bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biopolymer Cryogels for Transient Ecology‐Drones
Authors: Wiesemüller Fabian , Meyer Severin , Hu Yijie , Bachmann Dominik , Parrilli Annapaola , Nyström Gustav , Kovač Mirko
Published: April 2023

Aerial robots can autonomously collect temporal and spatial high‐resolution environmental data. This data can be utilized to develop mathematical ecology models to understand the impact of climate change on the habitat. In case of drone malfunction, the incorporated materials can threaten vulnerable environments. The recent introduction of transient robotics enables the development of biodegradable, environmental‐sensing drones capable of degrading in their environment. However, manufacturing methods for environmental‐sensing transient drones are rarely discussed. Herein, a manufacturing framework and material selection process featuring biopolymer‐based, high‐strength composite cryogels, and printed carbon‐based electronics for transient drones are highlighted. It is found that gelatin‐ and cellulose‐based cryogels mechanically outperform other biopolymer composites while having a homogeneous microstructure and high stiffness‐to‐weight ratio. The selected materials are used to manufacture a flying‐wing air‐frame, while the incorporated sensing skin is capable of measuring the elevons’ deflection angles as well as ambient temperature. It is demonstrated in the results how gelatin–cellulose cryogels can be used to manufacture lightweight transient drones, while printing carbon‐conductive electronics is a viable method for designing sustainable, integrated sensors. The proposed methods can be used to guide the development of lightweight and rapidly degrading robots, featuring eco‐friendly sensing capabilities. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found here:https://doi.org/10.22541/au.167506513.33779420/v1.
Recapitulating Solid Stress on Tumor on a Chip for Nanomedicine Diffusive Transport Prediction
Authors: Martín-Asensio Alberto , Dávila Sergio , Cacheux Jean , Lindstaedt Agnieszka , Dziadosz Alicja , Witt Darius , Calero Macarena , Balaz Igor , Rodríguez Isabel
Published: April 2023

The characteristic mechanical forces at play within tumors include the abnormal solid and fluid stresses. These, together with the increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, are the major transport barriers affecting the nanomedicine delivery to solid tumors. Due to the elevated pressure within the tumor microenvironment, the transport of nanomedicines through the interstitial space is limited to diffusion. While this particular scenario is central for nanomedicine delivery to solid tumors, it has not been modeled in vitro before. To this end, herein, a tumor‐on‐a‐chip microfluidic device is developed that is capable of recapitulating the solid stress scenario in tumors. This is achieved by integrating a pneumatic actuation to apply compression to the enclosed hydrogel ECM filling medium. Transport studies of model nanoparticles (NPs) across this medium are performed to determine their diffusion. For these NPs, it is demonstrated that their transport is drastically reduced by 65% due to the compression of the ECM gel matrix, reducing its pore size, with only an applied pressure of ≈4 Pa. The results obtained show that the actuated tumor‐on‐a‐chip device can be used to evaluate the diffusive penetration capability of nanomedicines within a mechanical‐constrained microenvironment such that of tumors.
I3−/I− Redox Reaction‐mediated Organic Zinc‐Air Batteries with Accelerated Kinetics and Long Shelf Lives
Authors: Cui Mangwei , Ma Ninggui , Lei Hao , Liu Youfa , Ling Wei , Chen Sheng , Wang Jiaqi , Li Hongfei , Li Zhaohui , Fan Jun , Huang Yan
Published: April 2023

The storage time of Zn‐air batteries (ZABs) for practical implementation have been neglected long‐lastingly. ZABs based on organic solvents promise long shelf lives but suffer from sluggish kinetics. Here, we report a longly storable ZAB with accelerated kinetics mediated by I3−/I− redox. In the charge process, the electrooxidation of Zn5(OH)8Cl2⋅H2O is accelerated by I3− chemical oxidation. In the discharge process, I− adsorbed on the electrocatalyst changes the energy level of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Benefitting from these advantages, the prepared ZAB shows remarkably improved round‐trip efficiency (56.03 % vs. 30.97 % without the mediator), and long‐term cycling time (>2600 h) in ambient air without replacing any components or applying any protective treatment to Zn anode and electrocatalyst. After resting for 30 days without any protection, it can still directly discharge continuously for 32.5 h and charge/discharge very stably for 2200 h (440 cycles), which is evidently superior to aqueous ZABs (only 0/0.25 h, and 50/25 h (10/5 cycles) by mild/alkaline electrolyte replenishment). This study provides a strategy to solve both storage and sluggish kinetics issues that have been plaguing ZABs for centuries, opening up a new avenue to the industrial application of ZABs.
Free Amino Group Transfer via α‐Amination of Native Carbonyls
Authors: Feng Minghao , Fernandes Anthony J. , Sirvent Ana , Spinozzi Eleonora , Shaaban Saad , Maulide Nuno
Published: April 2023

