bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining AMMI and BLUP analysis to select high‐yielding soybean genotypes in Benin
Authors: Agoyi Eric Etchikinto , Ahomondji Symphorien Essèdjlo , Yemadje Pierrot Lionel , Ayi Sergino , Ranaivoson Lalaina , Torres Guilherme Martin , da Fonseca Santos Michelle , Boulakia Stéphane , Chigeza Godfree , Assogbadjo Achille E. , Diers Brian , Sinsin Brice
Published: June 2024

Thirty soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes, along with three checks, were evaluated over three seasons across five communes in Benin. The experiments were laid out in an alpha lattice design with three replicates. Additive multiplicative mean interaction (AMMI) and best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) analysis were combined to assess differential agronomic performance and yield stability among genotypes. There was significant variation (p < 0.001) between genotypes for all traits, with highly significant environmental and genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects on soybean grain yield (p < 0.001). The likelihood ratio test indicated that both genotype and interaction effects were highly significant (p < 0.001). The low R2 (0.21) for GEI reflected the presence of high residual variation in the GEI component, in contrast to the AMMI analysis of variance, which explained a high proportion of the GEI through the first two interaction principal component axes (52%). The very high value of the predictive accuracy (0.89) confirmed the model's reliability in selecting superior genotypes. The low (0.33) genotypic correlation between environments indicated that it was difficult to select superior genotypes for each environment. Based on the superiority index (weighted average absolute scores from BLUP for yield) of BLUP, simultaneous selection led to the identification of Jenguma 2.67 ± 0.06 t ha−1 as the most stable and productive genotype across environments, followed by Favour 2.34 ± 0.08 t ha−1, and Afayak 2.46 ± 0.08 t ha−1. The agronomic performance of soybean in this study suggested great potential for diversifying cotton‐based cropping systems in Benin, thereby improving their sustainability. The effect of these soybean genotypes on the productivity of intercrop combinations and sequences of cash crops, such as cotton, is yet to be investigated.
Novel herbicide from an optimized Bacillus altitudinis D30202 solvent extract
Authors: Ma Xiu‐hua , Shen Shuo , Li Wei , Wang Jian
Published: June 2024

The herbicidal activity of the fermentation broth, filtrate, and extracts of Bacillus altitudinis D30202 was evaluated against seed germination and seedling growth of wild oat (Avena fatua L.). The bacterial culture filtrate exhibited greater inhibition of the wild oat weed than the fermentation broth. The filtrate was also extracted with organic solvents. The herbicidal potency of the extracts on the growth of wild oat plants was as follows: chloroform (100% inhibition of germination) > n‐butanol (93.8%) > ethyl acetate (66.7%) > petroleum ether (6.3%) > aqueous phase (2.1%); so the chloroform extract was evaluated further. It inhibited wild oat radicle growth by 100%, and plumule growth by 97.9%, while spraying young plants with a 5 mg/mL extract caused severe desiccation of the leaves, stalk wilting, and plant death. IC50 values for inhibition of plumule and radicle growth and germination were 0.64–0.72 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed changes in the microstructure of the leaves and root tips, and degradation of organelles following chloroform extract treatment. The 5 mg/mL extract had no adverse impact on the growth or health of highland barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), corn (Zea mays), and broad bean (Vicia faba L.), indicating that this novel bioherbicide is suitable for control of wild oat weeds in the production of these food crops (while having a minor impact on the health of pea plants and being phytotoxic to wheat plants).
Facile Preparation of A−D−A Type Through‐Space Charge Transfer Molecules Utilizing Indoloindoles
Authors: Kim Eunjung , Han Hyewon , Hong Wan Pyo , Lee Chung Whan
Published: June 2024

This study presents a straightforward synthetic pathway for the preparation of through‐space charge transfer (TSCT) molecules, utilizing an IDID core as the donor, connected to double bridges. The IDID core, known for its enhanced donor properties, incorporates two sites that facilitate a concise synthetic approach for the introduction of bridges in the acceptor‐donor‐acceptor design. Computational studies played a pivotal role in guiding our design, predicting favorable energy levels and TSCT characteristics. Experimental validation of TSCT characteristics was achieved through measurements of photophysical properties.
A common Alu insertion in the 3'UTR of TMEM106B is associated with risk of dementia
Authors: Rodney Alana , Karanjeet Kul , Benzow Kellie , Koob Michael D.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Sequence variants in TMEM106B have been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.

METHODS

As part of our efforts to generate a set of mouse lines in which we replaced the mouse Tmem106b gene with a human TMEM106B gene comprised of either a risk or protective haplotype, we conducted an in‐depth sequence analysis of these alleles. We also analyzed transcribed TMEM106B sequences using RNA‐seq data (AD Knowledge portal) and full genome sequences (1000 Genomes).

RESULTS

We identified an AluYb8 insertion in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the TMEM106B risk haplotype. We found this AluYb8 insertion in every risk haplotype analyzed, but not in either protective haplotypes or in non‐human primates.

DISCUSSION

We conclude that this risk haplotype arose early in human development with a single Alu‐insertion event within a unique haplotype context. This AluYb8 element may act as a functional variant in conferring an increased risk of developing dementia.

Highlights

We conducted an in‐depth sequence analysis of (1) a risk and (2) a protective haplotype of the human TMEM106B gene.

We also analyzed transcribed TMEM106B sequences using RNA‐seq data (AD Knowledge Portal) and full genome sequences (1000 Genomes).

