bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Tests for Confirmation of Mating in Adult Female Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study
Authors: Yugesh Kesavamoorthy , Kumar Senthil Kumar Sampath , Kalaivani P
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The assessment of confirmation of mating in rats is a procedure which requires expertise with caution, and careful execution. Rats are spontaneous ovulators and are widely used to study the reproductive system. Aim: The aim of the present study study was to compare diagnostic tests for confirming mating in adult female wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The present experimental research was duly approved by the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee and conducted at the Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE) at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University). The study was conducted in December 2019. A total of 72 adult Wistar rats (36 males and 36 females) were used in the study. To identify the event of mating, the rats were subjected to the following confirmatory methods: naked eye examination, non invasive vaginal lavage method, and abdominal palpatory method. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using non parametric tests with SPSS software (version 25.0). The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Comparison of all three methods was done using non parametric tests (post hoc with Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Results: The non invasive vaginal lavage method was found to be more accurate (72.22%) compared to the visual method (16.66%) and the abdominal palpatory method (11.11%). A significant difference was seen when comparing the three methods using post hoc with Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the vaginal lavage method is more specific and easy to confirm the occurrence of mating in adult female Wistar rats. The non invasive vaginal lavage method is a simple, easy, and accurate method for estimating pregnancy in cohabitating/generation studies.
Use of Biological and Chemical Compounds for the Integrated Management of Apricot Powdery Mildew in Egypt
Authors: Sharkawy Sahar, S. A.  , Alkolaly Asmaa M. , Kafsheer, D. A.
Published: November 2023

This study aims to evaluate an integrated management program for powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca pannosa in apricot trees Prunus armeniaca, where four fungicides Copper, Carbendazim, Praiz and Topas) and three biocides ( Bio Z , Bio Arc and Activator Yeasts ) were evaluated in the first season 2020 in Ismailia and Beheira governorates in the regions of South Tahrir and Nubariya. All compounds significantly reduced the percentage of disease severity on leaves and flowers compared to the control, and the activator yeasts was among the best treatments, as it recorded in the last spraying a percentage of disease severity on leaves and flower 28.5% and 27.6% respectively compared with control 52.7 %and 56.2%, followed by the biocides Bio Z and Bio Arc.In the second season 2021, the compounds were evaluated during the flowering period, which led to their precipitation and the occurrence of plant toxicity for flowers at their highest rates with copper. As for the biocides compounds, they were completely safe.From here, an integrated control program was designed for two seasons 2022 and 2023 that combines fungicides and biocides. It is applied early before flowering. It gave excellent results, reduced the rate of fungicide use, and was safer and cost-saving.
Genotoxic Potential, Total Flavonoid and Phenolic Contents of Solanum anomalum Thonn. Ex Schumach Leaf
Authors: Okokon Jude E. , Johnny Imoh I. , Edet Elvis O. , Etuk Idongesit C. , Udo Inyang J.
Published: November 2023

Solanum anomalum, a medicinal plant, used in ethnomedicine for their antimalarial, antidiabetic, and antiphlogistic activities was investigated for cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. The extract and fractions was also screened for total flavonoid and phenol content using standard methods. Onion bulbs were exposed to 2.5 mg/mL, 5mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL concentrations of the leaf extract for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Tap water was used as a negative control and Methotrexate (0.1 mg/mL) as a positive control. There was statistically significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of root growth depending on concentration by the extract when compared with the negative control group. All the tested concentrations of the extract were observed to have cytotoxic effects on cell division in A. cepa. The extract- induced chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations in A. cepa root tip cells were significant (p<0.05) when compared with control group. The extract treatment further induced cell death, ghost cells, cells membrane damage, and binucleated cells. The dichloromethane fraction was found to contain the highest level of total flavonoid and phenol followed by the crude extract. These results suggest that Solanum anomalum leaf extract possess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa which is as a results of its phytochemical constituents.
Response of Foliar Feeding of NAA, Urea, Nano-urea and Biofertisol on Fruit Quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Langra
Authors: Kumar Raushan , Sharma Rajnee , Sharma T. R. , Pandey C. S. , Singh Deepak , Thakur Shikha , Singh Surya Pratap
Published: November 2023

A study was conducted during the season of 2022-23 at the fruit research station in Imalia, which is affiliated with the Department of Horticulture at the JNKVV in Jabalpur. The objective of the study was to evaluate the positive effect of foliar sprays containing NAA, Urea, Nano-urea, and Biofertisol on the fruit quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Langra. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block design in three replications and all the treatments were replicated thrice by using the single tree as a unit. Each treatment was carried out with one tree for each replication.  At the full bloom and pea stage, the spraying of three different concentrations of NAA (20 ppm, 30 ppm, and 40 ppm), Urea (2%, 3%, and 4%), Nano-urea (0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%) and Biofertisol (5 ml/l, 10 ml/l, and 15 ml/l) was compared with the control, which consisted of no spraying. According to the findings of the experiment, applying a foliar spray containing 40 ppm of NAA resulted in a significant improvement in the quality parameter, as measured by a maximum TSS value of 22.22 oBrix, a maximum TSS: acid ratio of 117.13, maximum ascorbic acid content of 26.70 mg/100g, a minimum acidity content of 0.19%, and reducing sugars of 6.74% and total sugars of 17. During the evaluation, it performed at the same level as T3 (NAA 30 ppm), T2 (NAA 20 ppm), and T7 (Urea 4%).
Determination of Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) Infestation on Different Cultivars of Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
Authors: Dawar Yogita , Mandloi Satyam , Dawar Pushplata , Shrivastva V. K.
Published: November 2023

