bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cd‐Free Electron Transport Layer Simultaneously Enhances Charge Carrier Separation and Transfer in Sb2Se3 Photocathodes for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chen Shuo , Chen Yong , Aziz Hafiz Sartaj , Zhang Han‐Hua , Li Ze‐Long , Chen Yue‐Xing , Zeng Yu‐Jia , Zheng Zhuang‐Hao , Hu Ju‐Guang , Su Zheng‐Hua , Liang Guang‐Xing
Published: December 2024

Efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a pivotal technique to achieve sustainable hydrogen production, driving the exploration for high‐performance photoelectrodes. Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) semiconductor has received significant attention due to its cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendly nature, and favorable photoelectric properties. However, traditional Sb2Se3‐based photocathodes typically employ cadmium sulfide (CdS) as an electron transport layer (ETL), which introduces toxicity and stability issues, hindering their commercial application potential. This study develops a versatile method to improve the PEC performance of Sb2Se3‐based photocathodes by incorporating Cd‐free (Zn,Sn)O ETL. Comprehensive investigations demonstrate remarkable improvement in surface and heterojunction interface properties, leading to charge carrier dynamics optimization with highly interesting carrier separation efficiency of 96.5% and transfer efficiency of 93.6%. As a result, the champion Mo/Sb2Se3/(Zn,Sn)O/TiO2/Pt photocathode delivers a notable photocurrent density (Jph) of 31.8 mA cm−2 (close to its theoretical value), and a half‐cell solar‐to‐hydrogen (HC‐STH) conversion efficiency of 4.32%. This advancement highlights a promising pathway toward large‐scale and environmentally friendly solar hydrogen production applications.
Integrating Interactive Ir Atoms into Titanium Oxide Lattice for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis
Authors: Li Yang , Zhao Guoxiang , Zuo Shouwei , Wen Linrui , Liu Qiao , Zou Chen , Ren Yuanfu , Kobayashi Yoji , Tao Huabing , Luan Deyan , Huang Kuowei , Cavallo Luigi , Zhang Huabin
Published: December 2024

Iridium (Ir)‐based oxide is the state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalyst for acidic water oxidation, yet it is restricted to a few Ir‐O octahedral packing modes with limited structural flexibility. Herein, the geometric structure diversification of Ir is achieved by integrating spatially correlated Ir atoms into the surface lattice of TiO2 and its booting effect on oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is investigated. Notably, the resultant i‐Ir/TiO2 catalyst exhibits much higher electrocatalytic activity, with an overpotential of 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and excellent stability of 315 h at 100 mA cm−2 in acidic electrolyte. Both experimental and theoretical findings reveal that flexible Ir─O─Ir coordination with varied geometric structure plays a crucial role in enhancing OER activity, which optimize the intermediate adsorption by adjusting the d‐band center of active Ir sites. Operando characterizations demonstrate that the interactive Ir─O─Ir units can suppress over‐oxidation of Ir, effectively widening the stable region of Ir species during the catalytic process. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, equipped with i‐Ir/TiO2 as an anode, gives a low driving voltage of 1.63 V at 2 A cm−2 and maintains stable performance for over 440 h. This work presents a general strategy to eliminate the inherent geometric limitations of IrOx species, thereby inspiring further development of advanced catalyst designs.
Robust and Versatile Biodegradable Unclonable Anti‐Counterfeiting Labels with Multi‐Mode Optical Encoding Using Protein‐Mediated Luminescent Calcite Signatures
Authors: Wang Ziting , Li Meng , Fu Yinghao , Wang Yu , Lu Yanqing
Published: December 2024

Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are emerging as a cutting‐edge technology for enhancing information security by providing robust security authentication and non‐reproducible cryptographic keys. Incorporating renewable and biocompatible materials into PUFs ensures safety for handling, compatibility with biological systems, and reduced environmental impact. However, existing PUF platforms struggle to balance high encoding capacity, diversified encryption signatures, and versatile functionalities with sustainability and biocompatibility. Here, all‐biomaterial‐based unclonable anti‐counterfeiting labels featuring multi‐mode encoding, multi‐level cryptographic keys, and multiple authentication operations are developed by imprinting biomimetic‐grown calcites on versatile silk protein films. In this label, the inherent non‐clonability comes from the randomized characteristics of calcites, mediated by silk protein during crystal growth. The successful embedding of photoluminescent molecules into calcite lattices, assisted by silk protein, allows the resulting platform to utilize fluorescence patterns alongside birefringence for high‐capacity encoding. This design facilitates easy and rapid authentication through Hamming distance and convolutional neural networks using standard cameras and portable microscopes. Moreover, angle‐dependent polarization patterns enable multi‐level key generation, while multi‐spectral fluorescence signals offer multi‐channel keys. The developed anti‐counterfeiting labels combine biodegradability, green manufacture, easy authentication, high‐level complexity, low cost, robustness, patternability, and versatility, offering a practical and high‐security solution to combat counterfeiting across various applications.
Thermionic Emission in Artificially Structured Single‐Crystalline Elemental Metal/Compound Semiconductor Superlattices
Authors: Rawat Rahul Singh , Rao Dheemahi , Rudra Sourav , Raut Nilesh , Biswas Bidesh , Karanje Renuka , Das Prasanna , Pillai Ashalatha Indiradevi Kamalasanan , Bahk Je‐Hyeong , Garbrecht Magnus , Saha Bivas
Published: December 2024

