bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin‐Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells‐Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Alleviated Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction by Reversing Phenotypic Modulation
Authors: Chen Zehong , Zhai Jiancheng , Ma Jiahui , Chen Peng , Lin Weishun , Zhang Weipeng , Xiong Jiaming , Zhang Chaowei , Wei Hongbo
Published: January 2023

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an adverse side effect of pelvic surgery with no effective treatment. In this study, it is explored whether melatonin could improve the therapeutic effects of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), on cavernous nerve injury (CNI) ED, and the underlying mechanisms are investigated. The sEVs from melatonin‐pretreated MSCs (MT‐EVs) and MSCs (NC‐EVs) are isolated and applied to CNI ED. Transplantation of MT‐EVs remarkably increases erectile function and reduces phenotypic modulation in CNI ED rats. The therapeutic effects of MT‐EVs are superior to those of NC‐EVs. Sequencing implies that miR‐10a‐3p is enriched in MT‐EVs, and directly targets the protein kinase inhibitor α (PKIA). After the suppression of miR‐10a‐3p, the therapeutic actions of MT‐EVs are abolished, but are rescued by PKIA. Similarly, RhoA/ROCK is inhibited by MT‐EVs, but this action is reversed by suppressing miR‐10a‐3p, accompanied by corresponding changes in PKIA. In conclusion, transplantation of MT‐EVs could significantly alleviate CNI ED. MT‐EVs may relieve the phenotypic modulation of the corpora cavernosum smooth muscle cells via the miR‐10a‐3p/PKIA/RhoA/ROCK signaling axis. These nanovesicles should be potential therapeutic vectors or bioactive materials for CNI ED.
Bioengineered 3D Skeletal Muscle Model Reveals Complement 4b as a Cell‐Autonomous Mechanism of Impaired Regeneration with Aging
Authors: Wang Kai , Smith Stephen H. , Iijima Hirotaka , Hettinger Zachary R. , Mallepally Adarsh , Shroff Sanjeev G. , Ambrosio Fabrisia
Published: January 2023

A mechanistic understanding of cell‐autonomous skeletal muscle changes after injury can lead to novel interventions to improve functional recovery in an aged population. However, major knowledge gaps persist owing to limitations of traditional biological aging models. 2D cell culture represents an artificial environment, while aging mammalian models are contaminated by influences from non‐muscle cells and other organs. Here, a 3D muscle aging system is created to overcome the limitations of these traditional platforms. It is shown that old muscle constructs (OMC) manifest a sarcopenic phenotype, as evidenced by hypotrophic myotubes, reduced contractile function, and decreased regenerative capacity compared to young muscle constructs. OMC also phenocopy the regenerative responses of aged muscle to two interventions, pharmacological and biological. Interrogation of muscle cell‐specific mechanisms that contribute to impaired regeneration over time further reveals that an aging‐induced increase of complement component 4b (C4b) delays muscle progenitor cell amplification and impairs functional recovery. However, administration of complement factor I, a C4b inactivator, improves muscle regeneration in vitro and in vivo, indicating that C4b inhibition may be a novel approach to enhance aged muscle repair. Collectively, the model herein exhibits capabilities to study cell‐autonomous changes in skeletal muscle during aging, regeneration, and intervention.
Sequential Deposition of Multicomponent Bulk Heterojunctions Increases Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Xiaopeng , Jing Wenwen , Meng Huifeng , Guo Yuanyuan , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: January 2023

Constructing tandem and multi‐blend organic solar cells (OSCs) is an effective way to overcome the absorption limitations of conventional single‐junction devices. However, these methods inevitably require tedious multilayer deposition or complicated morphology‐optimization procedures. Herein, sequential deposition is utilized as an effective and simple method to fabricate multicomponent OSCs with a double‐bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure of the active layer to further improve photovoltaic performance. Two efficient donor‐acceptor pairs, D18‐Cl:BTP‐eC9 and PM6:L8‐BO, are sequentially deposited to form the D18‐Cl:BTP‐eC9/PM6:L8‐BO double‐BHJ active layer. In these double‐BHJ OSCs, light absorption is significantly improved, and optimal morphology is also retained without requiring a more complicated morphology optimization involved in quaternary blends. Compared to the quaternary blend devices, energy loss (Eloss) is also reduced by rationally matching each donor with an appropriate acceptor. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is improved from 18.25% for D18‐Cl:BTP‐eC9 and 18.69% for PM6:L8‐BO based binary blend OSCs to 19.61% for the double‐BHJ OSCs. In contrast, a D18‐Cl:PM6:L8‐BO:BTP‐eC9 quaternary blend of OSCs exhibited a dramatically reduced PCE of 15.83%. These results demonstrate that a double‐BHJ strategy, with a relatively simple processing procedure, can potentially enhance the device performance of OSCs and lead to more widespread use.
Phosphate‐Rich Interface for a Highly Stable and Safe 4.6 V LiCoO2 Cathode
Authors: Yang Chao , Liao Xiaobin , Zhou Xing , Sun Congli , Qu Rui , Han Jin , Zhao Yan , Wang Liguang , You Ya , Lu Jun
Published: January 2023

