bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unconventional Charge‐Two Weyl Phonons in High‐Symmetry Lines
Authors: Yang Xiang‐Feng , Liu Qing‐Bo , Wang Zhe‐Qi , Fu Hua‐Hua
Published: April 2023

Weyl phonons have long been regarded as an important kind of topological bosonic quasiparticle states. Previous investigations in this field mainly focus on Weyl phonons located at high‐symmetry points (HSPs) in Brillouin zone (BZ), while those located at high‐symmetry lines (HSLs, not including HSPs) are still rarely studied. Considering that their symmetry‐protected conditions are much different, we name them conventional and unconventional Weyl phonons, respectively. In this work, taking charge‐two Weyl phonons (CTWPs) as examples, the complete classifications of all unconventional CTWPs is summarized by performing symmetry analysis in all 230 space groups (SGs). Moreover, due to their different phononic dispersions, the unconventional CTWPs can be classified as Type‐I, Type‐II, and Type‐III ones. Particularly, thek·pmodel of unconventional CTWPs shows ak‐type feature along the invariant lines while ak2‐type feature along other directions. Additionally, we uncover that a real chiral crystal material, that is, CsBe2F5in SG 213, can exhibit well‐defined Type‐I and Type‐II unconventional CTWPs characterized by multiple double‐helicoid surface states. Our theoretical work not only puts forward an effective way for seeking for unconventional CTWPs, but also uncover the unique advantages of this kind of CTWPs toward realistic device applications.
Enhanced Energy Storage Properties in Paraelectrics via Entropy Engineering
Authors: Lan Shun , Meng Fanqi , Yang Bingbing , Wang Yue , Liu Yiqian , Dou Lvye , Yang Letao , Pan Hao , Kong Xi , Ma Jing , Shen Yang , Nan Ce‐Wen , Lin Yuan‐Hua
Published: April 2023

Electrostatic energy storage capacitors based on dielectrics have attracted much attention due to their wide applications in advanced electrical technology and electronic devices. Generally, high energy density is achieved at a high electric field, while conduction loss becomes nonnegligible, which harms practical applications. Here distinctly suppressed leakage current in BaZr0.5Ti0.5O3‐based films by entropy engineering is realized. With increased entropy, the leakage current density decreases by two orders of magnitude at the electric field of 3 MV cm−1, leading to a markedly improved energy efficiency of 87% at an ultrahigh breakdown strength of 8 MV cm−1 in high‐entropy films. Thereby, a high energy density of 51.9 J cm−3 is achieved. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of entropy engineering in improving the breakdown strength of dielectric films and shows great potential in enhancing the energy storage performance of capacitors.
Thermoelectric Borides: Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Saglik Kivanc , Mete Busra , Terzi Ilayda , Candolfi Christophe , Aydemir Umut
Published: April 2023

The conversion of waste heat into electricity plays a vital role in energy harvesting since conventional non‐renewable energy sources have been rapidly approaching the limit of utilization. The thermoelectric (TE) technology relies on converting temperature difference (or waste heat) into electricity or vice versa. The performance of TE materials is gauged byzT=S2T/ρκ, where S,ρ,κ, andTrepresent the Seebeck coefficient, the electrical resistivity, the total thermal conductivity, and the absolute temperature, respectively. Boron‐based compounds are considered refractory materials due to their high melting points and advanced chemical and mechanical stability. Besides high thermal stability, many borides exhibit intrinsically low thermal conductivity. The discovery of good TE efficiency in boron carbides, where unexpectedly high Seebeck coefficients (S(T) ≈ 250 µVK−1) are observed at high charge carrier densities (≈1021cm−3), has induced an intense curiosity for the TE properties of other boron‐based compounds. Intermetallic borides with high boron content (>65 at%) are of particular interest among all known TE materials due to their great potential in TE generators, which can operate under extreme environmental conditions (T> 1000 K). This article reviews the TE properties of borides and state‐of‐art TE materials upon boron/borides doping.
Traditional Chinese medicine in human diseases treatment: New insights of their potential mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Shan‐Qiang , Jiang Xin‐Xin , Li Ji‐Cheng
Published: April 2023

For millennia, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has relieved the pain of countless patients with its unique theory and treatment method, which has provoked researchers' interest for exploring the biological and molecular mechanisms. This special issue highlights recent advances of this ancient and mysterious medical system in the basic science research field. The authors in this volume explored the molecular characteristics of TCM syndromes and the disease‐resistant mechanisms of acupuncture and Chinese herbs in the diseases effecting the human motor system, digestive system, nervous system, and other organ systems by applying high‐throughput omics technologies, molecular biology experiments, animal models and other methods. Alongside enhancing their perception of TCM from these latest findings, readers can also understand how to cross the systematic theory of TCM with modern molecular biology techniques. These studies advance our understanding of the potential mechanisms of TCM in treating human diseases, and also provide inspiration for the development of novel TCM‐based therapeutic strategies. We hope these efforts will promote extensive development in TCM research.
Copper(I)‐catalysed synthesis of symmetrical perfluoroterphenyl analogues; fluorescence, antioxidant and molecular docking studies
Authors: Alqahtani Alaa M. , Abumelha Hana M. , Alnoman Rua B. , Abualnaja Matokah M. , Alsharief Hatun H. , Hameed Ahmed , Almontshery Abdalaziz M. , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M.
Published: April 2023

