bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environment‐Tolerant Conductive Eutectogels for Multifunctional Sensing
Authors: Guo Bingyan , Yao Mengmeng , Chen Shuang , Yu Qingyu , Liang Lei , Yu Chaojie , Liu Min , Hao Huizhong , Zhang Hong , Yao Fanglian , Li Junjie
Published: February 2024

Conductive hydrogels have shown significant potential in the realm of flexible electronics; however, using water as a solvent introduces problems such as low‐temperature freezing and water loss. One possible solution to address these limitations is replacing water with deep eutectic solvents (DES). In this study, the PHEAA–gelatin–MXene (PGM) eutectogels are constructed with poly(N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (PHEAA) and gelatin as the main components, and MXene nanosheets are added as nanofillers. The PGM eutectogels exhibit exceptional tensile and compressive mechanical properties, including remarkable stretchability (940%), high strength (0.5 MPa), high toughness (1.39 MJ m−3), and impressive compressive strength (0.3 MPa at 80% strain). Additionally, the PGM eutectogels demonstrate excellent adhesion, anti‐freezing, and long‐term anti‐drying abilities. Moreover, the PGM eutectogels multifunctional sensors allow high sensitivity, which enables accurate real‐time and stable monitoring of human activities over a wide temperature range. Consequently, the PGM eutectogels hold great potential as candidates in fields such as flexible wearable devices, personal healthcare, and human–machine interfaces.
Vertical and Horizontal Double Gradient Design for Super‐Slippery and High‐Bearing Hydrogel Skeleton
Authors: Zhang Zhizhi , Ma Yanfei , Yu Bo , Ma Shuanhong , Yang Hao , Liu Lunkun , Yu Jianqing , Pei Xiaowei , Cai Meirong , Zhou Feng
Published: February 2024

Hydrogels with excellent hydrophilicity, high water content, outstanding biocompatibility, and lubrication properties are among the promising articular cartilage replacement materials. Despite extensive research focus on lubrication of hydrogels, realization of bioinspired materials with high load‐bearing, low‐friction, extraordinary lubrication, and anti‐wear properties is challenging. Herein, robust lubrication can be realized by structuring vertical and horizontal dual gradient surfaces, with structural design in vertical direction gradually transitioning from an anisotropic tubular to a compact body to provide load‐bearing, and a surface rigid porous polymer skeleton and a filled loose lubricating polymer structural design to provide lubrication in horizontal direction. What is more, gradient transition region in vertical direction greatly weakens gradient layer interface stress to increase load‐bearing, and gradient surface in horizontal direction is constructed by interconnected surface rigid polymer skeleton containing “pockets” that house highly hydrated and mechanically fragile soft lubrication polymer to prevent removal of lubrications under high load and wear. The designed hydrogel has an extremely low coefficient of friction (COF) with hard steel (COF ≈0.0036, 50 N, 35,000 cycles) and achieves a balance between lubrication and load bearing. The work opens up an avenue for rational design of high load‐bearing and ultralow friction soft material surfaces.
Self‐Timed and Spatially Targeted Delivery of Chemical Cargo by Motile Liquid Crystal
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Yu , Roh Sangchul , Hormozi Sarah , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Abbott Nicholas L.
Published: February 2024

A key challenge underlying the design of miniature machines is encoding materials with time‐ and space‐specific functional behaviors that require little human intervention. Dissipative processes that drive materials beyond equilibrium and evolve continuously with time and location represent one promising strategy to achieve such complex functions. This work reports how internal nonequilibrium states of liquid crystal (LC) emulsion droplets undergoing chemotaxis can be used to time the delivery of a chemical agent to a targeted location. During ballistic motion, hydrodynamic shear forces dominate LC elastic interactions, dispersing microdroplet inclusions (microcargo) within double emulsion droplets. Scale‐dependent colloidal forces then hinder the escape of dispersed microcargo from the propelling droplet. Upon arrival at the targeted location, a circulatory flow of diminished strength allows the microcargo to cluster within the LC elastic environment such that hydrodynamic forces grow to exceed colloidal forces and thus trigger the escape of the microcargo. This work illustrates the utility of the approach by using microcargo that initiate polymerization upon release through the outer interface of the carrier droplet. These findings provide a platform that utilizes nonequilibrium strategies to design autonomous spatial and temporal functions into active materials.
Gradiently Foaming Ultrasoft Hydrogel with Stop Holes for Highly Deformable, Crack‐Resistant and Sensitive Conformal Human‐Machine Interfaces
Authors: Hui Zengyu , Zhang Zhao , Wang Yurong , Zhang Runrun , Liu Xin , Jiang Mingjie , Ju Feng , Hou Wenteng , Xia Zhongming , Wang Deya , Wang Pengfei , Pei Yangyang , Yan Ren , Zhang Yan , Chen Qiang , Huang Wei , Sun Gengzhi
Published: February 2024

