bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of tissue factor gene expression in obesity
Authors: Samad Fahumiya , Pandey Manjula , Loskutoff David J.
Published: July 2002

Altered expression of proteins of the fibrinolytic and coagulation cascades in obesity may contribute to the cardiovascular risk associated with this condition. In spite of this, the zymogenic nature of some of the molecules and the presence of variable amounts of activators, inhibitors, and cofactors that alter their activity have made it difficult to accurately monitor changes in the activities of these proteins in tissues where they are synthesized. Thus, as a first approach to determine whether tissue factor (TF) expression is altered in obesity, this study examined changes in TF mRNA in various tissues from lean and obese (ob/ob and db/db) mice. TF gene expression was elevated in the brain, lung, kidney, heart, liver, and adipose tissues of both ob/ob and db/db mice compared with their lean counterparts. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that TF mRNA was elevated in bronchial epithelial cells in the lung, in myocytes in the heart, and in adventitial cells lining the arteries including the aortic wall. Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, and administration of insulin to lean mice induced TF mRNA in the kidney, brain, lung, and adipose tissue. These observations suggest that the hyperinsulinemia associated with insulin-resistant states, such as obesity and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, may induce local TF gene expression in multiple tissues. The elevated TF may contribute to the increased risk of atherothrombotic disease that accompanies these conditions.
Bone marrow origin of hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells in murine muscle
Authors: Kawada Hiroshi , Ogawa Makio
Published: July 2002

It has been reported that mononuclear cells harvested from murine skeletal muscle are capable of hematopoietic reconstitution of lethally irradiated mice. First, the nature of the hematopoietic progenitors in the muscle of C57BL/6–Ly-5.1 mice was examined by means of methylcellulose culture. The types and incidences of colonies grown from muscle mononuclear cells were different from those cultured from bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The next step was to examine the origin of the hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells in the muscle with the use of Ly-5.2 mice that had been made chimeric by transplantation of Ly-5.1 BM cells. The percentages of Ly-5.1 cells cultured from the muscle of the chimeric mice correlated with those cultured from BM, indicating BM origin of hematopoietic progenitors in the muscle. Long-term hematopoietic engrafting cells in the muscle of the chimeric mice were also derived from BM. However, mobilization of progenitors into circulation by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor did not change the population of hematopoietic progenitors in the muscle. It is proposed that hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells in the muscle tissue are of BM origin but their transition from BM to muscle may be a slow process.
The Mayo Lung Cohort: A Regression Analysis Focusing on Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality
Authors: Strauss Gary M.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: The Mayo Lung Project has been interpreted as negative because it failed to demonstrate a significant mortality reduction among those randomized to chest x-ray and cytology. In contrast, survival suggests that screening is highly effective. This report was undertaken to analyze the trial as a closed cohort study, in an effort to identify predictors of lung cancer incidence and mortality, and to determine whether survival or mortality was unbiased.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Mayo Lung Cohort comprised all 9,192 randomized individuals. Cox proportional hazards regression was used both to determine predictors of incidence and mortality in the population and to identify predictors of mortality among cases. Survival analyses using intent-to-treat principles and measuring survival from randomization were used to evaluate length bias and lead-time bias. Multivariate Cox regression was used to investigate the extent to which the data are consistent with overdiagnosis.

RESULTS: Cox regression demonstrates that, in addition to age and smoking, randomization to screening predicted increased lung cancer incidence (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.60). Predictors of mortality were similar, except randomization to screening was not significant (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.37). Among cases, survival was significantly superior in the experimental population. Higher incidence in the experimental group accounts for the mortality/survival discrepancy. Both lead-time and length biases can be excluded, because survival from randomization was superior in the experimental population. Overdiagnosis is eliminated because resection was the only significant multivariate predictor of survival. Overall, 50% of resected and 0% of unresected cases were cured.

CONCLUSION: Survival was superior in the screened population, and this advantage was not attributable to lead-time bias, length bias, or overdiagnosis bias. Mortality was biased, because incidence differences confounded the ability of mortality to reflect the true effect of screening. Indeed, survival provided an unbiased surrogate for cure in the Mayo Lung Cohort.
Treatment of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia With Rituximab
Authors: Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Zervas Constantinos , Zomas Athanassios , Kiamouris Christos , Viniou Nora A. , Grigoraki Vassiliki , Karkantaris Christos , Mitsouli Chrisanthi , Gika Dimitra , Christakis John , Anagnostopoulos Nikolaos
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a low-grade lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in which CD20 is usually expressed on tumor cells. There is evidence that patients with WM may benefit from treatment with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. We performed a prospective phase II study to clearly define the activity of rituximab in patients with this disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with WM were treated with rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) for 4 weeks. Three months after completion of rituximab, patients without evidence of progressive disease received repeat 4-week courses of this agent. All patients were symptomatic, their median age was 72 years, and 15 patients were previously untreated.

RESULTS: Twelve patients (44%; 95% confidence interval, 25.5% to 64.7%) achieved a partial response after treatment with rituximab. Median time to response was 3.3 months (range, 2.2 to 7.1 months). Responses occurred in six (40%) of 15 previously untreated patients and in six (50%) of 12 pretreated patients. Patients with a serum immunoglobulin M less than 40 g/L had a significantly higher response rate. The median time to progression for all patients was 16 months, and with a median follow-up of 15.7 months, nine of 12 responding patients remain free of progression. Treatment with rituximab was well tolerated, with approximately one fourth of patients experiencing some mild form of infusion-related toxicity, usually fever and chills.