Increasing the upper cut‐off voltage of LiCoO2 (LCO) is one of the most efficient strategies to gain high‐energy density for current lithium‐ion batteries. However, surface instability is expected to be exaggerated with increasing voltage arising from the high reactivity between the delithiated LCO and electrolytes, leading to serious safety concerns. This work is aimed to construct a physically and chemically stable phosphate‐rich cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) on the LCO particles to mitigate this issue. This phosphate‐rich CEI is generated during the electrochemical activation by using fluoroethylene carbonate and 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyletherare as the solvents. Both solvents also demonstrate high thermal stability, reducing the intrinsic flammability of the commercial organic electrolyte, thereby eliminating the safety concern in the LCO‐based systems upon high‐voltage operation. This stable CEI layer on the particle surface can also enhance the surface structure by blocking direct contact between LCO and electrolyte, improving the cycling stability. Therefore, by using the proposed electrolyte, the LCO cathode exhibits a high‐capacity retention of 76.1% after 200 cycles at a high cut‐off voltage of 4.6 V. This work provides a novel insight into the rational design of high‐voltage and safe battery systems by adopting the flame‐retardant electrolyte.
Anisotropic Contraction in a Magnetically Hard but Mechanically Ultra‐Soft Foam for Precise Drug Delivery
Authors: Zong Zisheng , Zhang Shuo , Wu Zhigang
Published: January 2023

Hard magnetic soft materials (HMSMS) have been recently intensively explored in soft robots, owing to its native advantages such as untethered, rapid and reversible actuation, as well as large shape changes. However, in the existing studies, HMSMS is majorly applied by a magnetic field to produce bending, folding, and even twisting, that is, shape morphing, to realize multimodal locomotion. Meanwhile, such as contraction deformation, which may be employed in precise drug delivery, has been neglected in a long term. Here, an anisotropic contraction in a porous structure, hard magnetic foam (HMF), which is mechanically ultra‐soft (with a shear modulus of 4.5 kPa) but magnetically hard (with a residual magnetic flux density of 12 mT), is reported. The investigation of HMF structures indicates that anisotropic contraction is dominated by the magnetodeformational effect and the magnetic body‐force against support constraint. By adjusting the magnetic fields directions, the relationship between these two factors can be regulated to achieve a maximum contraction of 43% (synergy) or negligible deformation (antagonism). Finally, HMF is utilized to realize precision drug delivery since it has the advantages of no leakage during moving, precisely adjustable drug release rate (from 0.008 to 0.62 mL min−1), and no residues after leaving.
Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells for Synthesizing Sustainable Chemicals and Fuels
Authors: Liu Fan , Ding Dong , Duan Chuancheng
Published: January 2023

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) have been intensively studied as the technology that can be employed for power generation, energy storage, and sustainable chemical synthesis. Recently, there have been substantial advances in electrolyte and electrode materials for improving the performance of protonic ceramic fuel cells and protonic ceramic electrolyzers. However, the electrocatalytic materials development for synthesizing chemicals in PCECs has gained less attention, and there is a lack of systematic and fundamental understanding of the PCEC reactor design, reaction mechanisms, and electrode materials. This review comprehensively summarizes and critically evaluates the most up‐to‐date progress in employing PCECs to synthesize a wide range of chemicals, including ammonia, carbon monoxide, methane, light olefins, and aromatics. Factors that impact the conversion, selectivity, product yield, and energy efficiencies are discussed to provide new insights into designing electrochemical cells, developing electrode materials, and achieving economically viable chemical synthesis. The primary challenges associated with producing chemicals in PCECs are highlighted. Approaches to tackle these challenges are then offered, with a particular focus on deliberately designing electrode materials, aiming to achieve practically valuable product yield and energy efficiency. Finally, perspectives on the future development of PCECs for synthesizing sustainable chemicals are provided.
Rotary Structural Color Spindles from Droplet Confined Magnetic Self‐Assembly
Authors: Chen Hanxu , Miao Shuangshuang , Zhao Yuanjin , Luo Zhiqiang , Shang Luoran
Published: January 2023

Structural colors materials are profoundly explored owing to their fantastic optical properties and widespread applications. Development of structural color materials bearing flexible morphologies and versatile functionalities is highly anticipated. Here, a droplet‐confined, magnetic‐induced self‐assembly strategy for generating rotary structural color spindles (SCSPs) by fast solvent extraction is proposed. The as‐prepared SCSPs exhibit an orderly close‐packed lattice structure, thus appearing brilliant structural colors that serve as encoding tags for multiplexed bioassays. Besides, benefitting from the abundant specific surface area, biomarkers can be labeled on the SCSPs with high efficiency for specific detection of analytes in clinical samples. Moreover, the directional magnetic moment arrangement enables contactless magnetic manipulation of the SCSPs, and the resultant rotary motions of the SCSPs generates turbulence in the detection solution, thus significantly improving the detection efficiency and shortening the detection time. Based on these merits, a portable point‐of‐care‐testing strip integrating the rotary SCSPs is further constructed and the capability and advantages of this platform for multiplexed detection of tumor‐related exosomes in clinical samples are demonstrated. This study offers a new way for the control of bottom‐up self‐assembly and extends the configuration and application values of colloidal crystal structural colors materials.
Ultrasensitive and Wide‐Range Flexible Hydrogen Sensor Based on Pd Nanoparticles Decorated Ultrathin SnO2 Film
Authors: Ren Qiang , Zhang Xin‐Yue , Chen Ji‐An , Fang Jia‐Bin , Zi Tao‐Qing , Zhu Lin , Liu Chang , Han Min , Cao Yan‐Qiang , Li Ai‐Dong
Published: January 2023