We report herein a straightforward transfer of a free amino group (NH2) from a commercially available nitrogen source to unfunctionalized, native carbonyls (amides and ketones) resulting in direct α‐amination. Primary α‐amino carbonyls are readily produced under mild conditions, further enabling diverse in situ functionalization reactions—including peptide coupling and Pictet–Spengler cyclization—that capitalize on the presence of the unprotected primary amine.
Design of silica coated polyamide fabrics for thermo‐regulating textiles
Authors: Garzon Altamirano M. G. , Abebe M. G. , Lejeune J. , Cayla A. , Maes B. , Odent J. , Raquez J. M. , Campagne C. , Devaux E.
Published: April 2023

Efficient thermal management is essential for the energy balance and thermal comfort. In this context, the design of textiles, which can modulate the infrared radiation emitted by the human body, is attractive. These fabrics will manage the microclimate between the skin and fabric. The proposed textile design consists of the coating of commercial woven fabrics based on polyamide 6–6 by a dip‐coating process. The coating is based on the incorporation of fine spherical silica particles with a submicron size within thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels. Neat commercial fabrics reflect 12% of the radiation, while the addition of silica particles leads to a reflection of 24% of the infrared radiation in the 5–15 μm wavelengths range. The infrared radiation reflection capacity of the coated fabrics can be increased by managing the size and the content of the silica particles, which allows reaching 36% of reflected radiation. Our findings open opportunities for warming up fabrics and thus reduce energy consumption in heating close space.
Boronyl Borinic Esters: Preparation as B2pin2/secBuLi/TFAA Adducts, Structural Insights and Reactivity in Pd‐catalyzed Allylic Borylation
Authors: Novikov Maxim A. , Novikov Roman A. , Tomilov Yury V.
Published: April 2023

Novel boronyl borinic ester I was generated by quenching the B2pin2/secBuLi‐ate complex with trifluoroacetic acid anhydride (TFAA) via ring‐opening in the 1,3,2‐dioxaborolane moiety on ate‐boron. Detailed NMR studies of the B2pin2/secBuLi‐ate complex in solution and in solid state allowed us to assume its oligomeric nature in solids with only ate‐boron involved in the oligomerization process. The O‐trifluoroacetyl pinacolate residue on borinic ester I initially formed on quenching with TFAA undergoes an unusual intramolecular transesterification with the carbonyl group of trifluoroacetyl forming othroester moiety in a few hours at r. t. to give boronyl borinic ester II. A solution of these reagents I/II was proved to be efficient for borylation of (2‐fluoroallyl)pyridinium salts that are highly base sensitive.
Gas sorption properties of a new Zn‐BTB metal–organic framework with permanent porosity
Authors: Choi In‐Hwan , Gu Ja‐Min , Kim Hyun‐Chul , Kim Youngmee , Huh Seong
Published: April 2023

A new three‐dimensional (3D) Zn‐based metal–organic framework (Zn‐MOF) with 1,3,5‐benzenetribenzoate (BTB3−), [Zn4O(BTB)2(0.5H2O)4]·H2O·8DEF (1), has been prepared using the reaction between Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and a tritopic bridging ligand 1,3,5‐benzenetribenzoic acid (H3BTB) in the presence of a potentially ditopic bridging ligand 3,3′‐terphenyldicarboxylic acid (H2TPDC). Interestingly, TPDC2− ligand did not incorporate into the resulting Zn‐MOF, and the title compound was not formed in the absence of TPDC2− ligand during the synthesis. After the solvate molecules were removed, Zn‐MOF 1 exhibited a doubly interpenetrated 3D ant net with a large solvent accessible void. The powder x‐ray diffraction pattern of the evacuated 1 did not change significantly compared to that of the as‐prepared 1, thus indicating that 1 has permanent porosity. Gas sorption analyses were performed to investigate the sorption abilities of the evacuated 1 by using several different gases at suitable temperatures: N2, CO2, H2, and CH4.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Neurotoxicity (in Sh‐Sy5y Cell Lines) Properties of Mg Nanoparticle System (BP@MgNPs) Prepared by Green Synthesis with Bee Pollen
Authors: Bıldır Büşra , Nur Çobanoğlu Duygu , Kaya Bülent
Published: April 2023

Due to their distinct characteristics and possible uses in a variety of disciplines, nanoparticles have attracted a lot of attention recently. One area of interest is the synthesis of nanoparticles using natural sources such as bee pollen. The research aims to evaluate the usability of bee pollen extract‐based magnesium nanoparticles (MgNPs). First, a palynological study was used to determine the plant source of bee pollen. The nanoparticle was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed cubic‐shaped MgNPs with an average size range of 36–40 nm. Afterward, nanoparticles were evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neurotoxic properties. It was determined that the total antioxidant capacity, phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) content, DPPH radical scavenging, and antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles were lower than pollen extract. At the same time, nanoparticles have less toxicity than bee pollen.
Leaf Cuticular Waxes of Bermudagrass Response to Environment‐Driven Adaptations of Climate Effect Inferred from Latitude and Longitude Gradient in China
Authors: Chen Chen , Chen Zhao , Chen Minghui , Zhang Jingxue , Wang Liwen , Yan Xuebing
Published: April 2023