Hydrogels are considered as promising materials for human‐machine interfaces (HMIs) owing to their merits of tailorable mechanical and electrical properties; nevertheless, it remains challenging to simultaneously achieve ultrasoftness, good mechanical robustness and high sensitivity, which are the pre‐requisite requirements for wearable sensing applications. Herein, for the first time, this work proposes a universal phase‐transition‐induced bubbling strategy to fabricate ultrasoft gradient foam‐shaped hydrogels (FSHs) with stop holes for high deformability, crack‐resistance and sensitive conformal HMIs. As a typical system, the FSH based on polyacrylamide/sodium alginate system shows an ultralow Young's modulus (1.68 kPa), increased sustainable strain (1411%), enhanced fracture toughness (915.6 J m−2), improved tensile sensitivity (21.77), and compressive sensitivity (65.23 kPa−1). The FSHs are used for precisely acquiring and identifying gesture commands of the operator to remotely control a surgical robot for endoscopy and an electric ship in a first‐person perspective for cruising, feeding crabs and monitoring the environmental change in real‐time.
Investigation of 3D Printed Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Crimping Behavior
Authors: Collins Caralyn P. , Leng Junqing , Fu Rao , Ding Yonghui , Ameer Guillermo , Sun Cheng
Published: February 2024

The rise in additive manufacturing (AM) offers myriad opportunities for 3D printed polymeric vascular scaffolds, such as customization and on‐the‐spot manufacturing, in vivo biodegradation, incorporation of drugs to prevent restenosis, and visibility under X‐ray. To maximize these benefits, informed scaffold design is critical. Polymeric bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) must undergo significant deformation prior to implantation in a diameter‐reduction process known as crimping that enables minimally invasive surgery. Understanding the behavior of vascular scaffolds in this step provides twofold benefits: first, it ensures the BVS is able to accommodate stresses occurring during this process to prevent failure, and further, it provides information on the radial strength of the BVS, a key metric to understanding its post‐implant performance in the artery. To capitalize on the fast manufacturing speed AM provides, a low time cost solution for understanding scaffold performance during this step is necessary. Through simulation of the BVS crimping process in ABAQUS using experimentally obtained bulk material properties, a qualitative analysis tool is developed that is capable of accurately comparing relative performance trends of varying BVS designs during crimping in a fraction of the time of experimental testing, thereby assisting in the integration of informed design into the additive manufacturing process.
Synthesis of Spiroindolenines by Iodine‐Mediated Dearomative Aza‐Spirocyclization of Indoles
Authors: Zhao Zongxiang , Qiu Huilin , Chang Junbiao , Yu Wenquan
Published: February 2024

A transition‐metal‐free dearomative aza‐spirocyclization reaction of 2,3‐disubstituted indoles is established by using molecular iodine under basic conditions. The required substrates were prepared via sequential Fisher indole synthesis and sulfonylation. This dearomatization reaction is amenable to gram‐scale synthesis, and provides access to various spiroindolenine derivatives from indole sulfonamide precursors.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydroquinolin‐2‐ones via Organocatalytic [4+2]‐Cyclization of 2‐Amino‐β‐nitrostyrenes with Azlactones
Authors: Kim Heebum , Kim Yeongju , Kim Sung‐Gon
Published: February 2024

Dihydroquinolin‐2‐ones, recognized for their bioactive properties, feature a six‐membered structure with nitrogen‐containing heterocycles. A method has been developed for synthesizing enantioenriched 3,4‐dihydroquinoline‐2‐one derivatives. This approach utilizes an asymmetric [4+2]‐cyclization process, combining 2‐amino‐β‐nitrostyrenes with azlactones, and is facilitated by a bifunctional squaramide‐based organocatalyst. This process has enabled the creation of chiral 3,4‐dihydroquinoline‐2‐ones with complex structures, including chiral tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters, delivering corresponding products in 26–95% yield with a diastereomeric ratio of 1.2:1–19:1 and 52–97 ee.
Visible Light Induced Photocatalyst‐Free C−X (X=B, C, O, P,S, Se) Bond Formation of Aryl Halides
Authors: Singh Jitender , Singh Nihal , Sharma Anuj
Published: February 2024

Aryl halides are one of the most important chemical feedstocks in pharmaceuticals due to its easy accessibility, inexpensiveness, and widely utilized as aryl radical precursors in organic synthetic chemistry. Conventionally, the stoichiometric reagents such as AIBN/n‐Bu3SnH were used for generation of aryl radical from aryl halides, and suffered from requirement of toxic radical initiators, high temperature and thus, the development of simple, mild strategies for the generation of aryl radical from aryl halides are highly desirable. Recently, visible light mediated strategies received considerable attention, allowing the generation of aryl radical from aryl halides under mild reaction conditions. The present review described the recent breakthroughs and advancements in visible light mediated photocatalyst‐free C−B/C/O/P/Se/S bond formation of aryl halides.
Progress in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Nanosized Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Li Jing , Long Qingyin , Ding Huang , Wang Yang , Luo Dan , Li Zhou , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2024

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases related to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective delivery of TCM, thus substantially diminishing its efficacy. Advances in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (also known as nano‐TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain region. This review provides an overview of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the BBB and systematically classifies the common TCM used to treat CNS diseases and types of nanocarriers that effectively deliver TCM to the brain. Additionally, drug delivery strategies for nano‐TCMs that utilize in vivo physiological properties or in vitro devices to bypass or cross the BBB are discussed. This review further focuses on the application of nano‐TCMs in the treatment of various CNS diseases. Finally, this article anticipates a design strategy for nano‐TCMs with higher delivery efficiency and probes their application potential in treating a wider range of CNS diseases.
SMC1A epilepsy syndrome: clinical data from a large international cohort
Authors: Gibellato Elisabetta , Cianci Paola , Mariani Milena , Parma Barbara , Huisman Sylvia , Śmigiel Robert , Bisgaard Anne‐Marie , Massa Valentina , Gervasini Cristina , Moretti Alex , Cattoni Alessandro , Biondi Andrea , Selicorni Angelo
Published: February 2024