The responses of commercial cultivars of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to several pests were assessed. Research on okra's varietal resistance to the main insect pest, Abelmoschus esculentus (L), was carried out in the Department of Entomology's experimental field at the College of Agriculture, Gwalior, during the 2015–2016 kharif season. Where in the eight types of okra (Pusa A-4, Pusa falguni, Jaya, Swati, Shreya, Viraj, and Virat. Maximum shoot infestation (8.13%) was found in Pusa A-4, followed by Kashi pargati and Pusa falguni with 7.29% and 5.88%, respectively. Minimum shoot infestation (1.41%) was recorded in Jaya, which was on par with Shreya, followed by Swati, Viraj, and Virat with 2.03%, 4.47 %, 5.15 %, and 5.38 %, respectively. Shreya and Jaya were on level with one another. Maximum fruit infestation (19.57%) was found in Pusa A-4, followed by Kashi pargati and Pusa falguni with 17.76% and 14.62%, respectively. Minimum fruit infestation (1.99%) was found in Jaya, followed by Shreya, Swati, Viraj, and Virat with 4.46 %, 10.67 %, 12.28 %, and 12.73 %, respectively.
Öğretmenlerin Bireysel Yenilikçilik Düzeyleri ile Yenilikçi Okul Algıları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: ABBAK Yeliz , ERDAMAR Gürcü
Published: November 2023

Bu çalışmada ihtiyaç duyulan bir topluma dönüşmekte çok önemli görevleri olan öğretmenlerin bireysel yenilikçilik düzeyleri ile yenilikçi okul algıları arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek; cinsiyet, kıdem, okul türü ve eğitim düzeyi gibi değişkenler açısından da öğretmenlerin yenilikçilik ve yenilikçi okul algılarının farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığını belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. İlişkisel tarama modelinden faydalanılan araştırmanın örneklemini Türkiye’de çeşitli illerde devlet okullarında görev yapan ve kolay ulaşılabilir örnekleme yöntemi ile çalışmaya dahil edilen 472 öğretmen oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak kişisel bilgi formunun yanında, Hurt, Joseph, Cook tarafından geliştirilip Kılıçer ve Odabaşı (2010) tarafından Türkçeye uyarlanan likert tipinde “Bireysel Yenilikçilik Ölçeği” ile Aslan ve Kesik (2016) tarafından geliştirilmiş “Yenilikçi Okul Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. İstatiksel analizler sonucunda öğretmenlerin bireysel yenilikçilik düzeyleri ile yenilikçi okul algıları arasında olumlu ve düşük düzeyde bir ilişkinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca genel olarak öğretmenlerin çoğunluğunun yeniliği benimseme kategorileri içerisinde sorgulayıcı kategoride yer aldıkları ve düşük düzeyde yenilikçi oldukları sonucuna ulaşılırken genel ortalamaları incelendiğinde ise yenilikçi okul algılarının yüksek düzeyde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Değişkenler açısından ise sadece okul türü değişkeninde gruplar arasında anlamlı farklılık olduğu ve buna göre de okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin yenilikçi okul algılarının ilkokul ve ortaokul öğretmenlerinden daha yüksek olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Scalable Terahertz Room Temperature Photoreceivers Based on Large‐Area Hexagonal Boron Nitride and Graphene Heterostructures
Authors: Viti Leonardo , Balci Osman , Zhang Jincan , Meersha Adil , Ferrari Andrea C. , Vitiello Miriam S.
Published: January 2025

The development of scalable techniques for large‐area growth of layered materials unlocks technological opportunities for the implementation of devices and components suitable for on‐chip integration on photonic integrated platforms. Here, terahertz (THz) photoreceivers based on large‐area hexagonal boron nitride/single‐layer graphene (SLG)/hexagonal boron nitride heterostructures, prepared by chemical vapor deposition and realized by means of an industrially scalable method, are reported. The photo‐thermoelectric sensors are integrated on‐chip with planar antennas, on‐chip radio frequency circuitry, a low‐pass hammer‐head filter and coplanar strip lines, combining nanosecond response time and large sensitivity. Room temperature responsivities of ≈4 V W−1, with noise equivalent power ≈4 nWHz−1/2 at high (2.86 THz) frequencies are reached, in a fully frequency‐scalable architecture. This paves the way for multiplexed hyperspectral THz cameras and optical communication systems.
From Hard Crystal to Soft Fiber: Thermochromic Color‐Tunable and “On‐Off”‐Switchable Afterglow of Single‐Component Ultralong RTP Organogel
Authors: Lin Huamiao , Shi Yi , Geng Peng , Chen Shuzhan , Luo Dan , Xiao Shuzhang
Published: January 2025

