bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective observational study of patients with melanoma prescribed combined BRAF and MEK inhibitors in a real‐world treatment setting in Japan
Authors: Namikawa Kenjiro , Ngew Kok Yew , Lukowicz Zuzanna , Kano Ryosuke
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to describe patients with melanoma initiating treatments with dabrafenib plus trametinib (Dab + Tram) or encorafenib plus binimetinib (Enco + Bini) in a real‐world setting in Japan.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Japanese Medical Data Vision (MDV) insurance claims database. Patients diagnosed with melanoma between 2012 and 2021 and prescribed with Dab + Tram or Enco + Bini were included in three cohorts: non‐adjuvant Dab + Tram, adjuvant Dab + Tram, and Enco + Bini. Data were extracted on patient characteristics at treatment initiation. During follow‐up, all changes in melanoma treatments were documented. Treatment adherence was determined as the proportion of prescription days covered (PDC) and treatment dose intensity as the relative dose intensity (RDI).

Results

Sixty‐seven patients were included in the non‐adjuvant Dab + Tram cohort (55 first‐line treatments), seven in the adjuvant Dab + Tram cohort (six first‐line treatments), and 16 in the Enco + Bini cohort (four first‐line treatments). The mean age was 61.3 ± 13.5 years and 56.1% were men. Twenty‐seven patients with non‐adjuvant Dab + Tram or Enco + Bini in first line (45.8%) switched to a second line. The median treatment duration was 11.8 months for Dab + Tram and 8.1 months for Enco + Bini. A PDC ≥ 80% was observed for 85.7% of patients with adjuvant Dab + Tram, 68.7% for non‐adjuvant Dab + Tram, and 75.0% for Enco + Bini. Median RDI was 1.0 for adjuvant Dab + Tram, 0.9 for non‐adjuvant Dab + Tram, and 0.6 for Enco + Bini.

Conclusion

Dab + Tram is used consistently with clinical practice guidelines in the adjuvant setting, but adherence in the non‐adjuvant setting is suboptimal, as is the prescribed dose of Enco + Bini. Prescribers should ensure that these therapies are used in an optimal way to improve outcomes in melanoma.
An Artifact in Concentric Needle EMG Recordings
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Barkhaus Paul E.
Published: December 2024

Introduction/Aims

In healthy subjects, we observed high amplitude motor unit potential (MUP) waveforms that resembled the cannula potential (CP) with a positive sharp wave (PSW)‐like waveform. We analyzed the source of this signal, its prevalence, and its effects on the analysis of electromyographic waveforms.

Methods

Three channel recordings were performed to explore the contribution of the needle core and cannula to the MUP. In 7 control subjects with no neuromuscular disease, the EMG interference pattern was quantified for the amplitude asymmetry (AASM) of its positive and negative going peaks.

Results

The large amplitude MUP resembling a CP with a PSW‐type waveform is recorded by the needle core, not the cannula. With a slight change in needle position, its amplitude decreased and the waveform had a normal appearance. Thus, it is an artifact. Such potentials (AASM > 150%) are commonly encountered (frequency 7%) and occur in all muscles and subjects in this study.

Discussion

The artifact is an enigma and appears related to the interaction between the needle and muscle fiber(s) similar to that in PSW signals. Failure to recognize these waveforms may result in a false impression of abnormality. AASM calculations can help confirm this artifact in automated analysis algorithms to preclude false positive neurogenic patterns.
Effects of exploitation and emigration on apparent survival of Walleye in Lake Sharpe, South Dakota
Authors: Sacco Laurel H. , Fincel Mark J. , Goble Cameron W. , Davis Tanner , Chipps Steven R.
Published: December 2024

Objective

In 2017, we began a 5‐year mark–recapture study to estimate apparent survival of Walleye Sander vitreus and angler exploitation in Lake Sharpe, South Dakota, and inform management strategies for this fishery. The study revealed substantial downstream emigration of Walleye; therefore, we also examined the influence of emigration on apparent mortality.

Methods

We estimated Walleye apparent survival using the Seber parameterization of the dead recovery model. In our models, we included factors influencing voluntary fish release, as well as harvest restrictions, tagging location, and year. We used a multistate Markov model to estimate emigration in relation to Walleye total length, sex, and tagging location, as well as annual reservoir discharge. The exploitation and emigration estimates informed our interpretations of annual Walleye apparent survival.

Result

Apparent survival patterns were explained by an interaction between Walleye length and a minimum harvest length restriction. Apparent survival was lower during July and August, when the minimum harvest length limit was suspended, and results suggest that anglers were willing to release preferred sizes (≥508 mm) when able to harvest smaller (<381 mm) Walleye. Annual apparent survival, exploitation, and emigration estimates ranged between 15% and 47%, 8% and 25%, and 11% and 28%, respectively. Emigration was influenced by tagging location and annual discharge: increasing with proximity to Big Bend dam and during high annual flows. Although years with high exploitation or emigration corresponded to years with low apparent survival, estimates did not explain the magnitude of mortality or emigration indicated by survival models.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that harvest–release decisions by Walleye anglers in Lake Sharpe are primarily influenced by regulations, although exploitation was not a significant source of mortality. Annual patterns in apparent survival indicate high mortality or emigration. Continued investigations into immigration and emigration and sources of mortality of Lake Sharpe Walleye are warranted to better inform management strategies for the fishery.
Quaternion Tensor Completion via QR Decomposition and Nuclear Norm Minimization
Authors: Sun Jian , Liu Xin , Zhang Yang
Published: December 2024