We identified an AluYb8 insertion in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the TMEM106B risk haplotype. We found this AluYb8 insertion in every risk haplotype analyzed, but not in either protective haplotypes or in non‐human primates.

This AluYb8 element may act as a functional variant in conferring an increased risk of developing dementia.
COMBAT‐MS: A Population‐Based Observational Cohort Study Addressing the Benefit–Risk Balance of Multiple Sclerosis Therapies Compared with Rituximab
Authors: Piehl Fredrik , Alping Peter , Virtanen Suvi , Englund Simon , Burman Joachim , Fink Katharina , Fogdell‐Hahn Anna , Gunnarsson Martin , Hillert Jan , Langer‐Gould Annette , Lycke Jan , Mellergård Johan , Nilsson Petra , Olsson Tomas , Salzer Jonatan , Svenningsson Anders , Frisell Thomas
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess comparative effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of off‐label rituximab, compared with frequently used therapies approved for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

A Swedish cohort study of persons with relapsing–remitting MS, age 18 to 75 years at inclusion and with a first therapy start or a first therapy switch between 2011 and 2018. Low‐dose rituximab was compared with MS‐approved therapies. Primary outcomes were proportions with 12 months confirmed disability worsening and change in MS Impact Scale‐29 (MSIS‐29) scores, respectively. Secondary endpoints included relapses, therapy discontinuation, and serious adverse events. Analyses used an intention‐to‐treat approach and were adjusted for demographics, MS features, and health characteristics.

Results

We included 2,449 participants as first therapy start and 2,463 as first therapy switch. Proportions with disability worsening at 3 years were 9.1% for rituximab as first therapy and 5.1% after therapy switch, with no differences to MS‐approved comparators. Worsening on rituximab was mostly independent of relapses. MSIS‐29 with rituximab at 3 years improved by 1.3/8.4 points (physical/psychological) for first disease‐modifying therapy (DMT) and 0.4/3.6 for DMT switch, and was mostly similar across therapies. Rituximab had lower relapse rates and higher therapy persistence in both groups. The rate of hospital‐treated infections was higher with rituximab after a therapy switch, but not as a first therapy.

Interpretation

This population‐based real‐world cohort study found low rates of disability progression, mostly independent of relapses, and without significant differences between rituximab and MS‐approved comparators. Rituximab led to lower rates of inflammatory activity and higher treatment persistence, but was associated with an increased rate of serious infections. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:678–693
Enhanced Electrical Conductivity of Polyoxometalates by Bridging with Mixed‐Valent Multinuclear Platinum Complexes
Authors: Uemura Kazuhiro , Oshika Momoka , Hasegawa Haruka , Takamori Atsushi , Sato Masahiro
Published: June 2024

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are nanosized molecular metal oxide anion clusters with tuneable structures and functionalities, and they exhibit a redox chemistry and catalytic activity in multielectron redox processes. These are typically poor electrical conductors (<10−10 Scm−1), which is attributed to negligible electronic interactions among anions in the solid state. Since the reduced electrons on the d0 metals in POMs are delocalized, electrical conductivity was improved when judicious pathways for the electrons were created by bridging the POMs. Utilized with the electronic interactions between bridging oxygen atoms with the highest occupied molecular orbital in the POMs and the metal dz2 orbitals in the multinuclear platinum complexes, and three mixed‐valent assemblies were synthesized and characterized. Simply mixing Keggin‐type or Dawson‐type POMs with tetranuclear or trinuclear platinum complexes in solution afforded three single crystals, and all three compounds were paramagnetic with mixed oxidation states and better conductivities at room temperature than the parent compounds.
Chemically‐Driven Autonomous Janus Electromagnets as Magnetotactic Swimmers
Authors: Lozon Cara , Cornet Antoine , Reculusa Stephane , Garrigue Patrick , Kuhn Alexander , Salinas Gerardo
Published: June 2024

An electromagnet is a particular device that takes advantage of electrical currents to produce concentrated magnetic fields. The most well‐known example is a conventional solenoid, having the form of an elongated coil and creating a strong magnetic field through its center when it is connected to a current source. Spontaneous redox reactions located at opposite ends of an anisotropic Janus swimmer can effectively mimic a standard power source, due to their ability to wirelessly generate a local electric current. Herein, we propose the coupling of thermodynamically spontaneous redox reactions occurring at the extremities of a hybrid Mg/Pt Janus swimmer with a solenoidal geometry to generate significant magnetic fields. These chemically driven electromagnets spontaneously transform the redox‐induced electric current into a magnetic field with a strength in the range of μT upon contact with an acidic medium. Such on‐board magnetization allows them to perform compass‐like rotational motion and magnetotactic displacement in the presence of external magnetic field gradients, without the need of using ferromagnetic materials for the swimmer design. The torque force experienced by the swimmer is proportional to the internal redox current, and by varying the composition of the solution, it is possible to fine‐tune its angular velocity.
Carbon Superstructure‐Supported Half‐Metallic V2O3 Nanospheres for High‐Efficiency Photorechargeable Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yingying , He Tianqi , Li Jinhang , Zhu Chunling , Tan Yujie , Zhu Kai , Chou Shulei , Chen Yujin
Published: June 2024

