bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invoking Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence by Locking Dimeric Chromophores Through Multiple Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Wang Yuefei , Lin Zhenyi , Zhang Zaiyong , Li Xian , Yao Xiaokang , Yang Huanyu , Zheng Han , Zhao Yi , Wu Beishen , An Zhongfu , Cai Suzhi , Ma Huili , Huang Wei
Published: August 2024

Ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) is essential for potential applications in bioelectronics and optoelectronics. However, the precise design of UOP materials remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a facile strategy is presented to confine dimeric chromophores for triggering UOP emission, based on the manipulation of the carbonyl, sulfonyl, and amino groups within organic phosphors. The experimental data reveal that saccharin analogs in crystals containing dimeric chromophores, confined by the (3D) hydrogen‐bonded networks, exhibit ultralong emission lifetime of up to 635 ms under ambient conditions. Whereas for saccharin analogue crystals lacking dimeric chromophores, the lifetime decreases to 54 ms, resulting in the absence of UOP emission. Moreover, the non‐toxic saccharin crystals with UOP have succeeded in drug anti‐counterfeiting. These findings will open a novel avenue for the design UOP materials and broaden the domain of UOP to diverse applications.
Probiotics‐Loaded Selenium Nanoparticles Effectively Alleviated DSS‐Induced Colitis by Scavenging ROS and Remodeling Intestinal Innate Immune and Microbiota
Authors: Yao Yao , Xue Binqing , Lessing Duncan James , Chu Weihua
Published: August 2024

Alterations in the intestinal microenvironment, including increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), abnormalities in intestinal mucosal immune regulation, and dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota, are crucial to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, an oral colon‐targeting Se‐Probiotic@Alginate bead (BLSe) with ROS‐scavenging ability and gut immune‐microbiota microenvironment remodeling ability is developed using alginate as the primary outer shell encapsulated with probiotics Bacillus licheniformis (BL) and selenium nanoparticles stabilized by yeast glucan (SeNPs). In vitro studies have shown that SeNPs possess antioxidant activity and BLSe exhibits excellent stability in gastric fluids and are released in intestinal fluids. In vivo studies have also shown that BLSe significantly alleviated dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice by inhibiting colon shortening, enhancing antioxidant activity, reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion, and protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier. 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing shows that BLSe can remodel the composition of the gut microbiota by improving bacterial diversity and restoring the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Overall, this study advances a promising probiotic‐based nanomedicine for managing IBD.
Room‐Temperature Blackbody‐Sensitive Photodetector with Visible‐To‐Long‐Wavelength‐Infrared Photoresponse and Ultrafast Speed Based on a Te/PtSe2 Heterostructure
Authors: Dai Zhiyuan , Yu Yu , Guan Haibiao , Wang Ruowen , Ye Tao , Bu Yonghao , Deng Jie , Shi Mengdie , Xin Rui , Li Tianxin , Shu Haibo , Chen Xiaoshuang , Zhou Jing
Published: August 2024

Room‐temperature blackbody‐sensitive infrared photodetectors with ultra‐broadband and ultrafast photoresponses are highly desired in numerous scientific and technical fields. However, it is challenging for an infrared photodetector to simultaneously possess all the aforementioned characteristics. In this study, a room‐temperature Te/PtSe2 heterostructure photodetector is established to address this challenge, utilizing the built‐in field of the heterostructure, the crossing conduction and valence bands of PtSe2, the high mobilities of both materials, and a considerable photogain. The device is photoresponsive over the ultrabroad wavelength range (519 nm–10 µm). The peak responsivity and specific detectivity reach 196.8 A W−1, and 4.3 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W−1, respectively, at the wavelength of 3.32 µm. The device also exhibits blackbody sensitivity, with a responsivity of 24.8 A W−1, and a specific detectivity of 7.4 × 108 cm Hz1/2 W−1. The photoresponse is ultrafast, corresponding to a 3 dB bandwidth of 160 kHz. The study provides new possibilities for high‐performance room‐temperature infrared detection.
Direct Arylation Polycondensation‐Derived Polythiophene Achieves Over 16% Efficiency in Binary Organic Solar Cells via Tuning Aggregation and Miscibility
Authors: Zhang Xuwen , Zhang Tao , Liang Ziqi , Shi Yibo , Li Saimeng , Xu Chenhui , Li Miaomiao , Ye Long , Hou Jianhui , Geng Yanhou
Published: August 2024

Polythiophenes are the most appealing donor materials in organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their simple chemical structures. However, the top‐performance polythiophenes are typically synthesized via Stille polycondensation, which is problematic due to significant toxicity and poor atom economy. By contrast, direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) is an eco‐friendly, and atom‐efficient alternative for synthesizing conjugated polymers, while the best efficiency for DArP‐derived polythiophenes is below 12%. This study reports a series of polythiophene‐based donors synthesized via DArP. Among these, PT4F‐Th reaches a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.4%, which not only matches the current record for polythiophene‐based donor materials, but also marks the highest PCE achieved by DArP‐derived donors to date. The superior performance of PT4F‐Th is largely attributed to its optimal temperature‐dependent aggregation behavior and moderate miscibility with acceptors, along with the highest crystallinity among the candidates, resulting in the most favorable blend film morphology. This study underscores the significant potential of DArP‐derived polythiophenes in developing high‐performance and eco‐friendly OSCs.
Comparing the great recession and COVID‐19 using Long Short‐Term Memory: A close look into agricultural commodity prices
Authors: Amin Modhurima Dey , Badruddoza Syed , Sarasty Oscar
Published: August 2024