The task of tensor (matrix) completion has been widely used in the fields of computer vision and image processing, etc. To achieve the completion, the existing methods are mostly based on singular value decomposition of the real tensors and nuclear norm minimization. However, the real tensor completion methods cannot simultaneously maintain color channel correlation and evolution robustness of color video frames, and they need high computational costs to handle the high‐dimensional data. Hence they have some limitations in model generalization ability and computational efficiency. In this article, a new completion method for the quaternion tensor (matrix) is explored via the QR decomposition and the definition of novel quaternion tensor norm, which can well balance the model generalization ability and efficiency, and the performance of the completion method has been substantially improved. Numerical experiments on color images and videos prove the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Effects of short‐term exposure to moderate amounts of alcohol on brain volume
Authors: Tsugawa Sakiko , Ueno Fumihiko , Sakuma Mutsuki , Tani Hideaki , Ochi Ryo , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel , Noda Yoshihiro , Uchida Hiroyuki , Mimura Masaru , Oshima Shunji , Matsushita Sachio , Nakajima Shinichiro
Published: December 2024

Aim

Although numerous studies have reported that chronic alcohol consumption causes brain volume reduction and cerebrospinal fluid volume increase, few studies have examined the acute effects of alcohol on brain structure. This study aims to investigate the short‐term brain volume changes following alcohol administration.

Methods

Moderate doses of alcohol were administered intravenously to 18 healthy volunteers for a total of 90 min to achieve a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. An alcohol clamp method combined with physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling was used to achieve fine control over blood alcohol concentration. T1 images with 3T MRI were scanned at three time points: baseline, 0 min, and 90 min after the end of alcohol administration. Cortical, subcortical, and ventricular volumes were computed after segmentation with FreeSurfer. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate longitudinal changes in brain volume at 96 regions.

Results

Acute alcohol administration increased bilateral lateral ventricular volumes, which lasted until 90 min after the end of alcohol injection. On the other hand, the volumes of total gray matter, left precentral cortex, left caudal middle frontal cortex, and left superior frontal cortex decreased after alcohol administration, but these changes disappeared 90 min after the end of alcohol administration.

Conclusion

Acute injection of moderate doses of alcohol may enlarge ventricle volumes and reduce gray matter volumes. The transient volume changes caused by acute administration of alcohol may be related to changes in CSF flow and water content of brain tissue, which warrants further study.
Adaptive Fuzzy Decentralized Output‐Feedback Inverse Optimal Control for Nonstrict‐Feedback Interconnected Large‐Scale Systems
Authors: Yang Shumeng , Wu Wei , Tong Shaocheng
Published: December 2024

In this article, the problem of adaptive fuzzy decentralized inverse optimal control is investigated for nonstrict‐feedback nonlinear interconnected large‐scale systems. The interconnected large‐scale systems include unmeasurable states, nonstrict‐feedback structures, and unknown nonlinear functions. Fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate unknown nonlinear functions of subsystems, and a fuzzy decentralized state observer is proposed to estimate unmeasured states. By combining the dynamic surface backstepping control technique with inverse optimal control principle, an adaptive fuzzy decentralized inverse optimal control scheme is established. It is proved that all the signals of the controlled nonlinear interconnected large‐scale systems are bounded, the tracking errors converge to a small neighborhood of zero, and the cost function is minimized. The simulation results and comparison results further verify the effectiveness of the proposed decentralized inverse optimal control approach.
Fabricating a novel bioinspiring 3D‐printed sodium alginate/silk fibroin/polyvinyl alcohol/nano‐hydroxyapatite composite scaffold structure for bone tissue engineering application
Authors: Majhi Partha Sarathi , Pramanik Krishna , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: December 2024

In the present work, we fabricated 3D‐printed biofunctionalized nanocomposite scaffold structures using bioinks prepared by incorporating different concentrations (0.5%–1.5% w/v) of nano‐hydroxyapatite (n‐HA) into optimized a tri‐polymer complex blend comprising of sodium alginate (SA), silk fibroin (SF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with composition represented as SA70/SF30/PVA3, wherein, SA/SF is in 70:30 (v/v) ratio and PVA is in 3% (w/v) ratio. The printed scaffolds consist of microfibers with fiber diameter and pore size range of 437–806 and 389–446 μm having pore interconnecting networks as assessed by scanning electron microscope image analysis. However, with increased n‐HA content, the formation of a microfibrous porous structure with interconnected pores. The amorphous and hydrophilic characteristics of the scaffolds were revealed by XRD analysis and contact angle values ranging from 52 ± 2° to 66 ± 1°. SA70/SF30/PVA3 scaffold containing 1.5% (w/v) n‐HA has shown a controlled degradation pattern. The highest compressive strength of 0.193 MPa was shown by SA70/SF30/PVA3/n‐HA1.5 scaffold. The fabricated scaffolds are cytocompatible, as evident from cell adhesion and MTT assays. Among the scaffolds, the SA70/SF30/PVA3/n‐HA1.5 scaffold exhibited better biological activities as evaluated by an in vitro cell study. A higher alkaline phosphatase activity signifying superior osteogenic performance of the SA70/SF30/PVA3/n‐HA1.5 scaffold could be a favorable substitute for bone tissue engineering applications.

