bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient and Robust Europium(III)‐Based Hybrid Lanthanide Scintillators for Advanced X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yimei , Du Tingli , Duan Han , Chen Binqi , Zhang Jiahui , Xiao Qin , Chen Geng , Guo Dongxin , Liao Hong , Zhou Si , Zheng Kezhi
Published: January 2025

Scintillators that convert ionizing radiation into low‐energy photons are essential for medical diagnostics and industrial inspections. Despite advances in X‐ray scintillators, challenges remain in achieving high efficiency, environmental compatibility, stability, and flexibility. Here, we present experimental investigations of a new type of europium(III)‐based hybrid ternary complex scintillators for improved X‐ray detection and imaging. Benefiting from the synergistic interaction between dual organic ligands and lanthanide ions, the Eu(TTA)3Phen complex demonstrates exceptional radioluminescence and light yield under X‐ray excitation, with a detection limit of 19.97 nGy s−1, well below typical radiation doses used in medical diagnostics. Moreover, lanthanide complex Eu(TTA)3Phen exhibited excellent thermal and photostability, showing minimal degradation even after extended X‐ray exposure. By integrating with flexible polymer matrices, a high‐transmission Eu(TTA)3Phen‐PMMA composite film was fabricated for X‐ray radiography, demonstrating high spatial resolution (<10 um) and superior image quality across various target samples. These findings hold substantial promise for next‐generation X‐ray imaging applications, offering high sensitivity, stability, flexibility, and versatility, making them ideally suited for advanced radiographic systems.
Conformationally Restricted Macrocycles as Improved FKBP51 Inhibitors Enabled by Systematic Linker Derivatization
Authors: Spiske Moritz , Meyners Christian , Bauder Michael , Repity Maximilian , Brudy Christian , Sugiarto Wisely Oki , Achaq Hanaa , Geiger Thomas M. , Hausch Felix
Published: January 2025

Macrocycles are increasingly considered as promising modalities to target challenging intracellular proteins. However, strategies for transitioning from active linear starting points to improved macrocycles are still underdeveloped. Here we explored the derivatization of linkers as an approach for macrocycle optimization. Using the FK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP51) as a model system we prepared >140 macrocycles with systematically derivatized linkers. Two backbones were identified as promising frameworks for subsequent optimization. Surprisingly, co‐crystal structure analyses revealed that these chemical templates represent an ensemble of three‐dimensional (3D) conformations that can give rise to several distinct 3D‐scaffolds. This resulted in a set of macrocycles with consistently improved affinity, plasma stability, and aqueous solubility compared to the linear precursors or the non‐functionalized macrocycles. Our results highlight linkers as an opportunity for macrocyclic drug development, show how linker derivatization can improve the performance of macrocycles, and emphasizes the need to track macrocyclic scaffold evolution at a three‐dimensional level.
Preparation and Performance of Shear‐Resistant and Fast‐Dissolving Drag Reduction With Multiple Cross‐Linking Effects
Authors: Dai Huimin , Lan Jian , He Zou , Zhang Liyin , Xiong Ying , Dai Shanshan
Published: January 2025

The development of shear‐resistant drag reducer agent (DRA) is crucial for enhancing oil recovery, especially during high‐speed pumping and fracturing processes where polymer networks are prone to damage, leading to the reduction of the drag reduction (DR) performance. To address this issue, the introduction of nano‐silica into the polymer structure, while maintaining good DR, endows the DRA with better shear resistance and salt resistance through its unique cross‐linking mode. In this study, a novel shear‐resistant and fast‐dissolving drag reducer was synthesized through free‐radical polymerization using acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropyl sulfonic acid (AMPS) and KH570 modified nano‐silica. The comprehensive properties of drag reducer were studied using conductivity and dissolution time test, microscopic morphology analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and rheological test. The results suggestion that the PAPO‐10@SiO2 exhibits outstanding characteristics, including rapid dissolution (4 min), excellent salt resistance (DR rate up to 80.41% at a polymer concentration of 500 mg/L) and nano‐silica concentration of 1.5 wt%. Moreover, the mechanism of drag reduction was proposed that nano‐silica connects the molecular chains through multiple cross‐linking effects of chemical cross‐linking and physical adsorption, which enhances the stability of the network structure and prevents the destruction of the molecular chain structure by shear force effectively (viscosity retention of 76.9% after shearing for 40 min at 90°C and 170 s−1). In summary, this study provides valuable insights for developing polymers with both shear resistance and dissolution properties in aqueous solutions.
A Simple and Sensitive LC‐MS/MS Method for the Determination of Mobocertinib and Its Metabolite Desmethyl‐Mobocertinib in Human Plasma and Its Application to Clinical Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Tang Fan , Hou Xiaoli , Chen Jiajie , Cao Yasen , Wang Yixia , Cheng Hong
Published: January 2025