We employ a neural network (NN) approach—Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM)—to study agricultural commodity prices during the 2008 Great Recession and the COVID‐19 recession. Our analysis reveals more structural breaks and higher volatility in plant‐based commodities like corn and soybeans during recessions compared with animal‐based commodities. The price reactions varied among commodities, with corn responding first to both recessions, while milk price, which was found independent of other prices, recovered last from the financial recession and first from the disease‐induced recession. This insight into commodity behavior during recessions can aid in trend prediction and recession preparation for investors and researchers.
Synergy Between Light Trapping and Charge Transport for Improved Collection of Photo‐Current
Authors: Jili Ncedo , Mola Genene Tessema
Published: August 2024

Nickel‐doped cobalt bi‐metal nanoparticles (Ni/Co BMNPs) are employed in the transport buffer layer of thin‐film polymer solar cell to assist in the collection of photons generated current. P3HT:PCBM blend‐based polymer solar cells are successfully fabricated with modified hole transport layer (HTL)‐containing BMNPs at different concentrations. The performance of the devices has generally improved compared to the reference cell by the presence of BMNPs in the transport buffer layer, and shows sign of dependence on concentration level. Significant improvements in device performance are recorded at optimum level of 0.05% BMNPs by weight, which resulted in a high current density of 15.31 mA cm−2, and recorded 5.05% power conversion efficiency (PCE). This is 67.8% growth in PCE is compared to the reference cell. Moreover, another investigation is conducted using device simulation program to check the reproducibility of the experiments. The device that is made to mimic the best performance at 0.05% BNMP concentration produced an efficiency of 5.76%. Such reproducibility of data is an important development toward better understanding of the charge transport process in polymer solar cell. This study further provides new evidences about factors that influence device performance due to the inclusion of the BMNPs.
Dynamics of productivity in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in subtropical Australia
Authors: Mahendraraj Sabampillai , Collins Marisa , Chauhan Yash , Mellor Vincent , Rachaputi Rao C. N.
Published: August 2024

Pigeonpea productivity can be enhanced by optimally matching the physiology of genotypes to environmental conditions. Information on crop responses to the environment has been lacking for the short‐duration pigeonpea genotypes, which are being trialed to develop the Australian pigeonpea industry. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics of productivity in relation to radiation use efficiency (RUE) and its influence on yield partitioning. Seven field trials, employing three pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.). Millsp.] genotypes, were established at the Gatton Campus, the University of Queensland, Australia, in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 summer seasons. The study reveals that leaf area development, influenced by growing environment, genotypes, and their interactions, were the key factors for the differences in leaf area duration and RUE. Pigeonpea planted in December had higher seasonal (1.11 g MJ−1) as well as reproductive (0.71 g MJ−1) RUE, resulting in significant differences in total dry matter (TDM) and grain yield (GY). GY was positively associated with seasonal RUE (R2 = 0.62), and the relationship was stronger (R2 = 0.83) for the reproductive phase (RUE(R)). The positive association between GY and RUE(R) suggested that maintaining optimum leaf area during the grain filling period is crucial to achieve higher productivity. Variations in GY were related to amount and rate of TDM accumulation before flowering (R2 = 0.51 and R2 = 0.53, respectively). Hence, achieving greater TDM before flowering was determinant for achieving higher productivity. The present study provided updated information on dynamics of productivity that will enable more comprehensive modelling of pigeonpea adaptation under subtropical conditions.
Diffusion behaviors of binary mixtures of alkanes and aromatics through ZSM‐5 zeolite: A kinetic Monte Carlo study
Authors: Gray Brian , Kuhn John , Joseph Babu
Published: August 2024

Diffusion of hydrocarbon species in an MFI‐type zeolite was investigated using a coarse‐grained approach combined with Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations. The model was employed to capture and isolate the essential characteristics of hydrocarbon diffusion such as molecular pushing, passing, and blocking. A modified Lennard‐Jones type forcefield was used to approximate interactions between molecules, and molecules with the oxygen in the zeolite lattice. The basis for the rate expressions is configurational diffusion theory, which has been adjusted to account for an accurate representation of the motions of hydrocarbon molecules trapped in the zeolite. Diffusion coefficients were estimated for low and high loading of single hydrocarbons as well as binary mixtures. In all cases studied, reasonable agreement was achieved with reported experimental data and molecular dynamics simulations. The model is conceptualized as an analytical tool that may be used to address key engineering topics such as applications of zeolites as size‐selective barriers.
Clinical outcomes and microenvironment profiling in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients with extramedullary disease receiving anti‐BCMA CAR T‐cell‐based therapy
Authors: Qi Yuekun , Li Hujun , Qi Kunming , Zhu Feng , Cheng Hai , Chen Wei , Yan Zhiling , Li Depeng , Sang Wei , Fei Xiaoming , Gu Weiying , Miao Yuqing , Huang Hongming , Wang Ying , Qiu Tingting , Qiao Jianlin , Pan Bin , Shi Ming , Wang Gang , Li Zhenyu , Zheng Junnian , Xu Kailin , Cao Jiang
Published: August 2024

Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients with extramedullary disease (EMD) have unfavorable prognosis and lack effective therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell activities in EMD have yet to be determined; how EMD‐specific microenvironment influences the clinical outcomes of CAR T‐cell therapy remains of great interest. In this prospective cohort study, patients with histologically confirmed extra‐osseous EMD were enrolled and treated with combined anti‐BCMA and anti‐CD19 CAR T‐cell therapy from May 2017 to September 2023. Thirty‐one patients were included in the study. Overall response occurred in 90.3% of medullary disease and 64.5% of EMD (p = .031). Discrepancies in treatment response were noted between medullary and extramedullary diseases, with EMD exhibiting suboptimal and delayed response, as well as shortened response duration. With a median follow‐up of 25.3 months, the median progression‐free and overall survival were 5.0 and 9.7 months, respectively. Landmark analysis demonstrated that progression within 6 months post‐infusion is strongly associated with an increased risk of death (HR = 4.58; p = .029). Compared with non‐EMD patients, patients with EMD showed inferior survival outcomes. Unique CAR‐associated local toxicities at EMD were seen in 22.6% patients and correlated with the occurrence and severity of systemic cytokine release syndrome. To the cutoff date, 65% treated patients experienced EMD progression, primarily in the form of BCMA+ progression. The pretherapy EMD immunosuppressive microenvironment, characterized by infiltration of exhausted CD8+ T cells, was associated with inferior clinical outcomes. CAR T cells have therapeutic activity in relapsed/refractory EMD, but the long‐term survival benefits may be limited. EMD‐specific microenvironment potentially impacts treatment. Further efforts are needed to extend EMD remission and improve long‐term outcomes.
Bot fly parasitism in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata): General patterns and climate influences
Authors: Ortíz‐Zárate Ricardo J. , Rangel‐Negrín Ariadna , Coyohua‐Fuentes Alejandro , Ibáñez‐Bernal Sergio , Cristóbal‐Azkarate Jurgi , Dias Pedro A. D.
Published: August 2024

Parasitism is a strong selective pressure, and its study is crucial for predicting the persistence of host species. Mantled howler monkeys are infected by the larvae of the bot fly Cuterebra baeri. This parasitosis produces myiasis and may have negative impacts on host health, although systematic information on the dynamics of this host‐parasite relationship is very limited. Currently, all available information on infection patterns of C. baeri comes from a single mantled howler monkey population (Barro Colorado Island, Panama). Therefore, in this study we describe temporal variation in infection patterns for a newly mantled howler monkey population and analyze the relationship between climate and infection likelihood. We assessed the presence of C. baeri nodules in 17 adult individuals in Los Tuxtlas for 10 months through direct observation and compiled data on ambient temperature and rainfall. Most subjects had nodules during the study and there were no differences between sexes in the number of nodules. Nodules were usually located in the neck. Prevalence and abundance of nodules peaked thrice during the study (February, April, and September), a pattern that was very similar to that of parasitism intensity (February, April, and August). Incidence closely tracked these peaks, increasing before and decreasing after them. The likelihood of nodule appearance increased when both mean and minimum temperature decreased in the 24–21 prior days to nodule appearance. It also increased with decreased rainfall in the 5–2 prior days to nodule appearance. Although only three of the eight analyzed climate variables had a significant effect on parasitosis, these results suggest that climate may affect pupal development and the access of larvae to hosts. Besides contributing data on C. baeri parasitism for a new mantled howler monkey population, our study provides novel information on the influence of environmental factors on the dynamics of host‐parasite systems.
Mapping Functional Connectivity Signatures of Pharmacoresistant Focal Cortical Dysplasia‐Related Epilepsy
Authors: Xie Hua , Illapani Venkata Sita Priyanka , Vezina L. Gilbert , Gholipour Taha , Oluigbo Chima , Gaillard William D. , Cohen Nathan T.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To determine common network alterations in focal cortical dysplasia pharmacoresistant epilepsy (FCD‐PRE) using functional connectivity analysis of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI).

Methods

This is a retrospective imaging cohort from Children's National Hospital (Washington, DC, USA) from January, 2011 to January, 2022. Patients with 3‐T MRI‐confirmed FCD‐PRE underwent rsfMRI as part of routine clinical care. Patients were included if they were age 5–22 years at the time of the scan, and had a minimum of 18 months of follow‐up. Healthy, typically‐developing controls were included from Children's National Hospital (n = 16) and matched from Human Connectome Project‐Development public dataset (n = 100).

Results

A total of 42 FCD‐PRE patients (20 M:22 F, aged 14.2 ± 4.1 years) and 116 healthy controls (56 M:60 F, aged 13.7 ± 3.3 years) with rsfMRI were included. Seed‐based functional connectivity maps were generated for each FCD, and each seed was used to generate a patient‐specific z‐scored connectivity map on 116 controls. FCD‐PRE patients had mutual altered connectivity in regions of dorsal attention, default mode, and control networks. Functional connectivity was diminished within the FCD dominant functional network, as well as in homotopic regions. Cluster specific connectivity patterns varied by pathological subtype. Higher FCD connectivity to the limbic network was associated with increased odds of Engel I outcome.

