple Fragmentation Patterns
Authors: Hou Yuying , Meng Xiang‐Yu , Zhou Xionghui
Published: June 2024

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns have immense potential for early cancer detection. However, the definition of fragmentation varies, ranging from the entire genome to specific genomic regions. These patterns have not been systematically compared, impeding broader research and practical implementation. Here, 1382 plasma cfDNA sequencing samples from 8 cancer types are collected. Considering that cfDNA within open chromatin regions is more susceptible to fragmentation, 10 fragmentation patterns within open chromatin regions as features and employed machine learning techniques to evaluate their performance are examined. All fragmentation patterns demonstrated discernible classification capabilities, with the end motif showing the highest diagnostic value for cross‐validation. Combining cross and independent validation results revealed that fragmentation patterns that incorporated both fragment length and coverage information exhibited robust predictive capacities. Despite their diagnostic potential, the predictive power of these fragmentation patterns is unstable. To address this limitation, an ensemble classifier via integrating all fragmentation patterns is developed, which demonstrated notable improvements in cancer detection and tissue‐of‐origin determination. Further functional bioinformatics investigations on significant feature intervals in the model revealed its impressive ability to identify critical regulatory regions involved in cancer pathogenesis.
Islet‐Resident Memory T Cells Orchestrate the Immunopathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes through the FABP4‐CXCL10 Axis
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Cheong Lai Yee , Yuan Lufengzi , Jin Leigang , Zhang Zixuan , Xiao Yang , Zhou Zhiguang , Xu Aimin , Hoo Ruby LC , Shu Lingling
Published: June 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic disease characterized by self‐destruction of insulin‐producing pancreatic β cells by cytotoxic T cell activity. However, the pathogenic mechanism of T cell infiltration remains obscure. Recently, tissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells have been shown to contribute to cytotoxic T cell recruitment. TRM cells are found present in human pancreas and are suggested to modulate immune homeostasis. Here, the role of TRM cells in the development of T1D is investigated. The presence of TRM cells in pancreatic islets is observed in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice before T1D onset. Mechanistically, elevated fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) potentiates the survival and alarming function of TRM cells by promoting fatty acid utilization and C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) secretion, respectively. In NOD mice, genetic deletion of FABP4 or depletion of TRM cells using CD69 neutralizing antibodies resulted in a similar reduction of pancreatic cytotoxic T cell recruitment, a delay in diabetic incidence, and a suppression of CXCL10 production. Thus, targeting FABP4 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for T1D.
Core‐Shell Si@SiOC Particles Synthesized Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid for Superior Li‐Ion Storage Performance
Authors: Hernandha Rahmandhika Firdauzha Hary , Umesh Bharath , Patra Jagabandhu , Chen Chun‐Yen , Li Ju , Chang Jeng‐Kuei
Published: June 2024

A supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) fluid, characterized by gas‐like diffusivity, near‐zero surface tension, and excellent mass transfer properties, is used as a precursor to produce silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) coating. SCCO2 disperses and reacts with Si particles to form an interfacial layer consisting of Si, O, and C. After an 850 °C annealing process, a conformal SiOC coating layer forms, resulting in core‐shell Si@SiOC particles. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and its X‐ray line‐scan spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, are used to examine the SiOC formation mechanism. Effects of SCCO2 interaction time on the SiOC properties are investigated. The SiOC layer connects the Si@SiOC particles, improving electron and Li+ transport. Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are employed to examine the role of SiOC during charging/discharging. Operando X‐ray diffraction data reveal that the SiOC coating reduces crystal size of the formed Li15Si4 and increases its formation/elimination reversibility during cycling. The Si@SiOC electrode shows a capacitiy of 2250 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. After 500 cycles, the capacity retention is 72% with Coulombic efficiency above 99.8%. A full cell consisting of Si@SiOC anode and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode is constructed, and its performance is evaluated.
High‐Entropy Catalysis Accelerating Stepwise Sulfur Redox Reactions for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xu Yunhan , Yuan Wenchuang , Geng Chuannan , Hu Zhonghao , Li Qiang , Zhao Yufei , Zhang Xu , Zhou Zhen , Yang Chunpeng , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: June 2024

