bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonxenogeneic Growth and Retinal Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Sridhar Akshayalakshmi , Steward Melissa M. , Meyer Jason S.
Published: March 2013

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) possess tremendous potential for the field of regenerative medicine because of their ability to differentiate into any cell type of the body. Such ability has profound implications for translational medicine, because these cells have been implicated for use in cell replacement, disease modeling, and pharmacological screening. However, the translation of established methods for deriving retinal cell types from hiPSCs has been hindered by the use of xenogeneic products for their growth and differentiation. Thus, the ability to derive retinal cell types in the absence of xenogeneic products would represent a significant advancement. The following studies were therefore undertaken to test the ability of hiPSCs to give rise to retinal cells under nonxenogeneic conditions. hiPSCs were maintained in traditional, feeder-free, or xeno-free culture conditions, and their ability to differentiate to a retinal fate was tested. Upon differentiation under all three conditions, cells acquired advancing features of retinal development, eventually yielding cell types of the mature retina. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry confirmed early trends in gene and protein expression patterns in xeno-free derived hiPSCs similar to those in cells derived in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and in feeder-free conditions. Results from this study demonstrate that hiPSCs can be maintained and directed to differentiate into retinal cell types under nonxenogeneic conditions, similar to cells derived using current xenogeneic methodologies. The demonstration of this capability will facilitate future efforts to develop hiPSC-based therapies for retinal disorders and also help to advance in vitro studies of human retinal development.
Growth of Statewide Emergency Medical Services Bypass Policies for Acute Stroke
Authors: Dunkley Rachel , Omeaku Nina , Trickey Amber W. , Tandel Megha D. , Garcia Ariadna , Govindarajan Prasanthi
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates growth of transport policies and policy components that directed emergency medical services (EMS) to bypass local emergency departments for the closest certified stroke centers as a proven treatment for stroke.
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Rhodiola sachalinensis and comparative analysis with its congeneric plants
Authors: Sun Tianqi , Tang Yuman , Zhou Lei , Qiao Xu , Ma Xuan , Qin Huaxia , Han Yu , Sui Chun
Published: July 2024

Rhodiola, belonging to the Crassulaceae family, is a perennial herbaceous plant genus. There are about 90 Rhodiola species worldwide, some of which have been reported to have medicinal properties. Rhodiola sachalinensis is a perennial medicinal herb within this genus and, in the present study, its chloroplast genome was sequenced, assembled, annotated and compared with 24 other Rhodiola species. The results obtained show that the chloroplast genome of R. sachalinensis is 151 595 bp long and has a CG content of 37.7%. The inverted repeats (IR) region of the Rhodiola chloroplast genome is the most conserved region, with the main differences being observed in the ycf1 and ndhF genes at the IRb‐small single copy boundary, and rps19 and trnH genes at the IRa‐large single copy boundary. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Rhodiola species form two major clades, and species with recorded medicinal properties, clustered together in one branch except for R. dumulosa. Within the genus, R. sachalinensis is most closely related to Rhodiola rosea, although comparative analyses showed that only R. sachalinensis and Rhodiola subopposita contained the psbZ gene, which encodes a highly conserved protein subunit of the Photosystem II core complex. Overall, the present study contributes to the understanding of the chloroplast genome of Rhodiola species, and provides a theoretical basis for the study of their genetic diversity and possible use as medicinal plants.
Carbon Coated Fe‐Based Sulphate Nanoparticles within Continuous Conductive Network for Low‐Cost and High‐Performance Symmetrical Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Deng Limin , Zhang Yue , Tang Yakun , Li Yuandong , Ma Wenjie , Liu Lang , Dong Sen , Cao Yuliang
Published: July 2024

Fe‐based sulfate materials have attracted much attention in the cathode of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their low cost and high operating voltage, as well as possessing application prospects comparable to hard carbon in the anode based on Fe0/Fe2+/Fe3+ redox properties. However, the poor conductivity and the tendency to agglomerate have limited their further application. Herein, the study constructs a dual‐conductive structure that the Na2.31Fe1.72(SO4)3 particles with amorphous carbon in situ‐coated embedded in ketjen black (KB) conducting carbon networks (NFS/KB) via a solid phase ball‐milling strategy, which effectively enhanced inherent conductivity and electron transfer efficiency among particles of the Fe‐based sulphate. The NFS/KB can provide a reversible capacity of 92 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and stable cycling stability at high current (85% retention after 500 cycles at 20 C) as cathode of SIBs. Surprisingly, as anode of SIBs, the NFS/KB delivers a rate performance (149 mAh g−1 at 10 C) that is superior to that of hard carbon. Notably, further application of the material to symmetric SIBs also achieves favorable results. This work effectively enhances the performance of Fe‐based sulphate materials in SIBs with a low‐cost carbon modification method, providing a new approach for the low‐cost symmetric SIBs.
Highly‐Entangled Hydrogel Electrolyte for Fast Charging/Discharging Properties in Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Shen Zhaoxi , Liu Yu , Li Zhongheng , Tang Ziqing , Pu Jun , Luo Lei , Ji Yu , Xie Junpeng , Shu Zheng , Yao Yagang , Zhang Ning , Hong Guo
Published: July 2024