SMC1A epilepsy syndrome or developmental and epileptic encephalopathy‐85 with or without midline brain defects (DEE85, OMIM #301044) is an X‐linked neurologic disorder associated with mutations of the SMC1A gene, which is also responsible for about 5% of patients affected by Cornelia de Lange syndrome spectrum (CdLS). Only described in female patients, SMC1A epilepsy syndrome is characterized by the onset of severe refractory epileptic seizures in the first year of life, global developmental delay, a variable degree of intellectual disability, and dysmorphic facial features not typical of CdLS. This was a descriptive observational study for the largest international cohort with this specific disorder. The main goal of this study was to improve the knowledge of the natural history of this phenotype with particular attention to the psychomotor development and the epilepsy data. The analyzed cohort shows normal prenatal growth with the subsequent development of postnatal microcephaly. The incidence of neonatal problems (seizures and respiratory compromise) is considerable (51.4%). There is a significant prevalence of central nervous system (20%) and cardiovascular malformations (20%). Motor skills are generally delayed. The presence of drug‐resistant epilepsy is confirmed; the therapeutic role of a ketogenic diet is still uncertain. The significant regression of previously acquired skills following the onset of seizures has been observed. Facial dysmorphisms are variable and no patient shows a classic CdLS phenotype. To sum up, SMC1A variants caused drug‐resistant epilepsy in these patients, more than two‐thirds of whom were shown to progress to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The SMC1A gene variants are all different from each other (apart from a couple of monozygotic twins), demonstrating the absence of a mutational hotspot in the SMC1A gene. Owing to the absence of phenotypic specificity, whole‐exome sequencing is currently the diagnostic gold standard.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 4‐Hydroxy‐1‐Silyl‐1‐Allenylboranes and Access to 2‐Silylethynyl‐1,3‐Diols
Authors: El Haj Brahim Ichrak , Ishak Dridi Islem , Abderrahim Raoudha , Chemla Fabrice , Ferreira Franck , Jackowski Olivier , Pérez‐Luna Alejandro
Published: February 2024

The highly stereoselective gem‐silylboration of chiral 2‐substituted 1‐ethynylepoxides is reported herein. The reaction involves first the deprotonation of the epoxides in the acetylenic position followed by transmetallation with Et3SiBpin. The transient silylborane ate‐complexes generated undergo the stereoselective 1,2‐migration of the Et3Si‐group to the sp‐hybridized terminus carbon of the ethynyl‐moiety in a stereospecific anti‐addition. The moisture‐sensitive and thermally unstable 4‐hydroxy‐1‐triethylsilyl‐1‐allenyl(pinacolato)boranes thus obtained react with aldehydes through an SE2’‐mode of addition, affording highly functionalized 2‐triethysilylethynyl‐1,3‐diols with a good diastereoselectivity which is rationalized by a Yamamoto‐Houk type transition state model.
Circular Dichroism Sensing: Strategies and Applications
Authors: Formen Jeffrey S. S. K. , Howard James R. , Anslyn Eric V. , Wolf Christian
Published: February 2024

The analysis of the absolute configuration, enantiomeric composition, and concentration of chiral compounds are frequently encountered tasks across the chemical and health sciences. Chiroptical sensing methods can streamline this work and allow high‐throughput screening with remarkable reduction of operational time and cost. During the last few years, significant methodological advances with innovative chirality sensing systems, the use of computer‐generated calibration curves, machine learning assistance, and chemometric data processing, to name a few, have emerged and are now matched with commercially available multi‐well plate CD readers. These developments have reframed the chirality sensing space and provide new opportunities that are of interest to a large group of chemists. This review will discuss chirality sensing strategies and applications with representative small‐molecule CD sensors. Emphasis will be given to important milestones and recent advances that accelerate chiral compound analysis by outperforming traditional methods, conquer new directions, and pioneering efforts that lie at the forefront of chiroptical high‐throughput screening developments. The goal is to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the current state and a perspective of future directions of this rapidly emerging field.
A Conjugated Phenylene Nanocage with a Guest‐Adaptive Deformable Cavity
Authors: Yang Jingxuan , Mao Liang‐Liang , Xiao Hongyan , Zhang Guohui , Zhang Shaoguang , Kang Lei , Lin Zheshuai , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu , Cong Huan
Published: February 2024

The highly strained, phenylene‐derived organic cages are typically regarded as very rigid entities, yet their deformation potential and supramolecular properties remain underexplored. Herein, we report a pliable conjugated phenylene nanocage by synergistically merging rigid and flexible building blocks. The anisotropic cage molecule contains branched phenylene chains capped by a calix[6]arene moiety, the delicate conformational changes of which endow the cage with a remarkably deformable cavity. When complexing with fullerene guests, the cage showcases excellent guest‐adaptivity, with its cavity volume capable of swelling by as much as 85 %.
Directed Electron Delivery from a Pb‐Free Halide Perovskite to a Co(II) Molecular Catalyst Boosts CO2 Photoreduction Coupled with Water Oxidation
Authors: Zhao Jin‐Shuang , Mu Yan‐Fei , Wu Li‐Yuan , Luo Zhi‐Mei , Velasco Lucia , Sauvan Maxime , Moonshiram Dooshaye , Wang Jia‐Wei , Zhang Min , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: February 2024

