bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppressing Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Ferroptosis Via Targeting a Metabolism‐Epigenetics Axis Corrects their Poor Retention and Insufficient Healing Benefits in the Injured Liver Milieu
Authors: Hu Guangyu , Cui Zhe , Chen Xiyao , Sun Fangfang , Li Tongzheng , Li Congye , Zhang Ling , Guo Xiong , Zhao Hang , Xia Yunlong , Yan Wenjun , Yi Wei , Fan Miaomiao , Yang Rongjin , Wang Shan , Tao Ling , Zhang Fuyang
Published: February 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) implantation is a promising option for liver repair, but their poor retention in the injured liver milieu critically blunts therapeutic effects. The aim is to clarify the mechanisms underlying massive MSC loss post‐implantation and establish corresponding improvement strategies. MSC loss primarily occurs within the initial hours after implantation into the injured liver milieu or under reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. Surprisingly, ferroptosis is identified as the culprit for rapid depletion. In ferroptosis‐ or ROS‐provoking MSCs, branched‐chain amino acid transaminase‐1 (BCAT1) is dramatically decreased, and its downregulation renders MSC susceptible to ferroptosis via suppressing the transcription of glutathione peroxidase‐4 (GPX4), a vital ferroptosis defensing enzyme. BCAT1 downregulation impedes GPX4 transcription via a rapid‐responsive metabolism‐epigenetics coordinating mechanism, involving α‐ketoglutarate accumulation, histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation loss, and early growth response protein‐1 upregulation. Approaches to suppress ferroptosis (e.g., incorporating ferroptosis inhibitors in injection solvent and overexpressing BCAT1) significantly improve MSC retention and liver‐protective effects post‐implantation. This study provides the first evidence indicating that excessive MSC ferroptosis is the nonnegligible culprit for their rapid depletion and insufficient therapeutic efficacy after implantation into the injured liver milieu. Strategies suppressing MSC ferroptosis are conducive to optimizing MSC‐based therapy.
Bulk Rashba‐Type Spin Splitting in Non‐Centrosymmetric Artificial Superlattices
Authors: Ham Woo Seung , Ho Thi Huynh , Shiota Yoichi , Iino Tatsuya , Ando Fuyuki , Ikebuchi Tetsuya , Kotani Yoshinori , Nakamura Tetsuya , Kan Daisuke , Shimakawa Yuichi , Moriyma Takahiro , Im Eunji , Lee Nyun‐Jong , Kim Kyoung‐Whan , Hong Soon Cheol , Rhim Sonny H. , Ono Teruo , Kim Sanghoon
Published: February 2023

Spin current, converted from charge current via spin Hall or Rashba effects, can transfer its angular momentum to local moments in a ferromagnetic layer. In this regard, the high charge‐to‐spin conversion efficiency is required for magnetization manipulation for developing future memory or logic devices including magnetic random‐access memory. Here, the bulk Rashba‐type charge‐to‐spin conversion is demonstrated in an artificial superlattice without centrosymmetry. The charge‐to‐spin conversion in [Pt/Co/W] superlattice with sub‐nm scale thickness shows strong W thickness dependence. When the W thickness becomes 0.6 nm, the observed field‐like torque efficiency is about 0.6, which is an order larger than other metallic heterostructures. First‐principles calculation suggests that such large field‐like torque arises from bulk‐type Rashba effect due to the vertically broken inversion symmetry inherent from W layers. The result implies that the spin splitting in a band of such an ABC‐type artificial SL can be an additional degree of freedom for the large charge‐to‐spin conversion.
Checkpoint TIPE2 Limits the Helper Functions of NK Cells in Supporting Antitumor CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Bi Jiacheng , Jin Xiaomeng , Zheng Chaoyue , Huang Chen , Zhong Chao , Zheng Xiaohu , Tian Zhigang , Sun Haoyu
Published: February 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells not only are innate effector lymphocytes that directly participate in tumor surveillance but are also essential helpers in the antitumor CD8+ T‐cell response. However, the molecular mechanisms and potential checkpoints regulating NK cell helper functions remain elusive. Here, it is shown that the T‐bet/Eomes‐IFN‐γ axis in NK cells is essential for CD8+ T cell‐dependent tumor control, whereas T‐bet‐dependent NK cell effector functions are required for an optimal response to anti‐PD‐L1 immunotherapy. Importantly, NK cell‐expressed TIPE2 (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced protein‐8 like‐2) represents a checkpoint molecule for NK cell helper function, since Tipe2 deletion in NK cells not only enhances NK‐intrinsic antitumor activity but also indirectly improves the antitumor CD8+ T cell response by promoting T‐bet/Eomes‐dependent NK cell effector functions. These studies thus reveal TIPE2 as a checkpoint for NK cell helper function, whose targeting might boost the antitumor T cell response in addition to T cell‐based immunotherapy.
Efficient Coarse‐Grained Superplasticity of a Gigapascal Lightweight Refractory Medium Entropy Alloy
Authors: Jia Yuefei , Wu Shiwei , Mu Yongkun , Xu Long , Ren Chang , Sun Kang , Yi Jun , Jia Yandong , Yan Wentao , Wang Gang
Published: February 2023