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a widely used warm season lawn grass. Cuticular wax covering the surface of plant leaves plays an important role in helping plants resist biotic and abiotic stresses. We analyzed the changes of cuticle wax in 25 bermudagrass populations from different longitude and latitude gradients, in order to verify how environmental conditions affect the structure and chemical composition of cuticle wax. Five wax components were identified, including alkanes, esters, alkenes, aldehydes and primary alcohols. The wax characteristics were divided into two principal components, explaining 58.2 % and 66.7 % of the total variability in latitude and longitude, even some populations had a certain correlation with each other. Pearson correlation analysis further showed that the total wax coverage, wax component content and antioxidant enzyme activity of bermudagrass populations on the latitudinal gradient had different responses to environmental factors. Finally, nineteen key genes involved in wax biosynthesis, redox and photosynthesis were identified and verified by RT‐qPCR. The results showed that the responses of bermudagrass in different populations to climate change were quite different, which was of great significance for the evolution of bermudagrass populations.
Biocatalytic Nitration of Phenols in Microemulsions at Elevated Temperatures Using Enzymes Stabilized on Magnetic Beads
Authors: Kankanamage Rumasha N. T. , Ahiadu Ben K. , He Jie , Rusling James F.
Published: April 2023

Enzymes as catalysts in organic syntheses can provide high regio‐ and stereo‐selectivity, which is often not possible with chemical catalysts. Biocatalysis with iron heme enzymes has proven efficient when the enzyme is sequestered in thin films. An added feature is improved stability. For example, peroxidases chemically crosslinked in poly‐lysine in films on silica nanoparticles were stable for 9 hrs or more at 90 °C, and were used for biocatalysis up to 90 °C. We show here for a series of para‐substituted phenols, single nitro‐phenol products can be selectively synthesized using biocatalytic magnetic beads coated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) crosslinked in polylysine films. Nitrophenols moieties are important as synthetic intermediates and in drugs. For a series of para‐substituted phenols, biocatalytic nitration gave average turnover numbers 1.8‐fold larger at 75 °C than at 25 °C. For phenols giving <50 % conversion after 1 hr at 25 °C, twice the nitration yield was achieved in 1 hr at 75 °C. Results indicate that this approach should be valuable as a general tool for biocatalytic chemical synthesis.
Finding the Compromise between Brønsted Acidity and Mesoporosity in Hierarchical ZSM‐5 Zeolites
Authors: Desmurs Lucie , Cammarano Claudia , Ramona Gaetan , Gaumard Robin , Mineva Tzonka , Sachse Alexander , Comparot Jean‐Dominique , Cacciaguerra Thomas , Cot Didier , Gimello Olinda , Galarneau Anne , Hulea Vasile
Published: April 2023

Mesoporous ZSM‐5 catalysts were prepared from a commercial ZSM‐5 (Si/Al=15), using a 2‐step micelle‐templating procedure. By varying the NaOH/Si synthesis ratio in the range of 0.3‐0.7, ZSM‐5 catalysts with different textural and acidic properties were obtained. Increasing the NaOH/Si ratio in the synthesis gel leads to zeolites that feature reduced number of Brønsted acid sites, but higher mesopore volume, which allows for reducing the diffusion path length. In order to assess the best compromise between Brønsted acidity and mesopore volume two test reactions were run. The alkylation of phenol with tert‐butyl alcohol allowed to evidence the accessibility of bulky molecules to active sites. The esterification of benzyl alcohol with hexanoic acid allowed to probe the specificity of Brønsted acid sites in ZSM‐5. The best compromise was found for micro‐/mesoporous ZSM‐5 catalysts prepared with the ratio 0.38<NaOH/Si<0.5.
Recent Advance in Single Nickel Photocatalysis for Carbon‐Heteroatom Bond Formation
Authors: Luo Hang , Feng Yunhui , Lin Luqing
Published: April 2023

The widely used nickel catalysis for carbon‐heteroatom cross‐coupling reactions often requires high energy to achieve reductive elimination on NiII complexes. To overcome the energy barrier of reductive elimination, the NiII complexes often transform to NiIII facile reductive elimination via single electron transfer in photochemistry. Energy transfer to form the excited‐state NiII complexes is feasible as well for carbon‐heteroatom couplings in nickel catalysis. This Review is focused on the discussion about the variant nickel(II) complexes as the precatalysts to forge diverse carbon‐heteroatom bonds under visible‐light irradiation in the absence of exogenous photocatalysts. Summary of photoactive nickel catalysis aims to promote the development of cheap, abundant metals catalyzed carbon‐heteroatom couplings for efficient preparation of highly valuable chemicals.
Structural Self‐Assembly and Applications of Metal–Organic Molecular Containers with Flexible Backbones
Authors: Yang Lu , Huang Xiaoxue , Wang Suna , Zhang Daopeng , Zhou Zhen
Published: April 2023