CONCLUSION: Our prospective data indicate that rituximab is well tolerated and active in patients with WM. Previously untreated and pretreated patients seem to benefit equally. Repeat 4-week courses of rituximab may prolong the duration of response of the disease, but this observation requires confirmation in prospective, randomized trials. Furthermore, studies that will combine rituximab with chemotherapy may be relevant.
New-Onset Vulvar Edema in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Prat Colilles Eugeni , Plana Pla Adrià , Bielsa Marsol Isabel
Published: September 2024

A female pediatric patient presents with asymptomatic vulvar edema and swelling, erythema, and palpable induration on the labia minora and majora of the vulva. What is your diagnosis?
Global Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Staphylococcus aureus in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Elizalde-Jiménez Itzel Guadalupe , Ruiz-Hernández Fernando Gerardo , Carmona-Cruz Silvia Angélica , Pastrana-Arellano Elena , Aquino-Andrade Alejandra , Romo-González Carolina , Arias-de la Garza Eduardo , Álvarez-Villalobos Neri Alejandro , García-Romero Maria Teresa
Published: September 2024

Importance

Individuals with atopic dermatitis are frequently colonized and infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Empirical antibiotic therapy for individuals with atopic dermatitis is common, but data about the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of S aureus strains isolated from these individuals are scarce for those living in particular geographic areas.

Objective

To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of S aureus from individuals with atopic dermatitis and analyze differences according to the income level of the country of origin and the data collection period.

Data Sources

A meta-analysis of the literature was performed from the inception of the included databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane) to June 20, 2023, using predetermined Medical Subject Headings.

Study Selection

Studies were included if they reported antibiotic susceptibility profiles of 1 or more S aureus cutaneous isolates from individuals with atopic dermatitis. Articles written in English, Spanish, French, or German were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Working in pairs, 6 of the authors conducted the data extraction. The guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) were followed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome of interest was antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results

A total of 61 studies reported 4091 S aureus isolates from individuals with atopic dermatitis. For 4 of the 11 commonly used antibiotics (36.4%), antimicrobial susceptibility was 85% or less, including for methicillin (binomial proportion, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.76-0.91]), erythromycin (binomial proportion, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.61-0.83]), fusidic acid (binomial proportion, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.62-0.91]), and clindamycin (binomial proportion, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65-0.89]). Most studies (46; 75.4%) were conducted in high-income countries. Antimicrobial susceptibility to erythromycin, methicillin, and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole was significantly lower in lower middle–income countries and upper middle–income countries. Regarding the temporal trends, 33 studies (54.1%) reported data collected from 1998 to 2010. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns have not changed over time.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility of S aureus to β-lactams, erythromycin, clindamycin, and fusidic acid may be suboptimal for empirical use in individuals with atopic dermatitis. Significant differences in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were found in high-income countries and in lower middle–income countries and upper middle–income countries for some antibiotics.
Treatment of Annular Elastolytic Giant Cell Granuloma With Tofacitinib
Authors: Zhang Tian-Yi , Qu Tao
Published: September 2024

This case report describes a patient in her 50s with no history of diabetes who presented with multiple erythematous papules on her limbs and was diagnosed with annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Surgical Site Infection After Traumatic Hollow Viscus Injury
Authors: Cyprich Janelle , Kaji Amy H. , Moulton Alexandra , Kim Hye Kwang E. , Schwed Alexander C. , Keeley Jessica A.
Published: September 2024

This cohort study investigates the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical site infection after traumatic hollow viscus injury.
Home sweet home: Evaluation of native versus exotic plants as resources for insects in urban green spaces
Authors: Lerch Doris , Blüthgen Nico , Mody Karsten
Published: September 2024

Insect decline and loss of biodiversity not only affect large‐scale agricultural landscapes, but are increasingly recognized in urban environments. It is undisputed that a greater supply of flowers in urban green spaces can provide insects with more food and habitat. However, it is still controversial whether native wild plants or non‐native ornamental plants and varieties are the right choice.

To answer this question we investigated the number of insects interacting with different types of plants: twelve ornamental and six related wild perennials. In this context, the number of flower visitors per plant species and plot was recorded at 10‐minute observation intervals, as well as the feeding damage caused by insect herbivores on the leaves and stems of the study plants. We established 18 plant species in ten independent study plots in the city of Darmstadt, Germany. The plants were six native wild plant species, six ornamental plant species related to the wild plants from the same genus or family and six exotic ornamental plant species from other genera and families than the wild plants.

Native insects (wild bees, flies, beetles, wasps) that feed on pollen and nectar visited wild perennials significantly more often (67% of all visits) than related ornamental (24%) and unrelated exotic plants (9%). In contrast, honey bees (Apis mellifera) showed no preferences to any of the three target plant groups and interacted with other plant species than most of the native insects in our study according to analyses of interaction networks.

The assessment of leaf damage caused by insect herbivores on the individual plants confirmed a similar and significant difference in the insects' choices. Leaves from wild plants showed the highest herbivory (mean 2.3% of the leaf area), followed by related ornamental plants (0.8%), whereas unrelated exotic plants were hardly consumed (0.1%) by herbivores.