Highlights

Nano hydroxyapatite provided structural stability to the scaffold.

Controlled degradation pattern of the fabricated scaffold.

Higher compressive strength of the scaffold.

Hydrophilic and amorphous nature of the scaffold.

The scaffold has a favorable environment for bone tissue regeneration.
Degradable Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive Prepared From CO2‐Based Polycarbonate
Authors: Zheng Xin‐Peng , Wang Wen‐Zhen , Cui Yu‐Kun , Jia Xin‐Gang , Li Hong‐Jiu , Liu Xin‐Yi , Chen Huan‐Ping , Mao Zheng‐Hao
Published: December 2024

Pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are widely used in daily life, but their poor degradability poses significant challenges to sustainable development. To address this, we synthesized a polycarbonate, PPCB, using carbon dioxide and propylene oxide as raw materials, incorporating rigid benzene rings and ester functional groups. PPCB exhibited a T
d,−5%, and T
d,max that were 58.5% and 30.7% higher than those of polypropylene carbonate (PPC), respectively. Its highest tensile strength was 55% higher than PPC, while its elongation at break decreased from 421% to 165%. The 180° peel strength of PPCB reached 5.2 ± 0.56 N/cm, surpassing that of some commercial products such as Duct‐tape. PPCB demonstrated high and stable adhesion strength (~52 N) on various substrates. Its adhesion strength to skin tissue was 26.6 ± 1.6 kPa, significantly higher than that of commercially available fibrin glue. Rheological studies indicated that PPCB maintained high viscosity throughout the testing process, with a lap shear strength close to 4.56 MPa. Additionally, PPCB showed excellent degradability, with a high water absorption rate and significant weight loss. PPCB also exhibited good biocompatibility, with a cell viability rate greater than 90%. PPCB has the potential to become a novel degradable PSA, providing a new solution for environmental sustainability.
The Risk of Pneumothorax With Intrapleural Urokinase in Children With Parapneumonic Effusion
Authors: Kadmon Gili , Schoen Adi , Nahum Elhanan , Weissbach Avichai , Kaplan Eytan , Cohen Tal , Chodick Gabriel , Scheuerman Oded
Published: December 2024

Aim

Fibrinolytic therapy is commonly used in children with parapneumonic effusion, to facilitate drainage of the effusions and recovery. However, data regarding complications of this treatment in children are limited. We aimed to determine the incidence of pneumothorax (PNX) associated with intrapleural urokinase.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively collected data of children with parapneumonic effusion who underwent chest drain insertion. The clinical course and complications, including the incidence of PNX, were compared between children who were and were not treated with urokinase.

Results

The study group included 120 children, of whom 57 were treated with urokinase. Children who were and were not treated with urokinase did not differ in markers of disease severity or in the length of hospitalization. Among the patients treated with urokinase compared to those not treated, the incidence of PNX was higher (35% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) and the median duration of chest drain treatment was longer (6 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In our pediatric cohort, intrapleural urokinase was associated with a higher incidence of PNX and did not shorten the duration of hospitalization.
Colicin Immunity Proteins of Pathogenic Bacteria Detected by Antibiotic‐Induced SOS Response, Plasmid Sequencing, MALDI‐TOF‐TOF Mass Spectrometry, and Top‐Down Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Fagerquist Clifton K.  , Shi Yanlin  , Park Jihyun 
Published: December 2024

Rationale:

Plasmids can play a major role in the survival of pathogenic bacteria. Plasmids are acquired through horizontal gene transfer resulting in their spread across various strains, species and genera of bacteria. Colicins are bacterial protein toxins expressed by plasmid genes and released against co‐located bacterial competitors.

Methods:

Three Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli (STEC), whose genomes were sequenced previously, were analyzed using a combination of antibiotic induction, MALDI‐TOF‐TOF mass spectrometry, top‐down proteomic analysis, and small plasmid sequencing. Protein biomarkers were identified using in‐house software that matches protein mass and fragment ions of backbone cleavage by the aspartic acid effect. Predicted in silico protein structures assisted in the interpretation of protein ion fragmentation.

Results:

In addition to proteomic identification of phage‐encoded Shiga toxin, we were able to identify plasmid‐encoded immunity proteins for colicin D and E3. The genes for these plasmid‐encoded proteins were not found in the previous genomic sequencing. However, resequencing of these strains for small plasmids revealed the genes to be present on 7–8 kb sized plasmids. Upstream of the colicin/immunity genes was an inverted repeat of the SOS/LexA box that represses gene expression until antibiotic challenge.

