bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spaltung von Carbodicarbenen mit N2O zu stabilen Diazoalkenen: Zweifacher Ligandenaustausch an einem C(0)‐Atom
Authors: He Yijie , Lyu Yichong , Tymann David , Antoni Patrick W. , Hansmann Max M.
Published: September 2024

Die Spaltung von Carbophosphinocarbenen und Carbodicarbenen mit Distickstoffmonoxid (N2O) führt zur Bildung von raumtemperaturstabilen Diazoalkenen. Die Nützlichkeit von Ph3P/N2 und NHC/N2 Ligandenaustauschreaktionen wurde durch den Zugang zu neuartigen Benzimidazol‐ und Benzothiazol‐abgeleiteten Diazoalkenen demonstriert, die mit den derzeit üblichen Methoden nicht zugänglich sind. Die stabilen Diazoalkene ermöglichen anschließend weitere Ligandenaustauschreaktionen an einem C(0)‐Zentrum mit Kohlenmonoxid, Isocyanid oder einem Diamidocarben (DAC). Insgesamt ermöglicht die Kombination von bisher unbekannten NHC/N2 und N2/L (L = DAC, CO, R−NC) Ligandenaustauschreaktionen an einem C(0)‐Zentrum die selektive Funktionalisierung der Carbodicarben‐Ligandenstruktur, was eine neue Methode zum schnellen Aufbau neuartiger Carbodicarbene oder Cumulenverbindungen darstellt.
Zinc‐Ferricyanide Flow Batteries Operating Stably under −10 °C
Authors: Zhi Liping , Liao Chenyi , Xu Pengcheng , Li Guohui , Yuan Zhizhang , Li Xianfeng
Published: September 2024

Alkaline ferri/ferro‐cyanide‐based flow batteries are well suited for energy storage because of their features of high electrochemical activity, good kinetics and low material cost. However, they suffer from low energy density and poor temperature adaptability. The ferri/ferro‐cyanide catholyte exhibits low solubility (~0.4 M at 25 °C) in NaOH‐ or KOH‐based supporting electrolyte and can easily form precipitates below room temperature. Here we report a lithium‐based supporting electrolyte that significantly enhances the solubility of ferrocyanide. The use of LiOH intensifies the ion‐dipole interaction between water molecules and solutes and cripples polarization among ferrocyanide ions. Thus, we have achieved a ferrocyanide‐based catholyte of 1.7 M at 25 °C and of 0.8 M at −10 °C. A zinc‐ferricyanide flow battery based on the lithium‐based supporting electrolyte demonstrates a steady charge energy of ~72 Wh L−1catholyte at 25 °C, and maintains stable for ~4200 cycles (~4200 hours). Furthermore, it remains stable for ~800 cycles (~800 hours) at −10 °C.
Cleavage of Carbodicarbenes with N2O for Accessing Stable Diazoalkenes: Two‐Fold Ligand Exchange at a C(0)‐Atom
Authors: He Yijie , Lyu Yichong , Tymann David , Antoni Patrick W. , Hansmann Max M.
Published: September 2024

The cleavage of carbophosphinocarbenes and carbodicarbenes with nitrous oxide (N2O) leads to the formation of room‐temperature stable diazoalkenes. The utility of Ph3P/N2 and NHC/N2 ligand exchange reactions were demonstrated by accessing novel benzimidazole‐ and benzothiazole derived diazoalkenes, which are not accessible by the current state‐of‐the‐art methods. The stable diazoalkenes subsequently allow further ligand exchange reactions at C(0) with carbon monoxide, isocyanide, or a diamidocarbene (DAC). Overall, the combination of hitherto unknown NHC/N2 and N2/L (L = DAC, CO, R−NC) ligand exchange reactions at a C(0) center allow the selective functionalization of the carbodicarbene ligand structure which represents a new methodology to rapidly assemble novel carbodicarbenes or cumulenic compounds.
Reduction Removal of Cr(VI) Using Oxalic Acid With MOF‐525(Fe) as Catalyst: Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Kong Yun , Xu Hui , Hu Wenbin , Huang Bowen , Wang Renjuan , Shao Jin , Chen Qi , Yang Qiang
Published: September 2024

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has attracted great considerations due to their high toxicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity. In this study, four Zr‐MOFs were synthesized and used to comparative study their catalytic performances of oxalic acid (OA) for Cr(VI) removal. Results showed that the removal efficiency for Cr(VI) was reached 65.91%, 78.64%, 53.58%, and 96.32% by MOF‐525, MOF‐525(Co), MOF‐525(Zn), and MOF‐525(Fe) in the presence of OA when the initial Cr(VI) concentration was 100 mg·L−1, respectively. The single‐factor experiments for further improving the Cr(VI) removal by MOF‐525(Fe)/OA demonstrated that the optimal conditions were OA dosage of 790 mg·L−1, and MOF‐525(Fe) dosage of 500 mg·L−1 and pH of 2.0, and the MOF‐525(Fe)/OA system could be used to treat Cr(VI)‐containing wastewater at concentrations below 50 mg·L−1. Ionic strength studies indicated that Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl−, and SO42− had little effect on the catalytic reduction of Cr(VI), while high concentrations of Ca2+ (0.10 and 0.25 mol·L−1), NO3− (0.25 mol·L−1), and PO43− (0.25 mol·L−1) had significant inhibition effects. The reusability experiments showed that the stability of MOF‐525(Fe) was excellent, and it could be used for potential applications. Based on the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectrometer (EPR), the possible reduction mechanism of Cr(VI) by MOF‐525(Fe)/OA system was proposed as follows: The complexation of OA with Fe3+ was first complexed to produce Fe2+ and CO2•−, then Cr(VI) was combined with Zr–O and Fe–O clusters in MOF‐525(Fe) to obtain activation energy, and the reduction ability was enhanced at the same time; finally, Cr(VI) obtained electrons from CO2•− and was sequentially reduced as Cr(V) and Cr(III).
Recent Advancements in Fe‐Based Catalysts for the Efficient Reduction of NOx by CO
Authors: Lian Dianxing , Chen Mohaoyang , Wang Huanli , Li Chenxi , Dai Guiyao , Liu Botao , Hou Shujun , Zhang Weiwei , Wu Ke , Ji Yongjun
Published: September 2024