Aqueous zinc ion batteries coupling with conventional hydrogel electrolyte have the advantages of high safety, low cost, and simple manufacturing process while they are difficult for fast charging/discharging application scenarios due to the sluggish kinetics. Herein, a new strategy is developed for synthesizing a highly‐entangled polyacrylamide (HE‐PAM) hydrogel electrolyte to dramatically enhance the ion transportation and mechanical stability. The developed hydrogel electrolyte has lower ionic resistance and a strong elastic modulus. After being assembled into Zn/MnO2 batteries, the HE‐PAM hydrogel electrolyte exhibits excellent cycling stability and high‐rate capability under high current densities. Specifically, the Zn//HE‐PAM//MnO2 battery can resist the highest current of 35 A g−1, which outperforms previously reported works. Moreover, the HE‐PAM hydrogel electrolyte can also support the fast charging/discharging in proton ion batteries with a high capacity retention rate of 50% under 50 A g−1. This progress on hydrogel electrolytes can boost the development of quasi‐solid‐state batteries in the fast charging/discharging aspect.
Enabling Fast Mass Transport in Anode by a Smartly Built‐in LiC6 Phase for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Xianbiao , Ning Peixiang , Liu Ping , Chen Yingying , Liu Juntao , Liu Wei , Wang Jinshi , Huang Hao , Yang Bowen , Xia Xinhui , Savilov Serguei V. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Xia Qiuying , Xu Jing , Xia Hui
Published: July 2024

The practical use of solid‐state lithium metal batteries is hindered by the rapid growth of lithium dendrites through the solid electrolyte, leading to a short lifespan, and poor performance at high rates. The mass transport in anode bulk is proposed as a critical reason related to the chemo‐mechanical failure of the interface and growth of lithium dendrites. In this study, a lithium‐composite anode with a smartly integrated LiC6 phase is developed using a thermodynamic reaction between molten Li and thermally expanded graphite. The gravity segregation effect creates a gradient dispersion of LiC6 in Li, resulting in improved bulk Li diffusion kinetics (70 times higher than that of a pure Li anode). This composite electrode exhibits low interfacial resistance (≈2.3 Ω cm2) and an ultra‐high critical current density of 2.4 mA cm−2 in all‐solid‐state symmetric cells at room temperature. During repeated Li stripping/plating cycles, the enhanced bulk Li diffusion kinetics maintain the close interfacial contact, leading to excellent long‐term cycling stability for over 4000 h with a high cumulative areal capacity. These findings provide valuable insights that promoted mass transport in lithium metal anode is of great benefit to high‐performance solid‐state lithium metal batteries.
Surface Engineering of 3D Solar Evaporator for Uncompromising Water Evaporation and Salt Production Toward High Concentration Brine
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Zhong Qiuyue , Huang Qiong , Hu Min , He Fang , Li Yuexiang , Wang Zhenxing
Published: July 2024

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation toward highly salinity brine has drawn great attention due to its distinct advantages. Generally, most studies focus on how to improve the water evaporation rate while restrain the salt accumulation on evaporators. In fact, generating/recycling the salt during the evaporation process is of equal importance since the salt is also valuable. However, how to realize high salt generation rate while keep high water evaporation rate is still a great challenge, since high‐efficiency water evaporation and salt accumulation is conflicting in most cases. Herein, both high evaporation rate and high salt formation rate have been achieved via surface engineering of a 3D evaporator: 1) Constructing surround‐Janus structure with different wettability around a 3D evaporator; 2) Enhancing salt crystallization via introduction of tapes on special surface. Thanks to the distinct surface engineering, the water evaporation rate toward highly salinity brine (20 wt%) can reach up to ≈2.8 kg m−2 h−1, while the salt formation rate can be as high as ≈0.1 kg m−2 h−1. Moreover, the high performance can be well maintained even when the evaporator is irradiated with different angles. Specially, as a proof of concept, the potential of the 3D evaporator for Li+/Na+ separation is also demonstrated.
Aromatic Imidazole Diammonium‐based 2D Dion–Jacobson Perovskites with Reduced Exciton Binding Energy
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zhang Yiqing , Zhang Lin , Wu Haotian , Zhou Yu , Xu Xiaoyi , Yu Jinyang , Wu Xiaoling , Xie Jiamin , Fu Weifei , Wu Gang , Chen Hongzheng
Published: July 2024

2D Dion–Jacobson (2D DJ) perovskites are considered as promising photovoltaic materials due to their structural stability and spacer designability. Here, a spacer cation with an aromatic imidazole ring, 2‐(1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)ethylammonium (HE), is successfully applied to construct 2D DJ perovskite. It's found that the high polarity of the HE spacer strengthens the interaction between organic and inorganic layers and reduces the exciton binding energy to 67.8 meV, resulting in promoted charge dissociation, compared with the aliphatic 1,4‐butanediammonium (BDA) spacer with a similar length. The HE spacer enlarges the micelle size in precursor solution and suppresses the formation of low‐n value phases. In consequence, the HE‐based perovskite film exhibits better quality than the BDA‐based one, with lower defect density and longer carrier lifetime. The optimized device based on (HE)(MA0.75FA0.25)4Pb5I16 film achieves a champion power conversion efficiency up to 18.40%, much higher than that of the BDA‐based device (15.03%). Besides, the unencapsulated device based HE exhibits improved moisture and thermal stability.
In‐Sensor Tactile Fusion and Logic for Accurate Intention Recognition
Authors: Huang Zijian , Yu Shifan , Xu Yijing , Cao Zhicheng , Zhang Jinwei , Guo Ziquan , Wu Tingzhu , Liao Qingliang , Zheng Yuanjin , Chen Zhong , Liao Xinqin
Published: July 2024