Photorechargeable zinc ion batteries (PZIBs), which can directly harvest and store solar energy, are promising technologies for the development of a renewable energy society. However, the incompatibility requirement between narrow band gap and wide coverage has raised severe challenges for high‐efficiency dual‐functional photocathodes. Herein, half‐metallic vanadium (III) oxide (V2O3) was first reported as a dual‐functional photocathode for PZIBs. Theoretical and experimental results revealed its unique photoelectrical and zinc ion storage properties for capturing and storing solar energy. To this end, a synergistic protective etching strategy was developed to construct carbon superstructure‐supported V2O3 nanospheres (V2O3@CSs). The half‐metallic characteristics of V2O3, combined with the three‐dimensional superstructure assembled by ultrathin carbon nanosheets, established rapid charge transfer networks and robust framework for efficient and stable solar‐energy storage. Consequently, the V2O3@CSs photocathode delivered record zinc ion storage properties, including a photo‐assisted discharge capacities of 463 mA ⋅ h ⋅ g−1 at 2.0 A ⋅ g−1 and long‐term cycling stability over 3000 cycles. Notably, the PZIBs assembled using V2O3@CSs photocathodes could be photorecharged without an external circuit, exhibiting a high photo conversion efficiency (0.354 %) and photorecharge voltage (1.0 V). This study offered a promising direction for the direct capture and storage of solar energy.
Full Selectivity Control over the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitroaromatics Into Six Products
Authors: Wu Qingyuan , Su Wang , Huang Rui , Shen Hui , Qiao Mengfei , Qin Ruixuan , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: June 2024

A full selectivity control over the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics leads to the production of six possible products, i.e., nitroso, hydroxylamine, azoxy, azo, hydrazo or aniline compounds, which has however not been achieved in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Currently, there is no sufficient evidence to support that the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics with the use of heterogeneous metal catalysts would follow the Haber's mechanistic scheme based on electrochemical reduction. We now demonstrate in this work that it is possible to fully control the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics into their all six products using a single catalytic system under various conditions. Employing SnO2‐supported Pt nanoparticles facilitated by the surface coordination of ethylenediamine and vanadium species enabled this unprecedented selectivity control. Through systematic investigation into the controlled production of all products and their chemical reactivities, we have constructed a detailed reaction network for the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics. Crucially, using oxygen‐isolated characterization techniques is essential for identifying unstable compounds such as nitroso, hydroxylamine, hydrazo compounds. The insights gained from this research offer invaluable guidance for selectively transforming nitroaromatics into a wide array of functional N‐containing compounds, both advancing fundamental understanding and fostering practical applications in various fields.
Gemeinsame Biosynthese nichtkanonischer C16‐Terpene durch einen Fragmentierungs‐Rekombinations‐Mechanismus
Authors: Xu Houchao , Goldfuss Bernd , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: June 2024

Die Biosynthese von sechs kürzlich beschriebenen nicht‐kanonischen C16‐Sesquiterpenoiden, die nach antiken griechischen Philosophen benannt sind, darunter Archimeden, Aristotelen, Eratosthen, Pythagoren, α‐Democriten und Anaximandren, wurde durch Dichtefunktionaltheorie‐Rechnungen (DFT) und Isotopenmarkierungsexperimente untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigten für alle Verbindungen außer Archimeden einen einzigartigen Fragmentierungs‐Rekombinationsmechanismus, wie er bereits für die Sodorifen‐Biosynthese gezeigt wurde, zusätzlich zu einem bemerkenswerten „Tanz“‐Mechanismus für die Anaximandren‐Biosynthese.
The Modular Synthesis of Sulfondiimidoyl Fluorides and their Application to Sulfondiimidamide and Sulfondiimine Synthesis
Authors: Ding Mingyan , Bell Charles , Willis Michael C.
Published: June 2024

A modular synthesis of sulfondiimidoyl fluorides—the double aza‐analogues of sulfonyl fluorides—allowing variation of the carbon and both nitrogen‐substituents is reported. The chemistry uses readily available organometallic reagents, commercial sulfinylamines, simple electrophiles, and N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI), as the starting materials. The reactions are broad in scope, efficient, and scalable. We show that the sulfondiimidoyl fluoride products can be combined with amines to provide sulfondiimidamides, and with organolithium reagents to provide sulfondiimines, and that reactivity in these transformations can be modulated by variation of the N‐substituents.
Nanoscale Metal‐Organic Layer Reprograms Cellular Metabolism to Enhance Photodynamic Therapy and Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Lin Gan , Tillman Langston , Luo Taokun , Jiang Xiaomin , Fan Yingjie , Liu Gang , Lin Wenbin
Published: June 2024

Abnormal cancer metabolism causes hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which limits the antitumor efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, we report a photosensitizing nanoscale metal–organic layer (MOL) with anchored 3‐bromopyruvate (BrP), BrP@MOL, as a metabolic reprogramming agent to enhance PDT and antitumor immunity. BrP@MOL inhibited mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis to oxygenate tumors and reduce lactate production. This metabolic reprogramming enhanced reactive oxygen species generation during PDT and reshaped the immunosuppressive TME to enhance antitumor immunity. BrP@MOL‐mediated PDT inhibited tumor growth by >90 % with 40 % of mice being tumor‐free, rejected tumor re‐challenge, and prevented lung metastasis. Further combination with immune checkpoint blockade potently regressed the tumors with >98 % tumor inhibition and 80 % of mice being tumor‐free.
Chirality Interplay between the Interior and Exterior of Metal–Organic Cages
Authors: Ma Chunmiao , Cao Qingcheng , Yu Lu , Ma Zhao , Gan Quan
Published: June 2024