The development of high‐performance photocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction is appealing to address energy and environmental issues, while it is challenging to avoid using toxic metals and organic sacrificial reagents. We here immobilize a family of cobalt phthalocyanine catalysts on Pb‐free halide perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 nanosheets with delicate control on the anchors of the cobalt catalysts. Among them, the molecular hybrid photocatalyst assembled by carboxyl anchors achieves the optimal performance with an electron consumption rate of 300±13 μmol g−1 h−1 for visible‐light‐driven CO2‐to‐CO conversion coupled with water oxidation to O2, over 8 times of the unmodified Cs2AgBiBr6 (36±8 μmol g−1 h−1), also far surpassing the documented systems (<150 μmol g−1 h−1). Besides the improved intrinsic activity, electrochemical, computational, ex‐/in situ X‐ray photoelectron and X‐ray absorption spectroscopic results indicate that the electrons photogenerated at the Bi atoms of Cs2AgBiBr6 can be directionally transferred to the cobalt catalyst via the carboxyl anchors which strongly bind to the Bi atoms, substantially facilitating the interfacial electron transfer kinetics and thereby the photocatalysis.
The Ackerman Institute: a journey of culture and diversity over six decades. A conversation with Evan Imber‐Black
Authors: Amorin‐Woods Deisy , Imber‐Black Evan
Published: February 2024

The Ackerman Institute for the Family, established in 1960 by Dr Nathan Ackerman, stands as one of the oldest and most respected family therapy institutes in the United States. Ackerman pioneered the integration of systemic insights into group settings, emphasised the crucial role of family in therapy, and advocated for the advancement and acceptance of family therapy. ‘The Ackerman’ played a pivotal role in launching Family Process, the first journal dedicated to academic activities in family therapy. Diversity and inclusion have been central tenets of Ackerman philosophy, evident in its programs, training courses, and staff composition. This commitment has produced a veritable cadre of family therapy leaders who have contributed significantly to both the Ackerman Institute and the profession, influencing policy decisions and clinical practices. One of the most esteemed and respected thought leaders and innovators of our field, who played a vital role in the legacy of several institutions, including the Ackerman, is Dr. Evan Imber‐Black. She served as a long‐time faculty member and director of the Ackerman Center for Families and Health. Her expertise encompasses the exploration of family rituals and family secrets, with a focus on the importance of rituals in providing meaning, identity, and connection across diverse cultures and family life cycles. As editor of Family Process for 8 years, she highlights the importance of examining scholarly work in the context of cultures as a requirement – we do not stand outside the culture – we are active participants. This paper is based on a conversation with Dr Evan Imber‐Black, held in June 2023, delving into her personal and professional experiences, her connection to the Ackerman Institute, and her influential work on family rituals and secrets. Through this exploration, the paper sheds light on her commitment to diversity and the lasting impact of Dr Imber‐Black's contributions to family therapy.
Effects of carboxylated styrene‐butadiene latex nanoparticles on channeling leakage and pore structure of oil well cement
Authors: Dong Zhanpeng , Wang Janwei , Hu Miaomiao , Yu Jiayu , Guo Jintang
Published: February 2024

The exploitation efficiency of oil and gas resources depends on the cementing quality. In cementing engineering, interlayer migration occurs in the underground gas layer with cement hole as the main channel, which seriously threatens the sealing integrity of cement casing and leads to the failure of cementing operation. To improve the gas migration control ability of oil well cement (OWC), two carboxylated styrene‐butadiene latex nanomaterials styrene butadiene latex containing itaconic acid and sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (SBSI) and styrene‐butadiene latex containing methacrylic acid and sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (SBSM) were synthesized. The effects of SBSI and SBSM with different carboxyl structures on the gas migration control ability and pore structure of cement were investigated. The results show that the latex is densely packed on the cement matrix through the dissociation and adsorption behavior of carboxyl groups, and the smaller particle size and lower adsorption are more conducive to the formation of the film. The introduction of latex effectively shortened the transition time of cement gel state and significantly reduced the permeability of interlayer material migration. Compared with OWC, the transition time of cement containing SBSI and SBSM latex (SBSI/OWC and SBSM/OWC) decreased from 28 to 18 and 17 min, respectively, and the filter loss decreased from 60 to 40 and 36 mL, respectively. The isolation effect of the latex film on the interlayer gas and the provision of mechanical support have greatly improved the gas migration control ability of the cement and ensured the cementing quality. In addition, the refinement of cement pore structure caused by latex brings better rheological and mechanical properties to cement. This study clarified the change of latex in the gel transition stage of OWC from liquid to solid and revealed the mechanism of latex on the internal structure change of cement. It broadens the application range of latex nanomaterials in the field of OWC and provides a new possibility for the use of OWC in high temperature and high salt environment.
Carboxylated PIM‐1 incorporating sulfonated graphene oxide effectively improves the ion transport properties of the membrane
Authors: Song Yuanhang , Wang Tao , Zhang Jingxian , Li Yanhui , Li Junru , Zhang Chuanwei , Zhang Pengfei
Published: February 2024