Touch control intention recognition is an important direction for the future development of human–machine interactions (HMIs). However, the implementation of parallel‐sensing functional modules generally requires a combination of different logical blocks and control circuits, which results in regional redundancy, redundant data, and low efficiency. Here, a location‐and‐pressure intelligent tactile sensor (LPI tactile sensor) unprecedentedly combined with sensing, computing, and logic is proposed, enabling efficient and ultrahigh‐resolution action–intention interaction. The LPI tactile sensor eliminates the need for data transfer among the functional units through the core integration design of the layered structure. It actuates in‐sensor perception through feature transmission, fusion, and differentiation, thereby revolutionizing the traditional von Neumann architecture. While greatly simplifying the data dimensionality, the LPI tactile sensor achieves outstanding resolution sensing in both location (<400 µm) and pressure (75 Pa). Synchronous feature fusion and decoding support the high‐fidelity recognition of action and combinatorial logic intentions. Benefiting from location and pressure synergy, the LPI tactile sensor demonstrates robust privacy as an encrypted password device and interaction intelligence through pressure enhancement. It can recognize continuous touch actions in real time, map real intentions to target events, and promote accurate and efficient intention‐driven HMIs.
Fully Integrated Direct Current Triboelectric Nanogenerators Coupled with Charge Pump and Electric Field Enhancing Effect Enabling Improved Output Performance
Authors: Chen Chen , Fang Lin , Zhang Haonan , Wang Zixun , Zheng Tianxiang , Tu Xinbo , Wang Longsen , Wang Feixiang , Li Zhe , Shu Leilei , Liu Di , Wang Jie , Wang Peihong
Published: July 2024

Direct‐current triboelectric nanogenerators (DC‐TENGs) arising from electrostatic breakdown have garnered significant attention due to their advantages of rectification‐free operation, constant current output, and high output power density. Previous studies have primarily concentrated on improving its performance through structural design and parameter optimization, neglecting the potential benefits of external charge excitation. Here, a facile and universal strategy coupling charge pump and electric field enhancing effect with DC‐TENG (CE‐DC‐TENG) is proposed to improve the output performance of DC‐TENG. An alternating current TENG is used as the charge pump. A field‐enhancing conductive layer, which is introduced under the main DC‐TENG, is connected with the pump TENG to accumulate the charge and enhance the electric field for electrostatic breakdown. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated by linear and rotary sliding mode TENGs. Furthermore, a fully integrated rotary sliding mode CE‐DC‐TENG is designed and fabricated, and it exhibits impressive performance with a 13‐fold higher power density of 1.56 W m−2 compared to conventional DC‐TENG. Moreover, it can directly power small electronics or be combined with a designed power management circuit for more efficient energy conversion. This work presents a new design strategy for improving the performance of DC‐TENG and facilitating its practical applications.
Label‐Free Impedance Analysis of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Spinal Cord Progenitor Cells for Rapid Safety and Efficacy Profiling
Authors: He Linwei , Tan Jerome , Ng Shi Yan , Li King Ho Holden , Han Jongyoon , Chew Sing Yian , Hou Han Wei
Published: July 2024

Regenerative therapies, including the transplantation of spinal cord progenitor cells (SCPCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are promising treatment strategies for spinal cord injuries. However, the risk of tumorigenicity from residual iPSCs advocates an unmet need for rapid SCPCs safety profiling. Herein, a rapid (≈3000 cells min‐1) electrical‐based microfluidic biophysical cytometer is reported to detect low‐abundance iPSCs from SCPCs at single‐cell resolution. Based on multifrequency impedance measurements (0.3 to 12 MHz), biophysical features including cell size, deformability, membrane, and nucleus dielectric properties are simultaneously quantified as a cell is hydrodynamically stretched at a cross junction under continuous flow. A supervised uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) model is further developed for impedance‐based quantification of undifferentiated iPSCs with high sensitivity (≈1% spiked iPSCs) and shows good correlations with SCPCs differentiation outcomes using two iPSC lines. Cell membrane opacity (day 1) is also identified as a novel early intrinsic predictive biomarker that exhibits a strong correlation with SCPC differentiation efficiency (day 10). Overall, it is envisioned that this label‐free and optic‐free platform technology can be further developed as a versatile cost‐effective process analytical tool to monitor or assess stem cell quality and safety in regenerative medicine.
Interfacial Spintronic THz Emission
Authors: Agarwal Piyush , Medwal Rohit , Dongol Keynesh , Mohan John Rex , Yang Yingshu , Asada Hironori , Fukuma Yasuhiro , Singh Ranjan
Published: July 2024