Practical implication. Our study shows that in urban green spaces, both flower‐visiting and leaf‐feeding insects are more likely to use native wild plants as a food source than closely related and exotic ornamental plants.
Does Cross‐Age Contact Reduce the Cross‐Age Deficit in Younger and Older Adult's Eyewitness Identification Performance?
Authors: Humphries Joyce E. , Havard Catriona , Breese Emily
Published: September 2024

Age‐related differences in identification performance between younger (18–35 years) and older adults (62–68 years), alongside the cross‐age effect (CAE), where people recognise own‐age faces better than other‐age faces, were investigated. Self‐reported levels of other‐age contact and attitudes, participants' memory for the unbiased lineup instructions, and the confidence‐accuracy (C‐A) relationship were also examined. Participants (N = 154) viewed two filmed events: one with a young adult target and one with an older adult target. Older adults were less likely than younger adults to identify the perpetrator. Interestingly, the CAE, contact, attitudes, and choosing behaviours did not impact identification performance. Older adults experienced more difficulty remembering the pre‐lineup instructions than younger adults, but only after the first lineup. Confidence was predictive of accuracy for both age groups, but this relationship was differently influenced by the CAE. The findings provide further insights into the factors that may impact younger and older adults' identification performance.
Innovating Lubrication with Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels: Sustained Performance Through Lipid Dynamics
Authors: Wang Zhongrui , Li Panpan , Li Benyou , Yang Shenghao , Zhao Ting , Meng Yuwen , Li Qiang , Hao Jingcheng , Wang Xu
Published: September 2024

The lubrication process of natural joint cartilage involves a series of coordinated mechanisms, a key aspect of which is its ability to continuously extract lubricating components from synovial fluid to achieve sustained lubrication. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, this study reports a novel polyelectrolyte hydrogel, specifically integrating ε‐poly‐L‐lysine (ε‐PL), adeptly captures lipids from environment to achieve effective lubrication similar to human joints. The ε‐PL within the hydrogel facilitates the dynamic sequestration of lipids, fostering interfacial self‐assembly. This setup, enriched with highly hydrated lipid head groups, enhances boundary lubrication capabilities for extended performance. Through rigorous evaluation of friction coefficients and supramolecular interactions between the hydrogel and lipids, it identified hydrogen bonding, charge‐dipole, and hydrophobic interactions as key to this self‐assembly. The findings affirm the versatility of polyelectrolytes in synthesizing lubricating hydrogels, bridging the gap to the creation of biomimetic hydrogels that mimic natural lubrication with enhanced durability and efficiency.
Dynamic Adhesive Fibers for Remote Capturing of Objects
Authors: Presti Marco Lo , Portoghese Marina , Farinola Gianluca M. , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: September 2024

B. mori silk has been extensively utilized to create Regenerated Silk Fibroin solutions (RSF) for a wide range of technological applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, biomaterials, and adhesives. In this study, an RSF‐dopamine (DA) composite is introduced that yields easily deployable hydrogel fibers possessing adhesive properties that can be released on demand to capture and retrieve loads from a distance. The RSF‐DA serves as an artificial dope, combining the functional attributes of silk fibroin (i.e., hydrogel formation) and dopamine (i.e., adhesion) to instantly generate adjustable hydrogel fibers displaying a sticky behavior. The mechanical strength and adhesive characteristics of this material are assessed using tensile and lap‐shear tests. Furthermore, the possibility of tuning these properties is demonstrated by adding chitosan (Ch) and borate ions (BB), leading to remarkable mechanical and adhesive performances up to 107 MPa and 280 kPa, respectively, which allows the retrieval of objects from the ejected structure. This process can be finely tuned to achieve a controlled fabrication of instantaneously formed adhesive hydrogel fibers for manifold applications, mimicking living organisms’ ability to eject tunable adhesive functional threads.
Effective Regulation of Morphologies and Exciton‐Generation Process Enables Quasi‐Planar All‐Polymer Organic Solar Cells Exceed 18% Efficiency
Authors: Wang Jiaying , Chen Tianqi , Zhao Wenkai , Tang Xian , Bai Yuyang , Zhou Wenying , Long Guankui , Ji Xinyi , Lu Guanghao , Feng Wanying , Wan Xiangjian , Kan Bin , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2024

Disordered polymer chain entanglements within all‐polymer blends limit the formation of optimal donor–acceptor phase separation, and thus the performance of all‐polymer organic solar cells (all‐PSCs). Considering the challenge and importance of morphology regulation in all‐PSCs, a diluted layer‐by‐layer (N‐LBL) strategy is thereby adopted to fine‐tuning the properties of all‐polymer blends. When comparing the traditional PM6:PY‐IT based bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) film and PM6/PY‐IT layer‐by‐layer (LBL) film, the N‐LBL film, which is prepared from diluted PM6 (with 3% PY‐IT) bottom layer and diluted PY‐IT (with 6% PM6) top layer, displayed a clearer bi‐continuous fibrillar network and a higher exciton generation process. Benefiting from these unique characters, the all‐PSC consisting the N‐LBL active layer exhibited a short‐circuit current density over 26 mA cm−2 and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.33%, which are both higher than those of BHJ (16.88%) and LBL (17.13%) devices. Moreover, the universality of the dilution strategy in other all‐polymer blends (PM6 and PY‐DT, PM6 and PY‐FT‐o) is also demonstrated with unanimously improved device performance. This work underscores the effectiveness of the diluted layer‐by‐layer method in tuning the morphologies and charge dynamics for high‐performance all‐PSCs.
From Bulk to Nanosheet: How Tellurene Can Influence the Performance of Li‐S Batteries on Both Electrodes
Authors: Han Bin , Cao Xinrui , Liu Xingfa , Chen Kai , Xiao Liangping , Xu Qingchi , Wu Shunqing , Xu Jun
Published: September 2024