This study explores the ion transport properties of self‐microporous polymers by introducing a novel combination of carboxylated PIM‐1 with sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) to fabricate membranes. The resulting membranes exhibit enhanced structural stability, hydrophilicity, and ion exchange capacity (IEC) compared with the original carboxylated PIM‐1 (CPIM‐1), while preserving the subnanoporous structure. However, it was observed that excessive SGO loading leads to a detrimental “blocking effect” that compromises various membrane properties. Through electrically driven ion transport tests in a 0.01 M NaCl solution, it is demonstrated that a moderate amount of SGO effectively enhances membrane conductivity from 46.96 μS m−1 (for carboxylated PIM‐1 membranes without SGO) to 56.55 μS m−1. Additionally, the membranes exhibit selective sieving of cations and anions. The presence of small‐sized ion channels and the electrostatic repulsion generated by the abundant carboxyl and sulfonic acid groups significantly hinder Cl− transport. Consequently, the Na+/Cl− migration ratio (t+/t−) reaches 98 at a concentration ratio of 10:1 on both sides of the membrane, surpassing the value of 3.74 observed for the pure CPIM‐1 membrane. This investigation provides valuable insights for the practical application of easily prepared, processable, and cost‐effective hydrophilic self‐contained microporous polymer membranes in ion transport applications.
Synthesis of innovative epoxy resin and polyamine hardener microcapsules and their age monitoring by confocal Raman imaging
Authors: Aramayo Mariel Amparo Fernandez , Aoki Idalina Vieira
Published: February 2024

We present an innovative breakthrough encompassing synthesis, characterization, and age monitoring of epoxy resin and polyamine hardener microcapsules to form a dual‐component system for self‐healing anticorrosion coatings. The epoxy resin microcapsules (ER‐MC) are fabricated through oil–water emulsion and in situ polymerization, with poly (urea‐formaldehyde‐melamine) as shell material and a mixture of epoxy resin and n‐butyl glycidyl ether as core material. Modified aliphatic fast reactive polyamine hardener is microencapsulated with polymethylmethacrylate as shell using double emulsion and solvent evaporation method (PAH‐MC). Characterization includes optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and particle size analyzer utilizing laser diffraction. The resulting microcapsules exhibited spherical shape with smooth surface devoid of porosity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflection is utilized to confirm encapsulation by identifying the chemical structures of both microcapsule constituents. The thermogravimetric analysis further confirms the core content of microcapsules obtained from solvent extraction. ER‐MC contains approximately 66 wt %, while PAH‐MC stands 40 wt %, both showcasing remarkable thermal stability below 200°C. A ten‐month storage period fails to diminish the presence of the healing agents encapsulated within the polymeric walls, which is revealed by Raman spectroscopy utilizing 2D compositional mapping. This research demonstrates the viability of creating dual microcapsules and exemplify their potential for developing self‐healing coatings with dual‐component film‐forming healing agents.
Recent Advancements on Sustainable Electrochemical Water Splitting Hydrogen Energy Applications Based on Nanoscale Transition Metal Oxide (TMO) Substrates
Authors: Saeed Mohsin , Shahzad Umer , Marwani Hadi M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , ur Rehman Shujah , Althomali Raed H. , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: February 2024

The development of green hydrogen generation technologies is increasingly crucial to meeting the growing energy demand for sustainable and environmentally acceptable resources. Many obstacles in the advancement of electrodes prevented water electrolysis, long thought to be an eco‐friendly method of producing hydrogen gas with no carbon emissions, from coming to fruition. Because of their great electrical conductivity, maximum supporting capacity, ease of modification in valence states, durability in hard environments, and high redox characteristics, transition metal oxides (TMOs) have recently captured a lot of interest as potential cathodes and anodes. Electrochemical water splitting is the subject of this investigation, namely the role of transition metal oxides as both active and supportive sites. It has suggested various approaches for the logical development of electrode materials based on TMOs. These include adjusting the electronic state, altering the surface structure to control its resistance to air and water, improving the flow of energy and matter, and ensuring the stability of the electrocatalyst in challenging conditions. In this comprehensive review, it has been covered the latest findings in electrocatalysis of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Hydrogen Evaluation Reaction (HER), as well as some of the specific difficulties, opportunities, and current research prospects in this field.
Rapid chemical reduction synthesis of copper nanoclusters with blue fluorescence for highly sensitive detection of furazolidone
Authors: Guo Yuyu , Wang Jiancheng , Zhang Lili , Wang Junkai
Published: February 2024

Tannic acid (TA), as a stabilizing agent, was successfully utilized to establish blue‐emitting copper nanoclusters (TA‐Cu NCs) on the basis of a facile chemical reduction preparation method. Characterization results proved successful synthesis of TA‐Cu NCs with uniform size and excellent stability. TA‐Cu NCs exhibited a blue emission wavelength at 431 nm when excited at 364 nm. Interestingly, the as‐prepared TA‐Cu NCs were selectively quenched by furazolidone based on static quenching. In addition, this analysis platform for furazolidone detection had an excellent linear range from 0.5 to 120 μM with a detection limit of 0.074 μM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the accuracy of this sensing method was successfully confirmed by detecting furazolidone in bovine serum samples, indicating that TA‐Cu NCs had bright application prospects.
Engineering an Escherichia coli based in vivo mRNA manufacturing platform
Authors: Curry Edward , Muir George , Qu Jixin , Kis Zoltán , Hulley Martyn , Brown Adam
Published: February 2024