The broken inversion symmetry at the ferromagnet (FM)/heavy‐metal (HM) interface leads to spin‐dependent degeneracy of the energy band, forming spin‐polarized surface states. As a result, the interface serves as an effective medium for converting spin accumulation into 2D charge current through the inverse Rashba–Edelstein effect. Exploring and assessing this spin‐to‐charge conversion (SCC) phenomenon at the FM/HM interface can offer a promising avenue to surpass the presumed limits of SCC in bulk HM layers. Spintronic heterostructures are utilized as a platform to measure the SCC experienced by photoexcited spin currents. Therefore, FM/HM heterostructures emitting terahertz electric field upon illumination by femtosecond laser pulses enable quantitative measure of the ultrafast SCC process. This results demonstrate a robust interfacial spin‐to‐charge conversion (iSCC) within a synthetic antiferromagnetic heterostructure, specifically for the NiFe/Ru/NiFe configuration, by isolating the SCC contribution originating from the interface and the bulk heavy‐metal (HM). Through the measurements of the emitted terahertz pulse, the iSCC at the NiFe/Ru interface is identified to be ≈27% of the strength as compared to SCC from the highest spin‐Hall conducting heavy‐metal, Pt. The results thus highlight the significance of interfacial engineering as a promising pathway for achieving efficient ultrafast spintronic devices.
Progress and Outlooks in Designing Photonic Biosensor for Virus Detection
Authors: Tsalsabila Annisa , Dabur Valentinus A. , Budiarso Indra J. , Wustoni Shofarul , Chen Heng‐Chang , Birowosuto Muhammad D. , Wibowo Arie , Zeng Shuwen
Published: July 2024

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) highlights the critical need for rapid, sensitive, and accurate virus detection methods to prevent and manage pandemics. Among the available sensing methods, photonic biosensors have emerged as a forefront technology, characterized by their high sensitivity, minimal analyte requirements, and suitability for miniaturization, making them ideal for point‐of‐care applications in virus detection. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress of photonic biosensor technologies, focusing on wavelength shift and luminescence‐based mechanisms. Their operational principles, general configurations, and the challenges associated with these technologies are looked into. An overview of the material developments used in photonic biosensors, encompassing organic, inorganic, and hybrid composite‐based materials is further presented. The discussion extends to surface functionalization using biorecognition elements, including DNA/RNA, aptamers, and antibodies, to craft the specificity of the photonic biosensors for viruses. Ultimately, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized in developing new materials architecture, biological receptors, and modifications to photonic methods, aiming to realize better biosensors for virus detection with ultra‐high sensitivity, rapid response, and excellent selectivity.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Enantioselective α‐Allylation of Cyclic Ketones with Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Jiang Neng‐Quan , Li Ming‐Ming , Xiao Li‐Jun , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: July 2024

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed asymmetric α‐allylation of ketones is a particularly useful tool for constructing stereocenters via C−C bond formation. However, this type of reaction often necessitated the use of activated ketones or pre‐prepared enol intermediates as substrates. In this study, we developed a nickel‐catalyzed α‐allylation of unactivated cycloketones with allylic alcohols to synthesize chiral cycloketones with an α‐quaternary carbon center. The reaction affords the products with 42–97% yields, 72–86% ee, and no additive is needed, and the only by‐product is water.
Recent Advances of Second‐Line Targeted Biopharmaceutical Therapies in Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Liu Shenghua , Cao Jiamin , Lu Shiyao , Zhang Feng , Xiong Wei
Published: July 2024

Intravenous glucocorticoids are the clinically preferred treatment for moderate‐to‐severe thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy. However, the serious adverse effects following intravenous glucocorticoids and the risks posed by the cumulative doses cannot be overlooked. Moreover, it is found to be ineffective in the treatment of many patients with severe thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy. Consequently, the development of superior alternative therapies is imminent. Recent advancements in the identification of multiple autoimmune‐related targets have led to the utilization of novel antibodies such as rituximab, teprotumumab, tocilizumab, and batocliumab in clinical settings. They have shown great potential in enhancing the therapeutic effect of thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy, minimizing adverse effects, and shortening treatment duration. Additionally, small molecule targeted drugs, such as single or double aptamers are rapidly developed to target the inflammatory microenvironment. In this review, the advancements in second‐line targeted therapeutic options for thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy, providing a clinical rationale for immune mechanism‐based treatment of thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy in the era of precision medicine are reported.
Practicalities (and real‐life experiences) of dementia in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Harisinghani Ayesha , Cottrell Clorinda , Donelan Karen , Lam Alice D. , Pulsifer Margaret , Santoro Stephanie L.
Published: July 2024

Adults with down syndrome (DS) have a lifetime dementia risk in excess of 95%, with a median age of onset of 55 years, due to trisomy 21. Co‐occurring Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased morbidity and mortality, and it is now recommended to screen for AD in all adults with DS beginning at 40 years of age. In this manuscript, we present two clinical cases of adults with DS who developed AD summarizing their medical histories, presenting symptoms, path to diagnosis and psychosocial aspects of care collected from retrospective chart review with caregiver consent. These two cases were chosen due to their complexity and interwoven nature of the medical and psychosocial aspects, and highlight the complexity and nuance of caring for patients with DS and AD.
Sex and gender differences in cognitive resilience to aging and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Arenaza‐Urquijo Eider M. , Boyle Rory , Casaletto Kaitlin , Anstey Kaarin J. , Vila‐Castelar Clara , Colverson Aaron , Palpatzis Eleni , Eissman Jaclyn M. , Kheng Siang Ng Ted , Raghavan Sheelakumari , Akinci Muge , Vonk Jet M. J. , Machado Luiza S. , Zanwar Preeti P. , Shrestha Hom L. , Wagner Maude , Tamburin Stefano , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Loi Samantha , Bartrés‐Faz David , Dubal Dena B. , Vemuri Prashanthi , Okonkwo Ozioma , Hohman Timothy J. , Ewers Michael , Buckley Rachel F. ,   for the Reserve, Resilience and Protective Factors Professional Interest Area, Sex and Gender Professional Interest area and the ADDRESS! Special Interest Group
Published: July 2024