Mobocertinib is a potent selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer with activating EGFR exon 20 insertions. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure for liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) for the determination of mobocertinib and its metabolite desmethyl‐mobocertinib in human plasma. The human plasma samples were precipitated with acetonitrile and analyzed using a Waters ACQUITY BEH C18 column coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Separation was executed using the acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid solution with gradient elution, at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Mobocertinib and desmethyl‐mobocertinib were monitored by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with m/z 586.5  >  72.2 and 572.4  >  473.2, respectively. The procedure demonstrated excellent linearity (r > 0.997) within the concentration range of 0.1–200 ng/mL for both analytes. Precision in relative standard deviation was <  9.37% for mobocertinib and <  12.03% for desmethyl‐mobocertinib. Accuracy in relative error was within −7.23% to 9.18% for mobocertinib and −2.78% to 9.87% for desmethyl‐mobocertinib. Extraction recovery was >  80% for both analytes. The validated LC‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of mobocertinib and desmethyl‐mobocertinib in healthy human volunteers with K2EDTA as anticoagulant after a single dose of mobocertinib (160 mg).
Integrating Plasma Metabolomics, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation to Investigate the Action Mechanism of Qiangxin Lishui Prescription in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Jiang Yong , Ji Wenjun , Lu Ying , Wang Qin , Chen Linwei
Published: January 2025

The high mortality rate of chronic heart failure (CHF) makes it a primary battlefield in the field of cardiovascular diseases. Qiangxin Lishui Prescription (QLP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription used clinically for treating CHF, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study integrated plasma metabolomics, network pharmacology, and experimental validation to reveal the pharmacological effects of QLP and its potential mechanism of anti‐CHF. Using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS/MS), 119 absorbed prototype compounds of QLP were identified from rat plasma. By applying network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, a QLP absorption components–target–CHF network was constructed. The IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway is likely critical to QLP's therapeutic effect on CHF. A CHF mouse model was established using aortic ligation surgery to investigate the regulation of the IL6/JAK/STAT3 pathway by QLP in CHF mice. Network pharmacology analysis and in vivo experimental data indicate that QLP alleviates myocardial injury and inflammatory response in CHF mice by modulating the IL6/JAK/STAT3 pathway, significantly improving cardiac function. This presents a promising therapeutic strategy for CHF treatment.
Characterization and Analytical Method Validation for Potential Impurities of a Merchantability Drug Substance Fluoxetine HCl
Authors: Reddy Rajani Reddy Janna , Kolli Sunder Kumar , Salakolusu Suresh , Kallam Sudha Divya Madhuri , Raghupathi Jayaprakash Kanijam , Katari Naresh Kumar
Published: January 2025

A new selective and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the quantification of potential impurities in fluoxetine hydrochloride. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an end‐capped octadecylsilyl silica gel (Gemini‐C18 150 mm × 4.6 mm, 3.0 μm) using a gradient program with triethylamine, methanol, and water as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and monitored at 215 nm. The run time was 60 min. The method was validated to fulfill International Conference on Harmonization (ICH Q2(R2)) requirements, and this validation included specificity, precision, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and accuracy. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range from LOQ to 120% with respect to sample concentration. The accuracy of the method is within the acceptable limit of 80%–120%. The results obtained for all parameters were within the acceptance criteria. So, this method can be employed for the regular analysis of potential impurities in the fluoxetine hydrochloride API.
The Impact of Corporate Digital Transformation on Sustainable Development in China
Authors: Chen Wanyi , Ren Hao , Shu Yanyu
Published: January 2025

This study examines the relationship between corporate digital transformation (CDT) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Based on resource‐based theory, the findings indicate that CDT contributes to ESG performance through six channels: energy saving, discouragement of greenwashing behavior, improvement of technological innovation and social responsibility, alleviation of information asymmetry, and enhancement of risk management. This relationship was more significant under fierce market competition without cyberattacks. This study enriches the literature on the economic impacts of CDT from the perspective of sustainable development and expands the literature on the factors influencing sustainable performance from the perspective of digital technology. It directs the government to advance digital technology, foster a competitive market environment, and enhance cybersecurity, while also serving as a crucial reference for society in driving the reform of CDT, ensuring the sustainable development of the economy and promoting high‐quality and sustainable CDT in developing countries, including China.
Effectiveness and Safety of Treatments for Early‐Stage Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized and Non‐Randomized Studies
Authors: Mbous Yves Paul Vincent , Mohamed Rowida , Sambamoorthi Usha , Bharmal Murtuza , Kamal Khalid M. , LeMasters Traci , Kolodney Joanna , Kelley George A.
Published: January 2025

Objective

The lack of consensus on the benefits and harms of standard therapies, including surgery (SRx), radiotherapy (RTx), chemotherapy (CTx), and their combinations among early‐stage MCC, prompted this study.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized and non‐randomized studies published between January 01, 1972, and January 31, 2023, and having overall survival (OS), local recurrence (LR), regional recurrence (RR), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and/or disease‐free survival (DFS) as outcomes was conducted using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed (NCBI), Scopus (ELSEVIER), and Web of Science (CLAVIRATE) databases. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their variances were pooled using the inverse variance heterogeneity model.