Interpretation

This study demonstrates diminished functional connectivity patterns in FCD‐PRE, which may represent a neuromarker for the disease, independent of FCD location, involving the dorsal attention, default mode, and control functional networks. Higher connectivity to the limbic network is associated with a seizure‐free outcome. Future multicenter, prospective studies are needed to allow for much earlier detection of signatures of treatment‐resistant epilepsy. ANN NEUROL 2025;97:51–61
Simultaneous Inhibition of Vanadium Dissolution and Zinc Dendrites by Mineral‐Derived Solid‐State Electrolyte for High‐Performance Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhou Chuancong , Wang Zeyou , Nan Qing , Wen Huan , Xu Zhenming , Zhang Jie , Zhao Zejun , Li Jing , Xing Zhenyue , Rao Peng , Kang Zhenye , Shi Xiaodong , Tian Xinlong
Published: August 2024

Designing solid electrolyte is deemed as an effective approach to suppress the side reaction of zinc anode and active material dissolution of cathodes in liquid electrolytes for zinc metal batteries (ZMBs). Herein, kaolin is comprehensively investigated as raw material to prepare solid electrolyte (KL−Zn) for ZMBs. As demonstrated, KL−Zn electrolyte is an excellent electronic insulator and zinc ionic conductor, which presents wide voltage window of 2.73 V, high ionic conductivity of 5.08 mS cm−1, and high Zn2+ transference number of 0.79. For the Zn//Zn cells, superior cyclic stability lasting for 2200 h can be achieved at 0.2 mA cm−2. For the Zn//NH4V4O10 batteries, stable capacity of 245.8 mAh g−1 can be maintained at 0.2 A g−1 after 200 cycles along with high retention ratio of 81 %, manifesting KL−Zn electrolyte contributes to stabilize the crystal structure of NH4V4O10 cathode. These satisfying performances can be attributed to the enlarged interlayer spacing, zinc (de)solvation‐free mechanism and fast diffusion kinetics of KL−Zn electrolyte, availably guaranteeing uniform zinc deposition for zinc anode and reversible zinc (de)intercalation for NH4V4O10 cathode. Additionally, this work also verifies the application possibility of KL−Zn electrolyte for Zn//MnO2 batteries and Zn//I2 batteries, suggesting the universality of mineral‐based solid electrolyte.
Self‐Standing Chiral Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films with Full‐Color Tunable Guest‐Induced Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Tang Xihao , Zhang Kai , Xue Ruxiao , Zheng Yuexin , Chen Simin , Zheng Shengrun , Fan Jun , Zhang Yuwei , Ye Weiping , Zhang Weiguang , Cai Songliang , Liu Yi
Published: August 2024

Exploring self‐standing chiral covalent organic framework (COF) thin films with controllable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is of paramount significance but remains a challenging task. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of self‐standing chiral COF films employing a polymerization‐dispersion‐filtration strategy. Pristine, low‐quality chiral COF films were produced by interfacial polymerization and then re‐dispersed into COF colloidal solutions. Via vacuum assisted assembly, these COF colloids were densely stacked and assembled into self‐standing, pure chiral COF films (L‐/D‐CCOF‐F) that were transparent, smooth, crack‐free and highly crystalline. These films were tunable in thicknesses, areas, and roughness, along with strong diffuse reflectance circular dichroism (DRCD) and cyan CPL signals, showing an intrinsic luminescence asymmetric factor (glum) of ~4.3×10−3. Furthermore, these COF films served as host adsorbents to load various achiral organic dye guests through adsorption. The effective chiral transfer and energy transfer between CCOF‐F and achiral fluorescent dyes endowed the dyes with strong chirality and tunable DRCD, resulting in intense, full‐color‐tunable solid‐state CPL. Notably, the ordered arrangement of dye guest molecules within the preferentially oriented chiral pores of CCOF‐F contributed to an amplified |glum| factor of up to 7.2×10−2, which is state‐of‐the‐art for COF‐based CPL materials. This work provides new insights into the design and fabrication of self‐standing chiral COF films, demonstrating their great potential for chiroptical applications.
Unveiling the Aggregation of M−N−C Single Atoms into Highly Efficient MOOH Nanoclusters during Alkaline Water Oxidation
Authors: Lu Shanshan , Zhang Zhipu , Cheng Chuanqi , Zhang Bin , Shi Yanmei
Published: August 2024

M−N−C‐type single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are highly efficient for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). And the isolated metal atoms are usually considered real active sites. However, the oxidative structural evolution of coordinated N during the OER will probably damage the structure of M−N−C, hence resulting in a completely different reaction mechanism. Here, we reveal the aggregation of M−N−C materials during the alkaline OER. Taking Ni−N−C as an example, multiple characterizations show that the coordinated N on the surface of Ni−N−C is almost completely dissolved in the form of NO3−, accompanied by the generation of abundant O functional groups on the surface of the carbon support. Accordingly, the Ni−N bonds are broken. Through a dissolution‐redeposition mechanism and further oxidation, the isolated Ni atoms are finally converted to NiOOH nanoclusters supported by carbon as the real active sites for the enhanced OER. Fe−N−C and Co−N−C also have similar aggregation mechanism. Our findings provide unique insight into the structural evolution and activity origin of M−N−C‐based catalysts under electrooxidative conditions.
Skelettumlagerungen in der enzymkatalysierten Biosynthese korallenartiger Diterpene aus Chitinophaga pinensis
Authors: Tabekoueng Georges B. , Li Heng , Goldfuss Bernd , Schnakenburg Gregor , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: August 2024