Synthetic mRNA is currently produced in standardized in vitro transcription systems. However, this one‐size‐fits‐all approach has associated drawbacks in supply chain shortages, high reagent costs, complex product‐related impurity profiles, and limited design options for molecule‐specific optimization of product yield and quality. Herein, we describe for the first time development of an in vivo mRNA manufacturing platform, utilizing an Escherichia coli cell chassis. Coordinated mRNA, DNA, cell and media engineering, primarily focussed on disrupting interactions between synthetic mRNA molecules and host cell RNA degradation machinery, increased product yields >40‐fold compared to standard “unengineered” E. coli expression systems. Mechanistic dissection of cell factory performance showed that product mRNA accumulation levels approached theoretical limits, accounting for ~30% of intracellular total RNA mass, and that this was achieved via host‐cell's reallocating biosynthetic capacity away from endogenous RNA and cell biomass generation activities. We demonstrate that varying sized functional mRNA molecules can be produced in this system and subsequently purified. Accordingly, this study introduces a new mRNA production technology, expanding the solution space available for mRNA manufacturing.
Clinical practice guidelines for full‐cycle standardized management of bone health in breast cancer patients
Authors:   Committee of Full‐cycle Standardized Management of Bone Health in Breast Cancer Patients
Published: February 2024

Bone health management for breast cancer spans the entire cycle of patient care, including the prevention and treatment of bone loss caused by early breast cancer treatment, the adjuvant application of bone‐modifying agents to improve prognosis, and the diagnosis and treatment of advanced bone metastases. Making good bone health management means formulating appropriate treatment strategies and dealing with adverse drug reactions, and will help to improve patients' quality of life and survival rates. The Breast Cancer Expert Committee of the National Cancer Center for Quality Control organized relevant experts to conduct an in‐depth discussion on the full‐cycle management of breast cancer bone health based on evidence‐based medicine, and put forward reasonable suggestions to guide clinicians to better deal with health issues in bone health clinics.
Exploring women's experiences of healing from sexual trauma through engagement in mind–body practices: A systematic review
Authors: Nixon Molly Ann
Published: February 2024

Objective

This systematic review is the first to consolidate qualitative findings exploring women's healing experiences from sexual trauma through engagement in mind–body practices. This review aimed to expand our knowledge regarding the healing processes for sexual trauma and to help move towards further integration of holistic practices in trauma therapies.

Method

A methodical literature search was conducted using four databases: PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL Plus and Scopus. After the initial search, 2392 records were assessed for eligibility. After screening, 11 articles remained and were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Findings

Data synthesis led to the conceptualisation of five main themes and three subthemes: (1) Integrating Mind and Body—(a) Reconnecting to the Body and (b) Processing Emotions; (2) Self‐compassion; (3) Trauma‐Sensitive Approach; (4) Connection—(a) Relationships Within the Group, (b) Safety in Relationships and (c) Spiritual Connection; and (5) Fun and Spontaneity.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the potential healing processes of body‐based practices for women subjected to sexual violence. The review provides evidence for body‐based practices focussing on holistic growth to be used in adjunction to therapy for sexual trauma. Limitations and future research are discussed.
New 1H‐1,2,4‐Triazolyl Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Sucman Natalia , Stingaci Eugenia , Lupascu Lucian , Smetanscaia Anastasia , Valica Vladimir , Uncu Livia , Shova Sergiu , Petrou Anthi , Glamočlija Jasmina , Soković Marina , Geronikaki Athina , Macaev FliurZ
Published: February 2024

New 1H‐1,2,4‐triazolyl derivatives were synthesized, and six of them were selected based on docking prediction for the investigation of their antimicrobial activity against five bacterial and eight fungal strains. All compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity with MIC lower than that of the ampicillin and chloramphenicol. In general, the most sensitive bacteria appeared to be P. fluorescens, while the plant pathogen X. campestris was the most resistant. The antifungal activity of the compounds was much better than the antibacterial activity. All compounds were more potent (6 to 45 times) than reference drugs ketoconazole and bifonazole with the best activity achieved by compound 4 a. A. versicolor, A. ochraceus, A.niger, and T.viride showed the highest sensitivity to compound 4 b, while, T. viride, P. funiculosum, and P.ochrochloron showed good sensitivity to compound 4 a. Molecular docking studies suggest that the probable mechanism of antibacterial activity involves the inhibition of the MurB enzyme of E. coli, while CYP51 of C. albicans appears to be involved in the mechanism of antifungal activity. It is worth mentioning that none of the tested compounds violated Lipinski's rule of five.
Lachnuoic Acids A−F: Ambuic Acid Congeners from a Saprotrophic Lachnum Species
Authors: Phutthacharoen Kunthida , Toshe Rita , Khalid Syeda J. , Llanos‐López Natalia A. , Wennrich Jan‐Peer , Schrey Hedda , Ebada Sherif S. , Hyde Kevin D. , Stadler Marc
Published: February 2024