Highly sensitive and reliable hydrogen detection is prerequisite for the large‐scale implementation of green energy hydrogen. It remains a tough challenge to get a highly selective H2 sensor to low concentration H2 gas with low working temperature. In this work, high performance flexible hydrogen sensor using ultrathin SnO2 film decorated by Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on polyimide (PI) was developed based on versatile atomic layer deposition (ALD) and cluster beam deposition (CBD). The influence of Pd NPs loading amount and operating temperature on the performance of hydrogen sensors was studied. The sensors obtain an extremely high response over 20000 to 30 ppm H2 at the relatively low operating temperature of 75–125 °C. The Pd NPs@SnO2/PI sensor achieves a wide detection range of 0.1‐5000 ppm with the limit of detection (LOD) of 100 ppb at 125 °C. A low LOD of 250 ppb can still be achieved at room temperature. The sensors also exhibit outstanding sensing selectivity for hydrogen over interfering gases and excellent mechanical resistance after 2000 bending cycles. The mechanism for improved sensing performance of ALD ultrathin film with CBD‐derived noble metal NPs decoration may be a feasible strategy for the construction of highly sensitive, selective, and flexible hydrogen sensors.
Multi‐Level Modifications Enabling Chemomechanically Stable Ni‐Rich O3‐Layered Cathode toward Wide‐Temperature‐Tolerance Quasi‐Solid‐State Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Liang Longwei , Su Maoshui , Wang Lixian , Zhang Yamin , Sun Jinfeng , Liu Yang , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: January 2023

The O3‐type Ni‐rich NaNixCoyMn1−x−yO2 (x ≥ 0.6) oxides are regarded as one of the most promising cathodes for high‐capacity Na‐ion batteries (NIBs), however, they still suffer from severe structural/morphological degradation induced by complicated phase transitions, as well as sluggish de‐/sodiation kinetics. For this, a multi‐level structural/compositional modification strategy, including “core–shell” design, bulk heteroatom doping, and surface coating, is purposefully explored to construct an advanced NaNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode (denoted as T‐CSN6@A). The Ni‐rich core guarantees the high capacity, and the Mn‐rich surface region coupled with bulk Ti doping and surface Al2O3 coating reinforces the structural stability. This well‐designed architecture not only effectively inhibits the bulk and sur‐/interface structural fractures caused by repeated lattice volume variations upon cycling, but also dramatically boosts the de‐/sodiated kinetics, thus resulting in high chemomechanical stability and improved electronic/ionic transport for efficient sodium storage. When utilized as a competitive cathode, the T‐CSN6@A‐based quasi‐solid‐state NIBs are endowed with remarkable wide‐temperature‐tolerance Na‐storage behaviors within practicable working temperatures from −20 to 50 °C, along with an attractive material‐level energy density of ≈255 Wh Kg−1 at 25 °C. The feasible modification here provides a new avenue for advanced O3‐type Ni‐rich cathodes toward large‐scale industrialization of next‐generation NIBs.
Optimizing Various Operational Conditions of Hydrazine Single Cell for a Short Stack System
Authors: Park Jihyeon , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: January 2023

Although hydrazine fuel cells (HzFCs) have various advantages such as a high theoretical potential, low operating temperature, and no carbon dioxide emission, only a couple of studies on HzFC stack have been reported due to the peculiarity of using an anion exchange membrane and the toxic issue of highly concentrated hydrazine fuel. Herein, how the power output performance in a single‐cell system is affected by various operational factors of cell temperature, humidification level, pressurization, fuel concentration, and stoichiometric value is investigated and then a home‐made short stack consisting of five single cells (HzFC‐5S) to evaluate the difference between the single cell and the stack is built up. Confirmation that the optimization point in the single‐cell does not apply to the short stack can be meaningful in accessing its possible commercialization process for portable and mobile devices.
Cardiovascular diseases display etiological and seasonal trend in human population: Evidence from seasonal cardiovascular comorbid diseases (SCCD) index
Authors: Patel Jai Chand , Gupta Apoorv , Kumar Prince , Waidha Kamran Manzoor , Deep Aakash , Kumar Ashish , Katare Deepshikha Pande , Sharma Arun K.
Published: January 2023

Seasonal changes in the human cardiovascular system are known to play an important role in the onset of many diseases. Confounding variables include behavioral and environmental factors; failing to address such variables makes measuring the true temporal impact of these diseases difficult. On the other hand, numerous clinical studies imply that only specific groups of people are more seasonal sensitive and that their maladaptation might contribute to various illnesses. As a result, it is critical to evaluate the etiological and seasonal sensitive patterns of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which impact the majority of the human population. The hypothesis for this study formulated that cardiovascular and associated illnesses had substantial connections with seasonal and etiological variations. Thus in the present study, 4519 systematic screen‐eligible studies were analyzed using data mining to uncover 852 disease association relationships between cardiovascular and associated disorders. A disease ontology‐based semantic similarity network (DSN) analysis was performed to narrow down the identified CVDs. Further, topological analysis was used to predict the seven CVDs, including myocardial infarction (MI), in three clusters. Following that, Mann–Kendall and Cox–Stuart analyses were used to investigate the seasonal sensitivity and temporal relationship of these seven CVDs. Finally, temporal relationships were confirmed using LOESS and TBATS, as well as seasonal breakdown utilizing autocorrelation and fast Fourier transform results. The study provides indirect evidence of a severe etiological association among the three cardiovascular diseases, including MI, atrial fibrillation, and atherosclerosis, which are winter season sensitive in most of the world population. Hypertension has two seasonal falls and peaks due to its seasonal nature, that is, summer and winter hypertension. While, heart failure was also identified, with minor temporal trends. Hence, all five diseases could be classified as seasonal cardiovascular comorbid diseases (SCCD). Furthermore, these diseases could be studied for potential common risk factors such as biochemical, genetic, and physiological factors.
Progress of Catalytic Mitsunobu Reaction in the Two Decades
Authors: Zhang Kui , Chen Yang , Song Liangliang , Cai Lingchao
Published: January 2023