Results

Forty‐nine studies representing 46,215 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. A statistically significant improvement in OS was observed for groups administered adjuvant RTx (SRx + RTx) compared to SRx only (HR = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.62–0.99), albeit with statistically significant heterogeneity (Q = 532.30, p < 0.001) and a large amount of inconsistency (I2 = 94%, 95% CI, 93.0–95.5). Both LR (HR = 1.52, 95% CI, 0.37–6.19) and RR (HR = 0.41, 95% CI, 0.09–1.78) were not statistically significant. In addition, DSS (HR = 0.58, 95% CI, 0.24–1.40) was not statistically significant but DFS was (HR = 0.35, 95% CI, 0.13–0.93). Subgroup analyses revealed that adjuvant radiotherapy was more effective in local than regional MCC. The E‐value suggested that the RTx dose was a confounder of the observed effectiveness of adjuvant RTx; and also, the use of CTx following adjuvant RTx, did not impact the strength of evidence for OS.

Conclusions

Although adjuvant RTx improves survival and recurrence outcomes among early‐stage MCC, the safety and effectiveness of standard therapies in MCC remains poorly studied and, thus, affects the synthesis of evidence across important patient and clinical characteristics. Future research on the comparative effectiveness of different therapies is needed.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ashraf , Kaddoura Rasha , Aggarwal Abhinav , Zinyandu Tawanda , Webber Fabricio , Davila Carlos , Zarich Stuart
Published: January 2025

Background

The co‐existence of severe aortic stenosis (AS) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is not uncommon. Surgical intervention is the gold standard management. Patients with high surgical risk might undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, TAVR outcomes are unclear in this population. We aimed to investigate the impact of HCM on the outcomes of TAVR.

Aim

We aim to investigate the outcomes of TAVR in patients with HCM.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for studies that compared outcomes of TAVR procedure between patients with HCM and those without it. Using the random‐effects model, the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported.

Results

We screened 102 articles and identified three observational cohort studies. Compared to patients who underwent TAVR without underlying HCM, TAVR for AS co‐existed with HCM was associated with higher rates of mortality (OR 5.79; 95% CI: 3.38; 9.91, p < 0.0001), cardiogenic shock (OR 4.55; 95% CI: 3.40; 6.08, p < 0.0001), aortic dissection (OR 4.95; 95% CI: 3.17; 7.74, p < 0.0001), vascular complications (OR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.27; 3.47, p = 0.004), and renal impairment (OR 1.80; 95% CI: 1.36; 2.40, p < 0.0001). There was no difference between the comparison groups in terms of complete heart block, new permanent pacemaker implantation, or bleeding.

Conclusion

In patients with severe AS and HCM, TAVR was associated with significantly higher occurrence of mortality, cardiogenic shock, aortic dissection, vascular complications, and renal impairment as well as the need for mechanical ventilation than patients who did not have HCM.
Impact of Sheath Type on Vascular and Bleeding Complications After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Post Hoc Analysis From the MARVEL Registry Study
Authors: Pan Emily , Kroon Herbert G. , Tonino Pim A. L. , Amoroso Giovanni , Laine Mika , Christiansen Evald H. , Toggweiler Stefan , Ten Berg Jur , Malmberg Markus , Slagboom Ton , Moriyama Noriaki , Terkelsen Christian J. , Moccetti Federico , Gheorghe Livia , Bigelow Darra , Webb John , Wood David , Van Mieghem Nicholas , Savontaus Mikko
Published: January 2025

Background

Vascular and bleeding complications remain a concern after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The impact of the sheath type on these complications remains unclear.

Methods

The prospective MARVEL registry study analyzed enrolled 500 patients undergoing large‐bore transfemoral procedures and arteriotomy closure with the MANTA vascular closure device from 10 hospitals in Europe and Canada. We stratified these patients according to type of sheath used (expandable or conventional). A propensity‐matched analysis was performed using VARC‐2 major or minor vascular and bleeding complications as the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoint was time to hemostasis.

Results

We identified 196 propensity‐matched pairs. Major vascular complications occurred in 3.6% in the expandable sheath group and 4.1% in the conventional sheath group (p = 1.0). Minor vascular complications occurred in 5.6% in the expandable sheath group and 4.6% in the conventional sheath group (p = 0.819). There were no significant differences in bleeding complications between groups. Time to hemostasis after MANTA closure was significantly shorter in the expandable sheath group (30 vs. 60 s, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A propensity‐matched analysis demonstrated no significant differences in vascular complication rates with MANTA arteriotomy closure after removal of large bore expandable or conventional sheaths. Time to hemostasis was significantly shorter in the expandable sheath group.
Retinocochleocerebral Vasculopathy Presented as Bilateral Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Shariati Mehrdad Motamed , Shekarchian Farid , Yaghoubi Mariye
Published: January 2025

Susac is a rare systemic disease characterized by ischemic events involving the cochlea, brain, and retina. Delay in the diagnosis leads to sight‐threatening complications such as neovascular glaucoma.
Advancements in silicon‐air batteries: High performance asymmetric‐electrolyte and quasi‐solid‐state designs for portable applications
Authors: Pang Shengcui , Wang Junjie , Wang Baoling , Zhu Mingshan , Hu Guangzhi , Xie Haijiao , Hu Sujuan
Published: January 2025