Zwei Diterpensynthasen aus dem Bakterium Chitinophaga pinensis wurden charakterisiert. Das erste Enzym produzierte hauptsächlich das umgelagerte Diterpen Palmatol, eine aus Oktokorallen bekannte Verbindung, während das zweite Enzym das neue korallenartige Eunicellan Chitinol herstellte. Die Mechanismen beider Enzyme wurden durch Isotopenmarkierungsexperimente, DFT‐Berechnungen und mit einem Substratanalogon, das eine gesättigte Doppelbindung enthält, eingehend untersucht. Letzteres führte zur Bildung von Abbruchprodukten führte, die zusätzliche Einblicke in die Natur der Intermediate der Cyclisierungskaskade lieferten. Die Bildung korallenartiger Diterpene wirft interessante Fragen zu den Funktionen dieser Verbindungen in so unterschiedlichen Organismen wie Bakterien und Korallen auf.
Skeletal Rearrangements in the Enzyme‐Catalysed Biosynthesis of Coral‐Type Diterpenes from Chitinophaga pinensis
Authors: Tabekoueng Georges B. , Li Heng , Goldfuss Bernd , Schnakenburg Gregor , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: August 2024

Two diterpene synthases from the bacterium Chitinophaga pinensis were characterised. The first enzyme mainly produced the rearranged diterpene palmatol, a compound known from octocorals, while the second enzyme made the new coral‐type eunicellane chitinol. The mechanisms of both enzymes were deeply studied through isotopic labelling experiments, DFT calculations, and with a substrate analog containing a saturated double bond, resulting in the formation of derailment products that gave additional insights into the nature of the cyclisation cascade intermediates. The formation of coral‐type diterpenes poses interesting questions on the functions of these compounds in organisms as different as bacteria and corals.
Synergy of Rh Nanoparticles With Fe3O4 for Efficient Selective Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitrostyrenes Using Stoichiometric Hydrazine Hydrate
Authors: Hu Ze‐Nan , Guo Fangya , Zhang Xiuxiu , Yu Jie , Yin Yaru , Zhang Biying , Chen Hua‐Jun , Chang Meijia , Wang Yiming , Miao Yalei , Zhang Lan , Tian Wenjie , Sun Hong‐bin
Published: August 2024

Hydrazine hydrate as a hydrogen source has a good effect on nitro reduction, but overuse has environmental toxicity and is prone to over‐hydrogenation, resulting in low selectivity. Herein, we report a magnetically separable Rh/Fe3O4 (1.26 wt%) catalyst containing an optimal Rh content that can completely convert 3‐nitrostyrene to 3‐vinylaniline (> 99% selectivity) using a stoichiometric molar ratio of hydrazine hydrate (‐NO2:N2H4·H2O = 1:1.5). This is due to the synergy between Rh and Fe3O4 and the natural selectivity of N2H4·H2O for nitro. The synergy can reduce the activation energy of the reaction (36.6 kJ/mol), increasing the reduction rate of nitro group and avoiding the combination of active hydrogen species (H*) to H2 as well as the hydrogenation of N2H4 to NH3. Moreover, the active H* produced by N2H4·H2O is different from that produced by H2, and excess dose of N2H4 will inevitably yield H2 thus decline the selectivity.
Bioinspired Polyoxomolybdate Nanoclusters Peroxidase‐Mimicking Nanozyme for Dual‐Mode Detection of Methotrexate in Real Samples
Authors: Azarian Sina , Dehghan Gholamreza , Amini Mojtaba
Published: August 2024

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy agent and immune system suppressant that is widely used to treat a variety of malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Due to some drawbacks of the existing methods for the determination of MTX in aquatic and real samples, we prepared a new, simple, and selective dual‐mode fluorometric and electrochemical approach based on peroxidase‐mimic [Mo36] polyoxomolybdate nanoclusters (POMo) for sensing MTX. A turn‐on–off fluorometric approach for the detection of MTX was developed, which was based on the inhibition of the emission intensity of the terephthalic acid (TA)‐H2O2 system upon the addition of MTX to the reaction solution. The electrocatalytic performance of the obtained POMo was studied after making a carbon paste electrode (CPE) utilizing cyclic voltammetry and amperometry analysis. Under the optimum condition, good linearity was observed between the quenched emission intensity of the system and MTX dosage in the range of 0.5–250 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.91 μM. The electrochemical method illustrated a much better response with an extensive linear range of 0.01–475 μM and a lower LOD (1.61 nM). Analytical recoveries and RSD% values were, respectively, in the range of 87.72%–110% and 0.33%–1.32% for the fluorometric system and 96%–106% and 0.77%–1.02% for the electrochemical platform. Finally, the selectivity of the sensor was evaluated against various common interfering species, and the results indicated satisfactory selectivity of the POMo dual‐mode system towards MTX.
Impedance‐based monitoring of titration and neutralization assays with VSV‐G and SARS‐CoV‐2‐spike pseudoviruses
Authors: Mildner Anne‐Kathrin , Einhauser Sebastian , Michaelis Stefanie , Bieberstein Klara Rogalla v. , Wagner Ralf , Wegener Joachim
Published: August 2024