A series of metal–organic cages featuring two stereogenic elements, in terms of the twisting of amide moieties within the ligand backbones and the rotation of diazaanthracene segments along the ligand ridges, were exploited. These two chiral components are correlative and serve as relays for transmitting chirality information between the internal and external cages. The chirality information induced by a chiral guest inside the cage cavity can pass through the cage framework and influence the orientation of the diazaanthracene segments on the periphery of the cage. In turn, the chirality of a stereogenic center within the diazaanthracene segments can transfer back into the cavity, enabling discrimination of enantiomeric guests.
Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Piperidines Enabled by Boronyl Radical‐Catalyzed (4+2) Cycloaddition
Authors: Ding Zhengwei , Wang Zhijun , Wang Yingying , Wang Xicheng , Xue Yuanji , Xu Ming , Zhang Hailong , Xu Liang , Li Pengfei
Published: June 2024

Piperidines are widely present in small molecule drugs and natural products. Despite many methods have been developed for their synthesis, new approaches to polysubstituted piperidines are highly desirable. This work presents a radical (4+2) cycloaddition reaction for synthesis of piperidines featuring dense substituents at 3,4,5‐positions that are not readily accessible by known methods. Using commercially available diboron(4) compounds and 4‐phenylpyridine as the catalyst precursors, the boronyl radical‐catalyzed cycloaddition between 3‐aroyl azetidines and various alkenes, including previously unreactive 1,2‐di‐, tri‐, and tetrasubstituted alkenes, has delivered the polysubstituted piperidines in generally high yield and diastereoselectivity. The reaction also features high modularity, atom economy, broad substrate scope, metal‐free conditions, simple catalysts and operation. The utilization of the products has been demonstrated by selective transformations. A plausible mechanism, with the ring‐opening of azetidine as the rate‐limiting step, has been proposed based on the experimental and computational results.
Cavity‐Partitioned Self‐Assembled Cage for Sequential Separation in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Wang Li‐Juan , Zhang Zi‐En , Zhang Yan‐Zhen , Han Ying‐Feng
Published: June 2024

The concept of pore space partition has emerged as an effective strategy for developing improved coordination‐based supramolecular porous materials with exceptional performance. Herein, we report that a water‐soluble self‐assembled tetrahedral cage 1 with a partitioned cavity shown excellent performance as a multifunctional extractant. The results show that this unique partitioned cavity can efficiently separate halogenated adamantanes, adamantane isomers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the influence of cavity‐partitioned cage 1 on the electrochemical properties of redox‐active molecules and electrochemically driven reversible host–guest process has also been demonstrated. The findings offer valuable insights into the design and development of new type of materials with controlled phase separation and tailored electrochemical properties.
A Stable Site‐Isolated Mono(phosphine)‐Rhodium Catalyst on a Metal‐Organic Layer for Highly Efficient Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Guo Qing‐Yun , Wang Zitong , Fan Yingjie , Zheng Haifeng , Lin Wenbin
Published: June 2024

Phosphine‐ligated transition metal complexes play a pivotal role in modern catalysis, but our understanding of the impact of ligand counts on the catalysis performance of the metal center is limited. Here we report the synthesis of a low‐coordinate mono(phosphine)‐Rh catalyst on a metal‐organic layer (MOL), P‐MOL • Rh, and its applications in the hydrogenation of mono‐, di‐, and tri‐substituted alkenes as well as aryl nitriles with turnover numbers (TONs) of up to 390000. Mechanistic investigations and density functional theory calculations revealed the lowering of reaction energy barriers by the low steric hindrance of site‐isolated mono(phosphine)‐Rh sites on the MOL to provide superior catalytic activity over homogeneous Rh catalysts. The MOL also prevents catalyst deactivation to enable recycle and reuse of P‐MOL • Rh in catalytic hydrogenation reactions.
Challenges and recent advances in quantitative mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics
Authors: Ghafari Nathan , Sleno Lekha
Published: June 2024

The field of metabolomics has gained tremendous interest in recent years. Whether the goal is to discover biomarkers related to certain pathologies or to better understand the impact of a drug or contaminant, numerous studies have demonstrated how crucial it is to understand variations in metabolism. Detailed knowledge of metabolic variabilities can lead to more effective treatments, as well as faster or less invasive diagnostics. Exploratory approaches are often employed in metabolomics, using relative quantitation to look at perturbations between groups of samples. Most metabolomics studies have been based on metabolite profiling using relative quantitation, with very few studies using an approach for absolute quantitation. Using accurate quantitation facilitates the comparison between different studies, as well as enabling longitudinal studies. In this review, we discuss the most widely used techniques for quantitative metabolomics using mass spectrometry (MS). Various aspects will be addressed, such as the use of external and/or internal standards, derivatization techniques, in vivo isotopic labelling, or quantitative MS imaging. The principles, as well as the associated limitations and challenges, will be described for each approach.
Effect of palm oil methyl ester on coconut oil as a viable bio‐lubricant alternative to traditional mineral‐based oils
Authors: Joseph Mathai , Christopher Kiran , Vaidappilly Gautham S. , Abraham Twinkle , Jofy Adith
Published: June 2024