Metal/semiconductor superlattices represent a fascinating frontier in materials science and nanotechnology, where alternating layers of metals and semiconductors are precisely engineered at the atomic and nano‐scales. Traditionally, epitaxial metal/semiconductor superlattice growth requires constituent materials from the same family, exhibiting identical structural symmetry and low lattice mismatch. Here, beyond this conventional constraint, a novel class of epitaxial lattice‐matched metal/semiconductor superlattices is introduced that utilizes refractory hexagonal elemental transition metals and wide‐bandgap III‐nitride semiconductors. Exemplified by the Hf/AlN superlattices exhibiting coherent layer‐by‐layer epitaxial growth, cross‐plane thermionic emission is observed through current–voltage measurements accomplished for the first time in any metal/semiconductor superlattices. Further, thermoreflectance measurements reveal significant enhancement in cross‐plane Seebeck coefficients attributed to carrier energy filtering by Schottky barriers. Demonstration of artificially structured elemental‐metal/wide‐bandgap compound‐semiconductor superlattices promises to usher in new fundamental physics studies and cutting‐edge applications such as tunable hyperbolic metamaterials, quantum computing, and thermionic‐emission‐based thermoelectric and thermophotonic energy conversion devices.
Wireless Modular Implantable Neural Device with One‐touch Magnetic Assembly for Versatile Neuromodulation
Authors: Kang Inho , Bilbily John , Kim Choong Yeon , Shi Chuanqian , Madasu Manish K. , Jeong Eun Young , Parker Kyle E. , Kwon Do A , Jung Bum‐Joon , Yang Jae‐Soon , Lee Juhyun , Kabbaj Noah D.L. , Lee Wonhee , Yoon Jun‐Bo , Al‐Hasani Ream , Xiao Jianliang , McCall Jordan G. , Jeong Jae‐Woong
Published: December 2024

Multimodal neural interfaces open new opportunities in brain research by enabling more sophisticated and systematic neural circuit dissection. Integrating complementary features across distinct functional domains, these multifunctional neural probes have greatly advanced the interrogation of complex neural circuitry. However, introducing multiple functionalities into a compact form factor for freely behaving animals presents substantial design hurdles that complicate the device or require more than one device. Moreover, fixed functionality poses challenges in meeting the dynamic needs of chronic neuroscience inquiry, such as replacing consumable parts like batteries or drugs. To address these limitations, the modular implantable neural device (MIND) is introduced with a one‐touch magnetic assembly mechanism. Leveraging the seamless exchange of neural interface modules such as optical stimulation, drug delivery, and electrical stimulation, MIND ensures functional adaptability, reusability, and scalability. The versatile design of MIND will facilitate brain research by enabling simplified access to multiple functional modalities as needed.
Nanosurface‐Reconstructed Fuel Electrode by Selective Etching for Highly Efficient and Stable Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Sun Yueyue , Zhou Jun , Yang Jiaming , Neagu Dragos , Liu Zhengrong , Yin Chaofan , Xue Zixuan , Zhou Zilin , Cui Jiajia , Wu Kai
Published: December 2024

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are promising energy‐conversion devices due to their high efficiency under flexible operational modes. Yet, the sluggish kinetics of fuel electrodes remain a major obstacle to their practical applications. Since the electrochemically active region only extends a few micrometers, manipulating surface architecture is vital to endow highly efficient and stable fuel electrodes for SOCs. Herein, a simple selective etching method of nanosurface reconstruction is reported to achieve catalytically optimized hierarchical morphology for boosting the SOCs under different operational modes simultaneously. The selective etching can create many corrosion pits and exposure of more B‐site active atoms in Sr2Co0.4Fe1.2Mo0.4O6‐δ fuel electrode, as well as promote the exsolution of CoFe alloy nanoparticles. An outstanding electrochemical performance of the fabricated cell with the power density increased by 1.47 times to 1.31 W cm−2 at fuel cell mode is demonstrated, while the current density reaches 1.85 A cm−2 under 1.6 V at CO2 electrolysis mode (800 °C). This novel selective etching method in perovskite oxides provides an appealing strategy to fabricate hierarchical electrocatalysts for highly efficient and stable SOCs with broad implications for clean energy systems and CO2 utilization.
Trace Multifunctional Additive Enhancing 4.8 V Ultra‐High Voltage Performance of Ni‐Rich Cathode and SiOx Anode Battery
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Zhang Yiming , Wang Xiaoyi , Gong Haochen , Cao Yu , Ma Kang , Zhang Shaojie , Wang Shaowei , Yang Wensheng , Wang Lve , Sun Jie
Published: December 2024