Pure organic stimuli‐responsive phosphorescent materials with multi‐color afterglows, good reversibility, and ease manipulation are highly appealing for dynamic anti‐counterfeiting applications, but remain challenging to achieve. In this work, a phosphorescent soft organogel is rationally designed by introducing functional carbonyl (benzoyl or acetyl) units into dibenzofuran skeleton to promote the intersystem crossing (ISC), and screening potential organogelators through predicting the self‐assembly process with the aid of all‐atom molecular dynamic simulation (AMDS). AMDS indicates that the designed gelator candidates (DBF‐Me and DBF‐Ph) can self‐assemble in the mixture of DMSO/H2O through balanced π‐π intermolecular interactions between neighboring molecules, thus promoting the gelation. Notably, the DBF‐Ph fiber gel exhibits a yellow afterglow at room temperature (298 K) with a lifetime of 235.1 ms, which can be switched off at 358 K but restored after cooling to room temperature. Furthermore, the yellow afterglow (298 K) can turn to green at 208 K and blue at 77 K, due to the slight change of conformation and molecular packing as revealed by analysis of temperature‐dependent single crystal structures. This single‐component DBF‐Ph fiber gel, capable of achieving color‐tunable and “on‐off”‐switchable afterglow through a single temperature response, offers significant potential in developing soft ultralong RTP materials for multi‐level anti‐counterfeiting features.
A Liquid Crystal Polymer With Thermally‐Induced Deformation and Reversible Fluorescence Switching
Authors: Zhao Xin , Yang Ziyue , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Xiaojun , Pu Yu , Qin Lang , Wei Jia , Yu Yanlei
Published: January 2025

Stimuli‐responsive liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) hold significant promises as materials for designing multifunctional soft actuators. Recently, this group explored a novel strategy to develop a multi‐responsive LCP by combining ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with post‐polymerization modification (PPM). The current study aims to advance the approach to design an LCP capable of thermally‐induced deformation and fluorescence switching. ROMP is first employed to synthesize a reactive linear LCP precursor containing aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with excellent processability, enabling the preparation of arbitrary shapes through various processing techniques. Subsequently, PPM is responsible for anchoring the mesogen alignment of the as‐prepared film and fiber geometries. The obtained cross‐linked LCP films and fibers undergo contraction, bending, unfolding and rolling with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the disruption of mesogen at high temperature weakens the restriction of AIEgen motions, facilitating the switching of the fluorescence property of LCPs. This material design combines the diverse fabrication opportunities, advanced actuation capabilities, and the tunable emission properties of AIEgens, while also enabling the visualization of the actuator's state.
Synthesis and Structures of 9,9’‐Bianthryl‐Based Cyclic Dimer and Dinaphtho[c,g]Carbazole via Oxidative Coupling
Authors: Shimizu Atsuki , Toyota Shinji , Iwanaga Tetsuo
Published: January 2025

9,9′‐Bianthryl‐based cyclic dimer and dinaphtho[c,g]carbazole derivatives were synthesized from a di(2‐anthracenyl)amine derivative via Scholl reactions. The selectivity of annulation sites was regulated by the choice of oxidants. By optimizing reaction conditions with 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐p‐benzoquinone (DDQ) and MeSO3H, a cyclic dimer of 9,9′‐bianthryl units featuring a chiral structure was obtained. Enantiomers of the cyclic dimer were successfully resolved by chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the M,M‐isomer were analyzed using theoretical calculations based on the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) method. The calculations reasonably reproduced the observed CD bands and determined the absolute stereochemistry. Oxidation with FeCl3 gave a dinaphtho[c,g]carbazole derivative, where the 1‐positions of the anthracene units were fused intramolecularly. DFT calculations were further employed to predict the preferential bonding sites of the two 2‐anthryl units leading to the dinaphtho[c,g]carbazole derivative.
Traumatic internal carotid artery aneurysm distant from facial bone fractures treated with a flow diverter stent: A case report
Authors: Watanabe Tatsuya , Nakao Junzo , Boku Keishun , Hirata Koji , Totoki Yasukazu , Tasaki Kuniharu , Miura Takeshi , Hoshino Tetsuya , Matsumoto Yukei , Enomoto Yuki , Marushima Aiki , Matsumaru Yuji , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: January 2025

Background

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICAs) can be fatal if ruptured. We report a case of a TICA, distant from facial bone fractures, successfully treated with flow diverter (FD) before rupture.

Case Presentation

A 20‐year‐old woman was admitted following a car accident. Initial contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, a 5‐mm internal carotid artery aneurysm, LeFort type I + II, and mandibular fracture. On Day 8, she developed oculomotor palsy, and digital subtraction angiography revealed the aneurysm had increased to 12 mm. She started dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following facial fracture repair. On Day 17, FD was placed, resulting in contrast agent stagnation within the aneurysm. Three months postinjury, her neurological symptoms improved.