Superplastic metals that exhibit exceptional ductility (>300%) are appealing for use in high‐quality engineering components with complex shapes. However, the wide application of most superplastic alloys has been constrained due to their poor strength, the relatively long superplastic deformation period, and the complex and high‐cost grain refinement processes. Here these issues are addressed by the coarse‐grained superplasticity of high‐strength lightweight medium entropy alloy (Ti43.3V28Zr14Nb14Mo0.7, at.%) with a microstructure of ultrafine particles embedded in the body‐centered‐cubic matrix. The results demonstrate that the alloy reached a high coarse‐grained superplasticity greater than ≈440% at a high strain rate of 10−2 s−1 at 1173 K and with a gigapascal residual strength. A consecutively triggered deformation mechanism that sequences of dislocation slip, dynamic recrystallization, and grain boundary sliding in such alloy differs from conventional grain‐boundary sliding in fine‐grained materials. The present results open a pathway for highly efficient superplastic forming, broaden superplastic materials to the high‐strength field, and guide the development of new alloys.
Mechanical Failure of Solid‐State Electrolyte Rooted in Synergy of Interfacial and Internal Defects
Authors: Xiong Shizhao , Xu Xieyu , Jiao Xingxing , Wang Yongjing , Kapitanova Olesya O. , Song Zhongxiao , Liu Yangyang
Published: February 2023

The mechanical failure of solid‐state electrolytes induced by the growth of the lithium metal anode hinders the development of solid‐state Li metal batteries with good safety and high energy density, and thus the understanding of the failure mechanism is of high importance for the application of solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries. Herein, a modified electro‐chemo‐mechanical model is built to bridge the dynamic relationship between the mechanical failure of solid‐state electrolytes and the electrodeposition of lithium metal. The results, visualize evolution of local stress fields and the corresponding relative damage, and indicate that the generation of damage inside the solid‐state electrolyte is rooted in a synergy of interfacial and internal defects. Compression by electrodeposited lithium inside interfacial defects and further transmission of stress inward in the electrolyte causes catastrophic damage, which is determined by the geometry of interfacial defects. Moreover, the internal defects of the solid‐state electrolyte from sintering can influence the pathway of damage and work as the inner fountainhead for further damage propagation, and as such, the position and amount of the internal voids exhibit a more competitive role in the mechanical failure of solid‐state electrolyte. Thus, the synergetic failure mechanism of solid‐state electrolytes raised in this work provides a modeling framework to design effective strategies for state‐of‐the‐art solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries.
Charge‐Accumulating‐Flutter‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator via Discharge Gateway
Authors: Heo Deokjae , Son Jin‐ho , Kim Dongchang , Song Myunghwan , Ryu Hanwook , Kim Sunghan , Choi Kyungwho , Lin Zong‐Hong , Kim Dongseob , Hong Jinkee , Lee Sangmin
Published: February 2023

For triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), achieving both high root‐mean‐square (RMS) current output and portability remains a challenge. Here, a charge‐accumulating‐flutter‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (CAF‐TENG) with ultrahigh RMS current and average power density/portability is proposed. Because of the electron accumulation/discharge mechanism and electrical/mechanical flutter device design, the CAF‐TENG can generate an RMS voltage, RMS current, and average power density of 44 V, 36 mA, and 26 mW cm−3, respectively. The CAF‐TENG is optimized via quantitative electrical/mechanical analysis. CAF‐TENG can power an array of 2000 commercial LEDs continuously and charge high‐capacitance capacitors/commercial lithium batteries. Furthermore, as a practical application, a mask‐valve‐integrated CAF‐TENG is fabricated, which can power eight commercial lamps (5 W) continuously and operate a commercial Bluetooth tracker by charging a capacitor in a daily respiration scenario.
Soft Actuators Based on Spin‐Crossover Particles Embedded in Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Zan Yue , Piedrahita-Bello Mario , Alavi Seyed E. , Molnár Gábor , Tondu Bertrand , Salmon Lionel , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: February 2023

Molecular spin‐crossover (SCO) complexes are phase‐change materials that develop large spontaneous strains across the thermally induced phase transition, which can be advantageously used in designing soft actuators. Herein, a bilayer bending cantilever, made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with embedded [Fe(NH2trz)3](SO4) SCO particles (25 wt%), is presented. The proposed actuator is fabricated by blade casting an SCO@TPU layer on a conducting Ag@TPU film to convert electrothermal input into mechanical response. Experiments are conducted to characterize the curvature of bilayer beams, which is then further analyzed using the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The beam curvature change, free transformation strain, and effective work density associated with the SCO are 0.11 mm−1, 1.6%, and 1.25 mJ cm−3, respectively. Further, the open‐ and closed‐loop response of the actuator is investigated using a custom‐built setup. The open‐loop identification suggests that the actuator gain increases monotonously when the control current increases. This natural adaptive character can explain the drastically diminished response time in closed‐loop proportional–integral–derivative control experiments (2–3 s). Finally, tracking experiments are carried out to evaluate the robustness of the actuator with and without payloads. The results for 30 240 endurance cycles reveal a mean positioning error of 0.8%.
Dynamic Ferroelectric Transistor‐Based Reservoir Computing for Spatiotemporal Information Processing
Authors: Duong Ngoc Thanh , Chien Yu-Chieh , Xiang Heng , Li Sifan , Zheng Haofei , Shi Yufei , Ang Kah-Wee
Published: February 2023