An important goal of modern synthetic chemistry is the development of highly efficient and selective processes that minimize the formation of waste, which are desirable for economy and environmental requirements. The classic Mitsunobu reaction has been adopted widely for converting alcohols into numerous functional groups and undergoes an inversion of stereochemistry in SN2 reaction when secondary alcohols are employed. However, the reaction is far from ideal in terms of its environmental impact, requiring stoichiometric amounts of a phosphine (III) and an azodicarboxylate, and producing stoichiometric amounts of hydrazine and phosphine oxide wastes. The first attempt to access the catalytic Mitsunobu reaction dates back to 2006 by Toy's group and since then, several groups including Taniguchi, O'Brien, Aldrich, Denton and their co‐workers have opted for this promising alternative. Generally, the substantial progress has been made in the development of catalytic Mitsunobu reaction involving redox‐driven and redox‐neutral processes. The elegant redox‐driven catalytic system applies either external reductants or oxidants to recycle azo or phosphine reagents, while the preeminent redox‐neutral catalytic system is undergoing the activation step to proceed. This review summarizes the related developments in the recent two decades and presents the future research direction.
Evaluating barriers and strategies to sustainable supply chain risk management in the context of an emerging economy
Authors: Reshad Aquib Irteza , Biswas Tasnia , Agarwal Renu , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Azeem Abdullahil
Published: January 2023

With increasing awareness about society and the environment, industries are urged to develop and implement sustainable supply chain (SSC) processes. However, the risk of non‐compliance against these SSC processes to manage overall business risks, namely, avoiding reputational damage and managing financial losses, is increasingly receiving senior management attention. Given these shortcomings, the objective of this research is twofold, namely, (i) to identify and evaluate barriers adopting sustainable supply chain risk management (SSCRM) processes and (ii) to prioritize SSCRM strategies to overcome these barriers in an emerging economy, namely, Bangladesh. To achieve the objectives, this study develops a framework by integrating the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje (VIKOR). The results show that the “information‐related barriers” are most prevalent among the categories of barriers, and “lack of coordination and collaboration” has been identified as the most significant barrier. Evaluating the strategies, “top management commitment” is the best strategy. These findings can help managers develop strategies to overcome the most significant barriers to adopting SSCRM. The proposed framework, which integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches, can be used by decision‐makers to make accurate, prompt, and systematic decisions compliant with SSCRM business processes.
Anti‐Stoke effect induced enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Chu Xueze , Sathish C. I. , Li Mengyao , Yang Jae‐Hun , Li Wei , Qi Dong‐Chen , Chu Dewei , Vinu Ajayan , Yi Jiabao
Published: January 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen production via solar energy is considered one of the most strategic ways to produce renewable energy. However, expensive Pt is normally used as the cocatalyst during photocatalysis, which prevents commercialization. Therefore, extensive research has been performed to seek abundant and low‐cost alternative catalysts. In this work, MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) synthesized by a hydrothermal method are incorporated with graphitic carbon nitride to form a heterostructure for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. MoS2 QDs/g‐C3N4 heterostructure containing 5% and 10% MoS2 QDs exhibited a high hydrogen production of 140 and 152 µmol h−1g−1, respectively, demonstrating the potential of MoS2 as an effective economic cocatalyst. Detailed investigations indicate that incorporating MoS2 QDs with carbon nitride to form heterostructure reduces the bandgap, suppresses the recombination, and enhances electron kinetic energy resulting from the anti‐Stoke effect, thus leading to better performance for hydrogen evolution.
Citral Hydrogenation over Dilute Alloy Catalysts
Authors: Ball Madelyn R. , Proaño Laura , Nezam Iman , Lee Dong‐Chan , Alamgir Faisal , Jones Christopher W.
Published: January 2023

Dilute alloy CuPt and NiPt catalysts are studied in the hydrogenation of citral, a model α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde. In situ and ex situ characterization is used to demonstrate that the Pt species within these nanoparticles are well dispersed and approach a single atom alloy structure. The distribution of Pt varies between the two host metal systems; under a hydrogen environment, the nanoparticle surface and near‐surface region of the NiPt nanoparticles is Pt rich, while the Pt is more uniformly distributed throughout the CuPt nanoparticles. When used for citral hydrogenation reactions, a rate enhancement is observed upon the addition of Pt to the Cu or Ni host catalysts, however this enhancement is determined to be due to the presence of additional metal and not a synergistic effect of the two metals. The Pt structure does, nonetheless, influence the observed selectivity trends. NiPt/SiO2 catalysts have high selectivity to the unsaturated aldehyde citronellal while the CuPt/SiO2 catalysts have increased selectivity to unsaturated alcohol products. This increased selectivity is attributed to a combination of hydrogen dissociation over Pt sites and a decrease in size of Cu ensembles due to the presence of Pt, which favors binding and hydrogenation of C=O rather than C=C bonds.
Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Activity of Sulfur‐Functionalized TiO2‐Containing Composite Films
Authors: Ágoston Áron , Balassa Lilla , Deák Ágota , Samu Gergely Ferenc , Tallósy Szabolcs Péter , Gombár Gyöngyi , Janovák László
Published: January 2023