Pentafluoroaryl analogues have been found to exhibit para specific nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr). Herein, we describe the use of SNAr chemistry to create luminous perfluorinated symmetrical terphenyls. Both of SNAr chemistry and copper(I)‐catalysed decarboxylative cross‐coupling were applied for the synthesis of the perfluorinated symmetrical terphenyls in high yields from the corresponding derivatives of aryl iodide and potassium salt of fluorobenzoate. A series of perfluorinated symmetrical terphenyls with different para alkoxy chains were synthesized. The synthesized perfluorinated terphenyl adducts were confirmed via elemental analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), proton (1H) carbon‐13 (13C) and fluorine‐19 (19F) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. The absorbance and fluorescence spectra showed solvatochromic activities. The new synthesized fluoroterphenyl hybrids were screened against antioxidant inspection over DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) performance, in assessment of vitamin C and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as standard drugs exposed that fluoroterphenyl hybrid covering decyl hydrocarbons exhibited highest effectiveness through half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 21.74 μg/ml. Additionally, molecular docking procedures of the synthesized fluoroterphenyl hybrids were employed by using protein data bank (PDB ID: 5IKQ). The docking simulation displayed convenient and recognized findings with the antioxidant examination.
Process economics evaluation and optimization of adeno‐associated virus downstream processing
Authors: Lyle Annabel , Stamatis Christos , Linke Thomas , Hulley Martyn , Schmelzer Albert , Turner Richard , Farid Suzanne S.
Published: April 2023

Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) manufacturing has traditionally focused upon lab‐scale techniques to culture and purify vector products, leading to limitations in production capacity. The tool presented in this paper assesses the feasibility of using non‐scalable technologies at high AAV demands and identifies optimal flowsheets at large‐scale that meet both cost and purity targets. The decisional tool comprises (a) a detailed process economics model with the relevant mass balance, sizing, and costing equations for AAV upstream and downstream technologies, (b) a built‐in Monte Carlo simulation to assess uncertainties, and (c) a brute‐force optimization algorithm for rapid investigation into the optimal purification combinations. The results overall highlighted that switching to more scalable upstream and downstream processing alternatives is economically advantageous. The base case analysis showed the cost and robustness advantages of utilizing suspension cell culture over adherent, as well as a fully chromatographic purification platform over batch ultracentrifugation. Expanding the set of purification options available gave insights into the optimal combination to satisfy both cost and purity targets. As the purity target increased, the optimal polishing solution moved from the non‐capsid purifying multimodal chromatography to anion‐exchange chromatography or continuous ultracentrifugation.
Development and Characterization of Selective FAK Inhibitors and PROTACs with In Vivo Activity
Authors: Koide Eriko , Mohardt Mikaela L. , Doctor Zainab M. , Yang Annan , Hao Mingfeng , Donovan Katherine A. , Kuismi Christina C. , Nelson Alissa J. , Abell Kathryn , Aguiar Mike , Che Jianwei , Stokes Matthew P. , Zhang Tinghu , Aguirre Andrew J. , Fischer Eric S. , Gray Nathanael S. , Jiang Baishan , Nabet Behnam
Published: April 2023

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an attractive drug target due to its overexpression in cancer. FAK functions as a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase and scaffolding protein, coordinating several downstream signaling effectors and cellular processes. While drug discovery efforts have largely focused on targeting FAK kinase activity, FAK inhibitors have failed to show efficacy as single agents in clinical trials. Here, using structure‐guided design, we report the development of a selective FAK inhibitor (BSJ‐04‐175) and degrader (BSJ‐04‐146) to evaluate the consequences and advantages of abolishing all FAK activity in cancer models. BSJ‐04‐146 achieves rapid and potent FAK degradation with high proteome‐wide specificity in cancer cells and induces durable degradation in mice. Compared to kinase inhibition, targeted degradation of FAK exhibits pronounced improved activity on downstream signaling and cancer cell viability and migration. Together, BSJ‐04‐175 and BSJ‐04‐146 are valuable chemical tools to dissect the specific consequences of targeting FAK through small‐molecule inhibition or degradation.
Discovery and Biosynthesis of Ureidopeptide Natural Products Macrocyclized via Indole N‐acylation in Marine Microbulbifer spp. Bacteria
Authors: Zhong Weimao , Deutsch Jessica M. , Yi Dongqi , Abrahamse Nadine H. , Mohanty Ipsita , Moore Samuel G. , McShan Andrew C. , Garg Neha , Agarwal Vinayak
Published: April 2023