Supramolecular chemistry has become an interdisciplinary discipline of chemistry, physics, and biology. As a huge subunit of supramolecular compounds, the functional metal–organic supramolecular systems with well‐defined cavities which are able to accommodate size‐suitable guests via benign host‐guest behavior, have been known as “metal–organic molecular containers” (MOMCs) and attracted much attentions for their rich chemical properties and wide potential applications in molecular recognition, catalysis, bio‐medical and other fields. In particular, the MOMCs with flexible backbones exhibit a unique feature both in the aspect of structural construction and applications, due to the free rotation and self‐adaptively of the specific functional groups in the skeletons. In this paper, we review several selected examples of the coordination‐driven metal–organic supramolecular systems from the aspects of self‐assembly construction to the various applications. The self‐assembly strategies, especially the different choice of organic ligands with flexible backbones during the construction, leading to quite diverse configurations compared to the rigid ligands, have been also discussed to show a different perspective of metal–organic system construction.
Lead‐Free Double Perovskite Semiconductor with Rigid Spacer‐Induced High‐Tc Dielectric Switch Features
Authors: Xu Peng , Ye Huang , Yao Yunpeng , Zhu Tingting , Luo Junhua
Published: April 2023

Layered hybrid perovskites possess exceptional semiconductor features and structural versality, making them viable candidates for developing multifunctional dielectric phase‐transition materials (PTMS). However, most PTMs based on layered hybrid perovskites still suffer from Pb toxicity and low operating temperature. The recently developed hybrid double perovskites provide a new routine to designed PTMs with desired working performance and environment‐friendly chemical compositions. Herein, using rigid aromatic cations as templates, we have successfully synthesized a novel double perovskite (benzylammonium)4AgBiBr8 (1), which consists of corner‐sharing AgBr6 and BiBr6 layers and benzylammonium cations. Notably, 1 exhibits a high‐temperature first‐order reversible solid‐state phase transition at 383/387 K (cooling/heating) and switchable dielectric performance around the temperature. Compared with the soft organic chain version of the compound, the phase transition temperature of 1 shows a large enhancement of 99 K, validating the correctness of the designing strategy. In addition, 1 also exhibits semiconductor characteristics with a calculated bandgap of 2.34 eV and an optical bandgap of 2.29 eV. Remarkably, the single crystal photodetector of 1 shows a low dark current (2.12×10−13 A), a high on/off ratio (1.77×103), and a fast response (τrise=125 μs and τdecay=419 μs). Such a lead‐free phase transition material combined with semiconductor properties provides a new strategy to develop environmentally friendly multifunctional materials.
Structural Perspective into the Interaction of an Oncogenesis‐Relevant pre‐miRNA G‐Quadruplex Ligand Carrier with the Protein Nucleolin
Authors: Santos Tiago , Silva Micael , Imbert Lionel , Campello Maria P. C. , Paulo António , Amrane Samir , Salgado Gilmar F. , Cruz Carla , Cabrita Eurico J.
Published: April 2023

The structural determinants of the interaction of the G‐quadruplex (G4) motif found in precursor miRNA 149 (rG4) with the acridine orange derivative C8, a G4 ligand stabilizer possessing anticancer activity, and the protein nucleolin (overexpressed in cancer cells) were investigated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. For the rG4/C8 complex, the results revealed a strong stabilizing interaction between the aromatic core and the iodinated ring of the C8 ligand with the rG4 structure. The NMR study revealed also different interaction patterns between nucleolin and rG4 and nucleolin and rG4/C8 complex. In the absence of the ligand, rG4 establishes interactions with polar residues of the protein while for the rG4/C8 complex, these contacts are mainly established with amino acids that have hydrophobic side chains. However, nucleolin chemical shift perturbation studies in the presence of rG4 or rG4/C8 reveal the same location between domains 1 and 2 of the protein, which suggests that the rG4 and rG4/C8 complex bind in this region. This puzzling structural study opens a new framework to study rG4/ligand/nucleolin complexes that might impact the biogenesis of miRNA 149.
Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for head and neck mucosal melanoma recurrence in patients treated with carbon‐ion radiotherapy
Authors: Musha Atsushi , Kubo Nobuteru , Kawamura Hidemasa , Okano Naoko , Sato Hiro , Okada Kohei , Tomizawa Kento , Ota Norichika , Adachi Akiko , Shino Masato , Nikkuni Osamu , Ida Shota , Shirai Katsuyuki , Saitoh Jun‐ichi , Yokoo Satoshi , Chikamatsu Kazuaki , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: April 2023

Background

Carbon‐ion radiotherapy (C‐ion RT) is effective for head and neck mucosal melanoma (HN‐MM), including radioresistant mucosal melanoma. Melanoma also responds effectively to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Data on the efficacy and safety of ICIs for HN‐MM are insufficient.

Aims

To analyze the efficacy and safety of ICI salvage therapy in patients with HN‐MM recurrence after C‐ion RT.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 52 patients with HN‐MM treated with C‐ion RT between 2012 and 2020. A dose of 57.6 or 64.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) was provided in 16 fractions. The primary endpoint was 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate. The median follow‐up time was 26.8 months for all patients. A total of 29 patients had local recurrence or distant metastasis, and 16 patients who received ICI therapy. The 3‐year OS rate in the ICI group (n = 16) and best supportive care group (n = 13) were 53.8% and 0.0%, respectively (p = 0.837); the difference was not statistically significant. There were no deaths after 1 year among patients who underwent ICI therapy. No adverse events associated with C‐ion RT were related to or exacerbated by ICI.