Silicon‐air batteries (SABs) hold significant potential as efficient energy conversion devices due to their high theoretical energy density, theoretical discharge voltage, and favorable energy‐to‐cost ratios. However, their applicability has been hindered by low output discharge potential, high discharge polarizations, and singular aqueous configuration. To address these, the catalyst with faster oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetic rate, nitrogen‐doped carbon materials functionalized with FeMo metal clusters (FeMo‐NC), was designed in acid electrolyte and thus high output voltage and energy density SABs with asymmetric‐electrolytes have been developed. This innovative design aligns the reaction rates of the cathode and anode in SABs, achieving stable discharge around 1.7 V for 188 h. Furthermore, an all‐in‐one quasi‐solid‐state SAB (QSSSAB) was first developed using a suitable acid–base gel electrolyte. This all‐in‐one QSSSAB showcases good safety, low cost, and portability, with open‐circuit voltage of 1.6 V and energy density of 300.2 Wh kg−1, surpassing the energy density of most previously reported aqueous SABs. In terms of application, these compact all‐in‐one QSSSABs can provide stable and reliable power support for portable small electronic devices (such as electronic players, diodes, and electronic watches).
Impact of Structural Subtleties on Chirality Induction and Amplification in Trizinc(II)Porphyrin Trimers
Authors: Chandel Dolly , Pal Chandrani , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: January 2025

Herein, we report the precise control of molecular to supramolecular chirality induction at the single‐molecule level just upon subtle modification in an achiral ‘nano‐size’ trizinc(II) porphyrin trimer. A slight variation in the projection of the substituent at the periphery of the central porphyrin unit in a porphyrin trimer (host) resulted in pronounced changes in the interchromophoric arrangement, leading to distinct ‘open’ and ‘closed’ conformations. While ‘open’ form generates ‘monomeric’ complex with low CD amplitude, ‘closed’ form produces exclusive ‘polymer’ with large, amplified CD signal with opposite sign due to stronger intermolecular excitonic coupling. Also, the sign of the CD couplets is just opposite between R and S substrates for both polymer and monomer which suggest that the chirality is predominantly governed by the stereogenic projection of the chiral center. X‐ray structures of the host and polymer have been reported here. Crystallographic characterization offers a detailed perspective on the structural and geometrical transformations in the polymer, enabling a systematic understanding of its optical properties. DFT and TD‐DFT calculations strongly corroborate with the experimental findings.
A Fluorescent Probe Differentiates Apoptosis from Cysteine‐Deprivation Ferroptosis through Imaging of Viscosity and Lipid Droplets
Authors: Pareek Niharika , Yadav Rashmi , Munan Subrata , Baruah Mousumi , Samanta Animesh
Published: January 2025

Since death is an inevitable phenomenon, exploring cell deaths holds importance. During this process, the cellular microenvironment within cells such as pH, polarity, viscosity etc alter. One such microenvironment, viscosity elevates during different cell deaths. However, demarcating cell death processes solely based on viscosity sensing is challenging. Herein, we develop a unique fluorescent probe PS‐NAP after careful investigation among three analogues for efficient viscosity imaging in HeLa cells. Cationic PS‐NAP, a MMP independent molecular probe, can potentially target mitochondria and map elevated mitochondrial viscosity during apoptosis, starvation and drug induced ferroptosis processes. Notably, during ferroptosis induced by cysteine deprivation, PS‐NAP exclusively colocalizes in newly generated lipid droplets (LDs) instead of mitochondria. Thus, the probe has a potential for demarcating cysteine deprivation‐induced ferroptosis from other cellular stresses such as apoptosis.
Cost and activity analysis for a citywide patient navigation intervention to engage underserved patients in breast cancer treatment: Findings from the Translating Research Into Practice study
Authors: Rajabiun Serena , Cabral Howard J. , Chen Clara A. , Lloyd‐Travaglini Christine , Dugas Julianne N. , Amburgey Deborah , Fitzgerald Madyson , Lemon Stephenie C. , Haas Jennifer S. , Freund Karen M. , Battaglia Tracy ,   for the TRIP Consortium
Published: January 2025

This study presents findings from a cost and activity analysis of a citywide hospital‐based patient navigation program to engage women in timely breast cancer treatment post‐diagnosis. The information may be useful for payors in reimbursing navigation activities and health systems in planning for high quality navigation programs to ensure patient‐centered and timely treatment for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Gender equity in oncology: Progress, challenges, and the path forward in urologic oncology and oncologic specialties
Authors: Krischak Madison K. , Nam Catherine S. , Luckenbaugh Amy N. , Herrel Lindsey A.
Published: January 2025