The technology of CO selective catalytic reduction of NOx (CO‐SCR) showcases the potential to simultaneously eliminate CO and NOx from industrial flue gas and automobile exhaust, making it a promising denitrification method. The development of cost‐effective catalysts is crucial for the widespread implementation of this technology. Transition metal catalysts are more economically viable than noble metal catalysts. Among these, Fe emerges as a prominent choice due to its abundant availability and cost‐effectiveness, exhibiting excellent catalytic performance at moderate reaction temperatures. However, a significant challenge lies in achieving high catalytic activity at low temperatures, particularly in the presence of O2, SO2, and H2O, which are prevalent in specific industrial flue gas streams. This review examines the use of Fe‐based catalysts in the CO‐SCR reaction and elucidates their catalytic mechanism. Furthermore, it also discusses various strategies devised to enhance low‐temperature conversion, taking into account factors such as crystal phase, valence states, and oxygen vacancies. Subsequently, the review outlines the challenges encountered by Fe‐based catalysts and offers recommendations to improve their catalytic efficiency for use in low‐temperature and oxygen‐rich environments.
Amino‐Terephthalonitrile and Amino‐Terephthalate‐Based Single Benzene Fluorophores – Compact Color Tunable Molecular Dyes for Bioimaging and Bioanalysis
Authors: Raghava Tanya , Banerjee Subhadeep
Published: September 2024

This review article discusses the emerging amino‐terephthalonitrile (Am‐TN) and amino terephthalate‐based single benzene fluorophores (SBFs) for their highly emissive nature and potential for numerous technical applications. Am‐TN‐SBFs are a new class of SBFs having amine as the electron donating (EDG) and dinitrile as the electron withdrawing group (EWG). The beauty of these Am‐TN‐SBFs lies in excellent intramolecular charge transfer between the EDG and EWG. The placement of two nitrile groups in para‐position on the benzene ring allows better charge transfer from the donating amines to the linear nitrile group leading to the strongly emissive nature. We also outline here the latest developments in the well‐known family of amino terephthalate SBFs reported in the last 2 to 3 years. Amino terephthalate SBFs have esters as the EWG and amine as the EDG. These have intramolecular H‐bonding between the EDG and EWG which is responsible for their emissive behavior.
Revisiting the Reaction of Sulfur Ylides with Acetylenic Esters: Synthesis of Trisubstituted 1,3‐Dienes, α‐Carbonyl Vinyl Sulfoxides and α‐Carbonyl Vinyl Sulfoxonium Ylides
Authors: de Jesus Matheus P. , Burtoloso Antonio C. B.
Published: September 2024

We report herein a reexamination of the reactions between sulfoxonium ylides and acetylenic esters. Continuing our previous study of conjugate additions using α‐carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides, we came across an interesting transformation when dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) was employed as a Michael acceptor. Trisubstituted electron‐deficient 1,3‐dienes and α‐carbonyl vinyl sulfoxides were obtained for the first time from these sulfur ylides, in a stereoselective manner (exclusively forming the E‐isomer), achieving yields of up to 70 % and 83 %, respectively. Selected dienes were subsequently utilized in the synthesis of novel nitrogen heterocycles. Interestingly, when di‐tert‐butyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DtBAD) or alkyl propiolates were evaluated, the isolated product arose from the classical Michael addition, yielding α‐carbonyl vinyl sulfoxonium ylides in yields of up to 89 %.
Achieving Excellent H2 Evolution Activity of Silver Nanocatalyst by a Simple Electrochemical Treatment Process
Authors: Tran Tien D. , Le Ly T. , Nguyen Anh D. , Tran Phong D.
Published: September 2024

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in an aqueous solution via the reduction of AgNO3 employing citrate reducing agent. The resultant AgNPs were first assayed for the catalytic H2 evolution in an acidic electrolyte, namely pH 0.3 H2SO4 solution, showing negligible activity. The AgNPs were then conditioned in the same electrolyte solution while repeating the cyclic potential polarization between −0.25 V and 0.95 V (or 1.8 V) versus RHE. Effects of the electrochemical treatment to the morphology, crystalline, surface chemistry and H2 evolution catalytic activity of AgNPs were examined. It was found that the electrochemical treatment remarkably boosted the H2 evolution catalytic activity of AgNPs. The electrochemically activated AgNPs represents an attractive Pt‐free catalyst for the H2 evolution in acidic medium.
Fabrication of highly fluorescent graphene quantum dots for quantification of As3+ ion using modified cellulose paper
Authors: Bhamore Jigna R. , Park Jinsoo , Kailasa Suresh Kumar , Park Tae Jung
Published: September 2024