Vegetable oils are promoted as a base oil for automobile lubricants due to increased concerns about the environmental damage caused by synthetic and mineral oils‐derived lubricants. Coconut oil exhibits excellent tribological properties but poor cold flow properties. This work investigates the effect of the addition of palm oil methyl ester (POME), obtained from the transesterification of palm oil, on coconut oil by blending it in three proportions with varying volumes and evaluating for lubricant properties namely tribological properties, rheological properties, thermal properties, chemical properties and corrosion and oxidative stabilities. Fatty acid composition are evaluated for the base oil and the blends. The findings show that the addition of POME improves the base oil's pour point and reduces friction and wear. The corrosion test shows only slight tarnishing of copper strips, while the HOOT and chemical tests indicate appreciable resistance to oxidation. Therefore, this blended mixture has the potential to be a viable bio‐lubricant alternative to traditional mineral‐based oils.
Tuning multifunctional behavior of PLA/POE‐g‐GMA/MWCNT nanocomposites: Mechanical, rheological, thermal, thermomechanical, and electromagnetic properties
Authors: Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , da Silva Fabiano Santana , dos Santos Filho Edson Antônio , Dantas Lorena Vanessa Medeiros , Schmitz Debora Pereira , Soares Bluma Guenther , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos , Araújo Edcleide Maria
Published: June 2024

Nanocomposites of polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(ethylene‐octene) grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (POE‐g‐GMA) were prepared using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as conductive nanofillers. The PLA/POE‐g‐GMA/MWCNT nanocomposites were processed through extrusion and injection molding for rheological, mechanical, electromagnetic, thermal, thermomechanical, and morphological characterization. The carbon nanotubes were dispersed in the PLA/POE‐g‐GMA chain, as seen by Raman spectroscopy. With higher MWCNT content, the complex viscosity (η*) and storage modulus (G') significantly increased in the nanocomposites, suggesting percolation formation. The nanocomposites melt flow index (MFI) results indicated lower fluidity, confirming the trend in η*. Electrical conductivity was optimal for PLA/POE‐g‐GMA/MWCNT (5 phr), reaching a value of 2.21 × 10−6 S/cm and providing electromagnetic shielding of 8 dB across the entire Ku band (12.2–18 GHz). The impact strength of the nanocomposites was higher than that of pure PLA and the PLA/POE‐g‐GMA blend, while the heat deflection temperature (HDT) remained stable at around 56°C. Increased MWCNT content in the nanocomposites promoted recovery of the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and Shore D hardness compared to PLA/POE‐g‐GMA blend. Overall, the results indicate that the PLA/POE‐g‐GMA/MWCNT (5 phr) nanocomposite has potential antistatic applications.
Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease Falcipain 3: A potential enzyme for proteolytic processing of histone acetyltransferase PfGCN5
Authors: Nagar Poonam , Bhowmick Krishanu , Chawla Aishwarya , Malik Md. Zubbair , Subbarao Naidu , Kaur Inderjeet , Dhar Suman Kumar
Published: June 2024

In spite of 150 years of studying malaria, the unique features of the malarial parasite, Plasmodium, still perplex researchers. One of the methods by which the parasite manages its gene expression is epigenetic regulation, the champion of which is PfGCN5, an essential enzyme responsible for acetylating histone proteins. PfGCN5 is a ∼170 kDa chromatin‐remodeling enzyme that harbors the conserved bromodomain and acetyltransferase domain situated in its C‐terminus domain. Although the PfGCN5 proteolytic processing is essential for its activity, the specific protease involved in this process still remains elusive. Identification of PfGCN5 interacting proteins through immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by LC‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of food vacuolar proteins, such as the cysteine protease Falcipain 3 (FP3), in addition to the typical members of the PfGCN5 complex. The direct interaction between FP3 and PfGCN5 was further validated by in vitro pull‐down assay as well as IP assay. Subsequently, use of cysteine protease inhibitor E64d led to the inhibition of protease‐specific processing of PfGCN5 with concomitant enrichment and co‐localization of PfGCN5 and FP3 around the food vacuole as evidenced by confocal microscopy as well as electron microscopy. Remarkably, the proteolytic cleavage of the nuclear protein PfGCN5 by food vacuolar protease FP3 is exceptional and atypical in eukaryotic organisms. Targeting the proteolytic processing of GCN5 and the associated protease FP3 could provide a novel approach for drug development aimed at addressing the growing resistance of parasites to current antimalarial drugs.
Treatment of sewage sludge with γ‐ray irradiation for volatile fatty acids and lipid production
Authors: Abbasabadarabi Javad , Asadollahi Mohammad Ali , Amiri Hamid
Published: June 2024

The production of value‐added products from sewage sludge is considered to be one of the solutions for the sustainable management of sludge in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The presence of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus sources has made the sewage sludge of WWTPs a valuable and low‐cost substrate for the production of fermentative products. In the current study, a process was developed for microbial lipid production from two types of sewage sludge from a WWTP in northern Isfahan: anaerobic digester inlet sludge (DIS) and anaerobic digester outlet sludge (DOS). This process was based on the release of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from the sludge by combinations of γ‐ray irradiation, anaerobic digestion, and acidogenic fermentation followed by utilization of VFAs in a microbial process by the oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus aureus UIMC65. After γ‐ray irradiation, the acidogenic fermentation of the treated sludge released 72% of the organic matter content of the sludge with acidification efficiency of 12% leading to 0.516 g L−1 VFAs. The oleaginous fermentation of the released VFAs for 7 days was accompanied by production of 1.58 g L−1 dry cell biomass with 40% lipid content. The results of this study indicate that the sewage sludge from urban WWTP has the potential to be used for the production of microbial lipids.
FOUR FRANKFURT – Neue Hochhäuser in Frankfurt am Main
Authors: Berger Alexander , Ruppert Simon , Torakai Daniel
Published: June 2024