Women now comprise over 50% of medical school graduates and over one‐third of practicing physicians in the United States. Despite this progress, significant barriers to career advancement and leadership persist, particularly in male‐dominated fields like urology and oncology. Women physicians are linked to improved patient outcomes and are critical to addressing the projected physician shortage, which is expected to be exaggerated in oncology specialties. This review highlights progress, challenges, and future directions for gender equity in urology, urologic oncology, and oncology subspecialties. Urology and urologic oncology have seen growth in female representation, whereas radiation oncology remains stagnant, and medical oncology has reached near gender parity among trainees. However, leadership roles across all these fields continue to reflect gender inequities. Key barriers include the gender pay gap, insufficient maternal leave policies, workplace harassment, and lack of mentorship and sponsorship for women physicians. Moving forward, efforts to advance gender equity must include transparent pay structures, supportive maternal leave, and robust antiharassment policies. Promoting women in leadership and fostering mentorship are also essential to retaining and advancing women in these fields. By addressing these issues, the health care community can progress toward gender equity, strengthen the physician workforce, and improve patient outcomes. Institutional and national advocacy is crucial for creating an equitable and effective medical community.
“Yes, This Is Still Circle”: Circle‐Keeping Online During COVID—An Interview with Kay Pranis and Becky McCammon
Authors: Strauss Jill
Published: January 2025

This Practice Note is an interview with leading Circle‐keepers Kay Pranis and Becky McCammon about their experiences facilitating Talking Circles virtually during COVID. They describe their respective leaps into the unknown of online Circle to meet peoples' need for community at a time when we could not gather together in person and how they each managed during that time of uncertainty. The conversation was edited for length and clarity in which they discussed the needs of restorative justice practitioners and others for relational support and how they worked to meet the need. What they both learned is that while there were some challenges, there were also many unanticipated opportunities and benefits discovered in the process of adapting to virtual Circles. This retrospective interview documents how practitioners adapted quickly during a pandemic in response to the need to be in the community when we could not meet in person.
Exploring the link between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in social enterprises: The mediating role of productivity
Authors: Wejesiri Mahinda , Park Chansoo , Wanke Peter , Tan Yong , Searcy Cory
Published: January 2025

A key discussion in the current management literature is how businesses react to and can contribute to solving societal challenges while meeting the needs of their shareholders and their broader set of stakeholders. Most extant research focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues in large for‐profit corporations, but social enterprises are also critical given their ability to promote financial inclusion and focus on stakeholders' needs. This study explores the mediating role of total factor productivity (TFP) in the relationship between CSR and financial performance within social enterprises, using a sample of microfinance institutions (MFIs) from Latin America. Our analysis demonstrates TFP's critical role in translating CSR initiatives into sustainable financial outcomes and enhancing both economic and social objectives. Thus, our results may provide insights to regulators, policymakers, and practitioners, allowing them to better understand best practices and actions that foster stakeholders' trust and expectations, with the potential outcome of improving MFIs overall sustainability goals. Our findings are robust due to the use of a variety of methodological approaches to address possible endogeneity problems and alternative specifications of financial performance.
Complete Aqueous Defluorination of GenX (Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid Anion) by Pulsed Electrolysis with Polarity Reversal
Authors: Meng Ziyi , Wilsey Madeleine K. , Müller Astrid M.
Published: January 2025

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely stable chemicals that are essential for modern life and decarbonization technologies. Yet PFAS are persistent pollutants that are harmful to human health. Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX), a replacement for the PFAS chemical perfluorooctanoic acid, continues to pollute waterways. In this study, we report the complete defluorination of GenX through electrocatalysis in aqueous LiOH electrolytes, utilizing high surface area anodes consisting of pulsed laser in liquid synthesized [NiFe]‐(OH)₂ nanocatalysts on hydrophilic carbon fiber paper. Additional experiments with industrial nickel–iron alloy demonstrated exceptional stability for >100 hours. Including a brief interval of reversed polarity in pulsed electrolysis and optimizing the pulse train sequence enabled the complete defluorination of GenX. Our facile approach employs only nonprecious materials, does not require bisulfate or other auxiliary chemical agents that are consumed, and thus provides a promising strategy for alleviating the environmental impact of PFAS pollutants.
Catalytic Deconstruction of Commercial and End‐Of‐Life Polyurethane with Heterogeneous Hydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: An Wenqing , Liu Xin , Zhang Xiaodong , Gao Ruitong , Chen Zhaojun , Hou Yuandong , Du Hui
Published: January 2025

Polyurethane (PU), as a thermoset polymer, is extensively utilized in various applications, such as refrigerator foams, sponges, elastomers, shoes, etc. However, the recycling of post‐consumed PU poses significant challenges due to its intricate and extensive crosslinking structures. Catalytic hydrogenation is one of the most effective methods for recycling PU waste, nevertheless, there is currently a lack for a hydrogenation catalyst that is both high‐performing, recyclable, and cost‐effective for breaking down post‐consumed PU materials. In this work, model PU and commercial PU were efficiently hydrodegraded into aromatic amines and polyol fractions by using a commercial NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst. Notably, the results indicated that PU waste can be efficiently degraded at a pressure of 5 MPa and at a temperature of 185 °C and yielding a significant amount of a valuable chemical monomers. With the assistance of hydrogenation catalyst, the C−N and C−O bonds with low energy barriers inside the polymer are cracked and the polymer hydrogenation process becomes feasible. This study demonstrates the capability of fluidized bed hydrogenation process, employing recyclable heterogeneous catalysts for the recycling of PU waste.
Titin gene mutations enhance radiotherapy efficacy via modulation of tumour immune microenvironment in rectum adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Hengchang , Liu Jialiang , Guan Xu , Zhao Zhixun , Cheng Pu , Chen Haipeng , Jiang Zheng , Wang Xishan
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study investigates the impact of Titin (TTN) gene mutations on radiotherapy sensitivity in rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) by examining changes in the tumour immune microenvironment.