Since cell‐based virus neutralization assays are still the gold standard to assess a patient's immune protection against a given virus, they are of utmost importance for serodiagnosis, convalescent plasma therapy, and vaccine development. Monitoring the emergence and characteristics of neutralizing antibodies in an outbreak situation, confirming neutralizing antibodies as correlates of protection from infection and testing vaccine‐induced potency of neutralizing antibody responses, quests for automated, fast, and parallel neutralization assays. We developed an impedance‐based sensor platform (electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing, ECIS) providing time‐resolved monitoring of the host cell response to viral pseudotypes. For validation, the impedance assay was compared with state‐of‐the‐art quantification of virus‐induced reporter protein expression as an independent indicator of virus infection and neutralization. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) derived pseudoviruses encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as reporter and the autologous G protein (VSV‐G) for the initial binding to the host cell membrane were used for monitoring of HEK293T cell infection and neutralization with both, impedance and optical readout. Virus‐induced cytopathic effects (CPE) were detectable for low pseudotype concentrations (multiplicity of infection 1) in time‐resolved impedance profiles as soon as 5–10 h after infection in a concentration‐dependent manner. Neutralization efficacy of α‐VSV‐G antibodies was determined from impedance time courses and IC50 values compared favorably with fluorescence measurements of virus‐borne GFP expression. Sera of convalescent COVID‐19 patients were tested successfully for SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies by incubating VSV, pseudotyped with the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein, with different sera before host cell exposure and impedance recordings. In summary: (i) ECIS monitoring was successfully applied to detect virus‐mediated cell infection and neutralization; (ii) Impedance‐based monitoring allows reducing the assay time to 5–10 h; and (iii) the platform is easily adapted to other virus‐based diseases and scalable to high‐throughput.
Ubiquitin‐mediated endosomal stress: A novel organelle stress of early endosomes that initiates cellular signaling pathways
Authors: Endo Akinori , Komada Masayuki , Yoshida Yukiko
Published: August 2024

Cells utilize diverse organelles to maintain homeostasis and to respond to extracellular stimuli. Recently, multifaceted aspects of organelle stress caused by various factors have been emerging. The endosome is an essential organelle, functioning as the central hub for membrane trafficking in cooperation with the ubiquitin system. However, knowledge regarding endosomal stress, which refers to organelle stress of the endosome, is currently limited. We recently revealed ubiquitin‐mediated endosomal stress of early endosomes (EEs) and its responsive signaling pathways. These findings shed light on the relevance of ubiquitin‐mediated endosomal stress to physiological and pathological processes. Here, we present a hypothesis that ubiquitin‐mediated endosomal stress may have significant roles in biological contexts and that ubiquitin‐specific protease 8 is a key regulator of ubiquitin clearance from EEs.
Investigating aqueous micellar systems enhancement tools for a sensitive spectrofluorimetric determination of anti‐TB: Rifampicin
Authors: El‐Aziz Heba Abd , Samir Elama Heba
Published: August 2024

Rifampicin is a frontline antibiotic in the management of tuberculosis. Since no spectrofluorimetric methods are reported for this drug, this approach was challenged to craft a sensitive, reliable, valid, fast, and green methodology. In recent years, fluorescence spectroscopy has received a lot of interest. Its benefits include ecological greenness and analytical performance. The pharmaceutical industries greatly like this approach because of its low energy and decreased solvent usage, which make it both economical and environmentally friendly. This methodology was based on utilizing the enhanced native fluorescence of the rifampicin at 341 nm after excitation at 241 nm in a beta‐cyclodextrin micellar system. Modern developments in analytical chemistry have been applied to reduce risks to the workplace and environment by using distilled water as a dilution solvent for method application and optimization. The method was found excellent green with 97 eco‐scale and 0.86 AGREE scores besides an 89.6 overall whiteness score. The range of linearity for rifampicin raw material was 0.2–1.5 μg·mL−1, and the average recoveries for raw material and spiked plasma were 100.15% and 99.64%, respectively. The suggested technique worked well for the commercial oral syrup of Rimactane® and did not conflict with any common additives.
One‐pot derivatization spectrofluorimetric method for detection of aspartame in sweetener commercial tablets and soft drinks: Greenness assessments of the methodology
Authors: AlSalem Huda Salem , Alharbi Sara Naif , Binkadem Mona Saad , Katamesh Noha S. , Abdel‐Lateef Mohamed A.
Published: August 2024

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in drinks and many foods. International Agency for Research on Cancer classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B). In this study, a sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method was developed to detect aspartame. The method is based on switching on the fluorescence activity of aspartame upon its condensation with O‐phthalaldehyde (Roth's reaction) in the presence of 2‐mercaptoethanol. The reaction product was detected fluorometrically at λem of 438 nm after λex of 340 nm. All reaction conditions required to yield the optimal fluorescence intensity were observed and investigated. Furthermore, the approach was validated according to ICH guidelines. Upon plotting the concentrations of aspartame against their associated fluorescence intensity values, the relationship between the two variables was linear within the range of 0.5–3.0 μg/mL. Furthermore, the method was employed to analyze the quantity of aspartame in commercial packages and soft drinks with an acceptable level of recovery. In addition, the Green Solvents Selecting Tool, Complementary Green Analytical Procedure Index, and the Analytical Greenness Metric tool were used to evaluate the sustainability and the greenness of the developed methodology.
Integrating untargeted and targeted LC–MS‐based metabolomics to identify the serum metabolite biomarkers for tuberculosis
Authors: Sa Yuping , Ding Shuqin , Zhang Yue , Wang Weibiao , Wilson Gidion , Ma Feng , Zhang Weiman , Ma Xueqin
Published: August 2024