In der Frankfurter City entsteht auf dem ehemaligen Deutsche‐Bank‐Gelände ein beeindruckendes neues Gebäudeensemble aus vier Hochhäusern und einem gemeinsamen sechsgeschossigen Sockelbau (Podium) mit Tiefgarage. Die Hochhäuser sind 233 m (T1), 178 m (T2), 125 m (T3) und 105 m (T4) hoch. Der Rohbau ist inzwischen weitgehend abgeschlossen, Richtfest war im September 2023. Für die Türme T1 und T4 ist Büronutzung vorgesehen, für T2 und T3 Wohnen und Hotel. Die Büroflächen der obersten Etagen des T1 werden die höchsten Deutschlands sein. Die innerstädtische Lage stellt das Projekt vor besondere Herausforderungen. Beispielsweise wurde die Baugrube in Deckelbauweise hergestellt. Die unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an die Nutzung der Türme führte zu unterschiedlichen Bauweisen der Regelgeschosse: Während der Rohbau der Wohntürme in Ortbeton hergestellt wurde, stellte sich für die Bürotürme die Fertigteilbauweise als wirtschaftlichste Bauweise heraus. Der Bericht ist in drei Teile unterteilt. Der erste Teil enthält die Vorstellung des Projekts und Übersichten zu den Bauteilen. Der zweite Teil behandelt die Aussteifung der Türme einschließlich der Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung der Steifigkeiten. Abschließend werden im dritten Teil besondere Bauweisen beschrieben.
Tailoring silk fibroin fibrous architecture by a high‐yield electrospinning method for fast wound healing possibilities
Authors: Zhu Jia‐Chen , Wang Hui , Wu Chen‐Xing , Zhang Ke‐Qin , Ye Hua
Published: June 2024

In this study, a novel array electrospinning collector was devised to generate two distinct regenerated silk fibroin (SF) fibrous membranes: ordered and disordered. Leveraging electrostatic forces during the electrospinning process allowed precise control over the orientation of SF fiber, resulting in the creation of membranes comprising both aligned and randomly arranged fiber layers. This innovative approach resulted in the development of large‐area membranes featuring exceptional stability due to their alternating patterned structure, achievable through expansion using the collector, and improving the aligned fiber membrane mechanical properties. The study delved into exploring the potential of these membranes in augmenting wound healing efficiency. Conducting in vitro toxicity assays with adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD‐MSCs) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) confirmed the biocompatibility of the SF membranes. We use dual perspectives on exploring the effects of different conditioned mediums produced by cells and structural cues of materials on NHDFs migration. The nanofibers providing the microenvironment can directly guide NHDFs migration and also affect the AD‐MSCs and NHDFs paracrine effects, which can improve the chemotaxis of NHDFs migration. The ordered membrane, in particular, exhibited pronounced effectiveness in guiding directional cell migration. This research underscores the revelation that customizable microenvironments facilitated by SF membranes optimize the paracrine products of mesenchymal stem cells and offer valuable physical cues, presenting novel prospects for enhancing wound healing efficiency.
Analytical method development and validation for simultaneous estimation of Bempedoic acid and Ezetimibe in pure and its pharmaceutical dosage form by RP‐HPLC
Authors: Suresh Aakash , Balakrishnan Anbarasi , Ramaswamy Vijayamirtharaj , Natesan Senthilkumar
Published: June 2024

A simple, accurate and precise method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of the bempedoic acid and ezetimibe in pure and tablet dosage form. The developed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically on a Waters‐ C18, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm column. Mobile phase containing K2HPO4–methanol in the ratio 60:40 in buffer at pH 4.3 was pumped through column at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The temperature was maintained at 25°C. The optimized wavelength selected was 242 nm. The separation of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe showed retention times of 3.090 and 4.268 min respectively. The RSD values of the bempedoic acid and ezetimibe were 0.34 and 0.08 respectively. The accuracy of method was determined at three levels (50,100 and 150%). The percentage recovery was obtained as 100.0 and 100.0% for bempedoic acid and ezetimibe, respectively. The limits of determination and quantitation obtained from regression equations of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe were 1.065, 3.550 and 0.203, 0.677, respectively. The regression equation of bempedoic acid is y = 20,795x + 24,168, and it is y = 6,885.7x + 11,000 for ezetimibe. The retention times were decreased and the run time was decreased, so that the method developed is simple and economical that can be adopted for regular quality control tests in industry.
Why we need neurodiversity in brain and behavioral sciences
Authors: Xia Yinghui , Wang Peng , Vincent Jonathan
Published: June 2024

In this article, we present the case for the adoption of a neurodiversity paradigm as an essential framework within the brain and behavioral sciences. We challenge the deficit‐focused medical model by advocating for the recognition of neurocognitive variances—including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder—as natural representations of human diversity. We call for a shift in research and practice towards valuing neurodivergent individuals' unique strengths and contributions and promoting inclusivity and empathy. In critiquing the tendency to pathologize cognitive differences, we argue for a re‐evaluation of therapeutic goals to reflect a more nuanced understanding of neurodiversity. Highlighting the socio‐ethical implications of therapy‐focused research, we urge an appreciation of the potential for innovation and problem‐solving that neurodivergent individuals bring to society. The conclusion is a call to action for an integrated approach in research, policy, and societal attitudes that affirms neurodiversity, fostering an environment in which all forms of cognitive functioning are celebrated as part of human advancement.
Exploring circular consumption: Circular attitudes and their influence on consumer behavior across the product lifecycle
Authors: Testa Francesco , Marullo Cristina , Gusmerotti Natalia Marzia , di Iorio Vinicio
Published: June 2024