Catalysis is crucial to improve redox kinetics in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, conventional catalysts that consist of a single metal element are incapable of accelerating stepwise sulfur redox reactions which involve 16‐electron transfer and multiple Li2Sn (n = 2–8) intermediate species. To enable fast kinetics of Li–S batteries, it is proposed to use high‐entropy alloy (HEA) nanocatalysts, which are demonstrated effective to adsorb lithium polysulfides and accelerate their redox kinetics. The incorporation of multiple elements (Co, Ni, Fe, Pd, and V) within HEAs greatly enhances the catalytically active sites, which not only improves the rate capability, but also elevates the cycling stability of the assembled batteries. Consequently, HEA‐catalyzed Li–S batteries achieve a high capacity up to 1364 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and experience only a slight capacity fading rate of 0.054% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 2 C, while the assembled pouch cell achieves a high specific capacity of 1192 mAh g−1. The superior performance of Li–S batteries demonstrates the effectiveness of the HEA catalysts with maximized synergistic effect for accelerating S conversion reactions, which opens a way to catalytically improving stepwise electrochemical conversion reactions.
Solvation Barrier Remodeling‐Dictated Fast‐Kinetics Top–Down Zn Stripping/Plating in Water‐Lean Organic Electrolytes
Authors: Feng Zhenfeng , Tang Yongchao , Wei Yue , Liu Guigui , Li Hongqing , Yan Jianping , Qi Jintu , Liu Xiaoqing , Wen Zhipeng , Ye Minghui , Zhang Yufei , Li Cheng Chao
Published: June 2024

Different from “bottom–up” Zn plating/stripping, “top–down” Zn stripping/plating provides a new perspective to reinvent current aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs), yet related studies remain absent. Herein, a chelation‐induced solvation barrier remodeling strategy is initiated toward fast‐kinetics “top–down” Zn stripping/plating in original Zn2+‐free water‐lean organic electrolytes (WLOE) for durable Zn batteries. It is found that in WLOE, the initial Zn stripping kinetics of the Zn anode remarkably limits the “top–down” Zn stripping/plating. The intervention of multidentate chelant (2‐methoxyethylamine, MEA) in WLOE greatly lowers the solvation reorganization energy of in situ stripped Zn2+ from the Zn anode, enabling the fast‐kinetics “top–down” Zn stripping/plating. Spectral characterization and fitted overpotential‐reorganization energy correlation strongly confirm the underlying mechanism. As such, the Zn stripping/plating in the MEA‐mediated WLOE shows a 90‐fold‐enhanced current response, triple‐lowered overpotential, and 170‐fold‐prolonged cyclability (over 1700 h at 0.5 mA cm−2) of those in MEA‐free counterpart. The assembled Zn||LiFePO4 hybrid full cell in MEA‐regulated WLOE exhibits a distinct and high voltage plateau of 1.50 V and a low polarization voltage of 0.14 V, far surpassing those in conventional WLOE. This work opens a new avenue to break the kinetics bottleneck of Zn stripping/plating in WLOE for durable Zn batteries.
MXenes as Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Applications: Advances and Prospects
Authors: El Ouardi Mohamed , Ait Layachi Omar , Channab Badr‐Eddine , El Idrissi Ayoub , BaQais Amal , Arab Madjid , Zbair Mohamed , Saadi Mohamed , Ait Ahsaine Hassan
Published: June 2024

Hydrogen as a potential future energy source provides a number of benefits in terms of sustainability, high energy density, and zero emissions. The production of hydrogen via water splitting is regarded as the cleanest and sustainable process. In contrast, fossil fuel combustion causes significant environmental problems through the production and release of secondary gases such as NOx, SO2, and CO2. It is vital to focus on reducing these harmful gases. CO2, a major pollutant produced by the combustion of fossil fuels and various human activities, plays a central role in the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming. It is therefore imperative to actively eliminate and mitigate CO2 levels to preserve the global environment. MXenes and MXene‐based catalysts exhibit both outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and CO2 reduction. In this review, recent progress is systematically examined and discussed in the preparation and utilization of MXenes as catalysts for HER and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). The discussion begins with a concise overview of the fabrication and characteristics of MXenes, followed by a comprehensive exploration of their efficacy as catalysts for HER and CO2RR.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy and the immune system
Authors: Munsterman Danielle , Falcione Sarina , Long Rebecca , Boghozian Roobina , Joy Twinkle , Camicioli Richard , Smith Eric E. , Jickling Glen C.
Published: June 2024

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid protein in the walls of cerebral blood vessels. This deposition of amyloid causes damage to the cerebral vasculature, resulting in blood‐brain barrier disruption, cerebral hemorrhage, cognitive decline, and dementia. The role of the immune system in CAA is complex and not fully understood. While the immune system has a clear role in the rare inflammatory variants of CAA (CAA related inflammation and Abeta related angiitis), the more common variants of CAA also have immune system involvement. In a protective role, immune cells may facilitate the clearance of beta‐amyloid from the cerebral vasculature. The immune system can also contribute to CAA pathology, promoting vascular injury, blood‐brain barrier breakdown, inflammation, and progression of CAA. In this review, we summarize the role of the immune system in CAA, including the potential of immune based treatment strategies to slow vascular disease in CAA and associated cognitive impairment, white matter disease progression, and reduce the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.