Conclusions:

Our top‐down proteomic method demonstrates that it is possible to screen putative pathogenic bacteria (whose genomes have been sequenced in full, in part or not at all) for the presence of phage‐ and plasmid‐encoded toxin and colicin genes under SOS control. Small plasmid sequencing confirmed the presence of colicin/immunity genes (and their regulatory control) suggested from induction and top‐down proteomic analysis.
SAM: Semi‐Active Mechanism for Extensible Continuum Manipulator and Real‐Time Hysteresis Compensation Control Algorithm
Authors: Park Junhyun , Jang Seonghyeok , Park Myeongbo , Park Hyojae , Yoon Jeonghyeon , Hwang Minho
Published: December 2024

Background

Cable‐driven continuum manipulators (CDCMs) enable scar‐free procedures but face limitations in workspace and control accuracy due to hysteresis.

Methods

We introduce an extensible CDCM with a semi‐active mechanism (SAM) and develop a real‐time hysteresis compensation control algorithm using a temporal convolution network (TCN) based on data collected from fiducial markers and RGBD sensing.

Results

Performance validation shows the proposed controller significantly reduces hysteresis by up to 69.5% in random trajectory tracking test and approximately 26% in the box pointing task.

Conclusion

The SAM mechanism enables access to various lesions without damaging surrounding tissues. The proposed controller with TCN‐based compensation effectively predicts hysteresis behaviour and minimises position and joint angle errors in real‐time, which has the potential to enhance surgical task performance.
Optimal Tampering Attack Strategy for FIR System Identification With Multi‐Level Quantized Observations
Authors: Liu Wenke , Jing Fengwei , Wang Yinghui , Guo Jin
Published: December 2024

This paper considers the optimal tampering attack strategy in system identification of Finite Impulse Response (FIR) systems with multi‐level quantized observations under data tampering attacks. First, the data tampering attack model based on a multi‐level quantization system is established in a conditional probability manner according to the features of the quantization system. Second, a multi‐parameter‐based system parameter estimation algorithm is designed and its convergence consistency is proved. Then, according to the convergence of the designed identification algorithm under a tampering attack, the infinite paradigm of the difference between the converged value and the actual parameter after the attack is used as the attack index, and the optimal tampering attack strategy is designed to destroy the consistency of the recognition algorithm so as to make the best attack effect achieved. Finally, numerical simulation experiments under different conditions are used to verify the result.
Complementary Filter‐Based Incremental Nonlinear Model Following Control Design for a Tilt‐Wing UAV
Authors: Autenrieb Johannes , Shin Hyo‐Sang
Published: December 2024

This article presents an incremental nonlinear model following control (INMFC) strategy for a tilt‐wing vertical take‐off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). To ensure a good and robust regulation performance, a two‐loop feedback controller, based on the incremental backstepping (IBS) methodology, is used to handle uncertainties and external disturbances robustly. In order to ensure a good mode following and to aid the tracking performance of the flight control system, the first and second‐time derivatives of the desired model response, computed by a model reference (MR) system, are either directly used as feedforward signals for the outer loop or are additionally transformed for the inner‐loop by using an incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion (INDI) grounded approach to transform the signals based on known systems kinematics. In order to uniformly handle the overactuated flight vehicle in both mission model and during the transition, an operation mode‐based weighted incremental linear control allocation approach is applied for safe operation. The performance of the suggested control approach is investigated by utilizing a high‐fidelity nonlinear flight dynamics model of the tilt‐wing system. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the proposed control approach provides significant benefits for the robust control of the considered tilt‐wing UAV.
A Nonsingular Fixed‐Time Sliding Mode Controller for Robot Manipulators in the Presence of External Perturbations and Partially Known Model
Authors: Arteaga Marco A. , Moulay Emmanuel , Defoort Michael
Published: December 2024

The current contribution introduces a nonsingular fixed‐time sliding mode control (SMC) scheme for position and velocity tracking of robot manipulators. The approach avoids singularities by introducing a new sliding surface with the special attribute that the exponent employed to achieve fixed time convergence depends on the tracking error and is smaller than one except when the error is exactly zero, whereas the exponent becomes one at zero, which makes the derivative at zero to be well defined. A new theoretical result has been introduced in the form of a lemma to prove this innovative property. Furthermore, model uncertainties are handled by means of a time‐varying gain given by a polynomial of the powers of the norms of the tracking and velocity errors. The fixed‐time convergence is proven employing Lyapunov theory, and the result holds globally. Simulation outcomes confirm the developed theory, and the advantages of the proposed scheme are shown qualitatively by comparing its performance with well‐known equivalent control schemes.
Event‐Triggered Based Differential Privacy Distributed Optimization
Authors: Wang Pinlin , Wang Zhenqian , Lü Jinhu
Published: December 2024