This study explores the dynamic and multidimensional domain of circular consumption, emphasizing the relevance of a lifecycle perspective in understanding consumer behaviors within the circular economy. Moving beyond prior research that predominantly focused on specific actions such as recycling or purchasing second‐hand products, we advocate for a more comprehensive understanding of consumer choices throughout a product's lifecycle. Drawing on attitudes theory, we employ item response theory (IRT) models to unveil latent attitudes reflecting diverse circular consumer behaviors. These attitudes, inferred from manifested actions across different product lifecycle stages, include environmental‐centric, resource‐centric, and societal‐centric circular attitudes. The study involves a representative sample of 5,124 respondents across five European countries. Our findings underscore the complexity of consumer motivations in the circular economy, revealing distinct links between circular attitudes and behaviors. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of circular consumption, emphasizing the importance of a lifecycle approach, and driving the development of robust measurement scales for circular consumer actions.
Assessing the impact of long‐term storage on the quality and integrity of biological specimens in a reproductive biobank
Authors: Wang Zhao , Zhang Changming , Zhang Xin , Bian Yuehong , Cao Yongzhi
Published: June 2024

Biobanks hold a pivotal role in facilitating translational and clinical research endeavors. However, the effects of prolonged storage on frozen blood samples analytes are not well defined yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term stability of the quality of DNA, RNA, and endocrine markers within blood samples amassed from the biobank over the past 11 years. The results show that the overall quality and integrity of DNA remained not significantly influenced. However, RNA integrity and purity displayed substantial deterioration as storage duration increased, to ensure high‐quality RNA for downstream analyses, advised to prioritize using blood samples stored within 3 years. Furthermore, the study examined the influence of storage time on endocrine markers. Through repeated measures ANOVA and linear regression analyses, it was evident that storage duration significantly influenced the levels of endocrine markers. This insight aids researchers in selecting appropriate markers for their investigations and augments the precision and dependability of results when dealing with long‐term stored samples.
Prognostic analysis and outcomes of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients receiving nab‐paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as second or later‐line treatment
Authors: Giordano Guido , Milella Michele , Landriscina Matteo , Bergamo Francesca , Tirino Giuseppe , Santaniello Antonio , Zaniboni Alberto , Vasile Enrico , De Vita Ferdinando , Re Giovanni Lo , Vaccaro Vanja , Giommoni Elisa , Natale Donato , Conca Raffaele , Santini Daniele , Maiorino Luigi , Sanna Gianni , Ricci Vincenzo , Iop Aldo , Montesarchio Vincenzo , Procaccio Letizia , Noventa Silvia , Bianco Roberto , Febbraro Antonio , Lonardi Sara , Tortora Giampaolo , Sperduti Isabella , Melisi Davide
Published: June 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) first‐line therapy often consists of polychemotherapy regimens, but choosing a second‐line therapy after disease progression, especially following first‐line FOLFIRINOX, remains a clinical challenge. This study presents results from a large, multicenter, retrospective analysis of Italian patients with metastatic PC (mPC) treated with Nab‐paclitaxel/Gemcitabine (AG) as second or later line of treatment. Main objective of the study is to identify prognostic factors that could inform treatment decisions.

Methods

The study included 160 mPC patients treated with AG in 17 Italian institutions. AG was administered according to labelling dose, until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or patient refusal. Variations in schedules, dose modifications, supportive measures, and response evaluation were determined by individual clinicians' practice.

Results

AG was well‐tolerated and exhibited promising clinical activity. The overall response rate (ORR) and the disease control rate (DCR) were 22.5% and 45.6%, respectively. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.9 and 6.8 months, respectively. Among the patients who received AG as a second‐line therapy (n = 111, 66.9%), median PFS and OS were 4.2 and 7.4 months, respectively. Notably, in the 76 patients (68%) receiving AG after first‐line FOLFIRINOX, an ORR of 19.7% and a DCR of 46.0% were observed, resulting in a median PFS of 3.5 and median OS of 5.7 months. The study identified specific clinical or laboratory parameters (LDH, NLR, fasting serum glucose, liver metastases, ECOG PS, and first‐line PFS) as independent prognostic factors at multivariate level. These factors were used to create a prognostic nomogram that divided patients into three risk classes, helping to predict second‐line OS and PFS.

Conclusions

This study represents the largest real‐world population of mPC patients treated with AG as a second or later line of therapy. It supports the feasibility of this regimen following first‐line FOLFIRINOX, particularly in patients with specific clinical and laboratory characteristics who derived prolonged benefit from first‐line therapy.
Prevalence of neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) fusion gene positivity in patients with solid tumors in Japan
Authors: Nakata Eiji , Osone Tatsunori , Ogawa Toru , Taguchi Tomoyuki , Hattori Kana , Kohsaka Shinji
Published: June 2024

Background

Members of the neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) gene family, NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 encode TRK receptor tyrosine kinases. Intra‐ or inter‐chromosomal gene rearrangements produce NTRK gene fusions encoding fusion proteins which are oncogenic drivers in various solid tumors.