Highlights

The immune system has a role in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) which is summarized in this review.

There is an inflammatory response to beta‐amyloid that may contribute to brain injury and cognitive impairment.

Immune cells may facilitate the clearance of beta‐amyloid from the cerebral vasculature.

Improved understanding of the immune system in CAA may afford novel treatment to improve outcomes in patients with CAA.
Relationships between PET and blood plasma biomarkers in corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Singh Neha Atulkumar , Alnobani Alla , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Machulda Mary M. , Mielke Michelle M. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Senjem Matthew L. , Jack Clifford R. , Lowe Val J. , Kanekiyo Takahisa , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) can result from underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies. Little is known about the utility of blood plasma metrics to predict positron emission tomography (PET) biomarker‐confirmed AD in CBS.

METHODS

A cohort of eighteen CBS patients (8 amyloid beta [Aβ]+; 10 Aβ−) and 8 cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals underwent PET imaging and plasma analysis. Plasma concentrations were compared using a Kruskal–Wallis test. Spearman correlations assessed relationships between plasma concentrations and PET uptake.

RESULTS

CBS Aβ+ group showed a reduced Aβ42/40 ratio, with elevated phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NfL) concentrations, while CBS Aβ− group only showed elevated NfL concentration compared to CU. Both p‐tau181 and GFAP were able to differentiate CBS Aβ− from CBS Aβ+ and showed positive associations with Aβ and tau PET uptake.

DISCUSSION

This study supports use of plasma p‐tau181 and GFAP to detect AD in CBS. NfL shows potential as a non‐specific disease biomarker of CBS regardless of underlying pathology.

Highlights

Plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentrations differentiate corticobasal syndrome (CBS) amyloid beta (Aβ)− from CBS Aβ+.

Plasma neurofilament light concentrations are elevated in CBS Aβ− and Aβ+ compared to controls.

Plasma p‐tau181 and GFAP concentrations were associated with Aβ and tau positron emission tomography (PET) uptake.

Aβ42/40 ratio showed a negative correlation with Aβ PET uptake.
Electrosynthesis of an Improbable Directly Bonded Phosphorene‐Fullerene Heterodimensional Hybrid toward Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang He , Li Yanbo , Liu Shengkun , Xu Zhiwei , Liu Zehua , Gao Chao , Zhang Guozhen , Fu Qiang , Du Pingwu , Jiang Jun , Zhu Junfa , Xiong Yujie , Wang Guan‐Wu , Yang Shangfeng
Published: June 2024

Phosphorene and fullerene are representative two‐dimensional (2D) and zero‐dimensional (0D) nanomaterials respectively, constructing their heterodimensional hybrid not only complements their physiochemical properties but also extends their applications via synergistic interactions. This is however challenging because of their diversities in dimension and chemical reactivity, and theoretical studies predicted that it is improbable to directly bond C60 onto the surface of phosphorene due to their strong repulsion. Here, we develop a facile electrosynthesis method to synthesize the first phosphorene‐fullerene hybrid featuring fullerene surface bonding via P−C bonds. Few‐layer black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) obtained from electrochemical exfoliation react with C602− dianion prepared by electroreduction of C60, fulfilling formation of the “improbable” phosphorene‐fullerene hybrid (BPNS‐s‐C60). Theoretical results reveal that the energy barrier for formation of [BPNS‐s‐C60]2− intermediate is significantly decreased by 1.88 eV, followed by an oxidization reaction to generate neutral BPNS‐s‐C60 hybrid. Surface bonding of C60 molecules not only improves significantly the ambient stability of BPNSs, but also boosts dramatically the visible light and near‐infrared (NIR) photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rates, reaching 1466 and 1039 μmol h−1 g−1 respectively, which are both the highest values among all reported BP‐based metal‐free photocatalysts.
Gas‐Phase Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Alkanethiolate‐Protected PtAu12 Superatoms: Charging Energy in Vacuum vs Solution
Authors: Tasaka Yuriko , Suyama Megumi , Ito Shun , Koyasu Kiichirou , Kappes Manfred , Maran Flavio , Tsukuda Tatsuya
Published: June 2024