In the face of growing environmental challenges and the need for alternative energy storage, lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries stand out for their high theoretical energy density and sulfur's eco‐friendliness. However, the practical application of Li‐S batteries faces significant obstacles, particularly at the cathode and anode. This study explores the transformative impact of 2D tellurene, focusing on how its dimensional variations influence Li‐S battery performance. At the cathode, tellurene not only improves the conductivity and sulfur utilization but also accelerates the conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Its reduced size, compared to the bulk counterpart, offers numerous active sites for efficient Li‐ion migration and promotes LiPSs decomposition. At the anode, the protective polytellurosulfides are formed, thereby establishing a stable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and enhancing reversible lithium deposition. Diminishing the dimensions of tellurene improves its catalytic interface, leading to faster polysulfide conversion kinetics at the cathode and robust SEI formation at the anode. Li‐S batteries equipped with ultra‐thin tellurene‐modified separators demonstrate exceptional performance, exhibiting high areal capacity and significantly reduced capacity decay. Computational simulations further validate the advantages of optimizing tellurene dimensions, confirming its essential role in LiPSs decomposition and overall battery efficiency.
Label‐Free Exosome Analysis by Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy with Laser‐Ablated Silver Nanoparticle Substrate
Authors: Park Jong‐Eun , Nam Hyeono , Hwang June Sik , Kim Seunggyu , Kim Seong Jae , Kim Sanha , Jeon Jessie S. , Yang Minyang
Published: September 2024

Early diagnostics of breast cancer is crucial to reduce the risk of cancer metastasis and late relapse. Exosome, which contains distinct information of its origin, can be the target object as a liquid biopsy. However, its low sensitivity and inadequate diagnostic tools interfere with the point‐of‐care testing (POCT) of the exosome. Recently, Surface‐enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy, which amplifies the Raman scattering, has been proved as a promising tool for exosome detection. However, the fabrication process of SERS probe or substrate is still inefficient and far from large‐scale production. This study proposes rapid and label‐free detection of breast cancer‐derived exosomes by statistical analysis of SERS spectra using silver‐nanoparticle‐based SERS substrate fabricated by selective laser ablation and melting (SLAM). Employing silver nanowires and optimizing laser process parameters enable rapid and low‐energy fabrication of SERS substrate. The functionalities including sensitivity, reproducibility, stability, and renewability are evaluated using rhodamine 6G as a probe molecule. Then, the feasibility of POCT is examined by the statistical analysis of SERS spectra of exosomes from malignant breast cancer cells and non‐tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. The presented framework is anticipated to be utilized in other biomedical applications, facilitating cost‐effective and large‐scale production performance.
Microstructural Passivation of Patterned Al2O3 Back Contacts on CdS/CdTe Solar Cells
Authors: Roy Etee Kawna , Mamun Ashraful , Lee Chungho , Xiong Gang , Yoon Heayoung P.
Published: September 2024

Patterned aluminum oxide (Al2O3) back contact on cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells can effectively mitigate the loss of the majority carriers while retaining the passivation benefits for minority carriers. This study investigates the impact of the point‐contact geometry on cell performance, where the spacing of the microholes is systematically varied at a constant microhole diameter (≈16 µm). Microhole arrays are created on an evaporated Al2O3 layer (≈30 nm) on CdTe using laser‐beam lithography and selective wet etching processes. Comparative analysis indicates a significant decrease in fill factor (FF) and short‐circuit current (ISC) when the contact fraction falls below 30%, likely due to the Al2O3 barrier impeding majority carriers. Above this fraction, FF and ISC are comparable to those of baseline CdTe cells without Al2O3. Open‐circuit voltage (VOC) shows a gradual decrease as Al2O3 coverage is reduced but exhibits a slight increase (<15 mV) when the contact fraction exceeds 30%. Cathodoluminescence (CL) characterization reveals that significantly improved radiative recombination occurs within the CdTe grain bulk with Al2O3, whereas this effect on grain boundaries is minimal. The findings imply complex local carrier dynamics in the patterned back‐contact region, closely tied to the microstructural properties of CdTe‐based solar cells.
In Situ Surface Polymerization of PANI/SWCNT Bilayer Film: Effective Composite for Improving Seebeck Coefficient and Power Factor
Authors: Ji Dezhuang , Li Baosong , Raj Balamurugan Thirumal , Li Xuan , Zhang Dawei , Rezeq Moh'd , Cantwell Wesley , Zheng Lianxi
Published: September 2024