Reservoir computing (RC) architecture which mimics the human brain is a fundamentally preferred method to process dynamical systems that evolve with time. However, the difficulty in generating rich reservoir states using two‐terminal devices remains challenging, which hinders its hardware implementation. Herein, the 1D array of ferroelectric field‐effect transistor (Fe‐FET) based on α‐In2Se3 channel, which shows volatile memory effect for realizing various RC systems, is demonstrated. The fading effect in α‐In2Se3 is sufficiently investigated by polarization dynamic model. The proposed Fe‐FET is capable of experimentally classifying images using MNIST dataset with a high accuracy of 91%. Furthermore, time‐series real‐life chaotic system, for example, Earth's weather, can be accurately forecasted using our Ferro‐RC based on the Jena climate dataset recorded in a 1 year period. Remarkable determination coefficient (R
2) of 0.9983 and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 8.3 × 10−3 are achieved using a minimized readout network. The demonstration of integrated memory and computation opens a route for realizing a compact RC hardware system.
History and highlights of the teratological collection in theNarrenturm, Vienna (Austria)
Authors: Boer Lucas L. , Kircher Susanne Gerit , Rehder Helga , Behunova Jana , Winter Eduard , Ringl Helmut , Scharrer Anke , de Boer Elke , Oostra Roelof‐Jan
Published: February 2023

The collection of theNarrenturmin Vienna houses and maintains more than 50,000 objects including approximately 1200 teratological specimens; making it one of the biggest collections of specimens from human origin in Europe. The existence of this magnificent collection―representing an important resource for dysmorphology research, mostly awaiting contemporary diagnoses―is not widely known in the scientific community. Here, we show that theNarrenturmharbors a wealth of specimens with (exceptionally) rare congenital anomalies. These museums can be seen as physical repositories of human malformation, covering hundreds of years of dedicated collecting and preserving, thereby creating unique settings that can be used to expand our knowledge of developmental conditions that have to be preserved for future generations of scientists.
Comparison of the replication and neutralization of different SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron subvariants in vitro
Authors: Zhang Yaqing , Lv Qi , Qi Feifei , Li Fengdi , Deng Ran , Liang Xujian , Liu Mingya , Yan Yiwei , Bao Linlin
Published: February 2023

Background

New Omicron subvariants are emerging rapidly from BA.1 to BA.4 and BA.5. Their pathogenicity has changed from that of wild‐type (WH‐09) and Omicron variants have over time become globally dominant. The spike proteins of BA.4 and BA.5 that serve as the target for vaccine‐induced neutralizing antibodies have also changed compared to the previous subvariants, which is likely to cause immune escape and the reduction of the protective effect of the vaccine. Our study addresses the above issues and provides a basis for formulating relevant prevention and control strategies.

Methods

We collected cellular supernatant and cell lysates and measured the viral titers, viral RNA loads, and E subgenomic RNA (E sgRNA) loads in different Omicron subvariants grown in Vero E6 cells, using WH‐09 and Delta variants as a reference. Additionally, we evaluated the in vitro neutralizing activity of different Omicron subvariants and compared it to the WH‐09 and Delta variants using macaque sera with different types of immunity.

Results

As the SARS‐CoV‐2 evolved into Omicron BA.1, the replication ability in vitro began to decrease. Then with the emergence of new subvariants, the replication ability gradually recovered and became stable in the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. In WH‐09‐inactivated vaccine sera, geometric mean titers of neutralization antibodies against different Omicron subvariants declined by 3.7~15.4‐fold compared to those against WH‐09. In Delta‐inactivated vaccine sera, geometric mean titers of neutralization antibodies against Omicron subvariants declined by 3.1~7.4‐fold compared to those against Delta.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this research, the replication efficiency of all Omicron subvariants declined compared with WH‐09 and Delta variants, and was lower in BA.1 than in other Omicron subvariants. After two doses of inactivated (WH‐09 or Delta) vaccine, cross‐neutralizing activities against various Omicron subvariants were seen despite a decline in neutralizing titers.
The solid/porous compound wavy microchannel heat sinks with 45° secondary channel flow of thermo‐hydraulic performance
Authors: Nandy Ajoy Kumar , Balasubramanian Karthik
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, microchannel‐based cooling systems are one of the best heat exchangers to extract a huge amount of heat from miniature devices. In this present study, a 15‐μm thickness porous fin in solid/porous compound wavy (CWPF) with a 45° secondary channel (SC) heat sink has been investigated with a Reynolds number range of 50–300 and is compared with CWPF heat sinks. Fluid flow through porous fins is solved by Darcy–Forchheimer flow models, and the thermo‐hydraulic performance of microchannel heat sinks is solved a using finite volume approach. The walls and fins are made of copper, and the operating fluid is pure water. The significant impact on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics has been discussed. The effect of SC/route width variations is examined. It is observed that as the width ratio (α) increases, both the Nusselt number and pressure drop significantly increase up to the width ratio of 3 and then decrease as it increases. This is due to the increased effective fluid mixing by the dean vortices through secondary flow at the crest and trough as well as permeation effect in the porous zone. The highest performance factor of 68.95% is measured for CWPF (45° SC) with a width ratio of 3 when compared with CWPF heat sinks. Hence, CWPF with SC flow has an ability to improve the cooling rate of micro‐electronics components.
Thermoplastic self‐healing polymer blends for structural composites: Development of polyamide 6 and cyclic olefinic copolymer blends
Authors: Perin D. , Dorigato A. , Pegoretti A.
Published: February 2023