The charging behavior of molecular Au clusters protected by alkanethiolate (SCnH2n+1=SCn) is, under electrochemical conditions, significantly affected by the penetration of solvents and electrolytes into the SCn layer. In this study, we estimated the charging energy EC(n) associated with [PtAu24(SCn)18]−+e−→[PtAu24(SCn)18]2− (n=4, 8, 12, and 16) in vacuum using mass‐selected gas‐phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy of [PtAu24(SCn)18]z (z=−1 and −2). The EC(n) values of PtAu24(SCn)18 in vacuum are significantly larger than those in solution and decrease with n in contrast to the behavior reported for Au25(SCn)18 in solution. The effective relative permittivity (ϵm*) of the SCn layer in vacuum is estimated to be 2.3–2.0 based on the double‐concentric‐capacitor model. Much smaller ϵm* values in vacuum than those in solution are explained by the absence of solvent/electrolyte penetration into the monolayer. The gradual decrease of ϵm* with n is ascribed to the appearance of an exposed surface region due to the bundle formation of long alkyl chains.
Metal–Organic Framework Supported Low‐Nuclearity Cluster Catalysts for Highly Selective Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction to Ethanol
Authors: Shao Bing , Huang Du , Huang Rui‐Kang , He Xing‐Lu , Luo Yan , Xiang Yi‐Lei , Jiang Lin‐bin , Dong Min , Li Shixiong , Zhang Zhong , Huang Jin
Published: June 2024

It is still a great challenge to achieve high selectivity of ethanol in CO2 electroreduction reactions (CO2RR) because of the similar reduction potentials and lower energy barrier of possible other C2+ products. Here, we report a MOF‐based supported low‐nuclearity cluster catalysts (LNCCs), synthesized by electrochemical reduction of three‐dimensional (3D) microporous Cu‐based MOF, that achieves a single‐product Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 82.5 % at −1.0 V (versus the reversible hydrogen electrode) corresponding to the effective current density is 8.66 mA cm−2. By investigating the relationship between the species of reduction products and the types of catalytic sites, it is confirmed that the multi‐site synergism of Cu LNCCs can increase the C−C coupling effect, and thus achieve high FE of CO2–to–ethanol. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculation and operando attenuated total reflectance surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy further confirmed the reaction path and mechanism of CO2–to–EtOH.
Design, characterization, and different applications of naphthoquinone‐based Schiff base and its M(II/III) complexes with molecular modeling studies
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud G. A. , Alminderej Fahad M. , El‐Sayed Wael A. , Abd El Salam Hayam A. , Zayed Ehab M. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Sayed Fatma N.
Published: June 2024

Due to the significant pharmacophoric role of 1,4‐naphthoquinone moiety, which is found in numerous biologically active natural products and well‐known chemotherapeutic drugs, including doxorubicin, shikonin, and alkannin, a newly prepared ligand ((E)‐1‐((2‐mercaptophenyl)imino)naphthalen‐2(1H)‐one) can be obtained from the condensation of 2‐aminothiophenol with diketone (1,2‐naphthoquinone) to form Schiff base (HL), which has been characterized using elemental analyses, FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass spectra. The inner ((La(III), Er(III), and Yb(III)) and outer ((Fe(III), Co(II), and Zn(II)) transitionmetal complexes have been prepared in 1:2 ratio and identified by several spectroscopic instruments. Different characterization tools have been used as elemental analyses, 1H‐NMR, molar conductivity, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR, thermal decomposition (TG and DTG), UV‐vis, X‐ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, solid reflectance, and magnetic moment. All of them are conjugated to confirm the proposed structures of the metal complexes and are complementary. Also, molecular docking studies for the ligand and its Zn(II) and Yb(III) complexes (using MOE program) have been performed to support the experimental biological activity. Molecular docking studies recommended that (Yb(HL)2)Cl3·6H2O complex is more potent against Aspergillus niger fungus when docked with 1Y43 (aspergilloglutamic peptidase enzyme from A. niger) receptor, while Zn(II) complex recorded the strongest binding energy among the docked compounds against 2W3Z(the crystal structure of a Streptococcus mutans CE4 esterase) and 7AB4 (the crystal structure of the Escherichia coli toxin‐antitoxin system HipBST [HipT S59A]) proteins receptors, respectively. Experimental applications of the free ligand and its metal chelates as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities have been carried out. The former occurred against two fungal species (Aspergillus niger [ATCC:16404] and Candida albicans [ATCC:10231]), two G‐positive bacterial species (S. mutans [ATCC:25175] and Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC:13565]) and two G‐negative bacterial species (Klebsiella pneumonia [ATCC:10031] and E. coli [ATCC:10536]). The DPPH scavenging method has been used to measure the antioxidant activity of the tested compounds.
Montmorillonite‐supported Ru‐doped CuBi2O4 nanozyme with enhanced peroxidase‐like activity for sensitive determination of hydroquinone
Authors: Gao Lin‐Na , Chu Ying , Zhang Ruizhe , Xue Ke , Liu Qingyun
Published: June 2024