Distributed optimization has emerged as a pivotal research area with widespread applications in machine learning and networked systems. While optimization algorithms efficiently collaborate to minimize a global objective function through information exchange among nodes, they are susceptible to privacy breaches, potentially leading to severe and unpredictable consequences. As differential privacy becomes the de facto standard for privacy preservation, recent studies have integrated differential privacy with distributed optimization. However, existing differential privacy distributed optimization algorithms typically require continuous communication and noise injection, which results in substantial communication overhead and degraded optimization performance. In this paper, we introduce a novel event‐triggered based differential privacy distributed optimization algorithm that leverages intermittent Laplace noise injection. Recognizing that event‐triggered timings may inadvertently reveal gradient information about the objective function, we introduce an enhanced ‐Differential Privacy definition specifically tailored for event‐triggered communication, accounting for both the transmitted state information and the event‐triggered timings. By intermittently injecting Laplace noise, our mechanism significantly reduces the total amount of noise required, thereby minimizing its negative impact on the algorithm's performance. We rigorously prove that, even with reduced noise, our algorithm ensures rigorous privacy preservation. Furthermore, our algorithm achieves accurate convergence and improved optimization performance in constrained optimization problems, while reducing communication overhead. Numerical simulations confirm the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm.
Generation and Application of Reactive Oxygen Radicals in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Patial Taniya , Sharma Niharika , Sharma Kunal , Mishra Vivek
Published: December 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in cancer, influencing both tumor growth and regression. Their intricate involvement in cellular processes underscores the necessity of maintaining a delicate ROS balance for normal cellular function. Intriguingly, while ROS contribute to tumor progression, they also exhibit the potential to selectively kill cancer cells. Emerging therapeutic strategies focus on modulating ROS levels within cancer cells, considering the type of radicals generated, their site of formation, and concentration gradients. This review delves into recent advancements in understanding the impact of ROS on the tumor microenvironment and cancer treatment. By exploring the interplay between ROS dynamics and therapeutic outcomes, this study provides a comprehensive perspective on the pivotal role of oxygen‐related free radicals in cancer therapy and highlights the innovative approaches and insights shaping this rapidly evolving field.
Novel Antiviral Phytochemicals Against Dengue Virus 2 NS2B‐NS3 Protease: An In Silico Drug Development Approach
Authors: Bari Muhammad Abdul , Ahmed Sabbir , Perveen Faria Farzana , Akter Mahfuza , Ahmed Nasim , Hossain Jakaria , Nasrulla Md. , Akter Khadiza , Islam Md. Nurul
Published: December 2024

Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, presents a major public health risk in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Currently, there is no treatment to fight against this disease. The dengue virus 2 (DENV2) NS2B‐NS3 protease is critical for viral replication, making it a promising target for drug discovery. This study aims to identify potential inhibitors against the DENV2 NS2B‐NS3 protease using in silico methods, including molecular docking, ADMET analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, MMGBSA, and DFT calculations. We screened 1138 phytochemicals from the NuBBE database against the NS2B‐NS3 protease (PDB ID: 2FOM) and compared their binding affinities to policresulen, reported as DENV2 NS2B‐NS3 protease inhibitor. Four novel phytochemicals: 3′,4′‐methylenedioxy‐7,8‐(2″,2″‐dimethylpyrano)‐flavone; limonianin; gnetin‐B; and 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐3′,5′‐dimethoxy‐6,7‐(2″,2″‐dimethylpyran)flavonen revealed binding affinities of −8.7, −8.0, −7.8, and −7.8 kcal/mol, respectively, surpassing the reference compound's affinity of −7.0 kcal. Additionally, MD simulations over 100 ns confirmed the stability of these compounds bound with the target protein. Moreover, ADMET analysis demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles, whereas MMGBSA and DFT calculations supported their binding consistency and reactivity. In conclusion, this study discovered promising novel phytochemicals against DENV2 NS2B‐NS3 protease, which could serve as potential leads for developing effective antiviral therapies for the treatment of dengue fever.
Determination of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties of Newly Synthesized 2‐methoxyphenyl Thiophene Derivatives
Authors: Çetin Doğan , Konuş Metin , Yılmaz Can , Arslan Şevki , Abdelsalam AmineHafis , Hutanu Elena Daniela , Kurt Kızıldoğan Aslıhan , Otur Çiğdem , Hama AzadKhalaf , Kivrak Arif
Published: December 2024

In this study, antioxidants, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties of four newly synthesized thiophene derivatives were investigated. In addition, basic ADME properties were calculated in silico. According to the study's findings, tested compounds antioxidant activity was weaker than the standards in both the FRAP and ABTS assays. The MTT analysis revealed that the chemicals 3 and 4 were cytotoxic to every cancer cell line that was tested. 3 and 4 increased the rate of apoptosis in the tested cancer cells at levels close to that in the positive control group. The gene expression levels of apoptotic markers (BAX, Bcl‐2, Casp‐3, ‐8, and ‐9) detected at all cell lines after incubation with 3 and 4 were changed as expected for apoptotic agents, except Bcl‐2 of HT‐29. It was concluded that the addition of bromine to C2 of thiophene cycle of 3, resulted 4 with greater apoptotic potential probably because of a change in molecular conformation and ligand exchange kinetics. Compound 3 was found to have antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, while 4 was found to have antibacterial activity on gram‐positive bacteria. In silico ADME/T analysis revealed that 3 and 4 were able to pass through the gastrointestinal tract lumen and blood‐brain barrier.
Large Language Model‐Assisted Genotoxic Metal‐Phenolic Nanoplatform for Osteosarcoma Therapy
Authors: Fan Qingxin , He Yunxiang , Liu Jialing , Liu Qinling , Wu Yue , Chen Yuxing , Dou Qingyu , Shi Jing , Kong Qingquan , Ou Yunsheng , Guo Junling
Published: December 2024