The combination of high‐voltage Ni‐rich cathodes and high‐capacity Si‐based anodes can result in high energy density for next‐generation batteries. However, the practical capacities accesses are severely hindered by unstable electrode/electrolyte interphases (EEI) and irreversible structural degradation, which necessitates efficient additives in electrolyte for generating stable EEI. Herein, a multifunctional additive, 3‐Fluoro‐5‐(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolan‐2‐yl)picolinonitrile (FTDP) is proposed to construct robust interfaces at both cathodic and anodic surface, so as to enhance electrochemical performance. FTDP is preferentially decomposed to form B‐contained and cyano (CN) group‐rich cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), as well as LiF‐, Li3N‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), simultaneously, resulting in the integrity and stability of electrodes. Moreover, the FTDP‐derived CEI can suppress transition metal ions dissolution, further facilitating battery cyclability. The multifunctionality of FTDP, including quenching free radicals, alleviating the hydrolysis of LiPF6 and inhibiting HF generation, thus greatly improving interfacial stability. With trace addition of 0.2 wt.%, NCM811/Li cell can be performed at an extreme condition, i.e., ultra‐high voltage (4.8 V), high temperature (60 °C) and high rate (10C). 1.6 Ah NCM811/SiOx pouch cell delivers a high capacity retention of 84.0% after 300 cycles.
Abundance, Sex and Size Distribution of European Green Crabs, Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1785), at Natural and Aquacultured Oyster Areas in Great Bay Estuary, NH
Authors: Meyer‐Rust Kelsey , Lee Bo‐Young , Moll Remington J. , Strickland Alyssa , Bradt Gabriela , Goldstein Jason S. , Brown Bonnie L.
Published: December 2024

Great Bay Estuary (GBE) is a complex estuarine system at the convergence of seven rivers, ocean and land. The GBE ecosystem supports typical estuarine species but, like many estuaries, has been a target of both invasive and range‐expanding species. The goal of this study was to compare abundance, sex and size distribution of green crabs between oyster farm sites and non‐farmed sites within GBE in 2021 and 2022. Overall catch was higher in 2021 compared to 2022. The highest population of green crabs was estimated to be in the farm area around Cedar Point, and natural/restoration area near Moody Point had the smallest European green crab population. In both years, the majority of green crabs captured (98%) were adult males, and few were juveniles captured. At the last sampling date of 2021 and 2022, most crabs were large (68 ± 0.5 mm and 63 ± 2 mm carapace width, respectively). Shellfish growers, restoration and management teams could use these data in mitigation strategies to sustain industries and enhance GBE health. This information is important for oyster restoration initiatives and oyster growers as they may want to: consider putting traps around their restoration reefs and farms to help reduce green crab infestation/predation in their growing areas; make decisions regarding best management practices and optimal growing locations when applying for permits; and work with management teams with gear improvement, such as floating gear, to reduce green crab intrusion into cages. High‐priority locations for trapping should be areas such as oyster farms, oyster reefs and restoration sites.
Dynamics of two bubbles colliding at high Reynolds numbers in water: Bubble rebound behavior study
Authors: Song Runci , Fang Kefeng , Xiang Bing , Han Luchang , Feng Xin , Chen Jie , Yang Chao
Published: December 2024

The collision between bubbles is essential to gas–liquid dispersion systems. When bubbles encounter each other, they may either rebound or coalesce. Yet, little is known about the rebound dynamics immediately after two bubbles collide. This work investigates such collision dynamics of two bubbles at high Reynolds numbers in water through experiment and simulation. The moving velocity, deformation, contact time during collision and restitution coefficient of bubbles are analyzed. Simulations reproduced quantitatively the bubble rebound behavior, revealing the evolution of various energies involved in collision. Simulation results show that over 70% of the system's initial mechanical energy (SME) could be converted into bubble surface energy (BSE) during the approach. In turn, the excess BSE is converted back into SME driving bubbles to rebound with significant dissipation. A mass‐spring‐damper model is developed, which describes the dynamic of bubble rebound well. This contribution enhances the understanding of bubble interactions in multiphase flow.
Integrating Machine Learning and Large Language Models to Advance Exploration of Electrochemical Reactions
Authors: Zheng Zhiling , Florit Federico , Jin Brooke , Wu Haoyang , Li Shih‐Cheng , Nandiwale Kakasaheb Y. , Salazar Chase A. , Mustakis Jason G. , Green William H. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: December 2024

Electrochemical C−H oxidation reactions offer a sustainable route to functionalize hydrocarbons, yet identifying suitable substrates and optimizing synthesis remain challenging. Here, we report an integrated approach combining machine learning and large language models to streamline the exploration of electrochemical C−H oxidation reactions. Utilizing a batch rapid screening electrochemical platform, we evaluated a wide range of reactions, initially classifying substrates by their reactivity, while LLMs text‐mined literature data to augment the training set. The resulting ML models for reactivity prediction achieved high accuracy (>90 %) and enabled virtual screening of a large set of commercially available molecules. To optimize reaction conditions for selected substrates, LLMs were prompted to generate code that iteratively improved yields. This human‐AI collaboration proved effective, efficiently identifying high‐yield conditions for 8 drug‐like substances or intermediates. Notably, we benchmarked the accuracy and reliability of 12 different LLMs–including LLaMA series, Claude series, OpenAI o1, and GPT‐4‐on code generation and function calling related to ML based on natural language prompts given by chemists to showcase potentials for accelerating research across four diverse tasks. In addition, we collected an experimental benchmark dataset comprising 1071 reaction conditions and yields for electrochemical C−H oxidation reactions.
Precise Separation of Complex Ultrafine Molecules through Solvating Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework Membranes
Authors: Shi Xiansong , Li He , Chen Ting , Ren Junyu , Zhao Wei , Patra Bidhan Chandra , Kang Chengjun , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Zhao Dan
Published: December 2024