Methods

Data on gene expression and mutations in READ were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Bioinformatics analysis explored the correlation between TTN mutations and immune cell infiltration. In vitro, lentiviral vectors were used to assess TTN mutations' effects on ANKRD1 expression in two READ cell lines. ANKRD1 was overexpressed, and clonogenic assays evaluated radiotherapy sensitivity. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and comet assays examined mutations' impact on cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA damage response (DDR). An in vivo mouse model and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples from locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients before and after radiotherapy were analyzed, followed by prognostic evaluation.

Results

Bioinformatics revealed that TTN mutations increase radiation sensitivity in LARC by slowing cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and reducing DDR. TTN mutations also inhibit ANKRD1 expression via JUN disruption and enhance CD4/CD8 T‐cell infiltration, improving anti‐tumour immunity and outcomes. Observations from the clinical study showed a substantial decline in ANKRD1 expression levels alongside a notable surge in the counts of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after undergoing radiotherapy. Patients with TTN mutations, low ANKRD1 expression, and high densities of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells had longer 3‐year disease‐free survival in READ.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that TTN mutations can serve as biomarkers for enhanced radiotherapy sensitivity in READ. By altering the tumour's immune microenvironment, these mutations may provide a novel target for personalized radiotherapy strategies, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes in patients with READ.

Highlights

The association between TTN mutations and tumour mutation burden, as well as immune cell infiltration in READ, is examined.

TTN mutations enhance the radiation sensitivity of READ cells and weaken DNA damage repair in response to radiation.

TTN mutations increase the radiation sensitivity of READ cells by inhibiting ANKRD1.

The infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells induced by TTN mutations is essential for anti‐tumour immunity.

TTN mutations serve as a biomarker for the pathological response to preoperative radiotherapy in READ.
Exosome‐derived long non‐coding RNA AC010789.1 modified by FTO and hnRNPA2B1 accelerates growth of hair follicle stem cells against androgen alopecia by activating S100A8/Wnt/β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Chu Shaojun , Jia Lingling , Li Yulong , Xiong Jiachao , Sun Yulin , Zhou Qin , Du Dexiang , Li Zihan , Huang Xin , Jiang Hua , Wu Baojin , Li Yufei
Published: January 2025

Background

The increased incidence of androgenic alopecia (AGA) causes adverse physiological and psychological effects on people of all genders. The hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) have displayed clinical improvements on AGA. However, the molecular mechanism of HFSCs against AGA remains elusive.

Methods

The expression and prognosis of lncRNA AC010789.1 in AGA hair follicle tissues were assessed by qRT‐PCR analysis. CCK‐8, EdU and Transwell analysis were utilized to assess cell growth. The specific binding between AC010789.1 and FTO mediated m6A modification or the effect of AC010789.1 on hnRNPA2B1, S100A8 and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling expression was confirmed by bioinformatic analysis, RIP, RNA pull‐down and Western blot assay. The effects of Exosome‐loaded AC010789.1 prompted HFSCs proliferation and hair follicle regeneration were confirmed in hairless mice.

Results

We herein found that the mRNA levels of lncRNA AC010789.1 were decreased in AGA tissue samples but increased in HFSCs of surrounding normal tissue samples. Overexpression (OE) of AC010789.1 promoted HFSC proliferation, DNA synthesis and migration as well as K6HF and Lgr5 upregulation, whereas knockdown of AC010789.1 showed the opposite effects. The total or AC010789.1 m6A levels were reduced and FTO demethylase was upregulated in AGA tissue samples, but these indicated the reverse results in HFSCs of surrounding normal tissue samples. FTO OE decreased AC010789.1 m6A levels and its mRNA levels in HFSCs and abolished AC010789.1‐induced HFSCs proliferation. In addition, AC010789.1 was identified to bind to m6A reader hnRNPA2B1, which was downregulated in AGA but upregulated in HFSCs of surrounding normal tissue samples. hnRNPA2B1 OE attenuated AC010789.1 knockdown‐induced inhibition of HFSCs proliferation. Moreover, AC010789.1 could bind to and enhance downstream S100A8 protein expression, which mediated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling to accelerate HFSCs proliferation. Exosome‐loaded AC010789.1 prompted HFSCs proliferation and hair follicle regeneration in mice.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that exosome‐derived lncRNA AC010789.1 modified by FTO and hnRNPA2B1 facilitated the proliferation of human HFSCs against AGA by activating S100A8/Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.

Key points

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) AC010789.1 was downregulated in hair follicle tissues from androgenic alopecia (AGA) and upregulated in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs).

LncRNA AC010789.1 promoted the proliferation and migration of HFSCs.