Commensal bacteria associated with marine invertebrates are underappreciated sources of chemically novel natural products. Using mass spectrometry, we had previously detected the presence of peptidic natural products in obligate marine bacteria of the genus Microbulbifer cultured from marine sponges. In this report, the isolation and structural characterization of a panel of ureidohexapeptide natural products, termed the bulbiferamides, from Microbulbifer strains is reported wherein the tryptophan side chain indole participates in a macrocyclizing peptide bond formation. Genome sequencing identifies biosynthetic gene clusters encoding production of the bulbiferamides and implicates the involvement of a thioesterase in the indolic macrocycle formation. The structural diversity and widespread presence of bulbiferamides in commensal microbiomes of marine invertebrates point toward a possible ecological role for these natural products.
Promising applications of red cell distribution width in diagnosis and prognosis of diseases with or without disordered iron metabolism
Authors: Yang Yashuang , Wang Quanshu , Gao Ling , Liu Sijin , Zhao Jiajun , Liu Guoliang , Zhang Shuping
Published: April 2023

Many indicators, including red cell distribution width (RDW) and iron metabolism, are sensitive to a variety of risk factors, and are associated with the pathological alterations and disease onset. RDW reflects the degree of heterogeneous volumes of peripheral red blood cells (RBCs). It has been well‐known that increased RDW indicates iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and shorten lifespan of RBCs. Increased RDW is also prevalent in various non‐anemic pathological conditions and diseases. We here review the factors affecting RDW, particularly disordered iron metabolism, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, and recapitulate the interplays among these factors. Furthermore, we review the application of increased RDW together with disordered iron homeostasis and the deregulations of hepcidin expression and ferritin levels in the diagnoses and prognosis of anemic and nonanemic diseases. RDW is inexpensive and readily available and may be valuable in adding to the diagnosis and monitoring of many pathological conditions. RDW combined with other indicators, for example, hepcidin and ferritin levels, should be utilized more frequently in clinical practice.
Anagrelide‐induced pericardial effusion in a patient with essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Song David , Shabani Jawad , Jaiswal Vikash , Paudel Kusum , Gupta Arjun , Rubinstein David
Published: April 2023

Pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade can occur due to a multitude of etiologies, one of which is medication adverse effects. In patients with comorbid conditions, this can prove to be a challenge in its co‐management along with the primary disease. We present a rare case of anagrelide‐induced pericardial effusion that is presented with tamponade physiology in a patient with essential thrombocythemia. After cautiously weighing the risks and benefits of further invasive interventions following an unsuccessful pericardiocentesis, the decision was to stop anagrelide while managing the pericardial effusion medically. Therefore, managing pericardial effusion should be tailored to each patient individually through shared decision‐making.
Inclusion body myositis in an older patient following a fall
Authors: Saiki Haruma , Isono Hiroki , Ihara Kousuke , Kondo Keisuke , Isono Momoko , Shiraoka Akira
Published: April 2023

Key Clinical Message

After experiencing a fall, an 82‐year‐old woman developed progressive loss of lower limb strength and was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis. Although falls and muscle weakness are often regarded as consequences of aging, inclusion body myositis should be considered in a patient with a history of multiple falls.
Hyperostosis frontalis interna presenting as a forehead scar in a young male
Authors: Khizar Ahtesham , Shahzad Waleed , Yadav Pradhumna Kumar
Published: April 2023

Hyperostosis frontalis interna is a benign overgrowth of the inner table of the frontal bone. Exact etiology is unknown. The condition is often an incidental finding and requires no treatment unless there are neurological signs and symptoms.
Alpha‐Glucosidase Enzyme Immobilized Dextran‐Co Metal Nanoparticle Cryogel Composite Systems as Dual Catalyst with Enhanced Stability and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Demirci Sahin , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: April 2023