Conclusion

Screening for cerebrovascular injury is crucial several days following severe head trauma, even without skull base fractures. Unruptured TICA can be safely treated with FD following DAPT administration.
All‐in‐One Photoacid Generators with Green/Red‐light Responsiveness and Cooperative Functionality
Authors: Guo Huichao , Zhang Zhiwei , Chen Yuhao , Yang Haochen , Deng Long , Dai Jinghong , Cong Muyu , Wang Bangsen , Qu Da‐Hui , Zhu Wei‐Hong , Zhang Junji , Tian He
Published: January 2025

Photoacid generators (PAGs) are invaluable molecular tools that exhibited tremendous potential in emerging interdisciplinary researches of life‐science, nanotechnology and smart materials. However, current PAGs are primarily mono‐functional in terms of acid generation and rely on UV/deep‐blue light excitation, posing a fundamental hurdle to their broader adoption. Developing cooperatively functioned PAGs with long‐wavelength light responsiveness presents a formidable challenge due to the absence of suitable molecular scaffolds. Here, we introduce a newly‐developed perylene bisimides PAG motif (PBI‐PAG) that integrates desired multi‐functionality and visible‐light photo‐reactivity. Taking advantages of characteristic opto‐electronic properties of PBI scaffold, PBI‐PAGs are capable of quantitative releasing (>99 %) a palette of acids upon green/red light (560–605 nm) excitation. Concurrently, a photo‐generated counterpart is functioned as a photo‐sensitizer that could perform cooperatively with acid as an anti‐metastasis cancer therapy agent. These two processes constitute the first example of a cooperatively functioned PAG operated at substrate‐adaptive wavelengths.
Organic‐Free Synthesis of High‐Silica Zeolite Y with Aluminophosphate as the Aluminum Carrier
Authors: Zhao Qingdi , Ling Jiejie , Wang Jilong , Gao Yan , Liu Hailang , Zhang Zhenghan , Jiang Jingang , Nakayama Akira , Li Jian , Muraoka Koki , Wu Peng , Xu Le
Published: January 2025

The wide application of zeolite Y in petrochemical industry is well‐known as one of the milestones in zeolite chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis. However, the traditional organic‐free synthesis typically produces (hydro)thermally unstable zeolite Y with Si/Al atomic ratio (SAR) less than 2.5. Inspired by drug delivery process in which active components are kinetically controlled released, we develop a unique approach based on the pre‐synthesized aluminum carrier to prepare one of the most siliceous zeolite Y with SAR up to 3.44 without using organics. The crystalline or amorphous aluminophosphates serve as the ideal carrier for the controlled incorporation of Al into zeolite framework during zeolite Y crystallization. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the partial introduction of aluminophosphate as Al source would rationally regulate the crystallization kinetics, facilitating the formation of high‐silica zeolite Y with random Al distribution. This approach enhances the hydrothermal stability and catalytic performance of zeolite Y in benchmark reaction.
Boosting CO2 Hydrogenation by Synergistic Incorporation of Pure Silica Silicalite‐1 Zeolite and CeO2 into Cu Catalysts
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Ke , Zhao Meng , Zhang Rui , Cui Wenjie , Liu Li , Wang Xiao , Wang Jing , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: January 2025

Chemical conversion of CO2 is providing an opportunity to mitigate the global warming induced by the overconsumption of fossil fuel. Cu has been regarded as one of the most powerful contenders in catalyzing CO2 conversion, yet the precise manipulation of its surface state and the nearby chemical environment continues to pose a formidable challenge. In this work, we report a high‐efficiency catalyst by utilizing CeO2 and pure silicon zeolite (S1) to co‐activate Cu species. In CO2‐to‐methanol (CTM) conversion, the space‐time yield of methanol (STYMeOH) of the obtained CuCe/S1 catalysts reaches 87.23 g kgCu−1 h−1, which represents a fivefold increase compared to that of the Cu/CeO2 catalysts. The following mechanistic investigations reveal that S1 serves as a pivotal stabilizer for the small‐sized CeO2 particles, thereby significantly enhancing the synergistic interaction between Cu species and CeO2. The crafted interaface possesses abundant oxygen vacancies and a high content of Cu+, significantly enhancing the adsorption of CO2 and inhibiting the formation of CO. Our discovery presents a promising new direction for catalyst upgrading and performance enhancement for CTM processes in the foreseeable future.
FDA‐approved drugs featuring macrocycles or medium‐sized rings
Authors: Du Youlong , Semghouli Anas , Wang Qian , Mei Haibo , Kiss Loránd , Baecker Daniel , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Han Jianlin
Published: January 2025

Macrocycles or medium‐sized rings offer diverse functionality and stereochemical complexity in a well‐organized ring structure, allowing them to fulfill various biochemical functions, resulting in high affinity and selectivity for protein targets, while preserving sufficient bioavailability to reach intracellular compartments. These features have made macrocycles attractive candidates in organic synthesis and drug discovery. Since the 20th century, more than three‐score macrocyclic drugs, including radiopharmaceuticals, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating bacterial and viral infections, cancer, obesity, immunosuppression, inflammatory, and neurological disorders, managing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and more. This review presents 17 FDA‐approved macrocyclic drugs during the past 5 years, highlighting their importance and critical role in modern therapeutics, and the innovative synthetic approaches for the construction of these macrocycles.
Towards Scalable Production of Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Solvent‐Free Layered‐Oxide Cathodes and Aqueous‐Processed Hard Carbon Anodes for Cost‐Effective Full‐Cell Manufacturing
Authors: Kühn Johannes , Schmidt Florian , Seete Pascal , Boenke Tom , Hoffmann Florian S. , Dupuy Arthur , Schumm Benjamin , Abendroth Thomas , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: January 2025