Nanozymes constitute a category of nanomaterials presenting the potential to replace natural enzymes. Nonetheless, weak catalytic activity becomes the biggest barrier hindering their practical applications. In this study, we fabricated a montmorillonite (MMT)‐supported ruthenium (Ru)‐doped CuBi2O4 nanozyme (Ru/CuBi2O4‐MMT) with robust peroxidase (POD)‐like activity by hydrothermal method and studied its application in determination of hydroquinone (HQ). Specifically, the CuBi2O4 material is brought into nanozyme field for the first time. MMT‐supported CuBi2O4 material possesses smaller size and larger surface area than pure CuBi2O4. Ru‐doped exhibits significantly higher POD‐like activity in comparison to CuBi2O4 due to the increase of defect sites. Both of strategies synergistically enhance the POD‐like activity of CuBi2O4 material. The POD‐like activity of nanozyme originates from the photogenerated holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (•O2−) produced during the catalytic decomposition of H2O2. Ru/CuBi2O4‐MMT nanozyme can be successfully applied for HQ colorimetric detection by redox reaction. Our newly developed nanozyme exhibits exceptional POD‐like activity by introducing support and element doping strategies, holding great potential for detecting pollutants in practical applications.
Engineering the performance of bioparaffins from soybean oil to mimic mineral waxes: A non‐linear chemometric modeling
Authors: Romero Sandra , Alcaraz Mirta , Forzani Liliana , Minari Roque , Collins Sebastián E.
Published: June 2024

Bioparaffins, derived from soybean oil, hold significant potential as sustainable alternatives to mineral waxes in various industrial applications. However, to fully exploit their benefits, it is necessary to engineer their performance and properties. In this work, a non‐linear partial least squares (PLS) algorithm was used to relate the melting profiles obtained via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to the chemical composition determined by gas chromatography (GC) of simple and binary mixtures of (partially) hydrogenated samples. This model was used to determine the composition of a bioparaffin to mimic the thermal and textural properties of commercial mineral paraffin. This innovative approach allows for broader adoption in industries seeking sustainable alternatives to petroleum‐based waxes.
Rapid single flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed phenotyping of oil and other quality traits using single kernel near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Armstrong Paul R. , Hacisalihoglu Gokhan
Published: June 2024

The growing interest in the rapid measurement of seed ingredients using single‐kernel NIR (SKNIR) spectroscopy as a nondestructive measurement technique allows fast analysis of sample seed variance that can have effects on breeding and end‐use processing. Flax (Linum usitatissimum), an oilseed crop grown in the Northwest United States and worldwide, is highly beneficial for human health, food, and fiber. Its health benefits include its high protein and omega‐3 fatty acids content. Therefore, seed composition profiles are an important aspect of breeding. The goals of this research were the development of single seed NIR calibration models for protein, oil, and weight of intact flax seeds. In this study, SKNIR spectroscopy was used on a diverse set of flax accessions comprising of 306 samples to create prediction models on a custom built SKNIR instrument. Spectra data and reference protein, oil, and weight were used to build partial least squares (PLS) models. Calibration models provided reasonable prediction of these traits and could be used for screening purposes. PLS statistics were oil (R2 = 0.82, SEP = 1.72), weight (R2 = 0.74, SEP = 0.71), and protein (R2 = 0.62, SEP = 0.96) for validation data sets comprising of one‐third of the total samples. In conclusion, prediction models showed that SKNIR spectroscopy could be a very beneficial nondestructive technique to determine oil and weight as well as rapid screening of protein in single flax seeds while not requiring extensive preparation as compared to traditional techniques.
Quantitative trait loci governing seed protein, oil, and linolenic acid concentration in soybean
Authors: Moore Ronald E. R. , Wyman Chris , Cunicelli Mia J. , Olukolu Bode , Sams Carl E. , West Dennis R. , Pantalone Vince
Published: June 2024

Soybean is one of the most economically important crops in the United States. Produced for its oil and protein concentration, it is readily utilized in food products for both human and livestock consumption. Since soybean was first cultivated in the United States, increased yield has been the driving factor in breeding efforts. Though yield and oil have been observed to be positively correlated, protein concentration is negatively correlated with both. An increased effort has been underway recently to produce high‐yielding cultivars that have both elevated oil and protein concentration. This has been accomplished utilizing molecular markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for both traits. To assist in this effort, more information on QTL associated with quality traits is required. In this study, 180 F4:6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) segregating for protein, oil, and fatty acids were produced from a cross between TN12‐4098 and TN13‐4303. These lines were grown across three locations in Tennessee: Research and Education Center at Milan (RECM), Highland Rim Research and Education Center (HRREC), and East Tennessee Research and Education Center (ETREC) in 2018 and 2019. Sixteen QTL were found for protein, oil, linolenic acid, and meal protein concentration. Of these identified QTL, six were novel. Developing molecular markers associated with these QTL will assist in breeding efforts to produce high‐quality elite soybean cultivars that meet the demands of both farmers and consumers.
Perspectives on challenges to bioenergy use in the EU
Authors: Proskurina Svetlana , Vakkilainen Esa
Published: June 2024