One of the main limitations of high‐performance composite materials is failure due to fatigue crack propagation during service. Traditional repair methods can be expensive and time‐consuming. For this reason, the research in the field of self‐healing composites has considerably increased in the past decade. At this aim, this work is focused on the production of a polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix with self‐healing properties. Cyclic olefinic copolymer (COC) was selected as a healing agent and it was melt compounded with PA6. From scanning electron microscope micrographs, it was possible to highlight the immiscibility and the lack of interfacial adhesion between the constituents. The healing efficiency of the system was evaluated by comparing the blends' fracture toughness (KIC), both in quasi‐static and impact mode, before and after the healing process performed at 140°C by applying a pressure of 0.5 MPa. Through the addition of 30 wt% of COC, the fracture toughness of the virgin samples slightly decreased, passing from 2.3 MPa·m1/2 of neat PA6 to 2.1 MPa·m1/2. However, the presence of the 30 wt% of COC homogeneously distributed within the PA6 matrix led to a healing efficiency of 11% in quasi‐static mode and 35% in impact mode.
The pulmonary neuroepithelial body microenvironment represents an underestimated multimodal component in airway sensory pathways
Authors: Brouns Inge , Adriaensen Dirk , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre
Published: February 2023

Exciting new imaging and molecular tools, combined with state‐of‐the‐art genetically modified mouse models, have recently boosted interest in pulmonary (vagal) sensory pathway investigations. In addition to the identification of diverse sensory neuronal subtypes, visualization of intrapulmonary projection patterns attracted renewed attention on morphologically identified sensory receptor end‐organs, such as the pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs) that have been our area of expertise for the past four decades. The current review aims at providing an overview of the cellular and neuronal components of the pulmonary NEB microenvironment (NEB ME) in mice, underpinning the role of these complexly organized structures in the mechano‐ and chemosensory potential of airways and lungs. Interestingly, the pulmonary NEB ME additionally harbors different types of stem cells, and emerging evidence suggests that the signal transduction pathways that are active in the NEB ME during lung development and repair also determine the origin of small cell lung carcinoma. Although documented for many years that NEBs appear to be affected in several pulmonary diseases, the current intriguing knowledge on the NEB ME seems to encourage researchers that are new to the field to explore the possibility that these versatile sensor‐effector units may be involved in lung pathogenesis or pathobiology.
Enhanced Cycling Stability of Lithium‐Rich Cathode Materials Achieved by in‐situ Formation of LiErO2 Coating
Authors: Wei Zhicheng , Zhang Da , Zhong Jianjian , Zheng Chaoliang , Feng Jiameng , Li Jianling
Published: February 2023

Lithium‐rich manganese‐based cathode materials are considered ideal for the next‐generation lithium‐ion power batteries due to their high specific capacity. However, their widespread commercial deployment has received serious limitations, such as low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), severe voltage and capacity degradation. To solve these issues, the surface of Li‐rich layered oxide (LLO) material is uniformly coated with a layer of ternary lithium‐rare earth oxides LiErO2 by synchronous lithium strategy. The LiErO2‐coated material exhibits higher capacity retention of 83.79 % with 182.7 mAh g−1 compared with that of the pristine material, which retained 60.54 % with 144.1 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. The excellent electrochemical performance is owing to the high Li+ conductivity of the LiErO2 coating which enhanced the lithiation kinetics of the material, and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) results indicate coating layer has abundant oxygen vacancies that facilitate reversible redox processes of oxygen. Meanwhile, the results of high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and XPS analyses of the materials after cycling shows the uniform coating can suppress the side reactions between the electrode and electrolyte during long‐term cycling, reduce the phase transition of the surface structure, and enhance interfacial stability. This work provides innovative ideas for the design of lithium‐rich cathode materials.
Are secondary effects of bisphosphonates on the vascular system of bone contributing to increased risk for atypical femoral fractures in osteoporosis?
Authors: Hart David A.
Published: February 2023

Osteoporosis (OP) is a bone disease which affects a number of post‐menopausal females and puts many at risk for fractures. A large number of patients are taking bisphosphonates (BPs) to treat their OP and a rare complication is the development of atypical femoral fractures (AFF). No real explanations for the mechanisms underlying the basis for development of where AFF develop while on BPs has emerged. The present hypothesis will discuss the possibility that part of the risk for an AFF is a secondary effect of BPs on a subset of vascular cells in a genetically at‐risk population, leading to localized deregulation of the endothelial cell (EC)‐bone cell‐matrix units in nutrient channels/canals of the femur and increased risk for AFF. This concept of targeting ECs is consistent with location of AFF in the femur, the bilateral risk for occurrence of AFF, and the requirement for long term exposure to the drugs.
Emerging roles of circular RNAs in the invasion and metastasis of head and neck cancer: Possible functions and mechanisms
Authors: Tang Shouyi , Cai Luyao , Wang Zhen , Pan Dan , Wang Qing , Shen Yingqiang , Zhou Yu , Chen Qianming
Published: February 2023