Easy, economical, and swift detecting tools are very demanded for assaying various chemical species. The introduction of label‐free paper‐based read‐out devices has significantly reached the demand of analytical science for target analytes assays. Herein, a facile, and disposable inexpensive paper‐based sensing tool was fabricated for sensing As3+ ion using graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as a fluorescent reader. The CA‐GQDs were synthesized using citric acid (CA) as a precursor via the pyrolysis method, further physisorbed on the cellulose substrate for sensing of As3+ via aggregation‐based fluorescence “turn‐off” mechanism. The linear range for quantitating As3+ ion is in the range of 0.05–50 μM with a detection limit of 10 nM. The practical application of the CA‐GQDs‐based analytical platform was verified by assaying As3+ ion in water samples. The CA‐GQDs‐embedded paper strip can be easily extended for assaying of As3+ ion, which meets the demand for monitoring of As3+ ion in real samples.
The interplay between persistent pathogen infections with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy in cancer
Authors: Chen Si , Yao Caihong , Tian Na , Zhang Chunying , Chen Yuemei , Wang Xuting , Jiang Yue , Zhang Tonghao , Zeng Tingting , Song Yali
Published: September 2024

Background

Chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms play a significant role in cancer development, disrupting the body's immune system and microenvironment. This interference impairs the body's ability to eliminate these microorganisms promptly, allowing them to persist by evading immune defenses.

Aims

This study aimed to explore how chronic pathogenic infections influence the immune microenvironment, impacting tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and treatment strategies. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the effects of these infections on specific immune checkpoints and identify potential targets for immunotherapy.

Methods

We conducted searches, readings, and detailed analyses of key terms in databases like PubMed and Web of Science to evaluate the impact of chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms on the immune microenvironment.

Results

Our analysis demonstrates a significant association between persistent chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms and tumorigenesis. Notable impacts on the immune microenvironment include changes in immune cell function and the regulation of immune checkpoints, offering insights into potential targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Discussion

This study highlights the complex relationship between chronic infections and cancer development, presenting new opportunities for cancer immunotherapy by understanding their effects on the immune microenvironment. The influence of these infections on immune checkpoints emphasizes the crucial role of the immune system in cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Chronic infections by pathogenic microorganisms greatly affect the immune microenvironment, tumorigenesis, and cancer treatment. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms can unveil potential targets for immunotherapy, improving our comprehension of the immune response to cancer and potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments in the future.
Human TCR repertoire in cancer
Authors: Chen Lin , Hu Yuan , Zheng Bohao , Luo Limei , Su Zhenzhen
Published: September 2024

Background

T cells, the “superstar” of the immune system, play a crucial role in antitumor immunity. T‐cell receptors (TCR) are crucial molecules that enable T cells to identify antigens and start immunological responses. The body has evolved a unique method for rearrangement, resulting in a vast diversity of TCR repertoires. A healthy TCR repertoire is essential for the particular identification of antigens by T cells.

Methods

In this article, we systematically summarized the TCR creation mechanisms and analysis methodologies, particularly focusing on the application of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology. We explore the TCR repertoire in health and cancer, and discuss the implications of TCR repertoire analysis in understanding carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and treatment.

Results

The TCR repertoire analysis has enormous potential for monitoring the emergence and progression of malignancies, as well as assessing therapy response and prognosis. The application of NGS has dramatically accelerated our comprehension of TCR diversity and its role in cancer immunity.

Conclusions

To substantiate the significance of TCR repertoires as biomarkers, more thorough and exhaustive research should be conducted. The TCR repertoire analysis, enabled by advanced sequencing technologies, is poised to become a crucial tool in the future of cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy evaluation.
Metal–Organic Frameworks in Antibacterial Disinfection: A Review
Authors: Arunkumar Thanmaya , Castelino Elroy , Lakshmi Thillai , Mulky Lavanya , Selvanathan Shanmuga Priya , Tahir Muhammad
Published: September 2024

The fast spread of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria has prompted scientists to investigate alternate techniques to tackle infectious illnesses. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have appeared as a favorable route for creating novel antibacterial agents in this area. This article seeks to provide a concise review of MOFs as a prospective candidate in the fight against bacterial contamination and the mechanism involved in disinfection. The structural features of MOFs that contribute to their antibacterial activity are reviewed. Also, it comparatively analyzes the various commonly used MOFs in antibacterial applications in facemasks and discusses the challenges and future recommendations to increase the efficiency of the antibacterial activity. It also briefs down the mechanism, commonly available MOFs and the scope of the MOFs in antibacterial applications.
Sequence‐Dependent Acylation of Peptide Lysine Residues by DNAzymes
Authors: Das Prakriti K. , Silverman Scott K.
Published: September 2024

Methods for modifying intact peptides are useful but can be unselective with regard to amino acid position and sequence context. In this work, we used in vitro selection to identify DNAzymes that acylate a Lys residue of a short peptide in sequence‐dependent fashion. The DNAzymes do not acylate Lys when placed at other residues in the peptide, and the acylation activity depends on the Lys sequence context. A high acylation yield is observed on the preparative nanomole scale. These findings are promising for further development of DNAzymes for broader application to top‐down Lys acylation of peptide and protein substrates.
[Rh2(phesp)2]: a Bulkier [Rh2(esp)2] Analog to Tune the Site‐Selectivity in Carbene C─H Insertion Reactions
Authors: Ruzhylo Illia , Vorozhbian Anna , Vincendeau Sandrine , Saget Tanguy , Mallet‐Ladeira Sonia , Dauban Philippe , Manoury Eric , Labande Agnès
Published: September 2024