Achieving commercial viability for more sustainable sodium‐ion batteries (SIB) necessitates reducing the environmental impact of production, particularly originating from electrode drying and the use of toxic solvents like N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP). This study presents the dry‐processing of commercial P2‐type Na0.75Ni0.25Fe0.25Mn0.50O2 (NFM) via the DRYtraec® process, aiming to lower the binder content of 1 wt.% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and eliminating the need for electrode drying and NMP recovery. Assessments of electrode morphology and active material crystallinity were conducted to gauge the effects of mechanical stress during processing. The resulting cathodes, loaded at a commercially relevant 2.3–2.7 mAh cm−2 loading, were successfully paired with aqueous‐processed hard carbon (HC) anodes, demonstrating stable performance in full‐cells. Comparative analysis with entirely wet‐processed electrodes revealed comparable capacity accessibility and comparable long‐term stability. This showed the competitiveness of dry‐processed cathodes. Finally, the integration of NMP‐free, dry‐processed cathodes and aqueous‐processed anodes was scaled to the commercially relevant prototype pouch‐cell. The cell demonstrates stable cycling for 400 cycles with an energy density of 102 Wh kg−1 as well as reduced processing costs and environmental footprint.
Supporting Procedural Fidelity of Behavioral Interventions for Children With Autism via an Artificial Intelligence Platform
Authors: Yagafarova Aliya , Dowling Emily , LaMonica Toni , Hantula Donald A. , Nosek John T. , Jimenez‐Gomez Corina
Published: January 2025

Access to behavior analytic services is limited and often unavailable for many in areas with a dearth of qualified providers. Tools to support behavior‐change agents located in the natural environment of consumers may be a way to provide behavioral interventions. An artificial intelligence (AI) platform that guides the implementation of behavioral interventions may be useful for supporting procedural fidelity. The current studies evaluated whether an AI platform was effective at increasing and maintaining high levels of procedural fidelity in individuals with little to no prior training. Participants were two behavior technicians in training (Exp. 1) and three caregivers (Exp. 2). Introducing guidance provided by the AI platform GAINS improved the procedural fidelity with which behavior technicians and caregivers implemented behavioral interventions with children with autism, except for one caregiver. These results suggest AI platforms may be useful tools for supporting high levels of procedural fidelity by novice users.
Osteochondral Tissue Engineering: Scaffold Materials, Fabrication Techniques and Applications
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Xu Jie , Zhu Jingjing , Fang Huan , Lei Wanyu , Qu Xinrui , Cheng Yuen Yee , Li Xiangqin , Guan Yanchun , Wang Hongfei , Song Kedong
Published: January 2025

Osteochondral damage, caused by trauma, tumors, or degenerative diseases, presents a major challenge due to the limited self‐repair capacity of the tissue. Traditional treatments often result in significant trauma and unpredictable outcomes. Recent advances in bone/cartilage tissue engineering, particularly in scaffold materials and fabrication technologies, offer promising solutions for osteochondral regeneration. This review highlights the selection and design of scaffolds using natural and synthetic materials such as collagen, chitosan (Cs), and polylactic acid (PLA), alongside inorganic components like bioactive glass and nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHAp). Key fabrication techniques—freeze‐drying, electrospinning, and 3D printing—have improved scaffold porosity and mechanical properties. Special focus is placed on the design of multiphasic scaffolds that mimic natural tissue structures, promoting cell adhesion and differentiation and supporting the regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone. In addition, the current obstacles and future directions for regenerating damaged osteochondral tissues will be discussed.
Sustainability Practices Impacts on Supplier Sustainability Risks and Sustainability Performance: An Empirical Study of Brazilian Companies
Authors: Romano André Luiz , Ferreira Luis Miguel D. F. , Caeiro Sandra Sofia F. S.
Published: January 2025

This study explores the influence of sustainability practices on supplier sustainability risks and sustainability performance in Brazilian companies, offering key insights into how behavioral and technical practices impact these crucial areas. Data were collected from 152 Brazilian companies across various sectors. The theoretical framework was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The research findings highlight that implementing behavioral sustainability practices has a positive effect on reducing supplier sustainability–related risks and improving overall sustainability performance in supply chains. These practices, focused on fostering sustainable behaviors within organizations and among suppliers, play a critical role in mitigating sustainability risks and enhancing long‐term performance. Unexpectedly, the study did not confirm the predicted relationship between technical sustainability practices and improvements in supplier sustainability–related risks and performance. This surprising result challenges traditional assumptions about the effectiveness of technical practices in improving supply chain sustainability performance. By uncovering the distinct impact of behavioral versus technical sustainability practices, the study provides valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners. It emphasizes the importance of promoting behavioral change to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes. The findings have practical implications for companies aiming to enhance their sustainability strategies and manage sustainability risks more effectively within their supply chains, making this research a significant contribution to sustainable management and supply chain theory.
Pre‐folding purification procedures for inclusion body‐derived non‐tagged cationic recombinant proteins with multiple disulfide bonds for efficient refolding
Authors: Kimura Shuichiro , Yamamoto Wataru , Miyamoto Ai , Imamura Koreyoshi , Futami Junichiro
Published: January 2025