Despite bioenergy playing an important role in producing a significant amount of renewable energy in the EU, there are several differing views of its future role, as illustrated in the European Parliament and society more generally. The aim of this paper is to investigate the barriers to advancing bioenergy use and prospects for the future of bioenergy in the EU. Whereas previous studies have focused on specific aspects of EU bioenergy, such as market structure, technological considerations, and individual forms of bioenergy, this study provides results from a survey analyzing several factors that are inhibiting overall bioenergy development throughout the EU. The results show that, in general, the growth of bioenergy use in the EU can be expected to continue, although there are many issues that need to be addressed by society and through policy implementation. The most important of these issues include the relationship between the future role of the fossil fuel using industry and bioenergy, addressing the inadequate and currently confusing level of policy support, and responding to the perception of low public acceptance, reflected by pressure from some nongovernmental organizations to reduce the use of bioenergy. The study shows that biomass is not always the best option in economic terms, and other options such as heat pumps powered by green electricity or natural gas can be more financially attractive. To ensure the continuing development of the bioenergy field in the EU, it is important to increase local policy support for bioenergy, decrease imports of fossil fuels from non‐EU countries, increase investment in the bioenergy sector, and engage in effective and fact‐based education about, and promotion of, bioenergy.
A comprehensive study of Chuanwang Xiaoyan capsule based on characterization of chemical constituents in vitro and in vivo using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry and pharmacokinetic study of multiple components in rats using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Wang Hongjin , Gao Aichun , Wei Lan , Yu Jia
Published: June 2024

Chuanwang Xiaoyan (CWXY) capsule is primarily used to treat a variety of acute and chronic inflammations, including acute and chronic pharyngitis and tonsillitis. However, a systematic study of its chemical constituents is still not available. This study evaluated the chemical constituents in vitro and metabolite profiles in vivo of CWXY using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with Q‐Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the nine main components in rats were detected using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS). A total of 92 chemical constituents in CWXY were preliminarily identified in vitro. After oral administration to rats, 56 prototype components and 128 metabolites of CWXY were detected in the biological samples of rat plasma, urine, bile, and feces. Of these prototype components and metabolites, seven new compounds, namely M15, M16, M25, M30, M31, M71, and M128, were detected for the first time. The quantitation method of nine components in rat plasma was developed using a pharmacokinetic study. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to investigate the pharmacokinetic behavior of triumbelletin.
Peri‐implantitis as a rare local manifestation of actinomycosis: A case report
Authors: Hawkins Daniel , Golob Deeb Janina
Published: June 2024

Background

Actinomycosis can be caused by periapical endodontic infection, trauma, or surgical dental procedures. Due to its rare occurrence in a healthy adult patient, persistent actinomycotic osteomyelitis around implants presenting as severe peri‐implantitis may be challenging to diagnose.

Methods

A 26‐year‐old male patient with non‐contributory medical history presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in 2018 with pain and edema associated with endodontically treated maxillary premolar teeth with poor prognosis. Oral examination revealed fair oral hygiene, heavily restored dentition, multiple carious teeth, failing restorations, endodontic treatments in both maxillary quadrants, and normal periodontal examination.

Results

Two years following extractions and restoration with implants, the patient returned with a bony sequestrum and fistula in the buccal gingiva adjacent to the implants. The patient reported shifting of implants and slight change in his occlusion. Clinical, radiographic, and endodontic examinations did not demonstrate a clear origin of the fistula. A periodontist was consulted regarding the possibility of peri‐implantitis and tracing of the fistula suggested intraosseous involvement of the implant surface. Flap surgery, biopsy, culture, implant removal, and surgical debridement were performed. Histologic examination revealed colonies of actinomycotic organisms and confirmed likely diagnosis of actinomycosis. The patient was placed on a long course of penicillin VK.

Conclusions

The occurrence of actinomycosis in a healthy adult patient is rare. This case report describes persistent actinomycosis presenting as osteomyelitis with severe peri‐implantitis in a healthy patient, which may have been associated with a previously existing periapical endodontic infection.
Myroids odoratum bacteremia: A rare clinical isolate presented as a soft tissue infection
Authors: Abu Alya Walaa , Nadeem Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Myroides odoratus infection, a rare gram‐negative bacillus, predominantly affects immunocompromised patients and presents with diverse clinical manifestations. Antibiotic resistance poses challenges in determining appropriate treatment. This case underscores successful management of Myroides odoratus cellulitis complicated by bacteremia with dual antibiotic therapy, emphasizing the importance of timely recognition and susceptibility testing for effective treatment strategies.
Methanol Production from Residual Coffee Pulp Gasification Using Cu/Zno/Al2O3 Catalyst: Simulation and ANOVA Assessment
Authors: Aristizábal‐Alzate Carlos Esteban , Dongil Ana Belén , Romero‐Sáez Manuel
Published: June 2024