[Rh2(phesp)2], a new dirhodium(II) complex bearing a bulky bidentate bis‐carboxylate ligand, has been prepared in two steps from commercially available compounds. Its X‐ray structure revealed distinctive features with a strong distortion around the dirhodium(II) core, illustrated by important torsion angles of up to 9.0°. It has been evaluated as catalyst as a bulky version of the prominent [Rh2(esp)2] complex in carbene C─H insertion reactions. [Rh2(phesp)2] proved as active as [Rh2(esp)2], and showed an intermediate selectivity between [Rh2(esp)2] and bulky [Rh2(tpa)4] in both intra‐ and intermolecular reactions with donor‐acceptor and acceptor‐acceptor diazo compounds, comprising challenging C(sp3)─H insertion into pentane.
Synthesis of Coke‐Resistant Catalyst Using NiAl2O4 Support for Hydrogen Production via Autothermal Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Khani Yasin , Pyo Sumin , Bahadoran Farzad , Cho Kanghee , Jeong Kwang‐Eun , Park Young‐Kwon
Published: September 2024

A highly porous NiAl2O4 spinel structure was synthesized and employed as a support for catalysts in the autothermal dry reforming of methane (ATDRM) in a monolithic‐type reactor. A series of catalysts with various metal species, X/NiAl2O4@monolith (X: Ni, Co, Pt, Rh, and Ru), was prepared. NiAl2O4 support provides a high dispersion of active metal species with a uniform size distribution, due to its high surface area, and large pore volume. These features enable catalysts to maximize catalytic performance by improving the adsorption and reaction rates of reactants. More notably, the use of NiAl2O4 support enhanced catalyst longevity by retarding coke formation during the ATDRM, due to its improved catalyst acidity compared to conventional alumina support. The conversion of feed, CH4 and CO2 on X/NiAl2O4 catalysts increases in the order of Rh > Ni > Ru > Co > Pt. Notably, the inexpensive Ni catalyst exhibits slightly lower but comparable CH4 conversion to the expensive noble metal Rh when using NiAl2O4 as a supporting material: 93.7% for Ni versus 95.2% for Rh. Moreover, applying monolithic reactors considerably increased methane conversion compared with fixed bed reactors due to the better distribution of active metal, increased activity per unit volume, and high mass/heat transfer.
Effect of Mg Doping on the Performance of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Su Yang , Ren Hai‐lin , Dong Li‐Zhong , Zhao Shuai , Wang Xiao‐min , Li Jia‐Qi
Published: September 2024

High‐nickel cathode materials are widely used in lithium‐ion batteries because of their advantages of high energy density and high safety. High‐nickel cathode materials need to further improve cycling stability because they are prone to structural changes and capacity degradation. This paper proposes a method to improve high‐nickel cathode materials by Mg doping. XRD proves that Mg‐doped high‐nickel materials still have R‐3 m spatial structural characteristics; Rietveld refinement confirms that the c‐axis gradually increases with the increase of Mg content. Combined with DFT calculations, the presence of Mg can inhibit structural collapse during charge and discharge, reduce Li/Ni antisite defects, improve the electronic conductivity of the material, and improve the cyclic stability of the material. The 0.6 mol % Mg‐doped sample has an initial discharge capacity of 233 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C in the range of 2.7–4.3 V, a capacity retention rate of 91.0 % after 50 cycles at 1 C, still retains 79.9 % after 100 cycles. The dQ/dV curves further indicate that the presence of Mg improves the structural stability of the material.
Oxygen In The Mix: Is Oxic Microbial Electrosynthesis A Potential Alternative For Biomass Production?
Authors: Eberhard Reiner Johannes , Korth Benjamin , Edel Miriam
Published: September 2024

Oxic microbial electrosynthesis (oMES) allows the utilization of renewable electricity and industrial gas streams containing CO2 and O2 for biomass production by cultivating aerobic, autotrophic, hydrogen‐oxidizing bacteria, commonly known as Knallgas bacteria. oMES is likely not a direct competitor to conventional anoxic microbial electrosynthesis as harnessing aerobic hydrogen‐oxidizing bacteria depends on energetically inefficient assimilatory CO2 reduction pathways. However, it might be a complementary approach to classical biomass production from the perspective of limited land use and the availability of cheap renewable energy. The best characterized Knallgas bacterium is Cupriavidus necator. Extensively studied as lithoautotrophic production host, C. necator already offers a broad arsenal of genetic tools. In contrast, mechanistical knowledge about the recently discovered Kyrpidia spormannii is limited, but this species shows remarkable growth when cultivated as cathodic biofilm in bioelectrochemical systems. In addition, first experiments indicate a low energy demand for biomass production, which is in the order of magnitude of gas fermentation with C. necator or heterotrophic and methanotrophic technologies. Still, many aspects of the electrochemical cultivation of K. spormannii need to be better understood and rigorously improved to be a competitive technology in the making, including electron transfer and microbial kinetics, cultivation conditions, mass and energy balances, and reactor design.
Waste Valorization in a Sustainable Bio‐Based Economy: The Road to Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Sheldon Roger A.
Published: September 2024