Chemical prospection of an extract derived from a saprotrophic fungus Lachnum sp. IW157 resulted in the isolation and characterization of six unprecedentedly reported ambuic acid analogues named lachnuoic acids A−F (1–6). Chemical structures of 1–6 were determined based on comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses together with HR‐ESI‐MS spectrometry. The relative configurations of 1–3 were defined by ROESY spectroscopic analyses while their absolute configurations were unambiguously determined by Mosher's esters method. All isolated compounds were subjected to cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and nematicidal activity assays where only lachnuoic acid A (1) revealed potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis at MIC values of 16.6 and 8.3 μg/mL, respectively.
Epigenetic changes in shear‐stressed endothelial cells
Authors: Pinto Thaís Silva , Feltran Geórgia da Silva. , Fernandes Célio Júnior da C. , de Camargo Andrade Amanda Fantini , Coque Alex de Camargo , Silva Simone L. , Abuderman Abdulwahab A. , Zambuzzi Willian F. , Foganholi da Silva Rodrigo A.
Published: February 2024

Epigenetic changes, particularly histone compaction modifications, have emerged as critical regulators in the epigenetic pathway driving endothelial cell phenotype under constant exposure to laminar forces induced by blood flow. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms governing endothelial cell behavior in this context remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells subjected to various tensional forces simulating pathophysiological blood flow shear stress conditions, ranging from normotensive to hypertensive forces. Our study uncovers a noteworthy observation wherein endothelial cells exposed to high shear stress demonstrate a decrease in the epigenetic marks H3K4ac and H3K27ac, accompanied by significant alterations in the levels of HDAC (histone deacetylase) proteins. Moreover, we demonstrate a negative regulatory effect of increased shear stress on HOXA13 gene expression and a concomitant increase in the expression of the long noncoding RNA, HOTTIP, suggesting a direct association with the suppression of HOXA13. Collectively, these findings represent the first evidence of the role of histone‐related epigenetic modifications in modulating chromatin compaction during mechanosignaling of endothelial cells in response to elevated shear stress forces. Additionally, our results highlight the importance of understanding the physiological role of HOXA13 in vascular biology and hypertensive patients, emphasizing the potential for developing small molecules to modulate its activity. These findings warrant further preclinical investigations and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting epigenetic mechanisms in hypertensive conditions.
The ultrastructure of the apical organ of Curini‐Galletti's larva, a new polyclad larval type
Authors: Dittmann Isabel L. , Bertemes Philip , Gotsis Clemens , Grosbusch Alexandra L. , Redl Stefan , Hess Michael W. , Salvenmoser Willi , Egger Bernhard
Published: February 2024

Polycladida are the only free‐living flatworms with a planktonic larval stage in some species. Currently, it is not clear if a larval stage is ancestral in polyclads, and which type of larva that would be. Known polyclad larvae are Müller's larva, Kato's larva and Goette's larva, differing by body shape and the number of lobes and eyes. A valuable character for the comparison and characterisation of polyclad larval types is the ultrastructural composition of the apical organ. This organ is situated at the anterior pole of the larva and is associated with at least one ciliary tuft. The larval apical organ of Theama mediterranea features two multiciliated apical tuft sensory cells. Six unfurcated apical tuft gland cell necks are sandwiched between the apical tuft sensory cells and two anchor cells and have their cell bodies located lateral to the brain. Another type of apical gland cell necks is embedded in the anchor cells. Ventral to the apical tuft, ciliated sensory neurons are present, which are neighbouring the cell necks of two furcated apical tuft gland cells. Based on the ultrastructural organisation of the apical organ and other morphological features, like a laterally flattened wedge‐shaped body and three very small lobes, we recognise the larva of T. mediterranea as a new larval type, which we name Curini‐Galletti's larva after its first discoverer. The ultrastructural similarities of the apical organ in different polyclad larvae support their possible homology, that is, all polyclad larvae have likely evolved from a common larva.
Assessment of human embryonic stem cells differentiation into definitive endoderm lineage on the soft substrates
Authors: Virdi Jasmeet Kaur , Pethe Prasad
Published: February 2024

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold enormous potential for treating multiple diseases owing to their ability to self‐renew and differentiate into any cell type. Albeit possessing such promising potential, controlling their differentiation into a desired cell type continues to be a challenge. Recent studies suggest that PSCs respond to different substrate stiffness and, therefore, can differentiate towards some lineages via Hippo pathway. Human PSCs can also differentiate and self‐organize into functional cells, such as organoids. Traditionally, human PSCs are differentiated on stiff plastic or glass plates towards definitive endoderm and then into functional pancreatic progenitor cells in the presence of soluble growth factors. Thus, whether stiffness plays any role in differentiation towards definitive endoderm from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) remains unclear. Our study found that the directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells towards endodermal lineage on the varying stiffness did not differ from the differentiation on stiff plastic dishes. We also observed no statistical difference between the expression of yes‐associated protein (YAP) and phosphorylated YAP. Furthermore, we demonstrate that lysophosphatidic acid, a YAP activator, enhanced definitive endoderm formation, whereas verteporfin, a YAP inhibitor, did not have the significant effect on the differentiation. In summary, our results suggest that human embryonic stem cells may not differentiate in response to changes in stiffness, and that such cues may not have as significant impact on the level of YAP. Our findings indicate that more research is needed to understand the direct relationship between biophysical forces and hPSCs differentiation.
2024 Statement from Asia expert operators on transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement
Authors: Pan Wenzhi , Zhou Daxin , Hijazi Ziyad M. , Qureshi Shakeel A. , Promphan Worakan , Feng Yuan , Zhang Gejun , Liu Xianbao , Pan Xin , Chen Lianglong , Cao Qilin , Tiong Koh G. , Leong Ming C. , Roymanee Supaporn , Prachasilchai Pimpak , Choi Jae Y. , Tomita Hideshi , Le Tan Ju , Akhtar Khurram , Lam Simon , So Kent , Tin Do N. , Nguyen Lan Hieu , Huo Yong , Wang Jian'an , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2024