Flexible thermoelectric composites are promising in harvesting low‐temperature energies and have a wide range of applications in wearable devices. However, the uncontrollable interfaces between the components significantly scatter the transport of electrons leading to a reduced thermoelectric performance. In this research, hydrochloride acid doped polyaniline (PANI) is directly prepared on the surface of a single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film to form a bilayer structure in controlling the interfacial filtering effect and preserve the high conductivity. Under optimal conditions, a PANI/SWCNT bilayer composite exhibits a Seebeck coefficient of 26 µVK−1 at near room temperature, and a high electrical conductivity of 1320 S cm−1 is maintained. The Seebeck coefficient is a twofold increase compared to a pure SWCNT film, while the power factor is three times the value from a pure SWCNT film and 500 times that from a solution‐mixed PANI/SWCNT composite. The enhanced thermoelectric performance is attributed to SWCNT‐assisted growth through π–π interaction promoting the formation of an oriented and compacted PANI layer, and the bilayer structure can also maximally maintain the electrical conductivity of the composite. The bilayer composite has then been investigated as an energy harvester and a temperature sensor, indicating its reliable performance in wearable applications.
Visible Light Photoredox‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Reaction of Styrenes with Malonic Esters and CO2
Authors: Kharlamova Alisa D. , Averin Alexei D. , Bondarenko Grigoriy N. , Abel Anton S. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: September 2024

A visible light photoredox‐catalyzed bifunctionalization of styrenes with malonic esters and CO2 to form two C(sp3)−C bonds has been developed. The reaction proceeds at room temperature with 0.1 mol% of the organic photocatalyst (4DPAIPN) and cesium carbonate as a base at a CO2 pressure of 4 atm. This results in the production of 3‐arylpropane‐1,1,3‐tricarboxylic acid esters in yields ranging from 48% to 99%.
Iron‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Alkyl Grignard Reagents with Alkenyl Carbonate
Authors: Qin Hongjian , Yang Xingbang , Mintah Bonku Emmanuel , Zhu Fuqiang , Abduahadi Safomuddin , Yang Peng , Shen Jingshan , Akber Aisa Haji
Published: September 2024

Herein, we report the alkylation of alkenyl carbonates using alkyl Grignard reagents and iron catalysis to generate C(sp2)−C(sp3) bonds and provide synthetically useful yields over a range of substrates. The transformation allows the alkylation of a wide range of substrates, including aromatic rings, alkanes, cycloalkanes, heterocycles. This reaction has introduced a new family of electrophiles to the iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.
Self‐Powered Biological UV Photodetector Based on Live Freshwater Green Algae
Authors: Chatterjee Anamika , A Kathirvel , Manivasagam Thirugnasambandam G. , Batabyal Sudip K.
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a remarkably sensitive self‐powered Ultra Violet (UV) photodetector utilizing photosynthetic algae coupled with modified electrodes. The device achieves exceptional sensitivity and stability in photodetection under self‐powered operation by leveraging photosynthetic green algae. Notably, the device demonstrates impressive responsivity, and detectivity of 0.44 A W−1, and 4 ×1010 Jones respectively for 365 nm of the incident light with the lowest intensity of 530 nW cm−2 at zero bias condition. Additionally, it exhibits rapid rise and decay times, clocking in at 0.15 and 0.16 s, respectively, for optimized performance. This self‐powered algal UV photodetector offers high sensitivity, stability, and swift response/recovery rates, presenting a promising solution for current challenges in UV detection applications for sustainable society.
Plasma Cell‐Free DNA Concentration and Fragmentomes Predict Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Peng Ting , Zhang Haiqiang , Li Lingguo , Cao Canhui , Xu Miaochun , Liu Xiaojie , Lin Shitong , Wu Ping , Chu Tian , Liu Binghan , Xu Yashi , Zhang Yan , Wang Yeqin , Yu Jinjin , Ding Wencheng , Jin Xin , Wu Peng
Published: September 2024

Cervical cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies. However, biomarkers for more precise patient care are an unmet need. Herein, the concentration of 285 plasma cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) samples are analyzed from 84 cervical patients and the clinical significance of cfDNA fragmentomic characteristics across the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) treatment. Patients with poor NACT response exhibit a significantly greater escalation in cfDNA levels following the initial cycle of treatment, in comparison to patients with a favorable response. Distinctive end motif profiles and promoter coverages of cfDNA in initial plasma are observed between patients with differing NACT responses. Notably, the DNASE1L3 analysis further demonstrates the intrinsic association between cfDNA characteristics and chemotherapy resistance. The cfDNA and motif ratios show a good discriminative capacity for predicting non‐responders from responders (area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8). In addition, transcriptional start sites (TSS) coverages around promoters discern the alteration of biological processes associated with chemotherapy resistance and reflect the potential value in predicting chemotherapy response. These findings in predictive biomarkers may optimize treatment selection, minimize unnecessary treatment, and assist in establishing personalized treatment strategies for cervical cancer patients.
ProT‐Diff: A Modularized and Efficient Strategy for De Novo Generation of Antimicrobial Peptide Sequences by Integrating Protein Language and Diffusion Models
Authors: Wang Xue‐Fei , Tang Jing‐Ya , Sun Jing , Dorje Sonam , Sun Tian‐Qi , Peng Bo , Ji Xu‐Wo , Li Zhe , Zhang Xian‐En , Wang Dian‐Bing
Published: September 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising solution for treating antibiotic‐resistant pathogens. However, efficient generation of diverse AMPs without prior knowledge of peptide structures or sequence alignments remains a challenge. Here, ProT‐Diff is introduced, a modularized deep generative approach that combines a pretrained protein language model with a diffusion model for the de novo generation of AMPs sequences. ProT‐Diff generates thousands of AMPs with diverse lengths and structures within a few hours. After silico physicochemical screening, 45 peptides are selected for experimental validation. Forty‐four peptides showed antimicrobial activity against both gram‐positive or gram‐negative bacteria. Among broad‐spectrum peptides, AMP_2 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, low hemolysis, and minimal cytotoxicity. An in vivo assessment demonstrated its effectiveness against a drug‐resistant E. coli strain in acute peritonitis. This study not only introduces a viable and user‐friendly strategy for de novo generation of antimicrobial peptides, but also provides potential antimicrobial drug candidates with excellent activity. It is believed that this study will facilitate the development of other peptide‐based drug candidates in the future, as well as proteins with tailored characteristics.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Transition Metal Carbo‐Chalcogenide (Nb2S2C and Ta2S2C) for Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensing
Authors: Xiao Yana , Li Zihua , Tan Di , Carsten Gachot , Xu Bingang
Published: September 2024