Conclusion

ICI salvage therapy is effective and safe for patients with HN‐MM recurrence after C‐ion RT.
The role of psychotherapists' perceived barriers in providing psychotherapy to refugee patients
Authors: Dumke Lars , Wilker Sarah , Kotterba Anna , Neuner Frank
Published: April 2023

Access to psychotherapy is critical to improving mental health, but only a small proportion of refugees receive treatment in the regular psychotherapeutic care system in high‐income countries. In previous research, outpatient psychotherapists reported several barriers to more frequent treatment of refugee patients. However, it is unclear to what extent these perceived barriers contribute to the poor provision of services to refugees. In a survey of N = 2002 outpatient psychotherapists in Germany, we collected data on perceived treatment barriers and on the integration of refugees into regular psychotherapeutic practice. Half of the psychotherapists reported that they do not treat refugee patients. In addition, therapies provided for refugees were, on average, 20% shorter than for other patients. Regression analyses showed direct negative associations between psychotherapists' overall perception of barriers with the number of refugees treated and the number of sessions offered to refugee patients, even when controlling for sociodemographic and workload‐related characteristics. Correlation analyses on the level of specific types of barriers further revealed that particularly language‐related barriers and lack of contact with the refugee population are negatively correlated with the number of refugees treated and the number of sessions for refugees. Our findings indicate that the integration of refugees into regular psychotherapeutic care could be improved by measures to connect psychotherapists with refugee patients as well as professional interpreters and to ensure coverage of costs for therapy, interpreters and related administrative tasks.
Evaluation of Struthio camelus eggshell as an in vitro alternative to extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion
Authors: Qutieshat Abubaker , Mason Andrew Graham , Chadwick Richard Graham
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This in vitro work investigates the potential of ostrich eggshell as a substitute for extracted human teeth in preliminary screening studies on dental erosion. Additionally, it aims to demonstrate the potential of ostrich eggshell compared to human enamel in evaluating the efficacy of a preventive agent in protecting against dental erosion, using an artificial mouth model.

Methods

The experiment utilized 96 erosion testing specimens from each substrate, human enamel, and ostrich eggshell. The specimens were subjected to six different experimental regimens of increasing erosive challenge, simulating the consumption of an acidic drink. The acidic drink was delivered at a consistent volume and duration range. Both artificially stimulated and unstimulated saliva flowed throughout the experimental regimens. Surface hardness was measured using a Through‐Indenter Viewing hardness tester with a Vickers diamond, while surface profiling was done using a surface contacting profilometer with a diamond stylus. An automated chemistry analyzer system was used to detect calcium and phosphate ions.

Results

The study found that ostrich eggshell specimens demonstrated predictable surface loss, hardness drop, and ion loss due to the acidic challenge. Meanwhile, enamel appeared to fall short in terms of surface hardness predictability. The transient hardness loss phase, which manifests as an overlooked decrease in surface hardness despite significant ion and structural loss, may explain this phenomenon.

Conclusions

The experiment showed that assessing surface loss is essential in addition to hardness testing, particularly as certain experimental conditions may produce a false perception of tissue recovery despite the actual surface loss. By analyzing the response of ostrich eggshell specimens to erosive challenges, researchers were able to identify an “overlooked” reduction in hardness in enamel specimens. The differences in the structure, chemical composition, and biological response to erosion in the presence of artificial saliva between enamel and ostrich eggshell could explain their distinct behaviors.
Impact of executive pay gap on environmental, social, and governance disclosure in China: Is there a strategic choice?
Authors: Zhang Dingzu , Pan Lijuan , Liu Luqi , Zeng Huixiang
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the mechanisms through which the executive pay gap affects the disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. Utilizing panel data from China's A‐share listed firms between 2012 and 2020, our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between the executive pay gap and ESG disclosure, with real earnings management playing a partial mediating role. Notably, the impact of the executive pay gap on ESG disclosure is more pronounced in voluntary disclosure firms and those with low internal control levels, as compared to mandatory disclosure firms and those with high internal control levels. This study provides international evidence for the strategic disclosure behavior of ESG information and the necessity of ESG disclosure regulation.
Circular RNAs in the chemoresistance of triple‐negative breast cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Shan Xuefeng , Peng Yang , Zhou Weiying
Published: April 2023

This study aims to assess studies on circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the chemoresistance of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and provide relevant references for the development of new TNBC chemotherapy sensitivity biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and four Chinese databases were searched up to January 27, 2023, and studies related to TNBC chemoresistance were included. The basic characteristics of the studies and the mechanisms of circRNAs in regulating TNBC chemoresistance were analyzed. A total of 28 studies published between 2018 and 2023 were included, and the chemotherapeutics included adriamycin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5‐fluorouracil, lapatinib, and so forth. A total of 30 circRNAs were identified, 86.67% (n = 26) of these circRNAs were reported to act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate chemotherapy sensitivity, while only two circRNAs (circRNA‐MTO1 and circRNA‐CREIT) interacted with proteins. A total of 14, 12, and 2 circRNAs were reported to be associated with chemoresistance to adriamycin, taxanes, and 5‐fluorouracil, respectively. Six circRNAs were found to act as miRNA sponges that promote chemotherapy resistance by regulating the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. CircRNAs participate in the regulation of TNBC chemoresistance and can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving chemotherapy sensitivity. However, further studies are needed to confirm the role of circRNAs in TNBC chemoresistance.
Interpretation of hair and nails findings in an infant death case related to maternal addiction to tramadol
Authors: Gish Alexandr , Richeval Camille , Wiart Jean‐François , Hennart Benjamin , Hakim Florian , Demarly Christophe , Balgairies Axelle , Hédouin Valéry , Allorge Delphine , Gaulier Jean‐Michel
Published: April 2023