Sex and gender—biological and social constructs—significantly impact the prevalence of protective and risk factors, influencing the burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD; amyloid beta and tau) and other pathologies (e.g., cerebrovascular disease) which ultimately shape cognitive trajectories. Understanding the interplay of these factors is central to understanding resilience and resistance mechanisms explaining maintained cognitive function and reduced pathology accumulation in aging and AD. In this narrative review, the ADDRESS! Special Interest Group (Alzheimer's Association) adopted a multidisciplinary approach to provide the foundations and recommendations for future research into sex‐ and gender‐specific drivers of resilience, including a sex/gender‐oriented review of risk factors, genetics, AD and non‐AD pathologies, brain structure and function, and animal research. We urge the field to adopt a sex/gender‐aware approach to resilience to advance our understanding of the intricate interplay of biological and social determinants and consider sex/gender‐specific resilience throughout disease stages.

Highlights

Sex differences in resilience to cognitive decline vary by age and cognitive status.

Initial evidence supports sex‐specific distinctions in brain pathology.

Findings suggest sex differences in the impact of pathology on cognition.

There is a sex‐specific change in resilience in the transition to clinical stages.

Gender and sex factors warrant study: modifiable, immune, inflammatory, and vascular.
Embedding Single Pd Atoms on NiGa Intermetallic Surfaces for Efficient and Selective Alkyne Hydrogenation
Authors: Ge Xiaohu , Jing Yundao , Fei Nina , Yan Kelin , Liang Yijing , Cao Yueqiang , Zhang Jing , Qian Gang , Li Lina , Jiang Hao , Zhou Xinggui , Yuan Weikang , Duan Xuezhi
Published: July 2024

Catalytic removal of alkynes is essential in industry for producing polymer‐grade alkenes from steam cracking processes. Non‐noble Ni‐based catalysts hold promise as effective alternatives to industrial Pd‐based catalysts but suffer from low activity. Here we report embedding of single‐atom Pd onto the NiGa intermetallic surface with replacing Ga atoms via a well‐defined synthesis strategy to design Pd1−NiGa catalyst for alkyne semi‐hydrogenation. The fabricated Pd1Ni2Ga1 ensemble sites deliver remarkably higher specific mass activity under superb alkene selectivity of >96 % than the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts under industry‐relevant conditions. Integrated experimental and computational studies reveal that the single‐atom Pd synergizes with the neighbouring Ni sites to facilitate the σ‐adsorption of alkyne and dissociation of hydrogen while suppress the alkene adsorption. Such synergistic effects confer the single‐atom Pd on the NiGa intermetallic with a Midas touch for alkyne semi‐hydrogenation, providing an effective strategy for stimulating low active Ni‐based catalysts for other selective hydrogenations in industry.
Dioxime palladium (II) complex: Synthesis, characterization, and dual anticancer mechanisms of topoisomerase II inhibition and Bax/caspase 3
Authors: Al‐Harbi Sami A.
Published: July 2024

The quadridentate tetraaza ligand (H2L) containing dioxime function groups and its palladium (II) complex [PdL] were synthesized and structurally characterized by analytical and various spectroscopic techniques (MS‐ES, 1HNMR, FTIR, UV–Vis, and PXRD in addition to SEM and EDX analysis). Processing powder X‐ray diffraction data and DFT calculations coupled with spectroscopic measurements revealed slightly distorted square planar stereochemistry. The anticancer activity of the newly synthesized dioxime palladium (II) complex, [PdL], has been studied and the findings of this study emphasize that [PdL] complex potentially combats cancer by exhibiting diverse cytotoxic impacts. These effects include reduced cell mitosis, decreased metastasis of MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells, inhibition of topoisomerase II, and induction of apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, the present palladium (II) complex could be a potential therapeutic drug in breast cancer because it can reduce topoisomerase II expression, which is essential in metastasis. This inhibition also reduces the expression of CDK1, which plays an important role in cell cycle regulation.
Development of extruded polystyrene bead foams via supercritical CO2 and secondary foaming technology
Authors: Luo Haibin , Su Yaozhuo , Huang Pengke , Zheng Hao , Zhang Lulu , Wu Fei , Zhao Yongqing , Wu Xingyu , Zheng Wenge
Published: July 2024