Given the limitations of untargeted metabolomics in precise metabolite quantification, our current research employed a novel approach by integrating untargeted and targeted metabolomics utilizing ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS) to analyze the metabolic profile and potential biomarkers for tuberculosis (TB). A cohort of 36 TB patients and 36 healthy controls (HC) was enlisted to obtain serum samples. Multivariate pattern recognition and univariate statistical analysis were employed to screen and elucidate the differential metabolites, whereas dot plots and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established for the identification of potential biomarkers of TB. The results indicated a distinct differentiation between the two groups, identifying 99 metabolites associated with five primary metabolic pathways in relation to TB. Of these, 19 metabolites exhibited high levels of sensitivity and specificity, as evidenced by the area under curve values approaching 1. Following targeted quantitative analysis, three potential metabolites, namely, L‐asparagine, L‐glutamic acid, and arachidonic acid, were demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability as evidenced by the results of the ROC curve, dot plots, and random forest model. Particularly noteworthy was the enhanced diagnostic efficacy of the combination of these three metabolites compared to singular biomarkers, suggesting their potential utility as serum biomarkers for TB diagnosis.
The utility of behavioral activation therapy in addressing emotional problems of two depressed students with borderline intellectual disability: A case study
Authors: Alilou Majid Mahmoud , Maleki Saba
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Intellectual disability is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies indicated that depression and anxiety are the most prevalent emotional problems among the people with intellectual disability. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of behavioral activation therapy in addressing emotional problems of two depressed students with borderline intellectual disability.

Method

This study is a single‐subject design with multiple baseline and one month follow‐up. Two students with borderline intelligence underwent behavioral activation therapy for 12 sessions. Beck Depression Inventory‐Second Edition, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Oxford Happiness Inventory and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale were used. Data were analyzed using visual inspection of graphed data, changes in trends, improvement percentage and effect size.

Findings

The findings of this study support the utility of behavioral activation therapy in addressing the emotional problems of two depressed students with borderline intellectual disability.

Conclusion

Behavioral activation therapy has had favorable outcomes in reducing depression and anxiety in depressed students with borderline intellectual disabilities.
Analysis of Industry 4.0 technological enablers for sustainable supply chain transparency in a fuzzy environment
Authors: Rajput Shubhangini
Published: August 2024

This study aims to identify various Industry 4.0 technological enablers and analyze their relationships in achieving transparency in sustainable supply chains. Initially, 17 Industry 4.0 technological enablers were selected based on an extensive literature review of sustainable supply chains and evaluated through Systems and Information Processing theories. Using the fuzzy Delphi method, these enablers were then narrowed down to 14 relevant ones. The reliability of these enablers was assessed by measuring their internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (ω). The fuzzy Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was then used to demonstrate that blockchain, cybersecurity, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are the most prominent and influential enablers for enhancing transparency in a sustainable supply chain. Additionally, the cause–effect relationship of other key enablers provides evidence for a feasibility study that links sustainability with transparency across the supply chain. These identified Industry 4.0 technological enablers can assist external stakeholders and policymakers in improving transparency and advancing sustainable supply chain practices.
Atypical cancer risk profile in carriers of Italian founder BRCA1 variant p.His1673del: Implications for classification and clinical management
Authors: Innella Giovanni , Fortuno Cristina , Caleca Laura , Feng Bing‐Jian , Carroll Courtney , Parsons Michael T. , Miccoli Sara , Montagna Marco , Calistri Daniele , Cortesi Laura , Pasini Barbara , Manoukian Siranoush , Giachino Daniela , Matricardi Laura , Foti Maria Cristina , Zampiga Valentina , Piombino Claudia , Barbieri Elena , Lutati Francesca Vignolo , Azzolini Jacopo , Danesi Rita , Arcangeli Valentina , Caputo Sandrine M. , Boutry‐Kryza Nadia , Goussot Vincent , Hiraki Susan , Richardson Marcy ,   Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer IOV network (HBOC IOVnet), Ferrari Simona , Radice Paolo , Spurdle Amanda B. , Turchetti Daniela
Published: August 2024

Background

BRCA1:c.5017_5019del (p.His1673del) is a founder variant relatively frequent in Northern Italy. Despite previous suggestion of pathogenicity, variant classification in public databases is still conflicting, needing additional evidence.

Methods

Maximum likelihood penetrance of breast/ovarian and other cancer types was estimated using full pedigree data from 53 informative Italian families. The effect of the variant on BRCA1‐ABRAXAS1 interaction was assessed using a GFP‐fragment reassembly‐based PPI assay. Results were combined with additional data from multiple sources to classify the variant according to ACMG/AMP classification rules specified for BRCA1/2.

Results

Variant‐carriers displayed increased risk for ovarian cancer (HR = 33.0, 95% CI = 7.0–155.0; cumulative risk at age 70 = 27.6%, 95% CI = 12.6–40.0%) but not for breast cancer (HR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.2–2.2). An increased risk of uterine cancer (HR = 8.0, 95% CI = 1.03–61.6) emerged, warranting further evaluation. Likelihood‐ratio in favor of pathogenicity was 98898642.82 under assumption of standard BRCA1 breast and ovarian penetrance, and 104240832.84 after excluding breast cancer diagnoses (based on penetrance results). Functional analysis demonstrated that the variant abrogates the BRCA1‐ABRAXAS1 binding, supporting the PS3 code assignment within the ACMG/AMP rule‐based model. Collectively, these findings allowed to classify the variant as pathogenic.