Isoporous nanomaterials, with their proven potential for accurate molecular sieving, are of substantial interest in propelling sustainable membrane techniques. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are prominent due to their customizable isopores and chemistry. Still, the discrepancy in experimental and theoretical structures poses a challenge to developing COF membranes for molecular separations. Here, we report high‐selectivity sieving of complex ultrafine molecules through solvating pore‐to‐pore‐aligned two‐dimensional COF membranes. Our structurally oriented membrane shows reversible interlayer expansion with intralayer shift in response to solvent exposure. This dynamic deformation induced by solvents leads to a reduction in the aperture of the membrane's sieving pores, which correlates with the number of COF layers. The resultant membranes yield largely improved molecular selectivity to discriminate binary and trinary complex mixtures, exceeding the conventional COF membranes. The membrane's robustness against solvents and physical aging permits extremely stable microporosity and reliable operation for over 3000 h. This exceptional performance positions our membrane as an alternative to enriching and purifying value‐added chemicals, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients.
mPatch: A Wearable Hydrogel Microneedle Patch for In Vivo Optical Sensing of Calcium
Authors: Behnam Vira , McManamen Anika M. , Ballard Hannah G. , Aldana Bryan , Tamimi Melissa , Milosavić Nenad , Stojanovic Milan N. , Rubin Mishaela R. , Sia Samuel K.
Published: December 2024

This study presents an in vivo optical hydrogel microneedle platform that measures levels of analytes in interstitial fluid. The platform builds on a previously published technique for molding hydrogel microneedles by developing a composite hydrogel (i.e., PEGDA and polyacrylamide) that is sufficiently stiff to penetrate skin in the hydrated state and whose fluorescence changes dynamically–via a conjugated aptamer–depending on level of analyte. In a demonstration relevant to hypercalcemia, the hydrogel microneedle distinguished varying concentrations of calcium (within a range of 0 to 2 mM, which spans physiologically meaningful variations for hypoparathyroidism) within 10 minutes. In rats, a compact CMOS sensor measuring fluorescence from microneedles distinguished low hypercalcemic (1.7 mM) from high hypercalcemic (2.3 mM) ionized calcium levels as determined from reference blood measurements. Overall, this work demonstrates in vivo feasibility of a concept–which we call mPatch–for an optical hydrogel microneedle to measure small changes in levels of analytes in interstitial fluid, which does not rely on extraction of interstitial fluid out of the dermis.
Viscoelastic Alginate‐Based Hydrogels: Regulating Neural Stem Cell Behavior Through Viscosity
Authors: Li Shuying , Huang Chuanzhen , Liu Hanlian , Wang Zhichao , Han Xu , Chen Zhuang , Huang Jun , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2024

The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play a crucial role in cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, a series of viscoelastic alginate‐based blend hydrogels with tunable viscosity were prepared to investigate the effects of their viscosity on the spreading and viability of NE‐4C neural stem cells. The hydrogels with the same initial modulus but different viscosities were obtained by adjusting the degree of crosslinking through covalently and ionically crosslinked techniques. The study results indicated that at a low initial modulus, an increase in the viscosity of the viscoelastic substrate could lead to a rise in the spreading area of NE‐4C neural stem cells, along with the formation of synapses, suggesting that an increase in substrate viscosity is beneficial for cell adhesion and spreading. Furthermore, the survival rate of NE‐4C neural stem cells on a high‐viscosity matrix is significantly higher than on a low‐viscosity matrix, as the high‐viscosity matrix provides a more stable microenvironment for the cells. These results can not only enhance the understanding of the effect of the viscoelasticity of biomaterials on neural stem cell behavior but also provide experimental data and theoretical support for designing new biomaterials suitable for neural tissue engineering.
Microcrystalline Cellulose/Poloxamer Temperature Sensitive Hydrogel Loaded With Red Ginseng Extract to Promote Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Rui Mao , Chuan‐Bo Ding , Shuai Zhang , Xing‐long Liu , Qi‐Teng Ding , Yin Zhang , Xiao‐Cheng Shao , Wen‐Cong Liu , He‐wei Wei , Tao‐jing Yu , Xiao‐yu Wu
Published: December 2024

In recent years, hydrogels have been widely used in the biomedical field as wound dressings. This study presents a safe and efficient temperature‐sensitive hydrogel with red ginseng extract as the main ingredient. The hydrogel was characterized, and its wound healing potential was investigated. Results indicate that the temperature‐sensitive hydrogel loaded with red ginseng extract had a good reticular structure, sustained release properties, and biocompatibility. Subsequently, in vitro experiments confirmed that the temperature‐sensitive hydrogel composed of red ginseng extract, microcrystalline cellulose, and poloxamer possessed good antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hemostatic properties. This hydrogel could effectively promote acute wound healing. The results of H&E and Masson staining showed that the RGE‐Gel promoted epithelial and tissue regeneration and facilitated collagen deposition. Furthermore, RGE‐Gel was found to decrease inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory factors in mice and regulating the expression of endothelial growth factor to enhance wound healing.
Autologous Nonmyeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: Identifying Disease Risk Factors for Toxicity and Long‐Term Outcomes in a Prospective, Single‐Arm Trial
Authors: Georges George E. , Khanna Dinesh , Wener Mark H. , Mei Matthew G. , Mayes Maureen D. , Simms Robert W. , Sanchorawala Vaishali , Hosing Chitra , Kafaja Suzanne , Pawarode Attaphol , Holmberg Leona A. , Kolfenbach Jason , Furst Daniel E. , Sullivan Keith M. , Huang Suiyuan , Gooley Ted , Nash Richard A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Two randomized trials for patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) demonstrated an overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) advantage of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) using CD34+ selected peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) compared with monthly cyclophosphamide (CY). We asked if an unmodified PBSC graft followed by maintenance mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) after AHSCT, instead of a CD34+ selected graft, could provide comparable AHSCT outcomes.