Bead foaming is a burgeoning technology for manufacturing polymer foams with lightweight and complex geometrical structures, and one of the representative cases is polystyrene (PS) bead foams. Here, a facile method is proposed to manufacture extruded PS bead foams via supercritical CO2 extrusion foaming. Secondary foaming is introduced to improve the expansion ratio of extruded bead foams and to reveal their bead bonding mechanism. For example, the expansion ratio of extruded bead foams can be increased from 21‐fold to 40‐fold after secondary foaming, illustrating that extruded bead foams have excellent secondary growth ability. In addition, the effect of molding pressure on the interface bonding of bead foams is also studied. It can be seen that there is no obvious gap between the extruded bead foams, even better than the commodity foamed boards. Benefitting from the excellent bonding effect, the as‐prepared foamed boards exhibit outstanding mechanical properties.
Unveiling the catalytic potential of K2ZnF6 fluoroperovskite for glycerol oligomerization
Authors: Barros Fernando José Soares , Moreno‐Tost Ramón , Cecilia Juan A. , de Luna Francisco Murilo Tavares , Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique , Vieira Rodrigo Silveira
Published: July 2024

This study systematically evaluates fluorine‐containing materials with varying compositions of K, Al, Co, Cu, Mg, and Zn as catalysts for glycerol oligomerization. Comprehensive analyses were conducted for all of the catalysts, considering their structural, compositional, morphological characteristics, and basicity, to understand them in greater depth. Among these analyses, gas chromatography was employed to examine the composition of the reaction products. The investigation extended to a recycling study under optimized conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the spent catalysts. Catalytic activity was found to be influenced strongly by the fluorine content, demonstrating remarkable performance for the materials containing fluoroperovskites such as KMgF3 in the catalyst KMgAFC, and K2ZnF6 in KZAFC. Remarkably, KZAFC with 20% fluorine exhibited superior glycerol conversion (68%) and selectivity for diglycerol (27%). Comparative analysis with ZnAl‐layered double hydroxide highlighted the positive impact of fluorine on catalytic activity. Introducing a calcination step in the catalyst recovery process also demonstrated improved activity during recycling. Interestingly, KZAFC exhibited stability over four reaction cycles, presenting an economic advantage over homogeneous catalysts. The study also shed light on the potential fluorine loss at the surface and potassium leaching into reaction products, correlating these phenomena with the observed decline in activity. These comprehensive findings contribute significantly to advancing sustainable glycerol valorization through heterogeneous catalysis.
An engineered ultrahigh affinity bi‐paratopic uPAR targeting agent confers enhanced tumor targeting
Authors: Cherf Gerald M. , Lee Robert B. , Mehta Nishant , Clifford Claire , Torres Kathleen , Kintzing James R. , Cochran Jennifer R.
Published: July 2024

Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is overexpressed on tumor cells in multiple types of cancer and contributes to disease progression and metastasis. In this work, we engineered a novel bi‐paratopic uPAR targeting agent by fusing the binding domains of two native uPAR ligands: uPA and vitronectin, with a flexible peptide linker. The linker length was optimized to facilitate simultaneous engagement of both domains to their adjacent epitopes on uPAR, resulting in a high affinity and avid binding interaction. Furthermore, the individual domains were affinity‐matured using yeast surface display and directed evolution, resulting in a bi‐paratopic protein with affinity in the picomolar to femtomolar range. This engineered uPAR targeting agent demonstrated significantly enhanced tumor localization in mouse tumor models compared to the native uPAR ligand and warrants further investigation as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for cancer.
Is conventional functional liver remnant volume higher than 40% still sufficient to prevent post‐hepatectomy liver failure in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma? A single‐center experience in China
Authors: Lv Tian‐Run , Ma Wen‐Jie , Liu Fei , Hu Hai‐Jie , Jin Yan‐Wen , Li Fu‐Yu
Published: July 2024

Objective

Our study aims to evaluate the predictive accuracy of functional liver remnant volume (FLRV) in post‐hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) among surgically‐treated jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed surgically‐treated jaundiced patients with HCCA between June, 2000 and June, 2018. The correlation between FRLV and PHLF were analyzed. The optimal cut off value of FLRV in jaundiced HCCA patients was also identified and its impact was furtherly evaluated.

Results

A total of 224 jaundiced HCCA patients who received a standard curative resection (43 patients developed PHLF) were identified. Patients with PHLF shared more aggressive clinic‐pathological features and were generally in a more advanced stage than those without PHLF. An obvious inconsistent distribution of FLRV in patients with PHLF and those without PHLF were detected. FLRV (continuous data) had a high predictive accuracy in PHLF. The newly‐acquired cut off value (FLRV = 53.5%, sensitivity = 81.22%, specificity = 81.4%) showed a significantly higher predictive accuracy than conventional FLRV cut off value (AUC: 0.81 vs. 0.60, p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with FLRV lower than 53.5% also shared a significantly higher major morbidity rate as well as a worse prognosis, which were not detected for FLRV of 40%.

Conclusion

For jaundiced patients with HCCA, a modified FLRV of 53.5% is recommended due to its great impact on PHLF, as well as its correlation with postoperative major morbidities as well as overall prognosis, which might help clinicians to stratify patients with different therapeutic regimes and outcomes. Future multi‐center studies for training and validation are required for further validation.
Linguistic isolation correlates with length of stay and mortality for pediatric oncology patients in California
Authors: Ennett Samuel , Das Akansha , Burcham Megan , Fitzgerald Robert , Boville Brian , Rajasekaran Surender , Kortz Teresa , Leimanis‐Laurens Mara L.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate social drivers of health and how they impact pediatric oncology patients' clinical outcomes during pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission via correlation with patient ZIP codes.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and outcome variables from Virtual Pediatric Systems®, LLC for oncology patients (2009–2021) in California PICUs (excluding postoperative) using 3‐digit ZIP Codes with social drivers of health variables linguistic isolation, poverty, race/ethnicity, and education abstracted from American Community Survey data for 3‐digit ZIP Codes using the Environmental Protection Agency's EJScreen tool. Outcomes of length of stay (LOS), mortality, acuity scores, were compared with social variables.