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most prevalent malignancy worldwide in 2020. Cancer metastasis is the main cause of poor prognosis in HNC patients. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), initially thought to have no biological function, are attracting increasing attention, and their crucial roles in mediating HNC metastasis are being extensively investigated. Existing studies have shown that circRNAs primarily function through miRNA sponges, transcriptional regulation, interacting with RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) and as translation templates. Among these functions, the function of miRNA sponge is the most prominent. In this review, we summarized the reported circRNAs involved in HNC metastasis, aiming to elucidate the regulatory relationship between circRNAs and HNC metastasis. Furthermore, we summarized the latest advances in the epidemiological information of HNC metastasis and the tumor metastasis theories, the biogenesis, characterization and functional mechanisms of circRNAs, and their potential clinical applications. Although the research on circRNAs is still in its infancy, circRNAs are expected to serve as prognostic markers and effective therapeutic targets to inhibit HNC metastasis and significantly improve the prognosis of HNC patients.
Angiogenic inhibitor pre‐administration improves the therapeutic effects of immunotherapy
Authors: Sato Mineyoshi , Maishi Nako , Hida Yasuhiro , Yanagawa‐Matsuda Aya , Alam Mohammad Towfik , Sakakibara‐Konishi Jun , Nam Jin‐Min , Onodera Yasuhito , Konno Satoshi , Hida Kyoko
Published: February 2023

In lung cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are often inadequate for tumor growth inhibition. Angiogenic inhibitors (AIs) are required to normalize tumor vasculature for improved immune cell infiltration. However, in clinical practice, ICIs and cytotoxic antineoplastic agents are simultaneously administered with an AI when tumor vessels are abnormal. Therefore, we examined the effects of pre‐administering an AI for lung cancer immunotherapy in a mouse lung cancer model. Using DC101, an anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) monoclonal antibody, a murine subcutaneous Lewis lung cancer (LLC) model was used to determine the timing of vascular normalization. Microvessel density (MVD), pericyte coverage, tissue hypoxia, and CD8‐positive cell infiltration were analyzed. The effects of an ICI and paclitaxel after DC101 pre‐administration were investigated. On Day 3, increased pericyte coverage and alleviated tumor hypoxia represented the highest vascular normalization. CD8+ T‐cell infiltration was also highest on Day 3. When combined with an ICI, DC101 pre‐administration significantly reduced PD‐L1 expression. When combined with an ICI and paclitaxel, only DC101 pre‐administration significantly inhibited tumor growth, but simultaneous administration did not. AI pre‐administration, and not simultaneous administration, may increase the therapeutic effects of ICIs due to improved immune cell infiltration.
Effect of percutaneous stenting strategy of unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction by three‐dimensional reconstruction volumetry
Authors: Fu Xiaobo , Jiang Weiwei , Mu Maoyuan , Wang Guobao , Qi Han , Chen Zixiong , Zuo Mengxuan , Gao Fei
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To explore clinical outcomes of percutaneous stent implantation using volumetric criteria for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). Additionally, aimed to identify the predictors of patients' survival.

Methods

Seventy‐two patients who were initially diagnosed with MHBO between January 2013 to December 2019 in our center were retrospectively included. Patients were stratified according to the drainage achieved ≥50%, <50% of the total liver volume. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (≥50% drainage), and Group B (<50% drainage). The main outcomes were evaluated in terms of relief of jaundice, effective drainage rate, and survival. Related factors that affect survival were analyzed.

Results

62.5% of the included patients reached effective biliary drainage. The successful drainage rate was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.001). The median overall survival (mOS) of included patients was 6.4 months. Patients who received drainage ≥50% of hepatic volume achieved longer mOS than those who received drainage <50% of hepatic volume (7.6 months vs. 3.9 months, respectively, p = 0. 011). Patients who received effective biliary drainage had longer mOS than those who received ineffective biliary drainage (10.8 months vs. 4.4 months, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients who received anticancer treatment had longer mOS than those who only received palliative therapy (8.7 months vs. 4.6 months, respectively, p = 0.014). In the multivariate analysis, KPS Score ≥ 80 (p = 0.037), ≥50% drainage achieved (p = 0.038), and effective biliary drainage (p = 0.036) were protective prognostic factors that affected patients' survival.

Conclusion

Drainage achieved ≥50% of the total liver volume by percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting seemed to have a higher effective drainage rate in MHBO patients. Effective biliary drainage may create chances for these patients to receive anticancer therapies that seem to provide survival benefits.
Contribution of Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy Pathways to the Ameliorative Effects of Hesperidin in NaF‐Induced Testicular Toxicity
Authors: Emre Kızıl Hamit , Gür Cihan , Ayna Adnan , Darendelioğlu Ekrem , Küçükler Sefa , Sağ Sevda
Published: February 2023

The ameliorative effects of hesperidin (HES) on the toxicities created by sodium fluoride (NaF) in the testes tissue of rats were studied via oxidative stress, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. The animals were divided into five distinct groups (7 rats in each group). Group 1 was control group, group 2 received NaF‐only (600 ppm), group 3 received HES‐only (200 mg/kg bw); group 4 received NaF (600 ppm)+HES (100 mg/kg bw) and group 5 received NaF (600 ppm)+HES (200 mg/kg bw) for 14 days. NaF‐induced testes tissue damage by reducing activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and levels of glutathione (GSH), and increasing lipid peroxidation levels. NaF treatment significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of SOD1, CAT and GPx. NaF supplementation caused apoptosis in the testes by upregulating p53, NFkB, caspase‐3, caspase‐6, caspase‐9, and Bax and downregulating Bcl‐2. Furthermore, NaF caused ER stress via increasing mRNA transcript levels of PERK, IRE1, ATF‐6 and GRP78. NaF treatment led to autophagy via upregulation of Beclin1, LC3A, LC3B and AKT2. In testes tissue, however, co‐treatment with HES at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy and ER stress. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that HES may help to reduce testes damage caused by NaF toxicity.
A New and an Eco‐Friendly Approach for the Construction of Multi‐Functionalized Benzenes with Computational Studies
Authors: Damera Thirupathi , Pagadala Ramakanth
Published: February 2023