Methanol is considered a key and platform compound to produce high value‐added chemicals, and it could contribute to energy transition, decreasing the dependence of fossil fuels. This paper presents a methanol synthesis simulation over a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3, which is used at industrial scale. With the aim of exploring renewable raw materials as alternative to synthesize this alcohol, synthesis gas was obtained as a starting mixture from gasification of residual coffee pulp, which is an agro‐industrial waste widely generated in coffee producing countries. Currently, the raw materials most used to obtain methanol are natural gas and coal, so the use of agro‐industrial waste as a raw material would achieve greener methanol production. Design of experiments and ANOVA were applied to obtain results with statistical significance. Residual coffee pulp gasification conditions and reaction temperature were the controlled variables, while methanol production was selected as a response one. The simulation runs and ANOVA were analyzed and compared with the literature reports, and it was observed that methanol production is possible avoiding the catalyst deactivation. For the best obtained conditions, the profiles along the reactor of chemical species molar fraction, stochiometric number, methanol production and pressure drop were shown.
Metal‐Free Ammonia Borane‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of Lactones and Esters to Alcohols
Authors: Yessengazin Azamat , Seisenkul Bakdaulet , Tussupbayev Samat , Andizhanova Tolganay , Khalimon Andrey Y.
Published: June 2024

Herein we describe an efficient methodology for metal‐free hydroborative cleavage of lactones and esters with HBPin (Pin=pinacol) to the corresponding alcohol derivatives using ammonia borane as a pre‐catalyst. The reactions proceed under mild conditions, can be performed in a solvent‐free manner, and do not require an inert atmosphere. Combined experimental and computational mechanistic studies suggest a novel mechanism that involves μ‐aminodiboranes as catalytically active species.
Effect of pH on the Selectivity of γ‐MnO2 Electrocatalysts towards Oxygen Evolution Reaction in the Presence of Chloride Ions in Alkaline Environment
Authors: Finn Matthew , Weathers Brandice , Hudak Bethany M. , Baturina Olga A.
Published: June 2024

In this manuscript, we explore the effect of pH on the selectivity of a hydrothermally synthesized nanostructured γ‐MnO2 electrocatalyst in the alkaline environment. Selectivity of electrodeposited γ‐MnO2 toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 0.5 M NaCl at pH 12 has been demonstrated by Fujimura et al (Mat. Sci. Eng., A267 (1999) 254–259). Herein, we extend the pH region from pH 8.2 to pH 13 and demonstrate by thin‐film rotating disk electrode (RDE) method that the catalyst is selective toward the OER at current densities up to ca 15 mA/cm2 in the entire range of pH, if buffer is utilized to mitigate the effect of local pH. In synthetic seawater, at pH 8.2, the catalyst is not selective toward the OER. The analysis of the OER Tafel slopes at low current densities (<3 mA/cm2) shows that the slopes were not affected by pH in 0.5 M NaCl solutions, which suggests the same OER mechanism. At the same time, reaction rate decreased with decrease in pH. Nafion ionomer in the catalyst layer may adversely affect the catalyst's performance at pH ≤12 by limiting diffusion of OH− ions through the Nafion film. Catalyst layers need to be carefully designed to avoid negative effects of Nafion.
A hybrid CNN–RNN model for rainfall–runoff modeling in the Potteruvagu watershed of India
Authors: Shekar Padala Raja , Mathew Aneesh , Sharma Kul Vaibhav
Published: June 2024

Accurate rainfall‐runoff analysis is essential for water resource management, with artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly used in this and other hydrological areas. The need for precise modelling has driven substantial advancements in recent decades. This study employed six AI models. These were the support vector regression model (SVR), the multilinear regression model (MLR), the extreme gradient boosting model (XGBoost), the long‐short‐term memory (LSTM) model, the convolutional neural network (CNN) model, and the convolutional recurrent neural network (CNN‐RNN) hybrid model. It covered 1998–2006, with 1998–2004 for calibration/training and 2005–2006 for validation/testing. Five metrics were used to measure model performance: coefficient of determination (R2), Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), mean absolute error (MAE), root‐mean square error (RMSE), and RMSE‐observations standard deviation ratio (RSR). The hybrid CNN‐RNN model performed best in both training and testing periods (training: R2 is 0.92, NSE is 0.91, MAE is 10.37 m3s−1, RMSE is 13.13 m3s−1, and RSR is 0.30; testing: R2 is 0.95, NSE is 0.94, MAE is 12.18 m3s−1, RMSE is 15.86 m3s−1, and RSR is 0.25). These results suggest the hybrid CNN‐RNN model is highly effective for rainfall‐runoff analysis in the Potteruvagu watershed.
Discovery of Novel Fluorescent Azaindoles with Cytotoxic Action in A2780 Ovarian Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Cunha José C. , Roma‐Rodrigues Catarina , Ferreira Joana R. M. , Baptista Pedro V. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Guieu S. , Marques M. Manuel B.
Published: June 2024