Methods

This study investigated the prevalence of NTRK fusion genes and identified fusion partners in Japanese patients with solid tumors recorded in the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics database of comprehensive genomic profiling test.

Results

In the analysis population (n = 46,621), NTRK fusion genes were detected in 91 patients (0.20%). The rate was higher in pediatric cases (<18 years; 1.69%) than in adults (0.16%). NTRK gene fusions were identified in 21 different solid tumor types involving 38 different partner genes including 22 (57.9%) previously unreported NTRK gene fusions. The highest frequency of NTRK gene fusions was head and neck cancer (1.31%) and thyroid cancer (1.31%), followed by soft tissue sarcoma (STS; 0.91%). A total of 97 NTRK fusion gene partners were analyzed involving mainly NTRK1 (49.5%) or NTRK3 (44.2%) gene fusions. The only fusion gene detected in head and neck cancer was ETV6::NTRK3 (n = 22); in STS, ETV6::NTRK3 (n = 7) and LMNA::NTRK1 (n = 5) were common. Statistically significant mutual exclusivity of NTRK fusions with alterations was confirmed in TP53, KRAS, and APC. NTRK gene fusion was detected from 11 STS cases: seven unclassified sarcoma, three sarcoma NOS, and one Ewing sarcoma.

Conclusions

NTRK gene fusion identification in solid tumors enables accurate diagnosis and potential TRK inhibitor therapy.
Diagnostic value of carbohydrate antigen 50 in biliary tract cancer: A large‐scale multicenter study
Authors: Wang Yong‐Shuai , Wang Wei , Zhang Shen‐Yu , Cai Wei , Song Rui‐Peng , Mei Tao , Wang Wei , Zhang Feng , Qi Fei‐Yu , Zhang Sai , Liu Yan , Li Hao‐Ran , Ji Peng , Gao Miao , Song Hua‐Chuan , Yao Huan‐Zhang , Meng Fan‐Zheng , Lu Zheng , Wang Ji‐Zhou , Liu Lian‐Xin
Published: June 2024

Background

To date, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) have been widely used for the screening, diagnosis and prediction of biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients. However, few studies with large sample sizes of carbohydrate antigen 50 (CA50) were reported in BTC patients.

Methods

A total of 1121 patients from the Liver Cancer Clin‐Bio Databank of Anhui Hepatobiliary Surgery Union between January 2017 and December 2022 were included in this study (673 in the training cohort and 448 in the validation cohort): among them, 458 with BTC, 178 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 23 with combined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma, and 462 with nontumor patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and clinical usefulness.

Results

ROC curves obtained by combining CA50, CA19‐9, and AFP showed that the AUC value of the diagnostic MODEL 1 was 0.885 (95% CI 0.856–0.885, specificity 70.3%, and sensitivity 84.0%) in the training cohort and 0.879 (0.841–0.917, 76.7%, and 84.3%) in the validation cohort. In addition, comparing iCCA and HCC (235 in the training cohort, 157 in the validation cohort), the AUC values of the diagnostic MODEL 2 were 0.893 (95% CI 0.853–0.933, specificity 96%, and sensitivity 68.6%) in the training cohort and 0.872 (95% CI 0.818–0.927, 94.2%, and 64.6%) in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

The model combining CA50, CA19‐9, and AFP not only has good diagnostic value for BTC but also has good diagnostic value for distinguishing iCCA and HCC.
The establishment of kidney cancer organoid line in drug testing
Authors: Tse Ryan Tsz‐Hei , Wong Christine Yim‐Ping , Ding Xiaofan , Cheng Carol Ka‐Lo , Chow Chit , Chan Ronald Cheong‐Kin , Ng Joshua Hoi‐Yan , Tang Victor Wai‐Lun , Chiu Peter Ka‐Fung , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Wong Nathalie , To Ka‐Fai , Ng Chi‐Fai
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Kidney cancer is a common urological malignancy worldwide with an increasing incidence in recent years. Among all subtypes, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents the most predominant malignancy in kidney. Clinicians faced a major challenge to select the most effective and suitable treatment regime for patients from a wide range of modalities, despite improved understanding and diagnosis of RCC.

Objective

Recently, organoid culture gained more interest as the 3D model is shown to be highly patient specific which is hypothetically beneficial to the investigation of precision medicine. Nonetheless, the development and application of organotypic culture in RCC is still immature, therefore, the primary objective of this study was to establish an organoid model for RCC.

Materials and Methods

Patients diagnosed with renal tumor and underwent surgical intervention were recruited. RCC specimen was collected and derived into organoids. Derived organoids were validated by histological examminations, sequencing and xenograft. Drug response of organoids were compared with resistance cell line and patients' clinical outcomes.

Results

Our results demonstrated that organoids could be successfully derived from renal tumor and they exhibited high concordance in terms of immunoexpressional patterns. Sequencing results also depicted concordant mutations of driver genes in both organoids and parental tumor tissues. Critical and novel growth factors were discovered during the establishment of organoid model. Besides, organoids derived from renal tumor exhibited tumorigenic properties in vivo. In addition, organoids recapitulated patient's in vivo drug resistance and served as a platform to predict responsiveness of other therapeutic agents.

Conclusion

Our RCC organoid model recaptiluated histological and genetic features observed in primary tumors. It also served as a potential platform in drug screening for RCC patients, though future studies are necessary before translating the outcomes into clinical practices.