The production of disulfide‐containing recombinant proteins often requires refolding of inclusion bodies before purification. A pre‐refolding purification step is crucial for effective refolding because impurities in the inclusion bodies interfere with refolding and subsequent purification. This study presents a new pre‐refolding procedure using a reversible S‐cationization technique for protein solubilization and purification by reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. This pre‐folding purification step improves refolding yield by effectively removing the refolding inhibitors from contaminates from bacterial inclusion bodies, and reducing proteolytically degraded products. Because this procedure does not require a peptide tag for affinity purification, it is a superior technique to subsequently perform a simplified downstream process wherein the affinity tag needs to be removed. This study reports improved refolding and purification procedure to obtain the highly cationic (pI = 9.25) mouse vascular endothelial cell growth factor (188 amino acids form) that is used as a model protein in our study; this protein shows a homodimeric conformation and possesses multiple disulfides.
Pyridine Derivatives and Furan Derivatives Identified From the Medicinal Mushroom Irpex lacteus SY1002
Authors: Yu Guihong , Shang Zhaomeng , Li Wanting , Peng Jixing , Mo Xuhua , Yang Song , Tan Lingling
Published: January 2025

Three new pyridine derivatives, irpelactedines A–C (1–3), and a new furan derivative, irpelactedine D (5), along with two structurally related known compounds, irpexidine A (4) and 5‐carboxy‐2‐furanpropanoic acid (6), were isolated from the medicinal fungus Irpex lacteus SY1002. Their structures were elucidated through nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral analyses, combined with density functional theory calculations of electronic circular dichroism data. Evaluation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity revealed that compounds 1 and 3 displayed moderate inhibition, with IC50 values of 31.49 ± 3.41 and 80.96 ± 6.93 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking suggested that compound 1 is bound to the active site of ACE, leading to a reduction in its activity. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity tests revealed the low toxicity of these compounds. This is the first report on the ACE inhibitory activity of this class of pyridine derivatives, providing valuable insights into exploring the medicinal potential of I. lacteus and offering a structural template for developing new ACE inhibitors. Future efforts will focus on optimizing their structure and conducting in vivo testing to assess their therapeutic potential.
An Alignment‐Agnostic Methodology for the Analysis of Designed Separations Data
Authors: Sorochan Armstrong Michael , Camacho José
Published: January 2025

Chemical separations data are typically analyzed in the time domain using methods that integrate the discrete elution bands. Integrating the same chemical components across several samples must account for retention time drift over the course of an entire experiment as the physical characteristics of the separation are altered through several cycles of use. Failure to consistently integrate the components within a matrix of samples and variables creates artifacts that have a profound effect on the analysis and interpretation of the data. This work presents an alternative where the raw separations data are analyzed in the frequency domain to account for the offset of the chromatographic peaks as a matrix of complex Fourier coefficients. We present a generalization of the factorization, permutation testing, and visualization steps in ANOVA‐simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) to handle complex matrices and use this method to analyze a synthetic dataset with known significant factors and compare the interpretation of a real dataset via its peak table and frequency domain representations.
Colorimetric Detection of Naphthalene Enabled by Intra‐ to Intermolecular Charge Transfer Interplay Induced by π‐hole⋅⋅⋅π Interactions of a TPA‐Attached Pyrazinacene
Authors: Nakada Kazushi , Richards Gary James , Hori Akiko
Published: January 2025

A new Donor‐Acceptor type pyrazinacene derivative (1) featuring strong ICT was synthesized by linking electron‐donating triphenylamine (TPA) and electron‐accepting CN groups via a pyrazinacene core. The compound exhibits a dramatic color change from greenish blue to red‐violet upon selective recognition of naphthalene (3) to form a 1:1 co‐crystal (1•3). This color change is induced by intermolecular CT between pyrazinacene and naphthalene's aromatic moieties, driven by π‐hole⋅⋅⋅π interactions. Crystal structure analysis and DFT calculations confirm that the molecular recognition process is facilitated by the unique π‐hole⋅⋅⋅π interactions, leading to a reversible color switching mechanism. The findings offer new insights into selective molecular recognition and ICT‐CT interplay in nonporous adaptive crystals.
On the Concepts, Methods, and Use of “Probability of Success” for Drug Development Decision‐Making: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cetinyurek Yavuz Aysun , Fayyad Muhammad Bergas Nur , Jiang Ce , Brion Bouvier Florie , Beji Celine , Zebachi Sonia , Hayek Ghinwa Y. , Amzal Billy , Porcher Raphael , Tanniou Julien , Roes Kit , Rodwell Laura
Published: January 2025

Drug development is a lengthy process with considerable uncertainty at each milestone. Several trials are needed to progress to confirmatory evaluation and establish a positive benefit–risk balance. One of the critical milestones is the decision to progress to phase III based on phase II trial results. Use of probability of success is becoming standard in pharmaceutical companies to support this decision. However, the lack of consistency in terminology makes it difficult to assess the comparative value of different approaches. By leveraging the availability of high‐quality external data (e.g., real‐world data, historical clinical trial data, etc.), probability of success‐based procedures may further improve decision‐making. We performed a scoping review of approaches to calculate the probability of success of a phase III trial depending on the available data sources and the availability of specific endpoints. Calculation of probability of success is relatively straightforward if data for the primary endpoint of the phase III trial are also available in phase II trials. Often, phase II trials are based on biomarker or surrogate outcomes, due to challenges associated with study duration and required sample size. Probability of success‐based procedures as reviewed can incorporate external data sources, for example, from clinical trials testing the same or similar drug or real‐world data on the targeted population—optimizing the calculation of probability of trial success and the projected drug candidate value. We conclude the paper by reflecting on alternative approaches and ideas for uses within pharmaceutical companies and academia.
Power Imbalance Analysis and Minimum Imbalance Power Based Power Balance Control for Nonagonal MMC in FFTS‐Based Offshore Wind Farm
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Xu Bicheng , Huang Wenhui , Wang Yaoqiang , Chen Genxu , Chen Yan
Published: January 2025