An 11‐month‐old boy was found dead. Autopsy findings (cyanosis and polyvisceral congestion) and blood tramadol (TR) concentration of 6240 μg/L were consistent with an acute TR intoxication. In this poisoning situation, owing to the mother's statements (TR addiction leading to daily TR‐orange juice mixture preparation accidentally used for the baby bottle preparation by the mother's partner), and the question of possible previous TR administrations to the infant, hair and/or nails (infant, mother, partner, 6‐year‐old sister) analysis was performed. Hair (2‐cm‐long hair segments from proximal [S1] to distal [S3]) and nails concentrations (pg/mg; nd: not detected) were as follows: Infant (hair: TR 1420 [S1], 1622 [S2], 2736 [S3]; O‐DMT 16–38; N‐DMT 34–100 [TR in significant quantities in the hair decontamination bath]—toenails: TR 584; O‐DMT 8; N‐DMT 15), mother (hair: TR 2340 [S1], 2150 [S2], 2500 [S3]; O‐DMT 704–1170; N‐DMT 827–1360), mother's partner (fingernails: TR 72; O‐DMT nd; N‐DMT nd) and sister (hair: TR 261 [S1], 524 [S2]; O‐DMT 15 [S1], 16 [S2]; N‐DMT 20 [S1], 38 [S2]). Metabolite ratio (infant and sister hair) was comparable to those observed in hair of pharmaceutical industry employees manufacturing tramadol. TR in washing baths, low observed nail concentrations (infant and partner) confirm (i) TR‐related mother's addiction and (ii) external contamination issues (TR in sweat of the child at the time of death and in living environment) to explain the infant's keratinized samples results. This case report illustrates the interest of analyzing keratinized matrices of the whole family in such a situation.
Determination of amphetamine enantiomers in urine by conductive vial electromembrane extraction and ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Skaalvik Tonje Gottenberg , Øiestad Elisabeth Leere , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Stig , Hegstad Solfrid
Published: April 2023

Separation and quantification of amphetamine enantiomers are commonly used to distinguish between consumption of prescription amphetamine (mostly S‐amphetamine) and illicit forms of the drug (racemate). In this study, electromembrane extraction with prototype conductive vials was combined with ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography (UHPSFC‐MS/MS) to quantify R‐ and S‐amphetamine in urine. Amphetamine was extracted from 100 μL urine, diluted with 25 μL internal standard solution and 175 μL 130 mM formic acid, across a supported liquid membrane (SLM) consisting of 9 μL of a 1:1(w/w) mixture of 2‐nitrophenyloctyl ether (NPOE) and bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphite (DEHPi) into an acceptor phase containing 300 μL 130 mM formic acid. The extraction was facilitated by the application of 30 V for 15 min. Enantiomeric separation was achieved using UHPSFC‐MS/MS with a chiral stationary phase. The calibration range was 50–10,000 ng/mL for each enantiomer. The between‐assay CV was ≤5%, within‐assay CV ≤ 1.5%, and bias within ±2%. Recoveries were 83%–90% (CV ≤ 6%), and internal standard corrected matrix effects were 99–105 (CV ≤ 2%). The matrix effects ranged from 96% to 98% (CV ≤ 8%) when not corrected by the internal standard. The EME method was compared with a chiral routine method that employed liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) for sample preparation. Assay results were in agreement with the routine method, and the mean deviation between methods was 3%, ranging from −21% to 31%. Finally, sample preparation greenness was assessed using the AGREEprep tool, which resulted in a greenness score of 0.54 for conductive vial EME, opposed to 0.47 for semi‐automated 96‐well LLE.
β‐diversity reveals ecological connectivity patterns underlying marine community recovery: Implications for conservation
Authors: Bevilacqua Stanislao , Boero Ferdinando , De Leo Francesco , Guarnieri Giuseppe , Mačić Vesna , Benedetti‐Cecchi Lisandro , Terlizzi Antonio , Fraschetti Simonetta
Published: April 2023