FTO/hnRNPA2B1‐mediated m6A modification of lncRNA AC010789.1 promoted HFSCs growth by activating S100A8/Wnt/β‐catenin signalling.

Exosome‐derived AC010789.1 accelerated HFSCs proliferation.
Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Genetic Differences Between Symbiodiniaceae Populations Among Reproductively and Geographically Isolated Acropora Colonies in Western Australia
Authors: Eriksson Sanna Y. , Matz Mikhail V. , Vize Peter D. , Rosser Natalie L.
Published: January 2025

Significant genetic differentiation between Symbiodiniaceae populations in coral hosts can be induced by a range of factors including geography, latitude, depth, temperature and light utilisation. The conventional method of measuring Symbiodiniaceae diversity involving the ITS2 region of rDNA has several limitations, stemming from insufficient genetic resolution and the multi‐copy nature of the marker. This could be improved by using higher throughput whole genome sequencing to identify fine‐scale population genetic differences and provide new insight into factors influencing coral‐Symbiodiniaceae associations. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae populations using low‐coverage whole genome sequencing in sympatric populations of Acropora cf. secale and allopatric populations of Acropora millepora that reproduce in different seasons in Western Australia. Genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae populations in these two species was examined using principal coordinates analysis and permutational analysis of variance. This analysis revealed that while all colonies were dominated by Cladocopium, there was a significant genetic difference between Symbiodiniaceae populations in both species. In A. millepora, this variation could be due to the latitudinal variation between populations or differences in reproductive seasonality, but in sympatric populations of A. cf. secale, genetic differences between Symbiodiniaceae populations were clearly aligned with the reproductive seasonality of the coral host. The use of whole genome sequencing improved the sensitivity to detect Symbiodiniaceae genetic population structure between coral populations, which increases our ability to identify genetic and potentially functional differences associated with variation in Symbiodiniaceae populations.
Incorporating the HPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS profiles with the biochemical properties of eight Salvia species
Authors: Llorent‐Martínez Eulogio J. , Nilofar  , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Darendelioglu Ekrem , Bahsi Muammer , Polat Rıdvan , Cakilcioglu Ugur , Orlando Giustino , Ferrante Claudio , Zengin Gokhan
Published: January 2025

Salvia, a widely recognized genus globally esteemed for its traditional and medicinal applications, prompted our investigation into the methanol and water extracts of eight Salvia species native to Turkey. These species included S. aucheri, S. candidissima, S. divaricata, S. virgata, S. multicaulis, S. palestina, S. trichoclada, and S. cerino‐pruinosa. Our study aimed to assess their biological properties and chemical composition. Utilizing HPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS, we identified chemical constituents in the extracts, while antioxidant (radical quenching, reducing power, and metal chelating) and enzyme inhibitory (amylase, glucosidase, tyrosinase, and cholinesterase) activities were evaluated for biological activities. One hundred thirty‐one compounds were characterized in the tested extracts. Although many compounds belonging to different chemical families were identified, the main compounds in all the extracts were rosmarinic and sagerinic acids, along with several salvianolic acid isomers. Notably, the methanol extracts displayed superior antioxidant properties overall, with S. cerino‐pruinosa exhibiting the highest activity among them, except for metal chelating. Similar to the antioxidant test results, the methanol extracts were more active than the water extracts in the enzyme inhibition tests. Multivariate analysis further highlighted the distinctiveness of the water extract of S. cerino‐pruinosa. In conclusion, our findings underscore the biopharmaceutical potential of the tested Salvia species, suggesting their significance as sources of bioactive agents for health‐promoting applications.
Bioactive Evaluation of Naringenin in Ameliorating Hyperuricemia‐Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Xanthine Oxidase
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Liu Linfeng , Fan Zhaosen , Mamadalieva Nilufar , Liu Chao , Guo Xu , Sun Shutao , Sun Hui , Li Ningyang , Wang Muxuan
Published: January 2025

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is one of main risk factors for liver injury, and xanthine oxidase (XOD) is an important target for HUA‐induced liver injury. As a typical natural active ingredient, naringenin (NAR) has been confirmed the good therapeutic effect on variety of diseases. However, studies of NAR ameliorating HUA‐induced liver injury have not been reported. Therefore, we evaluated the bioactivity of NAR in ameliorating HUA‐induced liver injury and investigated the related molecular mechanisms. The inhibitory activity and type of NAR on XOD was investigated by enzymatic reactions and kinetic analyses, and molecular docking showed that NAR was able to bind tightly to XOD. In vivo activity studies showed that NAR ameliorated liver function while being able to inhibit XOD activity. NAR alleviated oxidative stress in the liver caused by excess reactive oxygen species through antioxidant activity. At the same time, NAR exerted anti‐inflammatory activity by regulating the levels of inflammatory factors. The molecular docking results suggested that NAR was able to interact with Keap1 and AMPK to exhibit antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. This work demonstrated the therapeutic effect of NAR on HUA‐induced liver injury, which was valuable for the further development of related functional foods.
The Effect of a Novel Functional Solid Drink on Obesity Management and Its Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Wen Ying , Peng Yan‐Mei , Zhou Xuan‐Yu , Han Yu‐Xin , Jiang Hong‐Li , Wu Hui‐Xuan , Bu Yan‐Hong , Cheng Fei , Li Long , Xiao Fen , Cai Jun‐Min , Mo Yu‐Yao , Liang Han‐Dan , Zhou Hou‐De
Published: January 2025