The new path chosen is more appropriate in the context of green chemistry. This research aims to construct 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydronaphthalene‐1,3‐dicarbonitrile (THNDC) and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐6,8‐dicarbonitrile (THIDC) derivatives via the cyclization of three easily obtainable reactants under an environmentally benign mortar and pestle grinding technique. Notably, the robust route offers an esteemed opportunity for the introduction of multi‐substituted benzenes and ensures the good compatibility of bioactive molecules. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds are investigated using docking simulations with two representative drugs (6c and 6e) for target validation. The physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, drug‐like properties (ADMET), and therapeutic friendliness characteristics of these synthesized compounds are computed.
Fine‐Tuning Texture of Highly Acidic HZSM‐5 Zeolite for Efficient Ethanol Dehydration
Authors: Pornsetmetakul Peerapol , Klinyod Sorasak , Rodaum Chadatip , Salakhum Saros , Iadrat Ploychanok , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: February 2023

Achieving high and stable ethylene yield from (bio)ethanol dehydration over highly active acidic zeolite remains challenging due to undesired side‐reactions. To overcome this issue, the fine‐tuned textural property of the HZSM‐5 catalyst with a hierarchical structure is crucial to overcome diffusion restrictions and limit undesired side‐reactions. Herein, the texture of high acid catalysts obtained via hydrothermal synthesis was simply tuned in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide as a meso‐ and micropore directing agent and the controlled molar ratio of NaF‐to‐Al2O3. The hierarchically designed HZSM‐5 with the small nanosheet size of 6.5 nm exhibits a high external surface area and mesopores, largely enhancing the catalytic performance of ethanol dehydration up to 95 % ethylene yield as well as preventing the formation of heavy hydrocarbons. To gain insights into the mechanistic points of view, the in situ DRIFTS study revealed that ethylene could form through ethoxy‐mediated mechanism or decomposition of diethyl ether (DEE). The catalyst deactivation caused by polyaromatics obtained from side‐reactions is the reason for low ethanol conversion and high DEE selectivity. Reducing the crystal size of highly acidic zeolite to ultra‐thin nanosheet can shorten the residence time of ethanol, intermediates, and products in porous structures, substantially suppressing the transformation of coke precursors into heavy hydrocarbons to achieve high and stable ethylene yield.
Synthesis of a Polyacrylic‐Grafted, Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube‐Loaded Gum Ghatti Hydrogel for Diclofenac Removal
Authors: Dave Pragnesh N. , Chopda Lakha V. , Kamaliya Bhagvan P.
Published: February 2023

Water pollution causes health‐ and environment‐related problems. Adsorption of pollutants from the bulk is an efficient method for their removal. Modified biopolymers have proven to be effective adsorbents. The biopolymer gum ghatti (GG) has shown good adsorption properties. In this work, GG was grafted with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and loaded with oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (O‐MWCNTs). The resulting GG‐g‐PAA/O‐MWCNT hydrogel was characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, and SEM and its adsorption activity was examined. Sodium diclofenac (SD) was efficiently removed by GG‐g‐PAA/O‐MWCNT. The highest removal efficiency of 92.89 % was achieved at pH 2. The adsorption of SD followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order model.
Transition Metal Vacancy in Layered Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xun‐Lu , Ma Cui , Zhou Yong‐Ning
Published: February 2023

Anionic redox has been considered as a promising strategy to break the capacity limitation of cathode materials that solely relies on the intrinsic cationic redox in secondary batteries. Vacancy, as a kind of defect, can be introduced into transition metal layer to trigger oxygen redox, thus enhancing the energy density of layer‐structured cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, the formation process, recent progress in working mechanisms of triggering oxygen redox, as well as advanced characterization techniques for transition metal (TM) vacancy were overviewed and discussed. Strategies applied to stabilize the vacancy contained structures and harness the reversible oxygen redox were summarized. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects for further understanding TM vacancy were particularly emphasized.
Direct Construction of Corrole‐Peptide Conjugates by Controllable Bilane Formation on Resin
Authors: Wu Yue , Chau Ho‐Fai , Kai Hei‐Yui , Tam Wing‐Sze , Yeung Yik‐Hoi , Thor Waygen , Cheung Tsz‐Lam , Xie Chen , Zhang Jing‐Xiang , Wong Ka‐Leung
Published: February 2023