Conclusion

Pathogenicity of BRCA1:c.5017_5019del(p.His1673del) has been confirmed; however, breast cancer risk in Italian families is not increased, unlike in families from other countries and in carriers of most BRCA1 pathogenic variants. The knowledge of atypical risk profiles for this and other variants will pave the way for personalized management based on specific genotype.
Anogeissus Latifolia: A Comprehensive Review from Ethanobotanical Insights to Future Pharmacological Frontiers
Authors: Khan Sara , Ahsan Farogh , Mahmood Tarique , Bano Shahzadi
Published: August 2024

Anogeissus latifolia, commonly known as Axlewood, Indian Gum Tree, or Gum Ghatti, belongs to the Combretaceae family and is native to India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in most tropical and subtropical regions of India. Different parts of the plant contain various proteins, carbohydrates, sugars (arabinose, galactose, mannose, xylose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid), minerals (magnesium and calcium salts of ghattic acid), and a wide range of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, sterols, saponins, tannins, coumarins, quinine, and ellagic acid. Studies have indicated the potential of Anogeissus latifolia in managing various health conditions, including antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, anti‐parasitic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing, and hypolipidemic effects. However, like many medicinal plants, Anogeissus latifolia demonstrates a dose‐dependent toxicity profile, particularly when administered intraperitoneally. Research efforts have been directed towards elucidating its safety profile, and findings suggest that it can be considered safe when administered within prescribed dosages. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review encompassing the ethnobotanical significance, morphological characteristics, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions, and toxicological aspects of Anogeissus latifolia. Additionally, it explores future research perspectives in the field of Anogeissus latifolia pharmacology and therapeutics.
Binding Mechanism of Nitro Musks to Human Lactoferrin: Multispectral Approach, Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Li Zemeng , Shi Mengjie , Liu Hongyan , Yi Zhongsheng , Mo Lingyun , Jiang Tiemin
Published: August 2024

Nitro musks are highly bioaccumulative and potentially carcinogenic, commonly used as additives in fabric softeners, detergents, and other household products. Furthermore, these substances have been detected in breast milk and human adipose tissue, posing a risk of direct exposure to pregnant women and infants. Human lactoferrin (HLF) is abundant in colostrum, and plays an important role in the non‐specific immune system of the human body. In this study, the mechanisms of action of two nitro musk compounds, typical examples of synthetic musks, with HLF were investigated using molecular docking, dynamics simulation and multispectral methods. The fluorescence findings demonstrated that nitro musks quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of human lactoferrin through static quenching. Thermodynamic analysis of the binding parameters suggested that hydrophobic interactions acted synergistically in the formation of the complex. Moreover, analyses utilizing multispectral techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, validated that the microenvironment and structure of HLF were altered in the presence of nitro musks. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to explore the specific binding mode of nitro musks with HLF and to assess the stability of the complex. These findings may provide a reference for assessing health risks to pregnant women and infants.
A case of renal hypouricemia due to T217M mutation in SLC22A12 incidentally associated with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Sakurabu Yoshimasa , Uchida Haruhito A. , Tahara Toshihisa , Asakawa Tomohiko , Yamasaki Haruka , Katayama Katsuyoshi , Okamoto Shugo , Onishi Yasuhiro , Matsuoka‐Uchiyama Natsumi , Tanaka Keiko , Takeuchi Hidemi , Tsuji Kenji , Umebayashi Ryoko , Ohashi Yuki , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Wada Jun
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

A T217M heterozygous mutation in the SLC22A12 gene caused renal hypouricemia; this patient with IgA nephropathy had no findings other than IgA nephropathy on renal biopsy. Hypouricemia was susceptible to oxidative stress, but IgA nephropathy in the patient with hypouricemia could be treated with steroid pulse therapy without adverse events.
RETRACTED: Atypical presentation of polymicrobial cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis: An extraordinary odontogenic infection in a healthy female patient
Authors: Khalil Basel , Borghol Ibrahim , Chaurasia Akhilanand
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) can occur as a dental complication in young, healthy individuals. Early diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of severe acute cervicofacial pain, rapid swelling, and radiological gas formation are crucial. Broad molecular profiling is recommended for understanding the organisms involved in such infections in future research.
Minimally‐invasive excision of a scapular osteochondroma on the ventral surface: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Weifeng , Liao Shijie , Yang Fuchun
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Osteochondroma on the ventral scapula is clinically rare and can incur pseudo‐winged scapula and snapping syndrome if not treated. In this regard, surgical excision is suggested, if possible, with a minimally invasive approach to accelerate physical recovery.

Osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor, characterized by a cartilage‐capped osseous protuberance with cortical and medullary continuity with the underlying native bone. Osteochondroma is commonly found in the long bones, such as the proximal humerus, distal femur, and proximal tibia, but rarely seen in flat bones. We report a case of pedunculated osteochondroma on the ventral surface of left scapula in a young adult woman. She presented with a slight pseudo‐winged scapula, occasional pain, and snapping sound with motion of the left shoulder. The tumor was surgically resected using a minimally invasive approach, and an excellent outcome was obtained.