Results

Positive correlation between mortality and minority racial groups (Hispanic/Latino) across ZIP Codes (correlation coefficients of 0.45 (95% CI: 0.22–0.64, p < 0.001) in 2017, 0.50 (95% CI: 0.27–0.68, p < 0.001) in 2018, 0.33 (95% CI: 0.07–0.54, p = 0.013) in 2020, and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.06–0.53, p = 0.018) in 2021). Median PICU length of stay significantly correlated with linguistic isolation (coefficient of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.18–0.61, p = 0.001) in 2021 versus −0.41 (95% CI: −0.61 to −0.16, p = 0.002) in 2019), which included PRISMIII (n = 7417). Mixed effects logistic regression model for other constant variables (PRISMIII, cancer type, race/ethnicity, year), random effect of patient, linguistic isolation (percentage as a continuous value) was significantly associated (95% CI: 1.01–1.06; p = 0.02) with mortality; (OR = 1.03).

Conclusions

Linguistic isolation was correlated with LOS and mortality, however variable year to year.
Perspective of obstetric care‐providers on being involved in cervical cancer screening during antenatal care in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Hoeven Nick M. A. , van den Brule A. J. C. , van Beekhuizen H. J. , de Kok I. M. C. M. , van Kemenade F. J.
Published: July 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to determine attitude of Dutch midwifes, gynecologists and general practitioners (GPs) towards involvement in antenatal cervical cancer screening (CCS) in the Netherlands.

Methods

In 2021, Dutch midwives, gynecologists, and GPs were offered a single digital questionnaire assessing perceived feasibility, benefits, and harms of antenatal CCS.

Results

A total of 6943 Questionnaires were send and response rate was 18% (N = 1260). Of all respondents, 78% considered antenatal CCS via obstetric care providers feasible. Most respondents (85%) agreed that offering CCS in person can increase motivation to attend. Most midwives (93%) considered that women would feel less encumbered if cervical sampling would be performed by obstetric care providers, rather than by GPs.

Conclusion

Results indicate that introduction of antenatal CCS is considered feasible by a majority of Dutch midwifes, gynecologists, and GPs. Considered benefits include improved motivation to attend and reduced test related barriers.
METTL1/FOXM1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression and gefitinib resistance by inhibiting PTPN13 expression
Authors: Peng Wei , Fu Jia , Zhou Lijun , Duan Huaxin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common malignant tumor in respiratory system. Methyltransferase‐like 1 (METTL1) is a driver of m7G modification in mRNA. This study aimed to demonstrate the role of METTL1 in the proliferation, invasion and Gefitinib‐resistance of LUAD.

Methods

Public datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and GSE31210 datasets. Malignant tumor phenotypes were tested in vitro and in vivo through biological function assays and nude mouse with xenograft tumors. RNA immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to determine the interaction between METTL1 protein and FOXM1 mRNA. Public transcriptional database, Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase report assays were conducted to detect the downstream target of a transcriptional factor FOXM1. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated to evaluate the sensitivity to Gefitinib in LUAD cells.

Results

The results showed that METTL1 was upregulated in LUAD, and the high expression of METTL1 was associated with unfavorable prognosis. Through the m7G‐dependent manner, METTL1 improved the RNA stability of FOXM1, leading to the up‐regulation of FOXM1. FOXM1 transcriptionally suppressed PTPN13 expression. The METTL1/FOXM1/PTPN13 axis reduced the sensitivity of LUAD cells to Gefitinib. Taken together, our data suggested that METTL1 plays oncogenic role in LUAD through inducing the m7G modification of FOXM1, therefore METTL1 probably is a new potential therapeutic target to counteract Gefitinib resistance in LUAD.
Safety and efficacy of fruquintinib‐based therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma
Authors: Zhou Chenliang , Qian Guowei , Wang Yonggang , Li Hongtao , Shen Zan , Zheng Shuier
Published: July 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib‐based therapy as a salvage therapy for patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma, including soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and bone sarcoma.

Methods

Patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma were divided into two groups. One group received fruquintinib monotherapy, while the other received fruquintinib combined therapy. Safety and efficacy of fruquintinib‐based therapy were recorded and reviewed retrospectively, including progression‐free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Between August 2021 and December 2022, 38 sarcoma patients were retrospectively included. A total of 14 patients received fruquintinib alone (including 6 STS and 8 bone sarcoma), while 24 were treated with fruquintinib combined therapy (including 2 STS and 22 bone sarcoma). The median follow‐up was 10.2 months (95% CI, 6.4–11.5). For the entire population, the median PFS was 8.0 months (95% CI, 5.5–13.0). The ORR was 13.1%, while the disease control rate (DCR) was 86.8%. The univariate analysis showed that radiotherapy history (HR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.70–12.24; p = 0.003), bone sarcoma (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14–0.87; p = 0.024), and treatment method of fruquintinib (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15–0.85; p = 0.021) were significantly associated with PFS. The multivariate analysis showed that patients without radiotherapy history were associated with a better PFS (HR, 3.71; 95% CI: 1.31–10.55; p = 0.014) than patients with radiotherapy history. Patients in combination group reported pneumothorax (8.3%), leukopenia (33.3%), thrombocytopenia (12.5%), diarrhea (4.2%), and anemia (4.2%) as the most frequent grade 3 or higher treatment‐emergent AEs (TEAEs), while there was no severe TEAEs occurred in the monotherapy group.