Osteosarcoma, a leading primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents, is associated with a poor prognosis and a low global fertility rate. A large language model‐assisted phenolic network (LLMPN) platform is demonstrated that integrates the large language model (LLM) GPT‐4 into the design of multifunctional metal‐phenolic network materials. Fine‐tuned GPT‐4 identified gossypol as a phenolic compound with superior efficacy against osteosarcoma after evaluating across a library of 60 polyphenols based on the correlation between experimental anti‐osteosarcoma activity and multiplexed chemical properties of polyphenols. Subsequently, gossypol is then self‐assembled into Cu2+‐gossypol nanocomplexes with a hyaluronic acid surface modification (CuGOS NPs). CuGOS NPs has demonstrated the ability to induce genetic alterations and cell death in osteosarcoma cells, offering significant therapeutic benefits for primary osteosarcoma tumors and reducing metastasis without adverse effects on major organs or the genital system. This work presents an LLM‐driven approach for engineering metal‐organic nanoplatform and broadening applications by harnessing the capabilities of LLMs, thereby improving the feasibility and efficiency of research activities.
Banana Starch Nanoparticles Disrupt the Integrity of the Intestinal Barrier by Opening Tight Junctions in Mice
Authors: Jiang Bing , Peng Chenglu , Li Xiaoyang , Sun Cuixia , Lu Wei , Fang Yapeng
Published: December 2024

The banana‐derived starch nanoparticles have been extensively used in food and biomedicine industries, due to their unique physicochemical properties and functional benefits. With their pervasive presence in food, people are significantly exposed to these nanoparticles, raising concerns about their potential health risks and impact on intestinal health. However, there is still limited understanding of the direct interaction between native banana starch nanoparticles (BSNs) and the intestinal systems. Here, it is demonstrated that BSNs can cause tight junctions to loosen, increase intestinal permeability, and disrupt the intestinal barrier. This increased permeability is closely linked to the size of BSNs, with smaller BSNs (d = 60 nm) having a stronger effect on permeation. Furthermore, the disruption of the intestinal barrier integrity caused by BSNs is connected to a reduced amount of tight junction proteins. Mechanistically, BSNs disrupt tight junctions by affecting mitochondrial function and activating myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) signaling pathway. These findings indicate that BSNs have the potential to pose health risks by compromising the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reminding the safety of food biopolymer nanoparticles in living organisms needs to be re‐assessed.
Isomeric Cu(I) Azolate Frameworks Showing Contrasting Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Selectivities and Stabilities
Authors: Zheng Kai , Hu Ding‐Yi , Wang Chao , Liang Zi‐Jun , Zhang Xue‐Wen , Xiao Xian‐Xian , Wu Jun‐Xi , Zhuo Lin‐Ling , Lin Duo‐Yu , Zhou Dong‐Dong , Zhang Jie‐Peng
Published: December 2024

Metal‒organic frameworks have attracted wide interest in the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR), but their differences of performances originated from chemical composition and stabilities are rarely concerned. Here, isomeric Cu(I) triazolate frameworks (MAF‐2Fa and MAF‐2Fb) with similar thermal/chemical stabilities but very different coordination modes are used for eCO2RR studies. MAF‐2Fa with monotypic planar dinuclear Cu(I) coordination mode achieves high selectivity for C2H4 (53%) and C2 products (70%), with almost unchanged over a wide potential window (‒1.1 to ‒1.5 V), making it among one of the best Cu‐complex electrocatalysts. In contrast, MAF‐2Fb with multiple Cu(I) coordination modes (including planar/bent dinuclear, linear mononuclear, and trigonal mononuclear ones) showed low C2/C1 products without significant differences. More interestingly, MAF‐2Fa can maintain its performance for at least 8 h, whereas MAF‐2Fb decomposed into inorganics with inferior performance after 1.5 h. The significant differences of eCO2RR selectivities and stabilities are elucidated by computational simulations and operando electrochemical tests.
Emergent Skyrmions in Cr0.85Te nanoflakes at Room Temperature
Authors: Ni Yan , Guo Yongxiang , Jiang Yuan‐Yuan , Huang Ting , Mu Qiuxuan , Hou Feiyan , Li Tiaoyang , Wang Shaohao , Zhang Zhen , Shao Dingfu , Ding Xiangdong , Min Tai , Li Tao
Published: December 2024

Chiral noncollinear magnetic nanostructures, such as skyrmions, are intriguing spin configurations with significant potential for magnetic memory technologies. However, the limited availability of 2D magnetic materials that host skyrmions with Curie temperatures above room temperature presents a major challenge for practical implementation. Chromium tellurides exhibit diverse spin configurations and remarkable stability under ambient conditions, making them a promising platform for fundamental spin physics research and the development of innovative 2D spintronic devices. Here, domain structures of Cr0.85Te nanoflakes synthesized via chemical vapor deposition are investigated, using magnetic force microscopy at room temperature. The results reveal that the domain width of the as‐grown nanoflakes scales with the square root of their thicknesses. Notably, the emergence and annihilation of skyrmions are observed, which can be reversibly controlled by external magnetic fields and thermal excitation in ambient air. Micromagnetic simulations suggest that the emergence of skyrmions in Cr0.85Te nanoflakes arises from inversion symmetry breaking due to compositional gradients across the sample thickness, rather than the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying skyrmion formation in 2D ferromagnets and open exciting possibilities for manipulating domain structures at room temperature, offering practical pathways for developing next‐generation spintronic devices.
Evolving Emulsion Microcompartments via Enzyme‐Mimicking Amyloid‐Mediated Interfacial Catalysis
Authors: Song Peiyong , Chen Jing , Zhao Dan , Shi Ke , Xu Runze , Zhu Mengyue , Zhao Li , Pashuck E. Thomas , Ouyang Liliang , Jiao Fang , Lin Yiyang
Published: December 2024