Obesity has become a global public health concern, yet an effective, low‐toxic, and high‐compliance strategy for its control remains elusive. This study aims to develop a novel comprehensive intervention method for the management of obesity and its complications. Thus, we designed a functional solid beverage named RLMCR, which consists of medicinal and edible Chinese herbs. We identified its chemical composition and evaluated its efficacy. Our results indicated that RLMCR was abundant in various functional ingredients, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids. It could mitigate lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells by upregulating the expression of lipolysis‐related genes. We then established diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice models, which were administered with low, middle, and high doses of RLMCR for 8 weeks. Our findings indicated that the optimal dosage of RLMCR for weight loss was 3.0 g/kg, which effectively mitigated weight gain, lipid accumulation, hepatic steatosis, and abnormal glucose metabolism. Following treatment, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and thermogenesis were increased in DIO mice, without affecting food intake. The content of brown adipose tissue was significantly elevated, and the expression of thermogenesis‐related genes and lipolysis‐related genes in the epididymal white adipose tissue was upregulated. So, we developed a novel functional food that effectively mitigates obesity and its related metabolic disorders.
Isoelectric Focusing Fractionation Method for Signal Enhancement in Detection of Inactivated Biological Agents Using Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Duša Filip , Šalplachta Jiří , Horká Marie , Lunerová Kamila , Čermáková Veronika , Dřevínek Michal , Kubíček Oldřich
Published: January 2025

Timely identification of highly pathogenic bacteria is crucial for efficient mitigation of the connected harmful health effects. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) of intact cells enables fast identification of the microorganisms based on their mass spectrometry protein fingerprint profiles. However, the MALDI‐TOF MS examination must be preceded by a time‐demanding cultivation of the native bacteria to isolate representative cell samples to obtain indicative fingerprints. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) is capable of separating bacterial cells according to their isoelectric point while effectively removing other non‐focusing compounds from sample matrix. In this work, we present a divergent‐flow IEF chip (DF‐IEF chip) fractionation as an alternative way for sample clean‐up and concentration of bacterial cells to prepare samples usable for following MALDI‐TOF MS analysis without the need of time‐demanding cultivation. By means of DF‐IEF chip method, we processed four species of highly pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus anthracis, Brucella abortus, Burkholderia mallei, and Yersinia pestis) inactivated with H2O2 vapors or by heat treatment at 62.5°C for 24 h. The DF‐IEF chip method continually separated and concentrated the inactivated bacterial cells for subsequent detection using MALDI‐TOF MS. The content of the inactivated bacteria in the DF‐IEF chip fractions was evaluated with the MS analysis, where inactivated Y. pestis was found to be the most efficiently focusing species. Sensitivity analysis showed limits as low as 2 × 105 colony forming units per mL for inactivated B. anthracis.
Adaptation of the disease‐related apathy scale in adults with epilepsy into Turkish: A methodological study
Authors: Turan Gülcan Bahcecioglu , Özer Zülfünaz , Başak Seda
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study was conducted to culturally adapt the Epilepsy‐Related Apathy Scale in Adults with Epilepsy (E‐RAS) to Turkish and to assess its psychometric properties in adult epilepsy patients.

Methods

A total of 172 epilepsy patients receiving care at the Neurology clinic and outpatient clinic of Fırat University Hospital from February to July 2023 were included in this methodological investigation. The E‐RAS was translated into Turkish, and its content and construct validity were thoroughly examined. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated through item analyses, internal consistency analysis, composite reliability coefficient, and mean explained variance analysis.

Results

The factor loadings of the scale items ranged from 0.66 to 0.89. The fit index values of the scale were X2 = 467.09, df = 245 (p <0.05), X2/df = 1.9, RMSEA = 0.073, CFI = 0.97, RMR = 0.046, SRMR = 0.057, TLI = 0.97, and AIC = 557.09. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the sub‐dimensions of the scale ranged from 0.880 to 0.992, and the total Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.928. The total McDonald's omega coefficient was 0.916, and the McDonald's omega coefficients of the sub‐dimensions ranged from 0.880 to 0.947. The Turkish form of the 24‐item and 4‐sub‐dimensional scale was validated without any changes to the original scale form.

Significance

The Turkish adaptation of E‐RAS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring apathy in adult epilepsy patients. Its use in clinical practice is strongly recommended.

Plain Language Summary

The E‐RAS scale can be used to assess apathy in adults with epilepsy. The was determined that the adapted Turkish form had a similar structure to the original scale. It was determined that the E‐RAS scale is valid and reliable in Turkish culture. The fact that the Turkish adaptation of the scale is similar to the original structure and other adapted cultures is a factor that facilitates its use and acceptance in international comparisons. The scale can be used to assess apathy in adults with epilepsy.