Methods

Twenty patients with high‐risk SSc were enrolled in a prospective, single‐arm trial with CY 200 mg/kg and horse antithymocyte globulin (ATG; CY200/ATG), followed by unmanipulated autologous PBSC, and then MMF maintenance starting at 2 months after AHSCT.

Results

Point estimates of OS and EFS at 5 years after AHSCT were 85% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.4%–94.9%) and 75% (95% CI 50%–88.7%), respectively. Median follow‐up was 7.5 years (range 5.6–11.6) after transplant for living patients. Eight patients (40%) required intensive care unit treatment early after transplant. Early transplant‐related mortality occurred in two patients (10%). Five patients developed relapse/progression of SSc after AHSCT. Four of nine patients with anti‐RNA polymerase III antibodies had prior scleroderma renal crisis and the lowest quartile of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on study entry; all four patients developed prolonged organ failure/death early after transplant.

Conclusion

We observed favorable OS and EFS after AHSCT for patients with SSc, using CY200/ATG, unmanipulated PBSCs, and MMF posttransplant maintenance, which was comparable to trials with CD34+ graft selection. We identified a possible risk factor, pretransplant low eGFR, for adverse outcomes after AHSCT.
Efficacy of a Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor in Chronic Low‐Back Pain With Modic Type 1 Changes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gjefsen Elisabeth , Bråten Lars C. , Ponzi Erica , Dagestad Magnhild H. , Marchand Gunn H. , Kadar Thomas , Bakland Gunnstein , Haugen Anne J. , Granviken Fredrik , Flørenes Tonje W. , Vetti Nils , Grøvle Lars , Nilsen Aksel T. , Lunestad Astrid , Holmgard Thor E. , Valberg Morten , Bolstad Nils , Espeland Ansgar , Brox Jens I. , Goll Guro L. , Storheim Kjersti , Zwart John‐Anker
Published: December 2024

Objective

The efficacy of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors for treating chronic low‐back pain with Modic changes is uncertain. This study investigated the superiority of infliximab over placebo in patients with Modic type 1 changes.

Methods

In this multicenter, randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, patients aged 18 to 65 years with moderate to severe chronic low‐back pain and Modic type 1 changes were enrolled from five Norwegian public hospitals between January 2019 and October 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to four intravenous infusions of 5 mg/kg infliximab or placebo. The primary outcome was difference in change in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score from baseline to five months. Secondary outcomes included changes in low‐back pain intensity, disability, and health‐related quality of life. A linear mixed model was used for efficacy analyses.

Results

A total of 128 patients (mean age 43 years, 65.6% women) participated (64 in each group). All patients who received at least one dose of the allocated infusion were included in the primary analyses. The average ODI score (±SD) change was −7.0 (±9.7) in the group who received infliximab and −6.4 (±10.4) in the group who received placebo. The difference in the ODI score change between the two groups was 1.3 ODI points (95% confidence interval −2.1 to 4.6, P = 0.45). Analyses showed no effect of infliximab compared to placebo on secondary outcomes. Adverse event rates were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Infliximab did not demonstrate superiority over placebo in reducing pain‐related disability in patients with moderate to severe chronic low‐back pain with Modic type 1 changes at five months.

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Subtle Molecular Engineering around Flavin core for Stimuli‐Responsive Solid‐State Luminophore
Authors: Gopal Agrawal Harsha , Dubey Adamya , Mondal Dipayan , Kumar Mishra Ashutosh
Published: December 2024

The present manuscript discusses the design, synthesis, and stimuli‐responsive solid‐state properties of two novel flavin analogues, Phenyl Flavin (PhFl) and Pyridinyl Flavin (PyFl), featuring covalently linked phenyl and pyridinyl rings to isoalloxazine. Stimuli‐responsive properties of PhFl and PyFl were examined, where PyFl displayed more pronounced and reversible emissive behavior in the solid state in response to external stimuli. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the mode for switching behavior, single crystal‐ and powder‐X‐ray diffraction, as well as differential scanning calorimetry studies, were performed. Furthermore, a simple dip‐in method was used to demonstrate its usage as ink free rewritable material.
A New Synthetic Analogue Of The Burckhardtite Mineral, Pb2TeGa[AlSi3O8]O6: Synthesis, Structure, And Properties
Authors: Malik Diksha , Natarajan Srinivasan
Published: December 2024