Here, dextran (Dex) cryogels were prepared and used for the immobilization of α‐Glu enzyme via two different techniques of entrapment and covalent linking. The entrapment of α‐Glu enzyme within Dex cryogels (α‐GluE@Dex) during the synthesis process caused almost 70 % activity loss. On the other hand, the Dex cryogels with α‐Glu enzyme immobilized via covalent linking (α‐GluC@Dex) maintained 91±1.1 % activity and afforded 10 consecutive usages and could be stored at 25 °C for 10 days with more than 50 % activity. Moreover, we prepared Cobalt (Co) metal nanoparticle containing Dex‐Co cryogel composite to be used to immobilize the α‐Glu enzyme via covalent linking to attain an α‐GluC@Dex‐Co catalyst system with dual catalytic performance e. g., enzymatic and chemical reduction of the substrate and its’ by‐product for the first time. The prepared α‐GluC@Dex‐Co cryogels system was used for enzymatic hydrolysis of 4‐nitrophenyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside to glucose and 4‐nitrophenol, and then the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol catalyzed by the Co metal nanoparticles present as co‐catalyst within the cryogel network. The enzymatic activity of α‐GluC@Dex‐Co cryogels was calculated as 72±3.1 % and the cryogel reduced the enzymatic reaction by‐product of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol in 7 min in the presence of NaBH4.
Is core consistency a too conservative diagnostic?
Authors: Halberg Helene Fog Froriep , Bevilacqua Marta , Rinnan Åsmund
Published: April 2023

Fluorescence spectroscopy combined with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) has successfully been applied for the analysis of food and beverages containing numerous autofluorescent compounds. For the decomposition of such data, it is crucial to establish the PARAFAC model complexity. This is not a trivial matter, especially when the sample complexity increases. Diagnostics are available for assisting the choice of the number of PARAFAC components, such as the core consistency. In this short communication, we show that when it comes to real (complex) data, the core consistency is too conservative and other diagnostic tools must be taken into account. We emphasize that it is imperative to inspect the PARAFAC excitation and emission loadings and assess whether these are chemically meaningful.
In Vitro Selection and Characterization of a DNAzyme Probe for Diverse Pathogenic Strains of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Qian Shuwen , Chang Dingran , Gu Jimmy , Salena Bruno J. , Li Yingfu
Published: April 2023

Clostridium difficile frequently causes an infectious disease known as Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and there is an urgent need for the development of more effective rapid diagnostic tests for CDI. Previously we have developed an RNA‐cleaving fluorogenic DNAzyme (RFD) probe, named RFD‐CD1, that is capable of detecting a specific strain of C. difficile but is too specific to recognize other pathogenic C. difficile strains. To overcome this issue, herein we report RFD‐CD2, another RFD that is not only highly specific to C. difficile but also capable of recognizing diverse pathogenic C. difficile strains. Extensive sequence and structure characterization establishes a pseudoknot structure and a significantly minimized sequence for RFD‐CD2. As a fluorescent sensor, RFD‐CD2 can detect C. difficile at a concentration as low as 100 CFU/mL, thus making this DNAzyme an attractive molecular probe for rapid diagnosis of CDI caused by diverse strains of C. difficile.
Sulfide‐Directed Ir‐Catalyzed Vinylic sp2 and Benzylic sp3 C−H Activation for the Construction of Sulfur‐Containing Medium‐Ring System
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Iwaki Takahiro , Marumo Haru , Ito Mamoru
Published: April 2023

Ir‐catalyzed transformations initiated by sulfur‐directed vinylic sp2 and benzylic sp3 C−H activation are disclosed that achieve the construction of sulfur‐containing seven‐ and eight‐membered systems. Allyl 2‐alkynylphenyl sulfides were transformed into dihydrobenzothiepines in 30–95 % yield, and 2‐alkynylaryl 2‐tolyl sulfides were converted into dibenzo[b,f]thiepines in 57–95 % yield along with double bond isomerization. In both reactions, the combination of Ir catalyst and sulfide moiety was a key to the facile cyclization.
Molecular Assembly and Gelating Behavior of (l)‐Alanine Derivatives
Authors: Soeta Takahiro , Kurobe Shota , Nirei Yutaro , Kurokawa Naoto , Wei Weilin , Yurtsever Ayhan , Fukuma Takeshi , Ukaji Yutaka
Published: April 2023

In this study, a low‐molecular‐weight organogelator derived from (l)‐amino acids was designed and synthesized. Gelation assays using (l)‐amino acid derivatives were performed to confirm the gelation ability, which was found to be high in several compounds. The (l)‐alanine derivatives were determined to be excellent gelators, forming good gels even when smaller amounts were added. These results led to a library of amino acid‐derived organogelators. In addition, the thermal properties of the (l)‐alanine derivatives with high gelation performance were measured. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed that the thermal stability of the gels could be controlled by changing the gelator concentration. The surface states of the obtained gels were observed by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy measurements, which confirmed the structure of the self‐molecular aggregates. Self‐molecular aggregates were observed to be helical or sheet‐like, and the gels were constructed by forming aggregates by self‐molecular recognition.
Protocell Self‐Assembly Driven by Sodium Trimetaphosphate
Authors: Chen Yuyan , Yan Lijie , Chi Yangyang , Liu Yan , Zhao Yufen
Published: April 2023