The development of sustainable chemistry underlying the quest to minimize and/or valorize waste in the carbon‐neutral manufacture of chemicals is followed over the last four to five decades. Both chemo‐ and biocatalysis have played an indispensable role in this odyssey. in particular developments in protein engineering, metagenomics and bioinformatics over the preceding three decades have played a crucial supporting role in facilitating the widespread application of both whole cell and cell‐free biocatalysis. The pressing need, driven by climate change mitigation, for a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has precipitated an energy transition based on decarbonization of energy and defossilization of organic chemicals production. The latter involves waste biomass and/or waste CO2 as the feedstock and green electricity generated using solar, wind, hydroelectric or nuclear energy. The use of waste polysaccharides as feedstocks will underpin a renaissance in carbohydrate chemistry with pentoses and hexoses as base chemicals and bio‐based solvents and polymers as environmentally friendly downstream products. The widespread availability of inexpensive electricity and solar energy has led to increasing attention for electro(bio)catalysis and photo(bio)catalysis which in turn is leading to myriad innovations in these fields.
Enhancing Flucytosine Anticandidal Activity Using PEGylated Squalene Nanocarrier
Authors: Craciun Bogdan‐Florin , Rosca Irina , Peptanariu Dragos , Pinteala Mariana
Published: September 2024

There is an emerging necessity for improved therapies against Candida‐related infections, with significant implications for global healthcare. Current antifungal agents, limited in number, target specific pathways, but resistance remains a concern. Flucytosine (5FC) exhibits antifungal activity, particularly against Candida. However, monotherapy efficacy is limited, necessitating combination treatments. Herein, we report PEGylated squalene‐based nanocarriers for 5FC loading, aiming to enhance its monotherapy efficacy against Candida strains. The loading of 5FC within micelles was achieved using the ultrasound‐assisted solvent evaporation method. The 5FC‐loaded micelles, together with non‐loaded micelles, were thoroughly characterized and analyzed. STEM and DLS analysis confirmed the core‐shell morphology with nanometric dimensions along with improved colloidal stability. The quantification of drug loading efficiency and drug loading capacity was calculated using the UV‐Vis technique. The in vitro drug‐release studies in simulated physiological conditions showed sustained release within 48 hours. Moreover, the release kinetics calculated using mathematical models showed a Fickian diffusion drug release mechanism in simulated physiological conditions with a slower diffusion rate. The in vitro antifungal activity was tested on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis. The results showed improved antifungal activity for the nanotherapeutic and unchanged in vitro toxicity toward normal cells, suggesting promising advancements in 5FC therapy.
Rapid and Robust Polysome Isolation and Fraction RNA Extraction for Studying the Seed Translatome
Authors: Duong Ha Ngoc , Ansaf Huda , Cornish Peter , Mendoza‐Cozatl David , Schenck Craig , Angelovici Ruthie
Published: September 2024

Translation of mRNA into functional proteins is a fundamental process underlying many aspects of plant growth and development. Yet, the role of translational regulation in plants across diverse tissue types, including seeds, is not well known due to the lack of methods targeting these processes. Studying the seed translatome could unveil seed‐specific regulatory mechanisms, offering valuable insights for breeding efforts to enhance seed traits. Polysome profiling is a widely used technique for studying mRNAs being translated. However, the traditional method is time‐consuming and has a low polysome recovery rate; therefore, it requires substantial starting material. This is particularly challenging for species or mutants with limited seed quantities. Additionally, seed polysome fractions often yield low quality RNA due to the abundance of various compounds that interfere with conventional RNA extraction protocols. Here we present a robust polysome extraction method incorporating a size‐exclusion step for polysome concentration streamlined with a rapid RNA extraction method optimized for seeds. This protocol works across multiple plant species and offers increased speed and robustness, requiring less than half the amount of seed tissue and time compared to conventional methods while ensuring high polysome recovery and yield of high‐quality RNA for downstream experiments. These features make this protocol an ideal tool for studying seed translation efficiency and hold broad applicability across various plant species and tissues. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Robust polysome extraction for seeds

Basic Protocol 2: Rapid fraction total RNA extraction
Quantifying Intracellular Platinum Accumulation Using Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Krishnaraj Arun , Nair Sreejith J.
Published: September 2024

The platinum‐based anticancer drug cisplatin and its analog carboplatin are the most used chemotherapeutic agents worldwide. It is estimated that approximately half of all cancer patients are treated with platinum drugs at some point during the therapy regimen. Cisplatin covalently binds to purine nucleobases to form DNA adducts. Cisplatin therapy is faced with two key challenges. First, despite the initial response, many patients develop cisplatin resistance. Reduced cellular accumulation of cisplatin is one common cause of therapy resistance. Second, cisplatin treatment causes general cytotoxicity, leading to severe side effects. Monitoring the subcellular concentration of platinum chemotherapeutics will help yield clinical efficacy with the minimum possible dose. Inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is an analytical technique to quantify the elemental composition of various types of liquified bulk samples with high sensitivity. This article describes quantifying cisplatin accumulation in chromatin and total cell lysate using ICP‐MS. The method involves treating cells with cisplatin, isolating RNA‐free DNA, digesting samples, ICP‐MS instrumentation, and data analysis. Although we describe these steps in one cancer cell line, the protocol can be adapted to any cell line or tissue. The protocol should be a valuable resource for investigators interested in accurate measurement of subcellular concentration of platinum and other metallo‐drugs. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Cell culture conditions for A2780 cells and cisplatin treatment