Nonagonal modular multilevel converter (MMC) can achieve three‐port direct AC‐AC conversion and has good low frequency performance. Additionally, due to its highly branch‐reused structure, it is advantageous in cost and size for the application in FFTS‐based offshore wind farm. However, the instantaneous power of the branches in nonagonal MMC has an inherent DC component which would result in power imbalance and system instability. The traditional way to suppress the imbalance power is to insert DC neutral point bias voltages and indirectly generating a DC component in circulating current. Together, they can offset the imbalance power. Nonetheless, this would significantly increase the voltage and current stress of converter switching devices and hence weakening its advantages in cost. To address this issue, the generating mechanism of power imbalance is analyzed by comparing nonagonal MMC with other power balanced converters. The formerly neglected phase angle difference of the same frequency ports is also considered and is proved to have a significant influence on the overall imbalance power. Accordingly, a parameter adjustment method is proposed to obtain minimum imbalance power for nonagonal MMC. The effectiveness of the parameter adjustment method is verified by RTlab results, and the overall imbalance power can be reduced by as great as 99.35%.
Peganum harmala Polysaccharide Mitigates LPS‐Induced Inflammatory Response in Macrophages by Activating Autophagy Pathway
Authors: Rejiepu Manzeremu , Shen Jun , Liang Junqing , Maitikabili Alaili , Yang Jian , Zhang Ling , Mi Na
Published: January 2025

Peganum harmala, a member of the Zygophyllaceae family, is known for its diverse biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory properties. The mechanisms through which P. harmala polysaccharide (LTP) induces autophagy, however, remain largely unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the role of LTP in autophagy induction and its efficacy in mitigating inflammation within macrophages. Autophagosome formation was evaluated using GFP‐LC3 vectors, and LC3‐II levels induced by LTP were analyzed through laser scanning confocal microscopy. Western blotting assessed the expression of autophagy‐related proteins and the phosphorylation state of p70S6K in NRK cells, treated both with and without LTP, alongside autophagy inducers and inhibitors. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were treated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS), followed by Western blotting and ELISA assays to quantify inflammatory markers. The study's outcomes demonstrate that LTP facilitates an increase in autophagic activity, as evidenced by the enhanced expression of LC3‐II and reduced levels of p62 in both NRK and RAW264.7 macrophages. This effect is mediated through the activation of the AMPK‐mTOR signaling pathway, without inhibiting the autophagosome–lysosome fusion process. In vitro experiments with RAW264.7 cells treated with 1 μg/mL LPS showed that LTP markedly decreased the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6. Our findings indicate that LTP effectively reduces inflammation in LPS‐stimulated macrophages by promoting autophagy via an mTOR‐dependent mechanism.
Spatial–Temporal Variation of Grain Magnesium, Calcium and Their Response to Phosphorus Nutrition in Sweet Corn
Authors: Su Da , Jin Zhiya , Ou Jie , Muneer Muhammad Atif , Jiang Yunfei , Ye Delian , Wu Liangquan , Yan Xiaojun
Published: January 2025

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) is gaining global popularity as a staple crop and a vegetable due to its high nutritional value. However, information on grain magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) status and their response to phosphorus (P) fertilization in sweet corn is still insufficient. In the current study, we combined the genotype evaluation and P gradient experiments to investigate how P supply influences the spatio‐temporal variation of grain mineral nutrition (Mg and Ca) and their bioavailabilities in sweet corn. Increasing P decreased grain Ca by 16.7%, from 0.18 to 0.15 g kg−1, but increased phytic acid phosphorus (PAP) concentration by 7.4%. Optimal P levels increased grain Mg concentration by 14.7%, from 1.36 to a peak of 1.56 g kg−1; however, excessive P reduced it by 3.8% to 1.50 g kg−1. Spatially, optimal P increased the grain Mg concentration across all cob positions and in the germ, with the largest variation observed at the upside position (Coefficient of variation (cv) = 11.88%). Conversely, high P decreased Mg concentration in middle‐cob grains and the germ. High P also reduced Ca in the upper/middle‐cob grain and in both germ and endosperm. P consistently increased grain PAP but reduced Mg and Ca bioavailability across all growth stages, all grain fractions, and the middle/bottom cob positions. Notably, PAP showed the largest variation at the late growth stage in bottom cob grains (CV = 8.75%). Mg and Ca bioavailabilities exhibited significant variations, primarily in upper grains during the early filling stage, with CVs reaching 14.5% and 43.23%, respectively. Temporally, early grain growth stage was more sensitive to P‐induced changes in Mg, Ca and their bioavailabilities, while later growth stage was more responsive to grain PAP alterations. These findings suggest that reducing P input can be advantageous for achieving high Mg and Ca biofortified sweet corn grain.
Association between body mass index, obesity, and vulvar cancer recurrence
Authors: Tzur Yossi , Magri Angela , Meyer Raanan , Brodeur Melica Nourmoussavi , Salvador Shannon , Lau Susie , Gotlieb Walter , Levin Gabriel
Published: January 2025

Objective

The objective of this paper is to study the association between obesity and tumor recurrence in patients with vulvar cancer.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including vulvar cancer patients from 2003 to 2022. Our primary outcome was progression‐free survival (PFS) stratified by status of obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) >30.0 kg/m2.