Facile sulfation of TiO2 semiconductor photocatalyst was achieved by a simple grinding and calcination method using elemental sulfur from desulfurization of petroleum. The successful sulfation of the prepared visible‐light‐active photocatalyst was also proved by infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. Photocatalytic tests revealed that the most efficient member of the series has higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2 in the photodegradation of formic acid under both UV and visible‐light activation. Moreover, the improved electrokinetic and water dispersibility behaviors of the sulfur‐modified photocatalyst allowed the preparation of polyacrylate‐based photoreactive thin films with increased photocatalytic activity, strong antimicrobial properties, and improved mechanical behavior.
In‐line Multidimensional NMR Monitoring of Photochemical Flow Reactions
Authors: Bazzoni Margherita , Lhoste Célia , Bonnet Justine , Konan Kouakou Eric , Bernard Aurélie , Giraudeau Patrick , Felpin François‐Xavier , Dumez Jean‐Nicolas
Published: January 2023

This work demonstrates the in‐line monitoring of a flow photochemical reaction using 1D and ultrafast 2D NMR methods at high magnetic field. The reaction mixture exiting the flow reactor is flown through the NMR spectrometer and directly analyzed. In the case of simple substrates, suitable information can be obtained through 1D 1H spectra, but for molecules of higher complexity the use of 2D experiments is key to address signal overlaps and assignment issues. Here we show the usefulness of ultrafast 2D COSY experiments acquired in 70 s or less, for the in‐line monitoring of photochemical reactions, and the possibility to obtain reliable quantitative information. This is a powerful framework to, for example, efficiently screen reaction conditions.
Breathing Behaviour Modification of Gallium MIL‐53 Metal–Organic Frameworks Induced by the Bridging Framework Inorganic Anion
Authors: Lutton‐Gething A. R. Bonity J. , Nangkam Lynda T. , Johansson Jens O. W. , Pallikara Ioanna , Skelton Jonathan M. , Whitehead George F. S. , Vitorica‐Yrezabal Inigo , Attfield Martin P.
Published: January 2023

Controlling aspects of the μ2‐X− bridging anion in the metal–organic framework Ga‐MIL‐53 [GaX(bdc)] (X−=(OH)− or F−, bdc=1, 4‐benzenedicarboxylate) is shown to direct the temperature at which thermally induced breathing transitions of this framework occur. In situ single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that substituting 20 % of (OH)− in [Ga(OH)(bdc)] (1) for F− to produce [Ga(OH)0.8F0.2(bdc)] (2) stabilises the large pore (lp) form relative to the narrow pore (np) form, causing a well‐defined decrease in the onset of the lp to np transition at higher temperatures, and the adsorption/desorption of nitrogen at lower temperatures through np to lp to intermediate (int) pore transitions. These in situ diffraction studies have also yielded a more plausible crystal structure of the int‐[GaX(bdc)] ⋅ H2O phases and shown that increasing the heating rate to a flash heating regime can enable the int‐[GaX(bdc)] ⋅ H2O to lp‐[GaX(bdc)] transition to occur at a lower temperature than np‐[GaX(bdc)] via an unreported pathway.
Substrate‐Controlled Product Divergence in Iron(III)‐Catalyzed Reactions of Propargylic Alcohols: Easy Access to Spiro‐indenyl 1,4‐Benzoxazines and 2‐(2,2‐Diarylvinyl)quinoxalines
Authors: De Sukanya , Chowdhury Chinmay
Published: January 2023

We report herein unprecedented cascade reactions of O‐propargyl‐N‐tosyl‐amino phenols with 10 mol% FeCl3 in DCE at room temperature for 0.67–3 h to form spiro‐indenyl 1,4‐benzoxazines with 38–89 % yield. Replacing the substrates’ oxygen atom by a N‐tosylimine group followed by treatment with the same catalyst and solvent at 80 °C produced 2‐(2,2‐diarylvinyl)quinoxalines in 12–20 h with up to 62 % yield. Mechanistic understanding provided an insight into the transformations. The use of simple substrates and an environmentally benign low‐cost catalyst, broad substrate scope and tolerance of diverse functional groups makes the methodology inherently attractive.
First person profile: Cora N. Sternberg, MD
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: January 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, Cora N. Sternberg, MD, has led groundbreaking research in understanding cancer's genetic makeup and shared her knowledge with fellow physicians to help give patients with cancer hope of better outcomes. In addition, a new study shows that young adult Black patients with acute myeloid leukemia have significantly lower survival rates than White patients despite similar intensive treatment, and MatchMiner software is helping match patients with cancer to precision trials through genomic eligibility.
Benign peripheral nerve tumors: Analysis of 89 FNA cases emphasizing diagnostic accuracy and their morphologic spectrum
Authors: Wakely Paul E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Benign peripheral nerve tumors (BPNTs) are a heterogenous group of soft tissue tumors that include a variety of nerve sheath tumors, granular cell tumor (GCT), and ganglioneuroma. Only a few large studies exist on cytopathology and diagnostic accuracy using fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for this set of neoplasms.