Basic Protocol 2: Isolating cellular fractions and sample quantitation

Basic Protocol 3: Sample digestion, ICP‐MS data collection, and analysis
Anticipatory and Consummatory Responses Across Reward Domains in Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Pines Julia , Hagan Kelsey , Lloyd Caitlin , Raffanello Elizabeth , Hong Susie , Posner Jonathan , Walsh B. Timothy , Steinglass Joanna E.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by a tendency to limit intake of food, with specific restriction of foods that are generally considered highly palatable. This observation raises questions about whether reward processing is disturbed in AN. This study examined whether adolescents with AN differ from healthy control peers (HC) in anticipatory and consummatory reward processing.

Method

Adolescents with AN (n = 71) and HC (n = 41) completed the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS). The TEPS Anticipatory Pleasure scale was divided into two further subscales (Food and Non‐food). Anticipatory (Food and Non‐food) and Consummatory Pleasure (Non‐food) scores were compared between adolescents with AN and HC using independent t‐tests.

Results

TEPS scores were significantly lower among adolescents with AN than HC in Anticipatory Pleasure Food (t(110) = 7.80, p < 0.001) and Non‐food (t(110) = 4.36, p < 0.001), and Consummatory Pleasure (t(110) = 2.60, p = 0.01) subscales. When controlling for BDI score, there was no significant group difference in TEPS Consummatory Pleasure scores (t(108) = 0.88, p = 0.38). Among adolescents with AN, Food Anticipatory Pleasure was significantly negatively correlated with all EDE‐Q subscales and global score (r(68) = −0.38, p = 0.002) and positively correlated with food intake at a laboratory buffet meal (r(61) = 0.53, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Measures of both anticipatory and consummatory reward were reduced among adolescents with AN with a short duration of illness. In this study, eating disorder symptoms were related to diminished reward responses in anticipation of food. Dampened anticipatory reward response may comprise a mechanism of illness in AN that should be subject to further study.
Thermal biology diversity of bee pollinators: Taxonomic, phylogenetic, and plant community‐level correlates
Authors: Herrera Carlos M.
Published: September 2024

Community‐wide assembly of plant–pollinator systems depends on an intricate combination of biotic and abiotic factors, including heterogeneity among pollinators in thermal biology and responses to abiotic factors. Studies on the thermal biology of pollinators have mostly considered only one or a few species of plants or pollinators at a time, and the possible driving role of the diversity in thermal biology of pollinator asemblages at the plant community level remains largely unexplored. More specifically, it is unknown whether diversity in the thermal biology of bees, a major pollinator group worldwide, contributes to the assembly and maintenance of diverse bee communities; broadens the spectrum of possibilities available to bee‐pollinated plants; facilitates interspecific partitioning of ecological gradients across habitats, seasons, and time of day; and/or enhance plant pollination success through complementarity effects. The objectives of this study were to assess the diversity in thermal biology of the bee assemblage that pollinates plants in a Mediterranean montane area, evaluate its taxonomic and phylogenetic underpinnings, and elucidate whether there existed seasonal, daily, between‐habitat, or floral visitation correlates of bee thermal biology which could contribute to partition ecological gradients among plant and bee species. Thermal biology parameters were obtained in the laboratory (K, intrinsic warming constant) and the field (thoracic and ambient temperature at foraging site, Tth and Tair) on individual bees of a diverse sample (N = 204 bee species) comprising most bee pollinators of the regional plant community. Species‐specific thermal biology parameters were combined with quantitative field data on bee pollinators and flower visitation for the regional community of entomophilous plants (N = 292 plant species). Results revealed that the regional bee assemblage harbored considerable diversity in thermal biology features; that such diversity was mostly taxonomically, phylogenetically, and body‐size structured; and that the broad interspecific heterogeneity in thermal biology represented in the bee community as a whole eventually translated into daily, seasonal, among‐habitat, and flower visitation patterns at the plant community level. This lends support to the hypothesis that broad diversity in thermal biology of bees can enhance opportunities for bee coexistence, spatiotemporal partitioning of floral resources, and plant pollination success.
Impact of age on clinical outcomes and response to serelaxin in patients with acute heart failure: An analysis from the RELAX‐AHF‐2 trial
Authors: Inciardi Riccardo M. , Staal Laura , Davison Beth , Lombardi Carlo M. , Postmus Douwe , Felker Michael G. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Greenberg Barry , Pang Peter S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Severin Thomas , Gimpelewicz Claudio , Teerlink John , Cotter Gad , Voors Adriaan A. , Metra Marco
Published: September 2024

Aims

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major cause of hospitalizations and death in the elderly. However, elderly patients are often underrepresented in randomized clinical trials. We analysed the impact of age on clinical outcomes and response to treatment in patients enrolled in Relaxin in Acute Heart Failure (RELAX‐AHF‐2), a study that included older patients than in previous AHF trials.