The mineral, Burckhardtite, Pb2TeFe[AlSi3O8]O6, is synthesized and characterized. A new analogue, Pb2TeGa[AlSi3O8]O6, is successfully prepared for the first time under laboratory conditions. The substitution of Ga3+ by Ti0.5M0.5 (M=Co2+, Ni2+) results in new compounds with the Burckhardtite mineral structure. The transition metal‐containing compounds exhibit interesting new colors, partly resulting from d‐d transitions and metal‐to‐metal charge transfer (MMCT) transition. The Ga compound shows a deep UV cut‐off (~86 %), which is one of the better known values of deep UV cut‐off compounds. The compounds exhibit good dielectric behavior with low dielectric loss. The Eu3+ ‐ substituted samples show deep red emission with a long lifetime of ~0.89 ms. The magnetic behavior of the transition metal containing compounds indicates anti‐ferromagnetic interactions. The successful synthesis of the naturally occurring mineral along with newer analogues with interesting properties suggests that it is profitable to investigate compounds of mineral origin.
Sustainable strategy of biowaste into graphene‐based zinc oxide nanocomposite using green nanotechnology for topical applications
Authors: M Chamundeeswari , KR Preethy
Published: December 2024

Metal‐based nanoparticles have been extensively researched for their distinctive characteristics. Among them, zinc oxide nanoparticles have numerous applications in the field of biomedicine. The phytoextract of Ixora coccinea flowers was used in the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles replacing the use of harmful reducing chemicals. In the current research, the carbonaceous material from biowaste of Setaria italica was used to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) by Improved Hummer's method. The synthesized GO was converted to reduced GO via green nanotechnology using phytoextract of Prosopis juliflora. The synthesis of reduced Graphene Oxide ‐ Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite (rGO)–ZnO nanocomposite involves a simple, economical one‐step magnetic stirring method. UV–visible spectroscopy was used to characterize the synthesized materials, with the maximal absorbance range for ZInc Oxide (ZnO) being 384 nm and for rGO–ZnO composite at 243 and 366 nm, respectively. The x‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed 2θ peaks for ZnO at 31.54°, 34.22°, and 36.08°. For reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) in rGO–ZnO composite, the XRD revealed 2θ peaks at 21.25°, 21.56°, 23.14°, and for ZnO at 31.74°, 33.24°, 34.29°, 36.23°. The FT‐IR demonstrated the vibrational modes of functional groups: –OH stretching, symmetric and antisymmetric –CH2 stretching, C = C stretching, and C–O stretching. The elemental composition of samples has been analyzed using Energy Dispersive x‐ray spectroscop (EDX), and the high percentage of zinc in the composite shows a good loading rate of ZnO on the rGO's surface. By morphological investigation, monolayer sheet structures of rGO loaded with clusters of ZnO are clearly demonstrated. Positive results from therapeutic assays and biocompatibility were found with reduced hemolysis and good anticoagulation abilities proved with statistical approach. Our research is distinctive because a realistic formulation of an rGO—ZnO skin care cream with enhanced therapeutic properties, such as effective stability, spreadability, and significant moisture retention, can be recommended.
When Should Sustainability Have A C‐Suite Seat? An Empirical Study on the Environmental and Organizational Correlates of Chief Sustainability Officer Positions
Authors: Liu Yu
Published: December 2024

This study follows a theory‐based approach to examine both environmental and organizational factors related to chief sustainability officer (CSO) positions. We argue that the creation of CSO positions is driven by a combination of external and internal factors, and yet to date there has been limited research that integrates both perspectives to examine the presence and authority of CSO roles. Using a sample of S&P 500 firms, we found that the presence of CSO positions was related both externally to environmental conditions such as regulatory pressures and industry dynamism, and internally to organizational choices such as board‐level sustainability committees and internationalization. We also found that CSO authority was positively related to the organizational factors but not the environmental variables. This study complements existing CSO research by examining the factors linked to CSO presence and authority. The findings may assist researchers and practitioners in better understanding the effectiveness of CSO roles.
Serial Dilation and Intentional Fracturing of Stents in Congenital Heart Disease—Benchside Tests and Initial Clinical Results
Authors: Gendera K. , Bambul Heck P. , Eicken A. , Tanase D. , Ewert P. , von Stumm M. , Georgiev S.
Published: December 2024

Background

There is some reluctance to implant stents in small children due to concerns regarding outgrowing the maximal stent diameter during follow‐up.

Aim

Evaluation of a treatment strategy on the bench side, including intentional stent fracturing, and description of our initial clinical experience.

Methods

A series of benchside tests was performed with small stents, in which the stents were dilated above the rated diameters until they ultimately fractured. The diameters and pressures needed to fracture these stents were documented. This approach of intentional stent fracturing was used to treat the first series of patients.

Results

Benchside testing of coronary stents (Coroflex blue, Onyx, and Bentley coronary) and the different‐sized Cook Formula stents confirmed that all these can be fractured intentionally. An important step to prevent the development of a “napkin ring” was to implant a second larger stent before dilatation with ultra‐high pressure balloons (fracturing procedure). In 17 patients, previously implanted stents were dilated serially and ultimately fractured. The stents had been implanted in branch pulmonary arteries (n = 9), in the right ventricular outflow tract (n = 3), and in the aortic isthmus (n = 5). After dilation up to the fracturing diameter known from the benchside tests, a second larger stent was implanted and the initial stent was fractured with ultra‐high‐pressure dilatation. Fracturing of the stent was possible in all patients. No serious complications were noted.