Living organisms take in matter and energy from their surroundings, transforming these inputs into forms that cells can use to sustain metabolism and power various functions. A significant advancement in the development of protocells and life‐like materials has been the creation of cell‐like microcompartments capable of evolving into higher‐order structures characterized by hierarchy and complexity. In this study, a smart emulsion system is designed to digests chemical substrates and generates organic or inorganic products, driving the self‐organization and structuration of microcompartments. Central to this system is a lipase‐derived peptide that undergoes amyloid fibrillation, exhibiting hydrolase‐like activity and stabilizing Pickering emulsions. Through catalytic hydrolysis or silicatein‐inspired mineralization, these emulsion microcompartments generate self‐organized surfactant layers from organic substrates or silica scaffolds from inorganic substrates at the oil–water interface, respectively, helping to prevent coalescence. This process further facilitates a structural evolution into high‐internal phase emulsion gels that are suitable for direct‐ink‐writing 3D printing. The findings underscore the potential for designing self‐evolving soft materials that replicate the structures and functions of living organisms.
Cellular Interactions and Biological Effects of Silk Fibroin: Implications for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Zhu Jialin , Du Yan , Backman Ludvig J. , Chen Jialin , Ouyang Hongwei , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2024

Silk fibroin (SF), the core structural protein derived from Bombyx mori silk, is extensively employed in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its exceptional mechanical properties, favorable biocompatibility, tunable biodegradability, and versatile processing capabilities. Despite these advantages, current research predominantly focuses on SF biomaterials as structural scaffolds or drug carriers, often overlooking their potential role in modulating cellular behavior and tissue regeneration. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the inherent biological effects of SF biomaterials, independent of any exogenous biomolecules, and their implications for various tissue regeneration. It will cover in vitro cellular interactions of SF with various cell types, including stem cells and functional tissue cells such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. Moreover, it will summarize in vivo immune responses, cellular responses, and tissue regeneration following SF implantation, specifically focusing on vascular, bone, skin, cartilage, ocular, and tendon/ligament regeneration. Furthermore, it will address current limitations and future perspectives in the design of bioactive SF biomaterials. A comprehensive understanding of these cellular interactions and the biological effects of SF is crucial for predicting regenerative outcomes with precision and for designing SF‐based biomaterials tailored to specific properties, enabling broader applications in regenerative medicine.
2D Polyamides Enable Self‐Healing and Recyclable Elastomers with High Robustness, Toughness, and Crack Resistance via Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Xing Yuedong , Li Jiongchao , Cheng Jie , Lu Liwei , Xue Tao , Xu Jianben , Xu Xiang , Zhang Faai
Published: December 2024

High‐performance elastomers with exceptional mechanical properties and self‐healing capabilities have garnered significant attention due to their wide range of potential applications. However, designing elastomers that strike a balance between self‐healing capabilities and mechanical properties remains a considerable challenge. Inspired by biological cartilage, a highly robust, tough, and crack‐resistant self‐healing elastomer is presented by incorporating hydrogen‐bond‐rich 2D polyamide (2DPA) into a poly(urethane‐urea) matrix. This integration enhances supramolecular interactions driven by multiple hydrogen bonds. The resulting elastomer exhibits impressive strength (54.6 MPa), remarkable elongation at break (705.4%), exceptional toughness (116.7 MJ m−3), outstanding crack resistance (fracture energy up to 187.2 kJ m−2), high self‐healing efficiency (98.9% at 50 °C for 9 h, 97.9% at room temperature for 48 h), and excellent recyclability, capable of lifting ≈40 000 times its own weight. Furthermore, a damage‐tolerant, fatigue‐resistant anticorrosive coating from this elastomer, showcasing its potential for protective skin applications in underwater robotics is developed. The underlying enhancement mechanism is validated through testing of various elastomers and molecular dynamics simulations, confirming the potential of engineering 2DPA for high‐performance elastomers by leveraging supramolecular interactions.
Application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the Inhibition of Heat‐Induced Toxicants in French Fries
Authors: Verma Vandana , Singh Zoomi , Yadav Neelam
Published: December 2024

Acrylamide (AA) and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are the byproducts of the Maillard reaction that pose health risks due to their high exposure to the Western diet. Current study examines the impact of yeast fermentation on AA, HMF formation, and chemical composition of French fries. Fermentation, known for enriching food with beneficial probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, is coupled with blanching, a technique used to inactivate enzymes and reduce microbial load, thus preserving color and extending shelf life. Fermentation reduced HMF and AA levels in French fries by approximately 86.5% and 54.78%, respectively. Furthermore, combining fermentation with blanching treatment further decreased HMF and AA levels by 88.62% and 59.81%, respectively. This research suggests that yeast fermentation, particularly when combined with blanching treatment, can effectively mitigate the formation of AA and HMF in French fries, thereby potentially reducing their health risks. This pioneering research opens avenues for additional inquiries, laying the groundwork for future advancements in enhancing food safety.
Relating preservice teacher's bilingual teaching self‐efficacy to lesson differentiation practices for multilingual learners
Authors: Hernández Ana M. , Daoud Annette
Published: December 2024