Results

Overall, 48 patients were included in the study, with 32 (66.7%) diagnosed at early stages (I–II). The median BMI was 28.0 kg/m2 [interquartile range 24.9–32.3 kg/m2]. There were 13 obese patients (27%), and the median follow‐up time was 55 months [interquartile range 14–102]. Most patients (80%) were HPV‐independent of human papilloma virus. Surgical intervention was the primary treatment modality for 88% (n = 42) of the cohort, and 26 patients (54%) received adjuvant chemoradiation. Disease recurrence was identified in 28 patients (58%). The median PFS was 68 months, and the median overall survival was 109 months. There was no difference in the median PFS between obese patients and non‐obese patients (P = 0.370). In a Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for patient age, margin‐free distance, and stage of disease, BMI was not associated with PFS hazard ratio 1.06 (0.99–1.12).

Conclusion

Obesity is not associated with PFS in patients with vulvar cancer, and BMI might not be considered a risk factor for recurrence.
MicroRNA‐microbiota interactions: Emerging strategies for modulating intestinal homeostasis and enhancing host health
Authors: He Tianle , Ma Jiaying , Liu Shuai , Ma Boyan , You Jingtao , Wang Jingjun , Li Mengmeng , Wang Wei , Wang Ya Jing , Li Shengli , Cao Zhijun
Published: January 2025

Long‐term artificial selection and environmental shifts have driven adaptive changes in both the host genome and the intestinal microbiota. The complex symbiotic relationship between these two has become essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and overall health. Concurrently, advancements in sequencing technology and the functional annotation of noncoding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), have facilitated the exploration of mechanisms regulating intestinal homeostasis. Herein, we systematically update the role of miRNA–microbiota interactions in regulating the intestinal barrier, intestinal immunity, changes in intestinal microbiota dynamics, and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, and we further critically discuss the role of miRNA–microbiota interactions in the maintenance of host intestinal health, metabolic regularity, brain function, and neurodegenerative disease‐related disorders. Finally, we highlight the prospects and therapeutic strategies regarding miRNA–microbiota interactions in humans and animals in the context of intestinal microbiota and gene function studies. This study provides a comprehensive overview of miRNA–microbiota interactions and their influence on intestinal homeostasis and host health and offers novel therapeutic strategies for future personalized prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases.
Clinical progress note: Diagnostic approach to dizziness and vertigo
Authors: Kotwal Susrutha , Gold Daniel , Edlow Jonathan A.
Published: January 2025

Dizziness is a common clinical presentation that incurs huge financial costs. It is frequently misdiagnosed due to a wide differential involving both benign (inner ear disease) and serious (stroke) disorders. Traditional frameworks that emphasize symptom quality (dizziness/lightheadedness/vertigo) lack diagnostic utility. This Clinical Progress Note reviews the literature on acute dizziness evaluation in adult patients and presents an evidence‐based framework for hospitalists to diagnose the majority of undifferentiated dizzy patients at the bedside. Future research should assess the validity of this approach with hospitalists' ability to accurately diagnose dizzy patients, and its impact on patient care and healthcare outcomes.
Combined use of cleft and truncated triangle signs helps improve the preoperative MRI diagnosis of lateral meniscus posterior root tears in patients with ACL injuries
Authors: Yoshihara Aritoshi , Mouton Caroline , Siboni Renaud , Nakamura Tomomasa , Sekiya Ichiro , Koga Hideyuki , Seil Romain , Nakagawa Yusuke
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether combining the analysis of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs enhances the diagnostic accuracy of lateral meniscus posterior root tears (LMPRTs) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. We hypothesised that analysing the cleft, ghost and truncated triangle signs and lateral meniscus extrusion (LME) measurement together would improve the preoperative MRI‐based diagnosis of LMPRTs.

Methods

This retrospective study used prospectively collected registry data from two academic centres, including patients undergoing primary or revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and LMPRT repair. The control group included age‐ and sex‐matched (1:1) patients undergoing ACLR without any lateral meniscus tears. LME (mm) and the presence of cleft, ghost and/or truncated triangle signs were evaluated using preoperative MRI.

Results

In total, 252 patients (126 per group) were included. Individually, the cleft and truncated triangle signs achieved the highest sensitivity (60% and 62%, respectively) and accuracy (>89%). The presence of either sign increased sensitivity to 79% and enabled the correct classification of 93% of ACL injuries as having or not having an LMPRT, with high specificity (95%) and good positive predictive value (74%). This combination was considered the most efficient in reducing false positives and false negatives. The LME (cutoff value: 2.2 mm) and ghost sign had lower sensitivities (50% and 14%, respectively) and accuracies (83% and 87%) and were not part of the optimal combination.

Conclusion

The cleft and/or truncated triangle signs on preoperative MRI reliably detected 79% of LMPRTs in this cohort, with high specificity (95%) and good positive predictive value (74%). This combination provides an effective method for achieving reasonable sensitivity while minimising false positives, aiding surgeons in preoperative diagnosis and planning for LMPRT repair.

Level of Evidence

Level III.