The co‐evolution of peptide formation and membrane self‐assembly is considered an essential step in the origin of life. However, more research is required on both processes, particularly on the interaction between prebiotic simple fatty‐acid membranes and peptide synthesis. In this study, the sodium trimetaphosphate (P3m)‐activated peptide formation reaction of phenylalanine (Phe) in an alkaline decanoic acid‐decanol vesicle system was systematically investigated. The experimental results showed that peptide formation could competitively occur with N‐acyl amino acid (NAA) formation. NAA formation did not follow the traditional P3m‐activated peptide formation reaction involving the intermediate cyclic acylphosphoramidate (CAPA). Decanoic acid was activated by P3m to form a mixed anhydride, which then reacted with an amino acid to form the amide NAA. As a kind of membrane‐forming amphiphile, NAA can form vesicles independently and reduce the critical vesicle concentration of the fatty‐acid vesicles. Moreover, 11 other representative amino acids, namely alanine (Ala), aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), valine (Val), and arginine (Arg), were selected for investigation. All of them reacted with decanoic acid to form NAA via the activation effect of P3m. The abovementioned mechanism involving P3m‐activated carboxylic acid has not been reported in the literature. Our experimental results indicate that the participation of decanoic acid in the P3m activation‐based peptide formation reaction system plays a significant role in the emergence of functionalized protocells. The P3m activation effect can provide diversified raw membrane materials to form and stabilize protocell membranes; moreover, the small peptides, such as Phe‐Leu, formed in the same reaction system can induce the amplification of primitive cells. This implies that synergistic symbiosis between membrane and peptide can be realized via the P3m activation effect.
Viscous, Hofmeister Effect‐Enhanced Macromolecular Adhesives for Effective Bonding in Seawater
Authors: Sun Peng , Wang Qingxi , Wang Yongyu , Yuan Xubo , Zhao Jin , Long Lixia , Li Sidi , Hou Xin
Published: April 2023

Deployment of adhesives in natural seawater to in situ bonds is urgently needed in engineering fields. However, stable adhesion in natural seawater remains a challenge due to the turbulent environment and high ion concentration. Herein, we reported a viscous, macromolecular underwater adhesive enhanced by Hofmeister effect (EHUA) for practical application in dynamic seawater. EHUA was synthesized via a facile one‐step copolymerization. After transferred into seawater, the solvent of EHUA was exchanged to seawater, and thereby hydrogen bonds inside the adhesive were activated and enhanced by Hofmeister effect. We demonstrated EHUA can adhere on the surface in turbulent seawater, and the adhesive strength could reach 1.691 MPa. In addition, the adhesives also exhibited long‐term storage stability and convenient recyclability. These fascinating properties enable adhesives to seal leaky pipelines, repair damaged ships and construct buildings in turbulent seawater. This work may open an avenue for the design of adhesives for seawater environments.
The current that came in from the electric field – new experiments in bipolar electro‐chemistry for schools and universities
Authors: Quarthal Dominik , Oberle Maria‐Katharina , Oetken Marco
Published: April 2023

Im folgenden Beitrag wird zunächst auf die Aktualität bzw. die Wichtigkeit der bipolaren Elektrochemie in der Wissenschaft und die damit verbundene Schulrelevanz eingegangen. Im Anschluss daran soll ein für die Schule geeigneter Erklärungsansatz zu diesem Themenfeld und dazu passende Schlüsselexperimente rund um die bipolare Elektrochemie präsentiert werden.
Design of a functionally graded porous uncemented acetabular component: Influence of polar gradation
Authors: Saviour Ceby Mullakkara , Gupta Sanjay
Published: April 2023

The functionally graded porous metal‐backed (FGPMB) acetabular component has the potential to minimize strain‐shielding induced bone resorption, caused by stiffness mismatch of implant and host bone. This study is aimed at a novel design of FGPMB acetabular component, which is based on numerical investigations of the mechanical behavior of acetabular components with regard to common failure scenarios, considering various daily activities and implant‐bone interface conditions. Both radial and polar functional gradations were implemented, and the effects of the polar gradation exponent on the failure criteria were evaluated. The relationships between porosity and orthotropic mechanical properties of a tetrahedron‐based unit cell were obtained using a numerical homogenization method. Strain‐shielding in cancellous bone was relatively lesser for the FGPMB than solid metal‐backing. Few nodes around the rim were susceptible to implant‐bone interfacial debonding, irrespective of the polar gradation exponent. Although the most favorable bone remodeling predictions were obtained for a polar gradation exponent of 0.1, a sudden change in the porosity was observed near the rim of FGPMB. Bone remodeling patterns were similar for polar gradation exponent of 5.0 and solid metal‐backing. Moreover, the volumetric wear was maximum and minimum for polar gradation exponents of 0.1 and 5, respectively. Furthermore, the micromotions of different polar gradation exponents were within a range (20–40 μm) that might facilitate bone ingrowth. Considering common failure mechanisms, the FGPMB having polar gradation exponents in the range of 0.1–0.5 appeared to be a viable alternative to the solid acetabular component, within which a gradation exponent of 0.25 seemed the most appropriate design parameter.
Clinical significance of long non‐coding RNA ZEB2‐AS1 and EMT‐related markers in ductal and lobular breast cancer
Authors: Zarei Mahboobeh , Malekzadeh Kianoosh , Omidi Mahmoud , Mousavi Pegah
Published: April 2023