Materials and methods

Both surgical and cytopathology files were searched for cases of BPNT. FNA biopsy was performed using standard techniques.

Results

Eighty‐nine cases from 88 patients (male:female = 1:1; age range: 16–85 years, mean age, 51 years) met inclusion criteria. FNA sites included extremities (58, 65%), head/neck (14, 16%), deep (9, 10%), and trunk (8, 10%). Aspirates were from primary neoplasms in all but one instance. There were 65 schwannomas, seven neurofibromas, seven perineuriomas, seven GCTs, and three ganglioneuromas/neuromas. Aspirates of schwannoma, GCT, neurofibroma (NF), and perineurioma (PN) were correctly diagnosed in 86%, 100%, 29%, and 0% of cases, respectively. Five tumors (6%) were interpreted as either a specific sarcoma or suspicious for sarcoma. Remaining aspirates were classified as spindle cell neoplasm, salivary gland neoplasm, and nondiagnostic. Cytologic features for schwannoma, NF, PN, and ganglioneuroma showed spindle cell–dominant smears arranged mainly in syncytial clusters. GCT aspirates contained a population of epithelioid cells harboring coarsely granular cytoplasm and bare nuclei. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in 55 (62%) cases showed S‐100 expression in 95%.

Conclusion

FNA biopsy coupled with IHC is reliable in correctly classifying schwannoma and GCT, but less so for NF. Perineurioma can be mistaken for sarcoma.
Multilayer Graphene Oxide‐Silver Nanoparticles for Stable, Highly Sensitive, and Reusable SERS Platforms
Authors: Thuy An Nguyen , Kieu Thi Ta Hanh , Van Hoang Dung , Phung Viet‐Duc , Hoa Thi Tran Nhu , Thang Phan Bach
Published: January 2023

Integrating noble metal nanoparticles and graphene materials to enhance the Raman signal is of great significance in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering which enhancement silver nanoparticles (Ag) which are reported one of the strongest plasmonic properties materials that are easily synthesized. Graphene and its derivatives such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are capable of increasing the charge transfer between the adsorbent and the substrates leading to a chemical mechanism. The combination of the rGO/Ag nanohybrids shows great potential as substrates which is the association of the electromagnetic and chemical mechanism for more enhancement of the Raman signal. We report a rapid, easy, and low‐cost method to fabricate rGO/Ag substrate for SERS using methylene blue as a probe molecule. The density of Ag This material exhibits superior sensitivity for detecting methylene blue down to a concentration of 10−9 M and enhancement factor SERS calculated reaches 108 demonstrations of the excellent Raman signal enhancement of rGO/Ag substrate. The relative standard deviation value calculated is 4.91% showing extremely good homogeneity and reproducibility, indicating the potential application in quantitative determination. The obtained results contribute to the development and optimization of substrates for application in the detection of trace amounts of organic substances in food and environmental applications.
“Liquid‐To‐Solid” Conversion of Biomass Wastes Enhanced by Uniform Nitrogen Doping for the Preparation of High‐Value‐Added Carbon Materials for Energy Storage with Superior Characteristics
Authors: Chernysheva Daria V. , Sidash Ekaterina A. , Konstantinov Maksim S. , Klushin Victor A. , Tokarev Denis V. , Andreeva Veronica E. , Kolesnikov Evgeny A. , Kaichev Vasily V. , Smirnova Nina V. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: January 2023

Sustainable human development urgently calls for decreasing the cost of energy storage. Continuous massive consumption of dedicated carbon electrode materials with complex internal molecular architectures requires rethinking both the source of materials and the process of their production. Finding an efficient sustainable solution is focused on the reuse and development of waste processing into corresponding high‐value‐added carbon materials. The processing of solid wastes into solid value‐added carbon materials (“solid‐to‐solid”) is relatively well developed but can be a two‐stage process involving carbon architecture rearrangement and heteroatom doping. Processing liquid wastes into high‐value‐added solid material (“liquid‐to‐solid”) is typically much more challenging with the need for different production equipment. In the present study, a new approach is developed to bypass the difficulty in the “liquid‐to‐solid” conversion and simultaneously built in the ability for heteroatom doping within one production stage. Polycondensation of liquid humins waste with melamine (as a nitrogen‐containing cross‐linking component) results in solidification with preferential C and N atomic arrangements. For subsequent thermochemical conversion of the obtained solidified wastes, complicated equipment is no longer required, and under simple process conditions, carbon materials for energy storage with superior characteristics were obtained. A complete sequence is reported in the present study, including liquid waste processing, nitrogen incorporation, carbon material production, structural study of the obtained materials, detailed electrochemical evaluation and real supercapacitor device manufacture and testing.
LncRNA BC promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by modulating IMPAD1 alternative splicing
Authors: Chen Qi Wen , Cai Qian Qian , Yang Ying , Dong Shu , Liu Yuan Yuan , Chen Zhong Yi , Kang Chun Lan , Qi Bing , Dong Yi Wei , Wu Wei , Zhuang Li Ping , Shen Ye Hua , Meng Zhi Qiang , Wu Xing Zhong
Published: January 2023

Background

The therapeutic value of targeted therapies in patients with lung cancer is reduced when tumours acquire secondary resistance after an initial period of successful treatment. However, the molecular events behind the resistance to targeted therapies in lung cancer remain largely unknown.