This study examined bilingual preservice teachers' self‐efficacy in the context of lesson differentiation for multilingual learners in Spanish. Thirty‐six bilingual preservice teachers across three California State University programs participated in a quantitative methods study of lesson plan analysis. Findings showed that preservice teachers were not sufficiently skilled at differentiating instruction for learners with distinct linguistic needs and assets. Results indicated that, although preservice teachers had high levels of English learner (EL) teaching self‐efficacy towards multilingual learners, there was low correlation with their ability to provide lesson differentiation. The study concluded that differentiation is a complex process that requires extensive knowledge of content standards, understanding students' linguistic assets, and enacting purposeful high‐leverage strategies with supports and scaffolds to meet multilingual learners' needs.
Redefining inclusive teacher education: All students means all students
Authors: Andrei Elena , Jackson Debbie K. , Banks Tachelle
Published: December 2024

Traditionally, in U.S. K‐12 schools, inclusive education has been used in the context of students with disabilities participating in the general content area or the mainstream classroom together with their peers. We redefine inclusive education (and subsequently inclusive teacher education) to refer to teaching all students, including multilingual learners. We argue, based on our conceptualization and practice, that training inclusive teachers requires 1) a carefully planned curriculum; 2) instructors who are inclusive educators themselves and know from experience and training the mainstream classroom, special education and/or English as a second language (ESL); and 3) collaboration with schools and districts.
Teachable moments in support of K‐12 social and emotional learning in the TESOL Practicum
Authors: Thomas M'Balia , Rosenberg Allie
Published: December 2024

Globally, K–12 schools are embracing practices of social and emotional learning (SEL) to address students' interactional and emotional needs and to create a safe and nurturing environment for their learning. As a curricular program and approach to pedagogy, SEL instruction socializes learners into specific social and cultural ways of naming, claiming, expressing, evaluating, and valuing emotions and emotional states in oneself and others. To inquire into the language skills, behaviors, and ideologies drawn upon during SEL instruction, a collaborative self‐study of teaching and teacher education practice was undertaken as part of a preservice teacher's TESOL practicum placement. Situated in a third‐grade classroom at an English as a second language (ESL) cluster site school located in the U.S. Midwest, the self‐study examines rich points (Agar, 1999) that surface within the practicum student's teaching demonstration of SEL skills delivered during a morning meeting. Through critical reflection, reframing and transformation of practice, and collaborative engagement in self‐study research with the practicum student's supervisor, this work demonstrates how inquiry into instructional rich points can evolve into teachable moments that educators can draw upon in support of classroom students' development of not only SEL skills and competencies, but also grade‐level curricular knowledge and English language development. The inquiry also reveals the social, cultural, and linguistic socialization that underlies SEL instruction and its impact on classroom learners, student teachers, and even teacher educators.
Selection of best randomized controlled trials of Japanese Kampo medicines: Introduction of the trials and the hardships in their conduction
Authors: Motoo Yoshiharu , Tominaga Kazunari , Suzuki Hidekazu , Kaido Toshimi , Matsuda Chu , Morita Satoshi , Kogure Toshiaki , Arai Ichiro , Tsutani Kiichiro
Published: December 2024

Background

More than 500 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected from various databases by the evidence‐based medicine committee of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine (JSOM). Their structured abstracts have been published in Japanese and English in “Evidence Reports of Kampo Treatment.”

Methods

From among these RCTs, “Kampo Best RCTs” were selected according to impact factor and number of Google Scholar citations.

Results

Four of the authors in this article presented their data at a symposium at the 74th Congress of the JSOM in June 2024. Kazunari Tominaga was elected as the No. 1 author among the best RCTs. His two articles described the effects of rikkunshito on functional dyspepsia and non‐erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease, respectively. Hidekazu Suzuki was elected as No. 2. His article described the effect of rikkunshito on functional dyspepsia. The No. 3 author, Toshimi Kaido, and No. 4 author, Chu Matsuda, described the effects of daikenchuto on adult gastrointestinal disorder following liver transplant and the effects of hangeshashinto on chemotherapy‐induced stomatitis, respectively. These four articles were all based on double‐blind RCTs. Although a range of hardships were encountered during the studies, these RCTs were reported in original articles, providing clinical evidence of high international reputation.

Conclusion

Here, we describe the details and the hardships encountered by the authors, identify points to note in the interpretation of clinical trial results, and finally mention the current status and future prospects of Kampo RCTs.
An ongoing concern: 20 years of research on equine atypical myopathy
Authors: François Anne‐Christine , Renaud Benoît , Kruse Caroline‐Julia , Marcillaud‐Pitel Christel , Votion Dominique‐Marie
Published: December 2024

Anne‐Christine François, Benoît Renaud, Caroline‐Julia Kruse, Christel Marcillaud‐Pitel and Dominique‐Marie Votion of the Atypical Myopathy Alert Group discuss insights from 20 years of research and surveillance on equine atypical myopathy.