Background

Breast cancer is considered the most prevalent type of cancer in women and accounts for a high rate of death. A body of research has demonstrated that lncRNAs have a regulatory function in human diseases, especially cancers. ZEB2‐AS1 is known as an oncogenic lncRNA in various types of cancers, and its deregulation may contribute to cancer development and progression. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the association of ZEB2‐AS1 expression with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, as a hallmark of cancer progression, in a clinical setting.

Methods

A recent study suggested that ZEB2‐AS1 is significantly involved in EMT. Here we intended to explore the roles of lncRNA ZEB2‐AS1 in breast cancer (BC) using bioinformatics tools and laboratory settings. We first evaluated the expression of ZEB2‐AS1 mRNA in tumor and healthy control tissues by lnCAR database. Furthermore, ZEB2‐AS1 expression level, ZEB2, E‐cadherin, and vimentin was measured via qRT‐PCR in 30 paired ductal and lobular carcinoma tissues from breast cancer patients and the normal adjacent ones. The correlation between the lncRNA ZEB2‐AS1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of the breast cancer patients was evaluated.

Results

ZEB2‐AS1 showed an upregulation in breast cancer tissues (p = .04) compared to normal adjacent samples. In addition, its level was higher in breast cancer patients with advanced Stages (III & IV) (n = 18) compared to early Stages (I & II) (n = 12) (p = .04). Moreover, ZEB2 (p = .01) and vimentin (p = .02) expression were upregulated in the BC sample, but the expression level of E‐cadherin (p = .02) was downregulated when compared with the adjacent normal tissues. By comparison of the expression of EMT‐markers between different stages of breast cancer, overexpression of ZEB2 (p = .04) and vimentin (p = .04) and down expression of E‐cadherin (p = .03) was observed in advance stages.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings suggest that ZEB2‐AS1 expression is significantly upregulated in tumor tissues, especially in advanced stages and ZEB2‐AS1 is associated with the aggressiveness of tumors by functioning as putative oncogenic lncRNA. In addition, a combination of ZEB2‐AS1 and these EMT markers in breast cancer potentiates these genes as biomarkers for tumor progression.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome Associated with Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Pharmacovigilance Study Based on the FAERS Database
Authors: Xia Shuang , Gong Hui , Zhao Yichang , Guo Lin , Wang Yikun , Ma Rui , Zhang Bikui , Sarangdhar Mayur , Noguchi Yoshihiro , Yan Miao
Published: April 2023

Although some tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) cases have been reported with patients with multiple myeloma (MM) taking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the association between TLS and mAbs remains mostly unknown. We aim to investigate the association between TLS and mAbs and describe clinical features. We conducted a disproportionality analysis to investigate the link between mAbs and TLS by excluding known confounders and compared with other anticancer drugs. The association between mAbs and TLS was evaluated using information component (IC). Drug–drug interaction signals were calculated based on the Ω shrinkage measure. Parametric distribution with the goodness‐of‐fit test was used for the reported time‐to‐onset analysis. From 2016 Q1, to 2022 Q4, a total of 274 TLS with mAbs were reported in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. There were 27% of patients with TLS with mAbs who died and 20.1% occurred a life‐threatening situation. Daratumumab, elotuzumab, and belantamab mafodotin presented a robust disproportionate signal of TLS after excluding known confounders (IC025 > 0). Daratumumab had the highest disproportionate signal of TLS among all anticancer drugs for MM. Reported time‐to‐onset analysis showed the median days for TLS with daratumumab, isatuximab, elotuzumab, and belantamab mafodotin were 1.5, 14.5, 5.5, and 5.5 days, respectively. The drug–drug interaction analysis showed the co‐administration of drugs known to increase urate, induce hyperkalemia, or hypocalcemia elevated the reporting frequency for TLS with mAbs (Ω025 > 0). Our postmarketing pharmacovigilance analysis detected the reporting association of TLS and mAbs in patients with MM. Additional studies with robust epidemiological study designs that can validate these findings are warranted.
Moral exemplars and moral disillusionment. How the perception of Poles' behavior during the Holocaust shapes current Polish‐Israeli conflicted relations?
Authors: Babińska Maria , Bilewicz Michał
Published: April 2023