Aims

To discover the important role and mechanism of lncRNA BC in promoting tumor metastasis and influencing clinical prognosis of LUAD. Materials & Methods: Microarrays were used to screen a comprehensive set of lncRNAs with differential expression profiles in lung cancer cells. The functional role and mechanism of lncRNA were further investigated by gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays. RNA pull‐down, protein assays, and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that interacted with lncRNA. TaqMan PCR was used to measure lncRNA in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent nontumor tissues from 428 patients. The clinical significance of lncRNA identified was statistically confirmed in this cohort of patients.

Results

In this study, we show that the long non‐coding RNA BC009639 (BC) is involved in acquired resistance to EGFR‐targeted therapies. Among the 235 long non‐coding RNAs that were differentially expressed in lung cancer cell lines, with different metastatic potentials, BC promoted growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs), both in vitro and in vivo. BC was highly expressed in 428 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and high BC expression correlated with reduced efficacy of EGFR‐TKI therapy. To uncover the molecular mechanism of BC‐mediated EGFR‐TKI resistance in lung cancer, we screened and identified nucleolin and hnRNPK that interact with BC. BC formed the splicing complex with nucleolin and hnRNPK to facilitate the production of a non‐protein‐coding inositol monophosphatase domain containing 1 (IMPAD1) splice variant, instead of the protein‐coding variant. The BC‐mediated alternative splicing (AS) of IMPAD1 resulted in the induction of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and resistance to EGFR‐TKI in lung cancer. High BC expression correlated with clinical progress and poor survival among 402 patients with LUAD.

Disscussion

Through alternative splicing, BC boosted the non‐coding IMPAD1‐203 transcript variant while suppressing the IMPAD1‐201 variant. In order to control the processing of pre‐mRNA, BC not only attracted RNA binding proteins (NCL, IGF2BP1) or splicing factors (hnRNPK), but also controlled the formation of the splicing‐regulator complex by creating RNA‐RNA‐duplexes.

Conclusion

Our results reveal an important role for BC in mediating resistance to EGFR‐targeted therapy in LUAD through IMPAD1 AS and in implication for the targeted therapy resistance.
Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase: Role in human health, disease and potential therapeutic target
Authors: Muehlebach Molly E. , Holstein Sarah A.
Published: January 2023

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS), an enzyme in the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, is responsible for the production of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). GGPP serves as a substrate for the post‐translational modification (geranylgeranylation) of proteins, including those belonging to the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. These proteins play key roles in signalling pathways, cytoskeletal regulation and intracellular transport, and in the absence of the prenylation modification, cannot properly localise and function. Aberrant expression of GGDPS has been implicated in various human pathologies, including liver disease, type 2 diabetes, pulmonary disease and malignancy. Thus, this enzyme is of particular interest from a therapeutic perspective. Here, we review the physiological function of GGDPS as well as its role in pathophysiological processes. We discuss the current GGDPS inhibitors under development and the therapeutic implications of targeting this enzyme.
The detoxification of ochratoxin A in wine and grape juice by different enzymes and evaluation of their effects on the quality
Authors: Wang Saiqun , Cai Rui , Liu Xiaoshuang , Qi Lige , Wang Leran , Yue Tianli , Yuan Yahong , Wang Zhouli
Published: January 2023

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. It is hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. The growing contamination of OTA in wine and grape juice is a great threat to human. In this study, different enzymes were screened for the detoxification of OTA in wine and grape juice. The results indicated that seven enzymes had OTA degradation capacity in the buffer, and the degradation rate of carboxypeptidase A (CPA), lipase, pancreatin and thermolysin were 100%, 100%, 75.72%, and 73.45%, respectively. In grape beverages, pancreatin and CPA showed the most promising result with OTA degradation of 53.24% and 61.56% at 37°C. The LC‐MS/MS analysis further indicated that OTA produced nontoxic OTα and phenylalanine under treatment with three enzymes (carboxypeptidase A, lipase, and pancreatin). Furthermore, pancreatin and CPA had a clarifying effect on wine and grape juice, but had a slight effect on the organic acids and flavor components of them. It suggested that pancreatin and CPA could be used for OTA degradation in grape beverages.
Reliability analysis of computed tomography equipment using the q‐Weibull distribution
Authors: Fan Litian , Hu Zhi , Ling Qingqing , Li Hanwei , Qi Hongliang , Chen Hongwen
Published: January 2023