Conclusion

Serial dilatation and intentional fracturing of stents are feasible, do not increase the risk for complications, and may play an important role in the management of growing children with congenital heart defects.
Emerging Educational and Networking Platforms in Interventional Cardiology: Expanding Beyond Traditional Social Media
Authors: Bharadwaj Aditya S. , Cader F. Aaysha , Goldsweig Andrew M. , Kini Annapoorna , Sharma Samin , Gluckman Ty J. , O'Leary Jared , Cohen David , Cigarroa Joaquin E. , Alasnag Mirvat
Published: December 2024

With ubiquitous use of smartphones and other Internet‐enabled devices, clinicians have access to a plethora of multimedia platforms that enable them to network, share educational content, and learn. Several platforms also enable resources that support clinical decision making. Traditional social media has been used extensively by cardiologists for several years and now extends to the entire care team including trainees, advanced practitioners, nurses and technologists. Numerous challenges include concerns about patient privacy and security, lack of peer‐review and organization, and chances of propagating misinformation. More recently, newer networking platforms have emerged within cardiology to overcome several of the limitations of traditional social media. Additionally, mobile applications have emerged as an educational tool that provides clinicians with easy access to the latest information including guidelines, consensus documents, risk estimators and treatment algorithms. These point‐of‐care learning and decision‐making tools are especially relevant and impactful in a procedural field like interventional cardiology. While professional societies are major drivers of these emerging platforms, there are also other stakeholders including educational institutions and the medical device industry. In this review article, we examine the role of traditional social media and describe newer networking platforms as well as mobile applications applicable to interventional cardiology with a discussion about their relative advantages and disadvantages.
Development of Pseudosacral Cyst Following Surgery for Primary Presacral Neuroendocrine Tumors With Liver Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Jian Li , Wang Youheng , Hao Yu , Zhao Ding , Songlin Wan , Qun Qian , Daojiang Li
Published: December 2024

Presacral neuroendocrine tumor (PSNET) is a rare disease that currently lacks a standardized treatment approach. In this report, we present a unique case of PSNET with liver metastasis that progressed into a pseudosacral cyst following complete surgical resection and sulfatinib treatment with radiofrequency ablation. Before undergoing surgical treatment for presacral neuroendocrinology, it is important to consider the potential risks of poor healing of the presacral incision and formation of pseudocysts. These complications may be caused by various factors, including the procedure itself and the use of targeted drugs.
The Emerging of 2D Layer‐Blocked Frameworks
Authors: Han Junyi , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2024

Blocked copolymers are a versatile and powerful class of materials, and their properties can be modified by carefully designing the molecular architecture. Their ability to self‐assemble into nanoscale structures and the multifunctionality make them invaluable in advanced materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Compared to traditional blocked copolymer morphologies such as linear, cyclic, and branched, 2D layer‐blocked frameworks provide materials with clear structure, permanent porosity, favorable chemical and thermal stability, larger surface area, ultra‐high carrier mobility, efficient charge separation and migration, and excellent photoexcitation response. In this concept article, we summarized the design concepts and state‐of‐the‐art strategies for the construction of 2D layer‐blocked frameworks and reviewed the development of some 2D‐like blocked frameworks and their applications in semiconductor, catalysis, energy storage, etc. Finally, we also outlook for the challenges of these materials in preparation and applications across different research fields.
Nanohybrids of 2D Black Phosphorus with Phthalocyanines: Role of Interfacial Interactions in Heterostructure Development
Authors: Scittarelli Doriana , Coiai Serena , Cicogna Francesca , Legnaioli Stefano , Dell'Angela Martina , Verdini Alberto , Costantini Roberto , Serrano‐Ruiz Manuel , Passaglia Elisa , Caporali Maria
Published: December 2024

New 2D black phosphorus (bP)–phthalocyanine (Pc) nanohybrids have been synthesized by liquid phase exfoliation of black phosphorus crystals in the presence of two organic dyes: phthalocyanine (Pc) and manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc). The key role of the metal cation in the interfacial interaction between the organic dye and bP nanosheets was demonstrated by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and associated with an electron transfer between the metal cation Mn2+ and bP nanosheets, which resembles a coordinative chemical bond. On the other hand, the interaction between bP nanosheets and pure phthalocyanine is governed by van der Waals forces. The fluorescence of both hybrids is significantly reduced indicating effective separation of the photoinduced charge, implying the formation of a heterojunction between the organic molecules and the bP nanosheets. These findings provide important insights into the interfacial interactions in bP‐Pc nanohybrids that are relevant for application in 2D organic/inorganic devices.
Double Strain‐Release (3+3)‐Cycloaddition: Lewis Acid Catalyzed Reaction of Bicyclobutane Carboxylates and Aziridines
Authors: George Malini , Mindner Jasper , Wittmer Silas , Knyazev Daniil A. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: December 2024