Corroles have attracted increasing research interests in recent decades owing to their unique properties over porphyrins. However, the relatively inefficient and tedious synthetic procedures of corrole building blocks with functional groups for bioconjugation hindered their bioapplications. Herein, we report a highly efficient protocol to synthesize corrole‐peptide conjugates with good yields (up to 63 %) without using prepared corrole building blocks. By condensing two −COOH‐bearing‐dipyrromethane molecules onto an aldehyde group on resin‐bound peptide chains in a controllable manner, a series of desired products with long (up to 25 residues) and bioactive peptide chains were obtained with at most one chromatographic purification. The synthesized compounds exhibited potential applications as chelators for metal ions for biomedical applications, as building blocks for supramolecular materials, as well as targeted fluorescent probes.
Reduction‐triggered Disassembly of Organic Cationic Nanorods Produces a Cysteine Protease Mimic (Miravet et al.)
Authors: Navarro‐Barreda Diego , Angulo‐Pachón César A. , Galindo Francisco , Miravet Juan F.
Published: February 2023

The emergence of catalytic activity associated with a disassembly process is reported, reminiscent of complex biological systems. A cystine derivative with pendant imidazole groups self‐assembles into cationic nanorods in the presence of the cationic surfactants cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Disulfide reduction triggers nanorod disassembly and the generation of a simple cysteine protease mimic, which shows a dramatically improved catalytic efficiency in the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA).
Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetraarylethylenes Enabled by Reductive anti‐1,2‐Dimetallation of Alkynes
Authors: Takahashi Fumiya , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: February 2023

Tetraarylethylenes (TAEs) have been gaining attention from various scientific disciplines for their characteristic chemical and physical properties. From the synthetic perspective, however, efficient methods for the selective synthesis of different isomers of TAEs are still underdeveloped. Here, we report the regio‐ and stereoselective synthesis of TAEs by means of sodium‐promoted reductive anti‐1,2‐dimagnesiation of alkynes. Subsequent transmetallation to zinc generates trans‐1,2‐dizincioalkenes, which underwent the stereoselective arylation under a palladium catalysis to afford a variety of TAEs that had been difficult to prepare according to the conventional procedures. In addition, the present method accommodates not only diarylacetylenes but also alkyl aryl acetylenes and thus enables to synthesize a wide range of all‐carbon tetrasubstituted alkenes.
Investigations into Simplified Analogues of the Herbicidal Natural Product (+)‐Cornexistin
Authors: Steinborn Christian , Tancredi Aldo , Habiger Christoph , Diederich Christina , Kramer Jan , Reingruber Anna M. , Laber Bernd , Freigang Jörg , Lange Gudrun , Schmutzler Dirk , Machettira Anu , Besong Gilbert , Magauer Thomas , Barber David M.
Published: February 2023

We report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of simplified analogues of the herbicidal natural product (+)‐cornexistin. Guided by an X‐Ray co‐crystal structure of cornexistin bound to transketolase from Zea mays, we attempted to identify the key interactions that are necessary for cornexistin to maintain its herbicidal profile. This resulted in the preparation of three novel analogues investigating the importance of substituents that are located on the nine‐membered ring of cornexistin. One analogue maintained a good level of biological activity and could provide researchers insights in how to further optimize the structure of cornexistin for commercialization in the future.
Understanding the landscape of immunotherapy in thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Maniar Rohan , Loehrer Patrick J.
Published: February 2023

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are a rare group of malignancies arising from the thymus. Surgery remains the foundation of treatment for patients with early‐stage disease. Limited treatment options are available for the treatment of unresectable, metastatic, or recurrent TETs and are associated with modest clinical efficacy. The emergence of immunotherapies in the treatment of solid tumors has generated significant interest in understanding their role in TET treatment. However, the high rates of comorbid paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders, particularly in thymoma, have tempered expectations regarding the role of immune‐based therapies. Clinical studies of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in thymoma and thymic carcinoma have revealed higher frequencies of immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs) and limited efficacy. Despite these setbacks, the growing understanding of the thymic tumor microenvironment and systemic immune system has advanced the understanding of these diseases and provided opportunities for novel immunotherapy modalities. Ongoing studies are evaluating numerous immune‐based treatments in TETs with the goal of improving clinical efficacy and mitigating IRAE risk. This review will provide insight into the current understanding of the thymic immune microenvironment, outcomes of previous ICB studies, and review treatments currently being explored for the management of TET.
Revealing the Chemical State of Palladium in Operating In2O3 Gas Sensors: Metallic Pd Enhances Sensing Response and Intermetallic InxPdy Compound Blocks It
Authors: Ovsianytskyi Oleksandr , Bekheet Maged F. , Gili Albert , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: February 2023

The sensing response of metal oxides activated with noble metal nanoparticles is significantly influenced by changes to the chemical state of corresponding elements under operating conditions. Here, a PdO/rh‐In2O3 consisting of PdO nanoparticles loaded onto rhombohedral In2O3 was studied as a gas sensor for H2 gas (100–40000 ppm in an oxygen‐free atmosphere) in the temperature range of 25–450 °C. The phase composition and chemical state of elements were examined by resistance measurements combined with synchrotron‐based in situ X‐ray diffraction and ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As found, PdO/rh‐In2O3 undergoes a series of structural and chemical transformations during operation: from PdO to Pd/PdHx and finally to the intermetallic InxPdy phase. The maximal sensing response (RN2/RH2) of ∼5 ⋅ 107 towards 40000 ppm (4 vol %) H2 at 70 °C is correlated with the formation of PdH0.706/Pd. The InxPdy intermetallic compounds formed around 250 °C significantly decrease the sensing response.
Aggregation‐Induced Electrochemiluminescence and Nitric Oxide Recognition by Halogen Bonding with a Ruthenium(II) Complex
Authors: Gao Yafang , Zhang Linlin , Wang Ziqi , Lu Liping
Published: February 2023