The moral exemplars model of reconciliation (Cehajic‐Clancy & Bilewicz, 2021) proposes that through focusing on the moral behavior during the genocide, the descendants of perpetrators, bystanders, and victims could become more willing to reconcile and engage in intergroup contact. In the present article we aim to test the boundary effects of such approach by analyzing the usage of moral exemplars argument in the Polish‐Israeli conflict over the history of the Holocaust. In two studies, we tested whether Poles' and Israeli's estimations of moral behavior and emotions (vs. immoral ones) during the Holocaust are related to their attitudes towards contemporary counterparts. The studies confirmed that higher estimations of moral behavior during the Holocaust were related to more positive attitudes of Israelis towards Poles but not of Poles towards Israelis. On the contrary, higher estimations of such moral behavior among Poles were positively related to secondary antisemitism and harsh criticism of the current role of Israel in the Middle Eastern conflict. The results of our studies suggest that the moral exemplars‐based model of reconciliation should be carefully applied to the contexts in which historical perpetrators and bystanders aim at whitewashing their histories.
Towards a framework for corporate disclosure of circular economy: Company perspectives and recommendations
Authors: Opferkuch Katelin , Walker Anna M. , Roos Lindgreen Erik , Caeiro Sandra , Salomone Roberta , Ramos Tomás B.
Published: April 2023

Circular economy (CE) is becoming an increasingly mandatory material issue within corporate sustainability reporting, however, what remains unaddressed within literature are the perspectives and capacities of the companies which must soon adapt to meet the evolving reporting requirements. This research aims to capture insights from companies engaged with CE in order to develop recommendations that support the integration of CE within corporate sustainability reports. To do this, a series of semi‐structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with companies operating in Italy or the Netherlands, not limited by sector. The results provide a list of challenges experienced‐ and benefits gained‐ by companies from externally communicating CE. Companies are urged to consider not only risks associated with staying in the linear economy but also those associated with the implementation of new circular practices, to communicate potential sustainability trade‐offs and reduce potential claims of CE‐related greenwashing. Practical recommendations are offered for developing targets and indicators for CE as well as identifying and reporting CE‐specific risks and opportunities.
Do environmental and economic performance go hand in hand? An industrial analysis of European Union companies with the non‐parametric data envelopment analysis method
Authors: Janicka Małgorzata , Sajnóg Artur
Published: April 2023

The aim of the study is a cross‐industry, comparative assessment of the environmental and economic performance of companies listed on the regulated markets of the European Union. The research covers 10 industries between 2011 and 2020 using data from the Refinitiv Eikon database. The initial research sample covered almost 21,000 public companies listed on 27 European stock exchanges. We assumed that enterprises with above‐average environmental efficiency in a given industry are also highly economically effective. To test effectiveness, we used the non‐parametric data envelopment analysis method. The analysis was conducted with efficiency measures oriented at minimizing inputs and constant return to scale (CRS model). The model includes two economic results (the company's profitability and market value) and selected inputs that reflect the company's environmental performance (energy consumption, water consumption, waste production and CO2 emissions). We found that, contrary to assumptions, companies with a high environmental index do not necessarily achieve the highest economic performance, and differences across industries exist.
Computational Quantum Chemistry Insights into the Mechanism of VO2+ Reduction on Graphene‐Based Electrodes
Authors: Bachman Ridge M. , Radovic Ljubisa R. , Hall Derek M.
Published: April 2023

The identity of active sites for redox reactions within vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) isstill controversial despite decades of research into the matter. Here, we use density functional theory to examine the premise of selected surface functional groups as active sites and provide mechanistic insights into the reaction pathway for the positive electrode reaction. The adsorption of electroactive species on phenol and carbene‐like edge carbon sites was compared using model aromatic clusters. Phenol groups were not favorable sites for the chemisorption of VO2+ in either V‐down or O‐down approach In contrast, carbene‐like edge carbon sites readily adsorbed VO2+ via an oxygen‐down approach, mimicking gas‐phase CO2 adsorption mechanisms. Subsequent steps to complete the reaction pathway are a series of proton adsorptions and reaction products desorption. The rate‐determining step for a reaction pathway using an edge site is VO2+ desorption step with a Gibbs energy of activation of +84 kcal mol−1.
A novel LC‐based bipolar pulsed power supply for dielectric barrier discharge excimer lamps
Authors: Tang Xiongmin , Chen Yongquan , Jiang Tianhong , Lin Zhihong , Zhou Zexin , Zhao Zihao , Xie Haoyuan
Published: April 2023