Conclusions

Fruquintinib‐based therapy displayed an optimal tumor control and an acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma.
Pillar[5]arene‐Based Ion‐Pair Recognition for Encapsulation of a Stilbazolium‐Type Dye with Enhanced Photophysical Properties and Nonlinear Optical Activity
Authors: Li Ming , Yang Yuting , Liu Rui , Wang Yanfang , Shao Li , Hua Bin , Liu Xiaofeng , Huang Feihe
Published: July 2024

Constructing organic composite materials through molecular recognition has emerged as an important theme in materials science. Here we report an ion‐pair recognition system involving the use of a propoxylated pillar[5]arene (PrP5) to modulate the solid‐state photophysical properties of dye trans‐4’‐(dimethylamino)‐N‐methyl‐4‐stilbazolium hexafluorophosphate (DMASP). Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the dye guest DMASP is encapsulated by PrP5 to form a 2 : 1 host−guest complex 2PrP5⸧DMASP in the crystalline state. The macrocyclic skeleton of PrP5 imposes restrictions on the intramolecular motions of the dye guest, leading to a significant enhancement of its fluorescence emission. Additionally, within the 2PrP5⸧DMASP complex crystal structure, DMASP molecules are found to display two possible opposite orientations in the one‐dimensional channels formed by PrP5 molecules. This arrangement is believed to alter the overall solid‐state packing structure of DMASP, thereby activating its nonlinear optical activity. This work not only reports a novel ion‐pair molecular recognition system based on pillararenes but also provides valuable insights into the modulation of the crystalline state photophysical properties of organic dyes via cocrystal engineering.
Evaluation of secretome biomarkers in glioblastoma cancer stem cells: A bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Jangholi Ehsan , Tehran Hoda Ahmari , Ghasemi Afsaneh , Hoseinian Mohammad , Firoozi Sina , Ghodsi Seyed Mohammad , Tamaddon Mona , Bereimipour Ahmad , Hadjighassem Mahmoudreza
Published: July 2024

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor that frequently occurs alongside other central nervous system (CNS) conditions. The secretome of GBM cells contains a diverse array of proteins released into the extracellular space, influencing the tumor microenvironment. These proteins can serve as potential biomarkers for GBM due to their involvement in key biological processes, exploring the secretome biomarkers in GBM research represents a cutting‐edge strategy with significant potential for advancing diagnostic precision, treatment monitoring, and ultimately improving outcomes for patients with this challenging brain cancer.

Aim

This study was aimed to investigate the roles of secretome biomarkers and their pathwayes in GBM through bioinformatics analysis.

Methods and Results

Using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the Cancer Genome Atlas datasets—where both healthy and cancerous samples were analyzed—we used a quantitative analytical framework to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell signaling pathways that might be related to GBM. Then, we performed gene ontology studies and hub protein identifications to estimate the roles of these DEGs after finding disease‐gene connection networks and signaling pathways. Using the GEPIA Proportional Hazard Model and the Kaplan–Meier estimator, we widened our analysis to identify the important genes that may play a role in both progression and the survival of patients with GBM. In total, 890 DEGs, including 475 and 415 upregulated and downregulated were identified, respectively. Our results revealed that SQLE, DHCR7, delta‐1 phospholipase C (PLCD1), and MINPP1 genes are highly expressed, and the Enolase 2 (ENO2) and hexokinase‐1 (HK1) genes are low expressions.

Conclusion

Hence, our findings suggest novel mechanisms that affect the occurrence of GBM development, growth, and/or establishment and may also serve as secretory biomarkers for GBM prognosis and possible targets for therapy. So, continued research in this field may uncover new avenues for therapeutic interventions and contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat GBM effectively.
Open and Closed Cage Silsesquioxane Dimers
Authors: Yonezawa Honoka , Naka Kensuke , Imoto Hiroaki
Published: July 2024

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is an organic‐inorganic hybrid molecule with two structural variations, closed‐ and open‐cage configurations, referred to as completely condensed POSS (CC‐POSS) and corner‐opened POSS (CO‐POSS), respectively. In this study, we synthesized 12 dimers by combining CC‐ and CO‐POSS variants decorated with isobutyl or phenyl substituents to explore their structure‐property relationships. The choice of substituents, both at the cage vertices and open sites, significantly affected the thermal and optical properties of the materials. Modifying the substituents on CO‐ and CC‐POSS, which are isomers, led to significant alterations in the material properties. Notably, isomer‐bearing carbazole substituents exhibited a substantially higher quantum yield (0.32) than its counterpart isomer (0.13), underscoring the crucial role of structural nuances in determining material performance. These results offer valuable insights for the design of novel silsesquioxane‐based materials.