Inspired by the successful application of the q‐Weibull distribution in other research fields, we took the lead to use it in the field of medical devices in this work. The parameter estimation of the q‐Weibull distribution was performed using the probability plot method. The CT failure data from Nanfang Hospital in Guangzhou, China, were used to study the reliability of CT equipment at two levels: the CT system and its seven main components. In terms of evaluation accuracy, the mean squared error, Akaike's information criterion, and the determination coefficient were used to compare the accuracy of fitting of different distribution models. The results show that the accuracy of fitting the q‐Weibull distribution is higher than that of the Weibull distribution in terms of determination coefficient and mean squared error. When considering the complexity of the model, the fit accuracy of the Weibull distribution is better. The results were analyzed using reliability and failure rate plots. The q‐Weibull distribution gives a good fit for the failure data of the CT system and components. Though the Weibull distribution fits better in a few cases, the q‐Weibull distribution can describe the entire “bathtub curve” with only a set of parameters. The findings of this study can be extended to other medical devices.
Safety and efficacy of rapid withdrawal of antiseizure medications during long‐term video‐electroencephalogram monitoring in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Shuang , Wang Wen , Yu Guojing , Wan Lin , Fan Yuying , Wang Hongjie , Liu Tong , Ji Taoyun , Liu Qingzhu , Cai Lixin , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: January 2023

Objective

Performing long‐term video‐electroencephalographic monitoring (LTVEM) to obtain the ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) is important for presurgical evaluation. This study aimed at investigating the safety and efficacy of our protocol developed at Peking University First Hospital (PUFH) for rapid withdrawal of antiseizure medications (ASMs) during LTVEM to induce seizures in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) exhibiting nondaily seizures.

Methods

Children with DRE who followed the PUFH protocol for rapid withdrawal of ASMs during LTVEM between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. The occurrence of seizures, number of ASMs withdrawn, seizure onset time after ASM tapering initiation, changes in interictal epileptiform discharge (IED), and adverse events were evaluated during LTVEM.

Results

Among 80 children evaluated in this study, seizures were induced successfully in 72 (90%) children. Furthermore, no change in IED sites was observed in these 72 children following the initiation of ASM tapering while 2 children exhibited secondary bilateral tonic‐clonic seizures. The median time from ASM tapering initiation to the onset of the first seizure was found to be 3 days (2–4), while the median number of ASMs withdrawn was 2 (1–2). Finally, 66 children (91.7%) had habitual seizures while 6 children had nonhabitual seizure semiology.

Significance

The PUFH protocol can be used for the rapid withdrawal of ASMs during LTVEM in children with DRE. Using this protocol, ictal EEG patterns can be obtained in a relatively short time for most patients with fewer adverse effects during LTVEM, which may provide meaningful electro‐clinical information for presurgical evaluation.
Quality and stability evaluation of Guizhou spicy chicken treated with gamma irradiation during the storage period
Authors: Li Guolin , Lin Ping , Li Yongfu , He Yangbo , Liu Zhihui
Published: January 2023

Irradiation has become a mature processing approach for the quality control of many agricultural products. The effects of gamma irradiation at four different doses (2, 4, 6, and 8 kGy) on microbial quality, Hunter's parameter, lipid oxidation, hydrolyzed amino acids (HAAs), and flavor in spicy chicken were investigated. After treatment, all samples were stored at 4°C. The microbiological results showed that the total viable bacteria (TVB) and total coliform count (TCC) were significantly decreased dose dependently. Values of Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE* of the irradiated specimens were lower compared with the control samples, whereas the ΔL* of the irradiated specimens was higher compared with the controls. The peroxide value (POV) was increased by dose augmentation. Contents of HAAs were gradually decreased in both irradiated and control groups. The odor was affected by both doses of irradiation and storage time. Hence, we conclude that irradiation at a dose of 4.0 kGy barely affected physicochemical properties during storage and extended the shelf life of spicy chicken. This approach could be an alternative to control the quality of spicy chicken during storage.
Healthcare personnel self‐assessed competence and knowledge following implementation of a new guideline on maternal resuscitation in Norway. A repeated measure study
Authors: Hardeland Camilla , Svendsen Edel J. , Heitmann Grethe B. , Leonardsen Ann‐Chatrin L.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a rare, yet extremely challenging condition to manage for all healthcare personnel involved. Knowledge deficits and poor resuscitation skills can affect outcomes in cardiac arrest in pregnancy, but research exploring healthcare personnel competence and knowledge about maternal resuscitation is limited.

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore (1) healthcare personnel self‐assessed competence and knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in pregnancy as well as perimortem caesarean section, before and after implementation of a new guideline, (2) whether there were any interprofessional differences in knowledge about maternal resuscitation, and (3) potential differences between different implementation strategies.

Research Methodology

The study had a prospective repeated measure implementation design, utilizing a questionnaire before and after implementation of a new guideline on maternal resuscitation after cardiac arrest.

Setting

All healthcare personnel potentially involved in CPR in six hospital wards, were invited to participate (n = 527). The guideline was implemented through either simulation, table‐top discussions and/or an electronical learning course.

Results

In total, 251 (48%) participants responded to the pre‐questionnaire, and 182 (35%) to the postquestionnaire. The need for education and training/simulation concerning maternal resuscitation were significantly lowered after implementation of the guideline, yet still the majority of respondents reported a high to medium need for education and training/simulation. Participants' self‐assessed overall competence in maternal resuscitation increased significantly postimplementation. Regardless of professional background, knowledge about CPR and perimortem caesarean section increased significantly in most items in the questionnaire after implementation. Differences in level of knowledge based on implementation strategy was identified, but varied between items, and was therefore inconclusive.

Conclusion

This study adds knowledge about healthcare personnel self‐assessed competence and knowledge about maternal resuscitation and perimortem caesarean section in pregnancy. Our findings indicate that there is still a need for more education and training in this rare incident.