With burgeoning considerations over energy issues and carbon emissions, energy harvesting devices such as triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are developed to provide renewable and sustainable power. Enhancing electric output and other properties of TENGs during operation is the focus of research. Herein, two species (Nb2S2C and Ta2S2C) of a new family of 2D materials, Transition Metal Carbo‐Chalcogenides (TMCCs), are first employed to develop TENGs with doping into Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Compared with control samples, these two TMCC‐based TENGs exhibit higher electric properties owing to the enhanced permittivity of PDMS composite, and the best performance is achieved at a concentration of 3 wt. ‰ with open circuit voltage (Voc) of 112 V, short circuit current (Isc) of 8.6 µA and charge transfer (Qsc) of 175 nC for Nb2S2C based TENG, and Voc of 127 V, Isc of 9.6 µA, and Qsc of 230 nC for Ta2S2C based TENGs. These two TENGs show a maximum power density of 1360 and 911 mW m−2 respectively. Moreover, the tribology performance is also evaluated with the same materials, revealing that the Ta2S2C/PDMS composite as the electronegative material presented a lower coefficient of friction (COF) than the Nb2S2C/PDMS composite. Their applications for energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing are also demonstrated.
Selective Chemical Etching to Remove 0D Cs4Pb(IBr)6 from Mixed‐Dimensional Perovskite Surface Achieving High Efficiency Flexible All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with Superior Mechanical Durability
Authors: Liu Huijing , Zhang Zhiyu , Xu Jia , Han Huifang , Zhao Chenxu , Fu Yao , Lang Kun , Shen Fan , Zou Pengchen , Liu Xuewei , Shi Ruifeng , Su Zhenhuang , Gao Xingyu , Liu Shengzhong Frank , Yao Jianxi
Published: September 2024

All‐inorganic cesium lead halide flexible perovskite solar cells (f‐PSCs) exhibit superior thermal stability compared to their organic‐inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, their flexibility and efficiency are still below‐par for practical viability. This study presents an approach involving the introduction of multifunctional molecule ammonium benzenesulfonate (ABS) to selectively etch 0D‐Cs4Pb(IBr)6 from the mixed‐dimensional perovskite film surface, to attain more contact area between the perovskite and hole transport layer for improved hole extraction and transport. It is found that the ABS molecules bind to the perovskite lattice surface via O atoms and NH4+, effectively passivating surface defects and enhancing phase stability. The hydrophobic nature of the benzene ring in ABS further contributes to operational stability, leading to high cell efficiency of 15.00%, accompanied by enhanced operational stability. Even after undergoing 60 000 flexing cycles at a curvature radius of 5 mm, the ABS‐treated f‐PSC still retains over 98.5% of its initial efficiency. This multifunctional strategy for modifying typical mixed‐dimensional perovskite compositions significantly enhances the photovoltaic performance and stability of flexible all‐inorganic f‐PSCs.
Durable Quantum Dot‐Based Luminescent Solar Concentrators Enabled by a Photoactive Block Copolymer
Authors: Terricabres‐Polo Raimon , de Bruin Thomas A. , Kaul Annanta , van Sark Wilfried G.J.H.M. , Donega Celso de Mello
Published: September 2024

Quantum dot (QD)‐based luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) promise to revolutionize solar energy technology by replacing building materials with energy‐harvesting devices. However, QDs degrade under air, limiting the long‐term performance of QD‐LSCs. This study introduces an innovative approach to prevent QDs degradation by utilizing a photoactive polymer matrix (maleic anhydride‐grafted poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene, SEBS‐g‐MA). This strategy has been tested outdoors over a 2‐year period on five LSCs, followed by characterization of the weathered devices. The tested LSCs consist of three QD‐LSCs (CuInS2/ZnS, InP/ZnSe/ZnS, CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs), alongside a Lumogen dye‐based LSC and a luminophore‐free LSC. The study yields several findings: 1) SEBS‐g‐MA undergoes photochemistry outdoors, 2) SEBS‐g‐MA accelerates the photodegradation of Lumogen, 3) the power conversion efficiency of CdSe‐based QD‐LSC drops by 80% due to reduction of the photoluminescence quantum yield, and 4) under illumination SEBS‐g‐MA protects CuInS2 and InP‐based QDs from degradation, ensuring a stable performance during the entire study. This work thus demonstrates for the first time that the interaction between the luminophores and the matrix is a critical determinant of the long‐term success of LSCs. Leveraging on the fact that this is the longest outdoor study to date, we propose design rules for highly efficient and stable QD‐LSCs.
Using Sensory Analysis and Stated Preference Valuation to Assess the Willingness to Pay for Fresh Tomato Attributes
Authors: Zapata Samuel D. , Villavicencio Xavier A. , Marconi Thiago G. , Avila Carlos A.
Published: September 2024