As β‐diversity can be seen as a proxy of ecological connections among species assemblages, modeling the decay of similarity in species composition at increasing distance may help elucidate spatial patterns of connectivity and local‐ to large‐scale processes driving community assembly within a marine region. This, in turn, may provide invaluable information for setting ecologically coherent networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) in which protected communities are potentially interrelated and can mutually sustain against environmental perturbations. However, field studies investigating changes in β‐diversity patterns at a range of spatial scales and in relation to disturbance are scant, limiting our understanding of how spatial ecological connections among marine communities may affect their recovery dynamics. We carried out a manipulative experiment simulating a strong physical disturbance on subtidal rocky reefs at several locations spanning >1000 km of coast in the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea) and compared β‐diversity patterns and decay of similarity with distance and time by current transport between undisturbed and experimentally disturbed macrobenthic assemblages to shed light on connectivity processes and scales involved in recovery. In contrast to the expectation that very local‐scale processes, such as vegetative regrowth and larval supply from neighboring undisturbed assemblages, might be the major determinants of recovery in disturbed patches, we found that connectivity mediated by currents at larger spatial scales strongly contributed to shape community reassembly after disturbance. Across our study sites in the Adriatic Sea, β‐diversity patterns suggested that additional protected sites that matched hotspots of propagule exchange could increase the complementarity and strengthen the ecological connectivity throughout the MPA network. More generally, conditional to habitat distribution and selection of sites of high conservation priority (e.g., biodiversity hotspots), setting network internode distance within 100–150 km, along with sizing no‐take zones to cover at least 5 km of coast, would help enhance the potential connectivity of Mediterranean subtidal rocky reef assemblages from local to large scale. These results can help improve conservation planning to achieve the goals of promoting ecological connectivity within MPA networks and enhancing their effectiveness in protecting marine communities against rapidly increasing natural and anthropogenic disturbances.
Synthesis of Remdesivir by Direct Lithiation of Pyrrolo[2,1‐f][1,2,4]triazine Derivatives Enabled C‐Glycosylation
Authors: Xu Chao , Hu Yu‐Han , He Yong , Hu Zhigang , Li Shikuo , Zhang Hui , Huang Fangzhi , Zhang Feng‐Lian , Chen Yue‐Lei
Published: April 2023

A direct and regioselective lithiation was realized on N‐Boc‐pyrrolo[2,1‐f][1,2,4]triazine, simply utilizing the distinct sigma‐acidity on C‐9. Starting from this enabling discovery, C‐glycoside formation, cyanation, and global deprotection steps constitute one of the most efficient syntheses of GS‐441524. Furthermore, transient protection was applied on GS‐441524 with phenyl boronic acid, which facilitated a powerful one‐pot synthesis of remdesivir.
Chemical and thermodynamic characterization of antioxidant emulsifiers: The case of complex of sodium caseinate with EGCG
Authors: Tang Wei , Li Minghui , Ritzoulis Christos , Liu Yefeng , Ding Yuting , Liu Weilin , Liu Jianhua
Published: April 2023

In this study, complexes formed by sodium caseinate (CS) and different concentrations of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) were successfully prepared. The structures of the CS–EGCG complexes were then analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Their thermodynamic features were also analyzed by Van't Hoff equation before evaluating antioxidant properties as well as emulsion stability. The results showed that EGCG grafting significantly altered the CS structure, primarily due to their interactions. However, besides the covalent bonding within CS–EGCG, thermodynamic analysis further highlighted the presence of slight interactions driven by hydrophobic and entropic changes. The EGCG grafting also decreased the surface hydrophobicity of CS while increasing its solubility, thus improving the stability of the protein in water. Finally, the grafting process significantly improved the thermal and emulsifying stability of CS as well as its antioxidant properties, especially 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging properties and ferric ion reducing power. These findings can contribute to the study of protein and polyphenol interactions in food fields.
The relationship between placental thickness and gestational age in pregnant women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sharami Seyedeh H. , Milani Forozan , Fallah Arzpeyma Sima , Dalil Heirati Seyedeh F. , Pourhabibi Zahra
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Estimating gestational age (GA) is of utmost importance to assess the condition of the fetus. Incorporating placental thickness and fetal biometrics in estimating GA may improve the accuracy of fetal age estimation. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between placental thickness and GA in pregnant women referred to Al‐Zahra Hospital's prenatal and emergency clinic in Rasht, Iran.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on pregnant women referred to Al‐Zahra Clinic for prenatal care over a 6‐month period. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected on the date of the first day of the last safe menstruation, average body mass index, and medical and surgical history. Placental thickness was estimated using ultrasound and various clinical information was recorded. The data were then analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis in SPSS software version 21.

Results

The results showed a significant correlation between GA and placental thickness (p < 0.0001,r = 0.729). Placental thickness increased with increasing GA. There was also a significant relationship between placental thickness and placental location (p = 0.009,r = 0.14). In the posterior position, placental thickness increased by 14% or 0.14. The placental thickness in the posterior position (29.49 ± 0.75) was greater than the anterior position (26.94 ± 10.72).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that there is a significant increase in placental thickness with increasing GA during the first and second trimesters. Additionally, placental thickness significantly increased in the posterior placental position, as well as in women with high BMI. Therefore, it is recommended that measuring placental thickness should be routine during obstetric ultrasounds.
The role of DNA methylation in ovarian cancer chemoresistance: A narrative review
Authors: Song Kaiyang , Artibani Mara
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer. In 2018, it was responsible for over 180,000 deaths worldwide. The high mortality rate is the culmination of a lack of early diagnosis and high rates of chemotherapy resistance, which is synonymous with disease recurrence. Over the last two decades, an increasingly significant role of epigenetic mechanisms, in particular DNA methylation, has emerged. This review will discuss several of the most significant genes whose hypo/hypermethylation profiles are associated with chemoresistance. Aside from functionally elucidating and evaluating these epimutations, this review will discuss recent trials of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi). Finally, we will propose future directions that could enhance the feasibility of utilizing these candidate epimutations as clinical biomarkers.