Azaindole scaffold is a privileged structure in medicinal chemistry and some derivatives have demonstrated to be potential anticancer drugs. Herein, a set of novel azaindoles, comprising the four regioisomers, bearing a morpholine (azaindoles 3 a‐d) and N‐methyl‐N‐benzylamine (azaindoles 4 a‐d) groups were prepared. Among these compounds, azaindoles 4 exhibited higher cytotoxicity against the ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and normal dermal fibroblasts compared to azaindoles 3. Furthermore, azaindoles 4 b and 4 c promoted a delay in the cell cycle of the cancer cell line, inspiring an investigation into the intracellular localization of these derivatives.
The effect of different implant‐abutment types and heights on screw loosening in cases with increased crown height space
Authors: Hendi Amirreza , Mirzaee Sobhan , Falahchai Mehran
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The stability of the abutment screw is pivotal for successful implant‐supported restorations, yet screw loosening remains a common complication, leading to compromised function and potential implant failure. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different implant‐abutment types and heights on screw loosening in cases with increased crown height space (CHS).

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro study, a total of 64 abutments in eight distinct groups based on their type and height were evaluated. These groups included stock, cast, and milled abutments with heights of 4 mm (groups S4, C4, and M4), 7 mm (groups S7, C7, and M7), and 10 mm (groups C10 and M10). Removal torque loss (RTL) was assessed both before and after subjecting the abutments to dynamic cyclic loading. Additionally, the differences between initial RTL and RTL following cyclic loading were analyzed for each group (p < .05).

Results

The C10 group demonstrated the highest RTL, whereas the S4 group exhibited the lowest initial RTL percentage (p < .05). Furthermore, the study established significant variations in RTL percentages and the discrepancies between initial and postcyclic loading RTL across different abutment groups (p < .05). Additionally, both abutment types and heights were found to significantly influence the RTL percentage (p < .05).

Conclusion

The type and height of the implant abutment affected screw loosening, and in an increased CHS of 12 mm, using a stock abutment with a postheight of 4 mm can be effective in minimizing screw loosening.
The assessment of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and oxidized glutathione in patients with periodontitis—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohideen Khadijah , Krithika Chandrasekaran , Jeyanthikumari T. , Vani N. V. , Dhungel Safal , Ghosh Snehashish
Published: June 2024

Objective

The present systematic review explored the involvement of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in periodontitis, drawing from established literature.

Materials and Methods

The research approach encompassed an extensive electronic search from 2000 to 2023 across databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library and cross‐referencing using specific keywords.

Results

The initial literature exploration generated a total of 766 articles. After thoroughly examining the abstracts, 693 articles were excluded from consideration due to duplication and lack of relevance to the central research inquiry. Following that, 73 articles were left for in‐depth evaluation. Following a qualitative assessment, 35 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria were chosen, while 38 were removed for not meeting the necessary standards. Within this selection, a meta‐analysis was conducted on 11 articles that provided consistent data for quantitative synthesis. Specifically, the analysis of glutathione (GSH) levels in serum samples revealed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −5.552 µg/mL (CI 95%: −9.078 to −2.026; P‐0.002). In contrast, the analysis of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples displayed an overall SMD of 2.918 ng/µL (CI 95%: 0.372–5.465; P‐0.025), while salivary samples exhibited an overall SMD value of 0.709 U/l (95% CI: −1.907–3.325; P‐0.596) which is of insignificant.

Conclusion

The systematic review findings suggest a notable decrease in antioxidant enzymes across various systemic biological samples among patients with periodontitis, contrasting with the results from gingival tissue samples meta‐analysis of GPx enzyme.
Investigating the effect of depression on clinical symptoms of temporomandibular disorder in young stressful men
Authors: Sadrzadeh Afshar Maryam , Salari Behzad , Nejad Sina Varasteh
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of the depression level with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in young conscripts as a population with chronic stresses.

Material and Methods

A total number of 144 male conscripts with chronic stress and different levels of depression were assigned to four groups according to the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). The control group consisted of age‐matched male conscripts without chronic stress. The diagnosis of TMD was made according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney and chi‐square tests.

Results

The participants with severe depression were significantly more susceptible to have TMD (p = .001) followed by the moderate depression, borderline clinical depression, mild mood disturbance, and control groups. The TMD diagnoses were more prevalent within depression groups compared with the control population (p = .01).

Conclusions

The level of depression is directly associated with the presence of TMD in young men with chronic stress.