Methods and results

The RELAX‐AHF‐2 randomized patients admitted for AHF to infusion of serelaxin or placebo. We examined the association of pre‐specified clinical outcomes and treatment effect according to age categories [(years): <65 (n = 1411), 65–74 (n = 1832), 75–79 (n = 1222), 80–84 (n = 1156) and ≥85 (n = 924)]. The mean age of the 6545 patients enrolled in RELAX‐AHF‐2 was 73.0 ± 11 years. The risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) death (all p < 0.001) as well as the composite endpoint of CV death or heart failure/renal failure rehospitalization through 180 days (p = 0.002) and hospital discharge through day 60 (p = 0.013) were all directly associated with age categories. Age remained independently associated with outcomes after adjustment for clinical confounders and the results were consistent when age was analysed continuously. No clinically significant change in treatment effects of serelaxin was observed across age categories for the pre‐specified endpoints (interaction p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Elderly patients are at higher risk of short‐ and long‐term CV outcomes after a hospitalization for AHF. Further efforts are needed to improve CV outcomes in this population.
Partially Fluorinated Alumina With Enhanced Stability: Application To Catalysis Under Aggressive Conditions
Authors: Blin Jean‐Luc , Dieu Julien , Lebeau Benedicte , Michelin Laure , Rigolet Séverinne , Brunet Sylvette
Published: September 2024

Here, we report the design of new aluminum hydroxyfluoride, mainly composed of amorphous phase, with enhanced stability under HF gas in term of textural properties, especially the specific surface area and the acidity. The material has been synthesized through an EISA (evaporation‐induced self‐assembly) route using liquid crystals as templates. Thanks to this stability, the catalyst designed by the dispersion of the active phase on this support shows a higher accessibility and activity of the active sites than the ones obtained by other methods
How parent–teacher relationship affects Chinese pupils' school attitudes? The moderation of students' perceptions of academic performance
Authors: Zhou Xinran , Zhang Mingming , Liang Lichan , Bian Yufang
Published: September 2024

Although the benefits of the close relationship between parent and teacher to child development are widely recognized, it's still unclear how the parent–teacher relationship affects Chinese pupils' school attitudes. The study aimed to investigate this question with a nuanced approach by focusing on the components of the parent–teacher relationship and exploring the moderation of students' perceptions of academic performance. Data were from 1755 fifth graders (M
age = 12.19, 51.3% girls) and their mothers (M
age = 41.38) in a two‐wave longitudinal dataset. Parents' reports of parent‐initiated contact, teacher‐initiated contact, the quality of the parent–teacher relationship, and students' perceptions of school attitudes and academic performance were analysed by multiple regression models. In terms of the main effect, parent–teacher relationship quality was negatively associated with school avoidance. In terms of the moderation effects, parent‐initiated contact was negatively associated with students' school liking who had low academic perceptions, and the relationship quality was positively associated with students' school liking who had high academic perceptions. The findings provide insights into promoting pupils' school psychological adjustment from the perspective of home–school collaboration in the Chinese context.
14‐3‐3σ restricts YY1 to the cytoplasm, promoting therapy resistance, and tumor progression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lonare Amol , Raychaudhuri Kumarkrishna , Shah Sanket , Madhu Gifty , Sachdeva Anoushka , Basu Sneha , Thorat Rahul , Gupta Sanjay , Dalal Sorab N.
Published: September 2024

14‐3‐3σ functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer and is associated with therapy resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying these observations are not clear. The results in this report demonstrate that loss of 14‐3‐3σ in colorectal cancer cells leads to a decrease in tumor formation and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. The increased sensitivity to chemotherapy is due to a decrease in the expression of UPR pathway genes in the absence of 14‐3‐3σ. 14‐3‐3σ promotes expression of the UPR pathway genes by binding to the transcription factor YY1 and preventing the nuclear localization of YY1. YY1, in the absence of 14‐3‐3σ, shows increased nuclear localization and binds to the promoter of the UPR pathway genes, resulting in decreased gene expression. Similarly, a YY1 mutant that cannot bind to 14‐3‐3σ also shows increased nuclear localization and is enriched on the promoter of the UPR pathway genes. Finally, inhibition of the UPR pathway with genetic or pharmacological approaches sensitizes colon cancer cells to chemotherapy. Our results identify a novel mechanism by which 14‐3‐3σ promotes tumor progression and therapy resistance in colorectal cancer by maintaining UPR gene expression.
Charting a path to health: The empowering influence of self‐efficacy for the self‐management of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents
Authors: Tabernero Carmen , Rebollo‐Román Ángel , Villaécija‐Rodríguez Joaquín , Luque Bárbara
Published: September 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children and adolescents requires a lifelong commitment to disease control, which involves insulin treatment and constant blood glucose monitoring. Framed by Albert Bandura's self‐efficacy theory, we focused on analysing the impact of domain‐specific self‐efficacy for T1D control in children and adolescents and its relationship with different indicators of glycaemic control over time. The study included 205 participants (56.1% male), including 51.7% children and 48.3% adolescents aged 6–18 (M = 13.27, SD = 3.66) years in four longitudinal phases (6 months between phases). The results revealed that higher self‐efficacy predicted better health outcomes, with more time spent actively monitoring glucose and more time in the target range. The positive effect of self‐efficacy was observed to be maintained over time. This study underscores the importance of taking into account the developmental timing in the onset of T1D. There was a significant relationship between self‐efficacy and glucose indicators in adolescents. Although their glucose indicators were worse, self‐efficacy became more relevant as they moved from parental management to the self‐management of T1D. Implications of the results show the positive effect of self‐efficacy on health per glucose indicators, thus suggesting interventions that promote self‐efficacy in this population.
Ureteral cancer successfully treated with laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with temporary intraoperative occlusion of the internal iliac artery for pelvic arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Koyama Juntaro , Sato Tomonori , Sato Yasufumi , Sato Shin , Shimada Shuichi , Taniuchi Shinji , Tsuchida Ken , Tsuboi Masahiro , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Ikeda Yoshihiro
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Pelvic arteriovenous malformation is often a source of intraoperative bleeding. Here, we report our experience with a case of ureteral cancer with pelvic arteriovenous malformation treated using laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with temporary intraoperative occlusion of the internal iliac artery.