Methods

To perform this review, a comprehensive literature search based on our keywords was conducted across the online databases PubMed and Google Scholar for identifying relevant studies published up until August 2022.

Results

Epimutations affecting MLH1, MSH2, and Ras‐association domain family 1 isoform A (DNA damage repair and apoptosis); ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 and methylation‐controlled J (drug export); secreted frizzled‐related proteins (Wnt/β‐catenin signaling), neurocalcin delta (calcium and G protein‐coupled receptor signaling), and zinc finger protein 671 all have potential as biomarkers for chemoresistance. However, specific uncertainties relating to these epimutations include histotype‐specific differences, intrinsic versus acquired chemoresistance, and the interplay with complete surgical debulking. DNMTi for chemoresistant OC patients has shown some promise; however, issues surrounding their efficacy and dose‐limiting toxicities remain; a personalized approach is required to maximize their effectiveness.

Conclusion

Establishing a panel of aberrantly methylated chemoresistance‐related genes to predict chemoresponsiveness and patients' suitability to DNMTi could significantly reduce OC recurrence, while improving DNMTi therapy viability. To achieve this, a large‐scale prospective genome‐wide DNA methylation profile study that spans different histotypes, includes paired samples (before and after chemotherapy), and integrates transcriptomic and methylomic analysis, is warranted.
Regional capital flow and capital allocation efficiency of high‐tech enterprises in China
Authors: Xu Ke , Li Jian , Geng Chengxuan
Published: April 2023

From the perspective of capital flow, the study analyses the preference and spatial difference of capital flow of high‐tech enterprises, and uses the Super‐SBM‐DEA model to analyze the capital allocation efficiency. On this basis, the influence of capital flow of financial institutions, capital market, government, and foreign capital flow on capital allocation efficiency is further analyzed. We found the influence of different channels of capital flow on the capital allocation efficiency is heterogeneous. Finally, suggestions are made to optimize capital flow and improve the capital allocation efficiency of high‐tech enterprises in different regions.
Treatment of aqueous solutions of oxytetracycline by different electrochemical approaches: anodic oxidation, pressurized electro‐Fenton and oxidation by electrogenerated active chlorine
Authors: Ayadi Ameni , Proietto Federica , Jaouadi Mouna , Hamzaoui Ahmed Hichem , Galia Alessandro , Scialdone Onofrio
Published: April 2023

The tetracycline group (TCs) includes the most common antibiotics for treatment of both human and animal infections. TCs are resistant to biological degradation; hence, conventional wastewater treatments are unable to remove these contaminants. Here, the utilization of different electrochemical processes, such as electro‐Fenton (EF), direct anodic oxidation (AO) and indirect oxidation by electrogenerated active chlorine (EAC), for the treatment of aqueous solutions of oxytetracycline (OTC), which is one of the TCs, was studied. The effect of various operating conditions was evaluated to optimize the selected processes. EAC gave the fastest abatement of OTC, but the lowest removal of TOC and formation of chlorate. However, the utilization of carbon felt cathodes allowed the formation of chlorate to be reduced. AO gave the highest TOC removals, but it required the use of an expensive anode, as BDD, and high cell potentials. EF performed with pressurized‐air (5–10 bar) presented intermediate removals of OTC and TOC with respect to AO and EAC and consumed the least energy. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Postnatal melatonin administration to stressed dams for ameliorating risk‐taking behaviour in rat pups through maternal care improvement
Authors: Bagheri Farzaneh , Goudarzi Iran
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim

Anxiety often occurs both concurrently and sequentially in childhood and adolescence in association with prenatal stress, which may reduce the quality of maternal care and then cause mood disorders among children in later life. Against this background, melatonin, as a powerful antioxidant, was used in the present study to ameliorate risk‐taking behaviour induced by pure maternal care in rat pups.

Materials and Methods

The Wistar rat dams recruited in this study were exposed to restraint stress from gestational day (GD) 11 until delivery. They further received melatonin (10 mg/kg) during the postnatal days (PNDs) 0–7 by intraperitoneal (IP) injections at 4:00 PM. The pregnant rats were then divided into four groups, namely, control, stress, stress + melatonin and melatonin, and their maternal behaviour and corticosterone levels were measured. In the offspring, the outcomes of some behavioural tasks, including the elevated plus‐maze (EPM) and open‐field (OF) tests were ultimately assessed.

Results

The study results revealed that the quantity and quality of maternal care significantly declined and the plasma corticosterone levels compounded in the stressed dams. Melatonin treatment, however, improved their nursing behaviour and reduced their plasma corticosterone levels. The offspring performance in two tasks also showed an upward trend in risk‐taking behaviour in the stress group, and melatonin administration ameliorated the effects of stress and lessened their anxiety‐like behaviour.

Conclusion

It was concluded that prenatal restraint stress could impair stress responses and quality of maternal care, whereas postnatal melatonin administration potentially contributed to the normalization of stress reaction and anxiolysis.