This study combines sensory analysis and stated preference valuation techniques to assess the monetary value of organoleptic attributes of new tomato varieties. The tomatoes evaluated included two new varieties adapted to South Texas growing conditions, a commercial check, and tomatoes imported from Mexico. In a blind sensory test, participants sampled, rated, and valued the attributes of all tomato varieties. Willingness to pay responses were collected using a payment card elicitation approach and jointly analyzed with a multivariate ordered probit model. Price premiums were associated with males, smaller households, younger consumers, higher income, and the liking of different organoleptic attributes.
Measurable residual disease monitoring in AML: Prospects for therapeutic decision‐making and new drug development
Authors: Short Nicholas J. , Dillon Richard
Published: September 2024

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is strongly associated with risk of relapse and long‐term survival outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Apart from its clear prognostic impact, MRD information is also increasingly used to guide therapeutic decision‐making, including selection of appropriate patients for stem cell transplant, use of post‐transplant maintenance, and candidacy for non‐transplant maintenance therapies or MRD‐directed clinical trials. While much progress has been made in accurately assessing MRD and understanding its clinical importance, many questions remain about how to optimize MRD testing and guide treatment decisions for individual patients. In this review, we discuss the common methods to assess MRD in AML and the prognostic impact of MRD across common clinical scenarios. We also review emerging and investigational strategies to target MRD and discuss some of the important unanswered questions and challenges in the field.
Modulating the Inner Helmholtz Plane towards Stable Solid Electrolyte Interphase by Anion‐π Interactions for High‐Performance Anode‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ma Shaobo , Zhao Jingteng , Xiao Huang , Gao Qixin , Li Fang , Song Congying , Li Guoxing
Published: September 2024

Anode‐free lithium (Li) metal batteries (AFLBs) featured high energy density are viewed as the viable future energy storage technology. However, the irregular Li deposition and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on anode current collectors reduce their cycling performance. Here, we propose a concept of anion‐recognition electrodes enabled by anion‐π interactions to regulate the inner Helmholtz plane (IHP) and electrolyte solvation chemistry for high‐performance AFLBs. By engineering the electrodes with electron‐deficient aromatic‐π systems that possess high permanent quadrupole moment (Qzz), the anion‐π interactions can be generated to concentrate the anions on the electrode surface and tune the IHP structure to construct a stable anion‐derived SEI layer, thus achieving highly reversible Li plating/stripping process. Through designing various current collectors with different Qzz values, the intimate correlations among the surface charge of the electrode, competitive adsorption of the IHP, and SEI structures are demonstrated. Particularly, the modified carbon cloth current collector with a high Qzz value (+35.1) delivers a high average Li stripping/plating Coulombic efficiency of 99.1 % over 230 cycles in the carbonated electrolyte, enabling a long lifespan and high capacity retention of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2‐based AFLBs with a commercial‐level areal capacity (4.1 mAh cm−2).
Stapled Peptides as Inhibitors of mRNA Deadenylation
Authors: Pal Sunit , Gordijenko Ilja , Schmeing Stefan , Biswas Somarghya , Akbulut Yasemin , Gasper Raphael , 't Hart Peter
Published: September 2024

Therapeutic intervention targeting mRNA typically aims at reducing the levels of disease‐causing sequences. Achieving the opposite effect of blocking the destruction of beneficial mRNA remains underexplored. The degradation of mRNA starts with the removal of poly(A) tails, reducing their stability and translational activity, which is mainly regulated by the CCR4‐NOT complex. The subunit NOT9 binds various RNA binding proteins, that recruit mRNA in a sequence‐specific manner to the CCR4‐NOT complex to promote their deadenylation. These RNA binding proteins interact with NOT9 through a helical NOT9 binding motif, which we used as a starting point for development of the hydrocarbon stapled peptide NIP‐2. The peptide (KD=60.4 nM) was able to inhibit RNA‐binding (IC50=333 nM) as well as the deadenylation activity of the CCR4‐NOT complex in vitro while being cell‐permeable (cell‐permeability EC50=2.44 μM). A co‐crystal structure of NIP‐2 bound to NOT9 allowed further optimization of the peptide through point mutation leading to NIP‐2‐H27A‐N3 (KD=122 nM) with high cell permeability (cell‐permeability EC50=0.34 μM). The optimized peptide was able to inhibit deadenylation of target mRNAs when used in HeLa cells at a concentration of 100 μM, demonstrating the feasibility of increasing mRNA stability.
Dinuclear Cyclometalated Pincer Nickel(II) Complexes with Metal‐Metal‐to‐Ligand Charge Transfer Excited States and Near‐Infrared Emission
Authors: Gao Mengyue , To Wai‐Pong , Tong Glenna So Ming , Du Lili , Low Kam‐Hung , Tang Zhou , Lu Wei , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: September 2024