Case presentation

A 75‐year‐old man presented to our hospital with asymptomatic macro‐hematuria. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed right ureteral tumor with no apparent metastases, and right pelvic arteriovenous malformation. Three months later, multiple bladder cancers were identified and the patient underwent trans‐urethral resection of bladder tumor. The pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma, pTa. We performed right laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with temporary intraoperative occlusion of the internal iliac artery. There was little intraoperative bleeding, and the surgery was safely completed. The pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma, pT2 + Tis.

Conclusion

A patient showing ureteral cancer with pelvic arteriovenous malformation was safely treated using laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with temporary occlusion of the internal iliac artery.
A case of severe visual loss related to treatment with pembrolizumab for metastatic renal pelvic cancer
Authors: Inoue Naoki , Iitzuka Mihoko , Tanaka Hiroki , Ishikawa Yudai , Kawamura Naoko , Okuno Tetsuo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Pembrolizumab is the standard therapy for urothelial carcinoma treatment; however, adverse events have been noted. Here, we report a rare case of vision loss as an immune‐related adverse event of pembrolizumab therapy in a patient with metastatic renal pelvic cancer.

Case presentation

A 69‐year‐old man treated with pembrolizumab for lung and lymph node metastases of renal pelvic cancer experienced significant vision loss in both eyes after 11 treatment cycles. Without magnetic resonance imaging confirmation owing to an MRI‐unsafe pacemaker, his clinical features suggested immune checkpoint inhibitor‐associated optic neuritis. Pembrolizumab was discontinued, and the patient received steroid pulse and immunoglobulin therapy. His vision in the right eye improved, but that in the left eye remained unchanged. He maintained a partial response for 36 months despite pembrolizumab discontinuation.

Conclusion

Despite its rarity, vision loss is a potential irAE in patients treated with ICIs, including pembrolizumab.
Returning to work. Part 1: making the transition back into the clinical workforce
Authors: Bewsey‐Dyke Lizzie
Published: September 2024

There are many reasons why people take a break from clinical work, including parental or caring leave, sickness, sabbaticals, working overseas or pursuing a non‐clinical role. Supporting these vets and vet nurses in their return to work will ensure the transition is as successful as it can be for employee, employer and the wider team. Moreover, having clear support in place will also make returning to clinical work more appealing, enabling the profession to retain many more experienced clinicians. In this article – the first in a two‐part series – I discuss ways in which the returner can approach the return to work to maximise the chances of a successful transition and mitigate the challenges involved. Part 2 (to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice) will explore the ways in which practices can support colleagues returning to the clinical workforce.
Experimental Study on the Process and Performance of Laser‐Assisted Vascular Anastomosis Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Huang Jun , Yan Mintao , Li Yanyu , Xu Tongyu , Wang Kehong
Published: September 2024

The selection of an appropriate vascular anastomosis process has an important impact on the surgical treatment of coronary artery disease. In this paper, a laser‐assisted vascular anastomosis process test was carried out based on the response surface experimental method, and the interaction of laser process parameters on the bursting pressure strength and thermal damage of the anastomotic incision was analyzed, and the relationship model between process parameters and anastomotic performance of the vascular incision tissues was established, and the optimal welding process parameters were obtained. The results show that the laser power has a significant effect on the bursting pressure strength of the anastomotic incision; the interaction of laser power and scanning speed has a substantial impact on the thermal damage of the anastomotic incision; and the anastomotic incision has the best comprehensive performance when the laser power is 6.2 W, the scanning speed is 206 mm/s, and the defocus is 2 mm.
Extracting Superficial Scattering by Q‐Sensing Technique
Authors: Tzroya Alon , Duadi Hamootal , Fixler Dror
Published: September 2024

Optical properties determine how light interacts with biological tissues. The current methods for measuring these optical properties are influenced by both deep and superficial skin layers. Polarization‐based methods have been proposed in order to determine the influence of deep layer scattering. Polarized light allows for the separation of ballistic photons from diffuse ones, enhancing image contrast and resolution while providing additional tissue information. The Q‐sensing technique captures co‐polarized and cross‐polarized signals, making it possible to isolate the superficial scattering. However, the random structure of tissues leads to rapid depolarization of the polarized light. Detecting where the light becomes depolarized aids in sensing abnormalities within the tissues. Hence, this research focuses on identifying where depolarization occurs within the tissue. Tissue‐mimicking phantoms, simulating the optical properties of biological tissues, are created to measure depolarization at various thicknesses. Experimental findings are validated with a Monte Carlo simulation, modeling polarized light behavior through the polydisperse tissue (as the tissue scatterers are heterogeneous in size). Additionally, the research demonstrates how polarized light can extract the optical properties of the medium.