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR), also known as percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, refers to a minimally invasive technique that replaces the pulmonary valve by delivering an artificial pulmonary prosthesis through a catheter into the diseased pulmonary valve under the guidance of X‐ray and/or echocardiogram while the heart is still beating not arrested. In recent years, TPVR has achieved remarkable progress in device development, evidence‐based medicine proof and clinical experience. To update the knowledge of TPVR in a timely fashion, and according to the latest research and further facilitate the standardized and healthy development of TPVR in Asia, we have updated this consensus statement. After systematical review of the relevant literature with an in‐depth analysis of eight main issues, we finally established eight core viewpoints, including indication recommendation, device selection, perioperative evaluation, procedure precautions, and prevention and treatment of complications.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Aliphatic Carboxylates: Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Mechanism, and the Role of Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Abdel Latif Marwa K. , Spencer Jared N. , Kidd Bryce E. , Madsen Louis A. , Tanko James M.
Published: February 2024

The oxidation of tetra‐n‐butylammonium acetate, propionate, and pivalate was studied in rigorously anhydrous acetonitrile by conventional linear sweep and convolution voltammetry (LSV and ConV, respectively). The results suggest oxidation occurs via a concerted dissociative electron transfer pathway (RCO2−→R⋅+CO2+e−). The addition of water lowers the intrinsic barrier, signaling a possible change in mechanism to stepwise dissociative electron transfer. In rigorously dry acetonitrile, the oxidation potentials of CH3CO2− (0.60±0.09), CH3CH2CO2−, (0.47±0.05) and (CH3)3CCO2− (0.40±0.04 V vs. Ag/AgNO3 (CH3CN, 0.1 M)) are reported. These values parallel the stabilities of the resulting free radicals, consistent with a possible concerted pathway, although differential solvation of the carboxylate anions cannot be completely excluded as a contributor to this trend.
A tale of two pathways: Review of immune checkpoint inhibitors in DNA mismatch repair‐deficient and microsatellite instability‐high endometrial cancers
Authors: Liu Ying L. , Weigelt Britta
Published: February 2024

The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is critical for correcting DNA mismatches generated during DNA replication. MMR‐deficiency (MMR‐D) leads to microsatellite instability (MSI) associated with an increased mutation rate, driving cancer development. This is particularly relevant in endometrial cancer (EC) as 25%–30% of tumors are of MMR‐D/MSI‐high (MSI‐H) phenotype. Comprehensive assessment using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and sequencing‐based techniques are necessary to fully evaluate ECs given the importance of molecular subtyping in staging and prognosis. This also influences treatment selection as clinical trials have demonstrated survival benefits for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone and in combination with chemotherapy for MMR‐D/MSI‐H EC patients in various treatment settings. As a portion of MMR‐D/MSI‐H ECs are driven by Lynch syndrome, an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that is also associated with colorectal cancer, this molecular subtype also prompts germline assessment that can affect at‐risk family members. Additionally, heterogeneity in the tumor immune microenvironment and tumor mutation burden (TMB) have been described by MMR mechanism, meaning MLH1 promoter hypermethylation versus germline/somatic MMR gene mutation, and this may affect response to ICI therapies. Variations by ancestry in prevalence and mechanism of MMR‐D/MSI‐H tumors have also been reported and may influence health disparities given observed differences in tumors of Black compared to White patients which may affect ICI eligibility. These observations highlight the need for additional prospective studies to evaluate the nuances regarding MMR‐D heterogeneity as well as markers of resistance to inform future trials of combination therapies to further improve outcomes for patients with EC.
Joint optimization of load balancing and resource allocation in cloud environment using optimal container management strategy
Authors: Muniswamy Saravanan , Vignesh Radhakrishnan
Published: February 2024

Due to the high performance of cloud computing‐based microservices, a wide range of industries and fields rely on them. In a containerized cloud, traditional resource management strategies are typically used to allocate and migrate virtual machines. A major problem for cloud service providers is resource allocation for containers, which directly affects system performance and resource consumption. In this paper, we propose a joint optimization of load balancing and resource allocation in the cloud using an optimal container management strategy. We aim to enhance scheduling efficiency and reduce costs by improving the container's schedule requested digitally by users. An improved backtracking search optimization (IBSO) algorithm is used to allocate resources between end‐users/IoT devices and the cloud under the consideration of service‐level agreements. Mechanic quantum recurrent neural networks (MQ‐RNNs) are designed to allocate, consolidate, and migrate containers in cloud environments. The various simulation measures used to validate the proposed strategy are energy consumption, number of active servers, number of interruptions, total cost, runtime, and statistical measures.