A (3+3)‐cycloaddition to afford 2‐azabiyclo[3.1.1]heptanes was realized by reacting highly strained aryl bicyclo[1.1.0]butane (BCBs) carboxylates with tosylated aziridines. Under Sc(OTf)3 catalysis the transformation proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to the corresponding bicyclic products bearing at the bridgeheads of the embedded four‐membered ring aryl and ester moieties, respectively. This reaction is a rare example of a cycloaddition of two highly strained ring systems under Lewis acid catalysis. Mechanistic experiments provided insights into the reaction mechanism.
Extracellular vesicles derived from creeping fat stem cells promote lymphatic function and restrain inflammation of Crohn's disease
Authors: Shu Weigang , Wang Yongheng , Chen Mengfan , Zhu Xiaoli , Wang Fangtao , Chen Chunqiu , Du Peng , Bartolomucci Alexandra , Su Xin , Wang Xiaolei
Published: December 2024

Background

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in the intestinal tract. Mesenteric fat wrapping and thickening, or creeping fat (CrF), is a typical characteristic of CD and it involves lymphangiogenesis and altered lymphatic function. By releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs), adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) can regulate their adjacent cells. However, the regulating roles of ADSC‐EVs in CrF (CrF‐EVs) in CD, especially in modulating lymphatic function and mitigating the progression of mesenteritis and colitis, remains elusive.

Methods

To evaluate the regulative roles of CrF‐EVs on lymphatic functions, in vitro assays were performed using human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs). Next, Interleukin 10 knock‐out (Il‐10−/−) mice were used to assess the biological functions of CrF‐EVs in spontaneous mesenteritis and colitis. Moreover, tissue and serum from various cohorts of CD patients were used to determine the prognostic value of miR‐132‐3p.

Results

CrF‐EVs significantly attenuated spontaneous mesenteritis and colitis in Il‐10−/− mice via promoting lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic drainage. Using high‐throughput sequencing, we demonstrated that CrF‐EVs significantly increased HLEC proliferation, migration, tube formation and CCL‐21 production in a miR‐132‐3p/RASA1/ERK1/2 axis‐dependent manner. Accordingly, upregulated miR‐132‐3p was observed in patient CrF, positively correlated with lymphangiogenesis while negatively correlated with inflammatory factors (tumour necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6) level. Moreover, serum miR‐132‐3p demonstrated a positive correlation with disease activity.

Conclusions

EVs derived from CrF ADSCs, containing elevated levels of miR‐132‐3p, could promote lymphatic function and restrain inflammation of CD. Our results provide a novel insight into the role of mesenteric lymphatics in CD progression and reveal a new potential therapeutic.

Key points

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) of creeping fat (CrF) derived adipose stem cells effectively attenuate chronic mesenteritis and colitis in Crohn's disease (CD).

The lymphatic vessels play an important role in disease development of CD and their functions are improved by CrF‐EV‐miR‐132‐3p through RASA1/ERK1/2 signaling.

MiR‐132‐3p expression is upregulated in CrF and serum of CD patients, and tightly linked with inflammation and disease activity.
Elucidating epigenetic landscape of gastric premalignant lesions through genome‐wide mapping of 5‐hydroxymethylcytosines: A 12‐year median follow‐up study
Authors: Luo Zhongguang , Li Wenshuai , Zheng Wanwei , Shi Yixiang , Ye Maolin , Guo Xiangyu , Fu Kaiyi , Yan Changsheng , Wang Bowen , Lv Bin , Mo Shaocong , Zhang Hongyang , Zhang Jun , He Chuan , Luo Feifei , Zhang Wei , Liu Jie
Published: December 2024

Background

Epigenetic modifications are crucial in tumourigenesis, yet the changes in novel epigenetic regulators like 5‐hydroxymethylcytosines (5hmC) during the evolution of gastric premalignant lesions remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the implications of 5hmC in the progression from gastric premalignant lesions to gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC).

Methods

To our knowledge, we conducted the largest and longest longitudinal study of a Chinese population with gastric precursor lesions, involving 29,176 patients with gastritis who underwent gastroscopy and biopsy between 2001 and 2015, with follow‐up until 1 August, 2022. The median follow‐up time was 12.2 years, and the overall GAC incidence rate was 0.82%. Genome‐wide mapping of 5hmC in gastric premalignant lesions from a subset of individuals was performed using the 5hmC‐Seal assay, including 21 samples that progressed to GAC during follow‐up and 48 non‐progressed age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

Results

We identified 213 differentially modified gene bodies, primarily concentrated in pathways related to cell division, cell cycle, energy metabolism, inflammation and tumourigenesis. An exploratory study was conducted to summarize a 5hmC‐based epigenetic model for predicting cancer progression using multivariable logistic regression and machine learning. The nine‐gene model showed an area under the curve of 87.5% (95% confidence interval: 72%–100%) in the validation samples (one of three), which were set aside before model training.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore the 5hmC molecular landscape in gastric premalignant lesions, suggesting relevant pathways implicated in their evolution to GAC as well as the feasibility of exploiting genome‐wide 5hmC mapping in assessing the risk of future cancer progression.

Key points

A largest longitudinal follow‐up study of gastric precursor lesions in Chinese patients.

Revealing novel 5hmC molecular landscape linked to gastric premalignant lesions.

The feasibility of an innovative 5hmC‐based predictive model for assessing gastric cancer progression risk.