Facile non‐radiative decay of low‐lying metal‐centered (MC) dd excited states has been well documented to pose a significant obstacle to the development of phosphorescent NiII complexes due to substantial structural distortions between the dd excited state and the ground state. Herein, we prepared a series of dinuclear Ni2II,II complexes by using strong σ‐donating carbene‐phenyl‐carbene (CNHC Cphenyl CNHC) pincer ligands, and prepared their dinuclear Pt2II,II and Pd2II,II analogues. Dinuclear Ni2II,II complexes bridged by formamidinate/α‐carbolinato ligand exhibit short Ni−Ni distances of 2.947–3.054 Å and singlet metal‐metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (1MMLCT) transitions at 500–550 nm. Their 1MMLCT absorption energies are red‐shifted relative to the Pt2II,II and Pd2II,II analogues at ~450 nm and ≤420 nm respectively. One‐electron oxidation of these Ni2II,II complexes produces valence‐trapped dinuclear Ni2II,III species, which are characterized by EPR spectroscopy. Upon photoexcitation, these Ni2II,II complexes display phosphorescence (τ=2.6–8.6 μs) in the NIR (800–1400 nm) spectral region in 2‐MeTHF and in the solid state at 77 K, which is insensitive to π‐conjugation of the coordinated [CNHC Cphenyl CNHC] ligand. Combined with DFT calculations, the NIR emission is assigned to originate from the 3dd excited state. Studies have found that the dinuclear Ni2II,II complex can sensitize the formation of singlet oxygen and catalyze the oxidation of cyclo‐dienes under light irradiation.
Inner Side Chain Modification of Small Molecule Acceptors Enables Lower Energy Loss and High Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells Processed with Non‐halogenated Solvents
Authors: Wu Xiangxi , Gong Yufei , Li Xiaojun , Qin Shucheng , He Haozhe , Chen Zekun , Liang Tongling , Wang Caixuan , Deng Dan , Bi Zhaozhao , Ma Wei , Meng Lei , Li Yongfang
Published: September 2024

Organic solar cells (OSCs) processed with non‐halogenated solvents usually suffer from excessive self‐aggregation of small molecule acceptors (SMAs), severe phase separation and higher energy loss (Eloss), leading to reduced open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Regulating the intermolecular interaction to disperse the aggregation and further improve the molecular packing order of SMAs would be an effective strategy to solve this problem. Here, we designed and synthesized two SMAs L8‐PhF and L8‐PhMe by introducing different substituents (fluorine for L8‐PhF and methyl for L8‐PhMe) on the phenyl end group of the inner side chains of L8‐Ph, and investigated the effect of the substituents on the intermolecular interaction of SMAs, Eloss and performance of OSCs processed with non‐halogenated solvents. Through single crystal analysis and theoretical calculations, it is found that compared with L8‐PhF, which possesses strong and abundant intermolecular interactions but downgraded molecular packing order, L8‐PhMe with the methyl substituent possesses more effective non‐covalent interactions, which improves the tightness and order of molecular packing. When blending the SMAs with polymer donor PM6, the differences in intermolecular interactions of the SMAs influenced the film formation process and phase separation of the blend films. The L8‐PhMe based blend film exhibits shorten film formation and more homogeneous phase separation than those of the L8‐PhF and L8‐Ph based ones. Especially, the OSCs based on L8‐PhMe show reduced non‐radiative energy loss and enhanced Voc than the devices based on the other two SMAs. Consequently, the L8‐PhMe based device processed with o‐xylene (o‐XY) and using 2PACz as the hole transport layer (HTL) shows an outstanding PCE of 19.27 %. This study highlights that the Eloss of OSCs processed with non‐halogenated solvents could be decreased through regulating the intermolecular interactions of SMAs by inner side chain modification, and also emphasize the importance of effectivity rather than intensity of non‐covalent interactions introduced in SMAs on the molecular packing, morphology and PCE of OSCs.
f–π* Back‐Bonding Orbital Induced by a Lutetium‐Based Conducting Metal–Organic Framework Promotes Highly Selective CO2‐to‐CH4 Conversion at Low Potential
Authors: Yu Fuqing , Zhang Guangyao , Shu Minxing , Wang Hongming
Published: September 2024

The research on electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (ECR) catalysts using renewable energy is particularly crucial in energy conversion studies, especially for viable hydrocarbon production. This study employs density functional theory calculations to screen a series of non‐radioactive lanthanide two‐dimensional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for product selectivity in ECR. Based on theoretical screening, our focus is on a lutetium (Lu)‐based conducting MOF (Lu‐HHTP), which exhibits a Faradaic efficiency of approximately 77 % for methane (CH4) production and maintains a stable current density of −280 mA/cm2 at −1.1 V vs. RHE. In situ electrochemical experiments and material characterization demonstrate that the Lu sites possess high coordination stability and structural recoverability during catalytic CO2 reduction, attributed to the overlap between Lu′s f‐orbitals and the π*‐orbitals of the ligand O, and the formation of back bonding orbitals between the f‐orbitals of Lu and the π* orbitals of CO contribute increasing CH4 selectivity and lowering the potential. This study leverages rare‐earth MOF‐type materials, offering a novel approach to addressing low conductivity and stabilizing rare‐earth materials, thereby establishing a theoretical framework for the conversion of linearly adsorbed *CO into hydrocarbons.