In this study, a new strategy for NO detection based on the aggregation‐induced electrochemical luminescence (AIECL) of a ruthenium‐based complex and the halogen bonding effect was developed. First, [Ru(phen)2(phen–Br2)]2+ (phen : 1,10‐phenanthroline, phen–Br2 : 3,8‐dibromo‐1,10‐phenanthroline) was synthesized and exhibited aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and AIECL properties in a poor solvent (H2O). [Ru(phen)2(phen–Br2)]2+ exhibited greatly enhanced AIECL properties compared to its AIE intensity. When the volume fraction of water (fw, v %) in the H2O–acetonitrile (MeCN) system was increased from 30 to 90 %, the photoluminescence and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensities were three‐ and 800‐fold that of the pure MeCN system, respectively. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy results indicated that [Ru(phen)2(phen‐Br2)]2+ aggregated into nanoparticles. AIECL is sensitive to NO because of its halogen bonding effect. The C−Br⋅⋅⋅N bond between [Ru(phen)2(phen‐Br2)]2+ and NO increased the distance of complex molecules, resulting in ECL quenching. A detection limit of 2 nM was obtained with 5 orders of magnitude linear range. The combination of the AIECL system and the halogen bond effect expands the theoretical research and applications in biomolecular detection, molecular sensors, and stages of medical diagnosis.
Exploring creative pedagogical practices in secondary visual arts programmes in Ghana
Authors: Swanzy‐Impraim Enock , Morris Julia E. , Lummis Geoffrey W. , Jones Andrew
Published: February 2023

Secondary visual arts education provides learners with opportunities to develop critical thinking, and their creative potential, as part of their personal growth. This development happens when visual arts teachers actively integrate creative pedagogies to target creative thinking in learners. Ghana's 2019 National Pre‐tertiary Curriculum Framework has added creativity as one goal for all learners. This research study explores teachers' perceptions and use of creative pedagogies as part of implementing this creativity into their teaching. A multi‐site qualitative case study was conducted in government secondary schools within Sekondi‐Takoradi, Ghana, and data were gathered from interviews and participant observations. The 16 cases specifically examined creative pedagogies in practice in the secondary visual arts programme, as the subject of visual arts is commensurate with developing creativity. The study revealed that teachers' pedagogical perceptions of developing creativity do not align with the actual pedagogies they employ, with teachers being observed to emphasise teacher‐centred pedagogies. It is suggested that the integration of creative pedagogies should be contextualised in Ghana's secondary visual arts programme, in order to support teachers to meet the goal of creativity development for all learners.
Joint power allocation and channel assignment for device‐to‐device communication using the Hungarian model and enhanced hybrid Red Fox‐Harris Hawks Optimization
Authors: A Yoganathan , PS Periasamy , P Anitha , N Saravanan
Published: February 2023

Multihop device‐to‐device (D2D) communication is a promising advancement since it allows wireless users in close proximity to communicate directly with one another without using base stations (BSs). With two nearby users, this technology intends to keep up with the accelerating development of mobile devices and the rising demands of local traffic loads. High‐data‐rate short‐range transmission is made possible by this paradigm, which also lowers network backhaul expenses while improving end‐user experience, spectral efficiency (SE) and network coverage. In order to maximize the cell's overall sum rates, this article examines the problem of selecting the optimal M‐D2D linkages and cellular users (CUs) to form spectrum‐sharing partners while taking quality of service (QoS) and energy efficiency (EE) needs into consideration. This study examines the use of a channel assignment system and a power allocation technique to manage interference in D2D communication scenarios involving many hops (more than one hop). The suggested channel assignment approach is based on the Hungarian method, but the power allocation system is based on the time‐efficient enhanced Harris hawks optimization (HHO) and red fox (RF) algorithms. A genetic algorithm (GA)‐based methodology and various baseline approaches are used to compare the effectiveness of the suggested system. Because it combines exploitation and exploration using a memory‐based local search methodology and a perturbation mechanism, the suggested approach outperforms the GA in simulations. The results clearly demonstrate that the suggested method increases EE by up to 13% by producing the appropriate channel and power assignment for CUs and M‐D2D users.
The best colleges for adult learners never stop working to improve
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2023

“I'm a farm kid. I grew up in a small town in Nebraska — there were a whopping 1,000 people in my town,” Jerrid P. Freeman, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, said. “It was one of those things where college was just not on my radar.” Freeman pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney while playing sports and came to love the higher education environment, going on to earn his master's and doctorate.
Crisis communications plans can help to prevent legal trouble for colleges, universities
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2023

Behind every legal issue facing your institution are communications issues that need to be addressed. The way you choose to address these issues will influence how they're perceived by others, whether such issues might become entangled in the legal process, and the potential reputational damage to your department and institution. That's according to James F. Haggerty, J.D., Crisis Communications Consultant and President and CEO of PRCG/Haggerty LLC, a strategic communications firm, and the author of Chief Crisis Officer: Structure and Leadership for Effective Communications Response and In the Court of Public Opinion: Winning Strategies for Litigation Communications. He spoke at Stetson University's National Conference on Law and Higher Education.