An excitation voltage with a high rising rate, falling rate, and idle time simultaneously is beneficial to taking advantage of the potential of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) loads. However, how to generate this kind of excitation voltage with a simple structure is rarely researched. To address the issue, a novel LC‐based bipolar high‐voltage pulsed power supply is proposed in this paper. The proposed power supply is comprised of an inductance, two capacitances, a step‐up transformer, and two power switches sharing the same ground. By planning the switch sequence of the two power switches, a resonant stage and an idle stage are formed. The resonant stage is used to generate a bipolar pulse excitation voltage on DBD excimer lamps and an idle time in the excitation voltage is generated in the idle stage. The characteristics and the parameters design of the proposed power supply are studied by theoretical analysis. To verify the feasibility of the proposed power supply, an experimental setup is built with a DBD‐type excimer lamp. The experimental results show that the power supply not only better takes advantage of the potential of DBD excimer lamps, but also there is a fine luminous regulation feature for the excimer lamp. Besides these characteristics, the proposed power supply has several other benefits, such as good adaptability to different DBD‐type excimer lamps, a small number of components, and high efficiency.
Maternal antibiotic exposure increases total islet number and volume in the neonatal pancreas and reduces HbA1c and insulitis in adult female non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: Hansen Camilla Hartmann Friis , Haupt‐Jorgensen Martin , Buschard Karsten , Pakkenberg Bente , Krych Lukasz , Hansen Axel Kornerup
Published: April 2023

Background

Early antibiotic treatment changes susceptibility to disease in rodent models for type 1 diabetes, but the impact that gestational antibiotics may have on pancreatic embryogenesis and β cell function later in life is still unknown.

Methods

Our aim was to determine whether gestational antibiotics could change islet neogenesis and function in female non‐obese diabetic mouse offspring. Stereology of pancreatic islets and insulin measurements were therefore applied to 2‐week‐old pups from mothers either exposed or not to a broad‐spectrum cocktail of ampicillin (1 g/L), vancomycin (0.5 g/L) and neomycin (1 g/L) during pregnancy. The degree of insulitis, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum cytokines and endotoxin, fasting glucose and insulin, and glucose tolerance were tested in the prediabetic pups later in life. Inflammatory and glycaemic measurements were made on the breeding females, and the gut microbiota was analysed by 16S sequencing in both the mothers and pups.

Results

Antibiotics depleted the maternal microbiome and perturbed the normal gut colonisation trajectory in the pups. While Akkermansia and Rikenellaceae were later enriched in the treated pups, Bacteroides failed to colonise post‐treatment. Antibiotic treatment reduced blood glucose in the mothers, weight of the pups, and HbA1c and insulitis in the adult offspring and increased anti‐inflammatory CD4+ natural killer T cells. This was preceded by more than 50% increase in total islet number and volume, and increased insulin levels in postnatal life. No changes were observed in their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and β cell function (HOMA‐β), serum endotoxin or cytokine levels later in life, but the glucose tolerance response was altered in the treated offspring, which suggested an improvement in β cell exhaustion that may have left the islets less vulnerable to destruction.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the importance of considering maternal microbiota‐modulating factors as determinants that may mitigate or aggravate diabetes via changes in islet maturation and β cell function in perinatal life.
P2X4 receptor modulates gut inflammation and favours microbial homeostasis in colitis
Authors: Zhong Peijie , Wu Hang , Ma Yuanqiao , Xu Xiaoxiao , Jiang Yizhuo , Jin Chaolei , Zhu Qiaozhen , Liu Xinlei , Suo Zhimin , Wang Junpeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non‐specific chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. In addition to genetic susceptibility, environmental factors and dysregulated host immunity, the gut microbiota is implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), the two primary types of IBD. The P2X4 receptor has been demonstrated to have a crucial role in preventing infection, inflammation, and organ damage. However, it remains unclear whether the P2X4 receptor affects IBD and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Colitis was induced in mice administrated with dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota in knockout and wild‐type mice. Clinical and histopathological parameters were monitored throughout the disease progression.

Results

Gene Expression Omnibus analysis showed the downregulation of P2RX4 (P2rx4) expression in colonic tissues from patients or mice with IBD. However, its expression at the protein levels was upregulated on day 4 or 6 and then downregulated on day 7 in C57BL/6 mice treated with DSS. Gene ablation of P2rx4 aggravated DSS‐induced colitis accompanying gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice. Moreover, P2X4 receptor‐positive modulator ivermectin alleviated colitis and corrected dysregulated microbiota in wild‐type C57BL/6 mice. Further antibiotic‐treated gut microbiota depletion, cohousing experiment, and fecal microbiota transplantation proved that gut microbiota dysbiosis was associated with the aggravation of colitis in the mouse model initiated by P2rx4.

Conclusions

Our findings elaborate on an unrevealed etiopathophysiological mechanism by which microbiota dysbiosis induced by the P2X4 receptor influences the development of colitis, indicating that the P2X4 receptor represents a promising target for treating patients with CD and UC.
Natural products and their analogues acting against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A recent update
Authors: Kumar Gautam , C Amrutha
Published: April 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). It is responsible for significant causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. M.tb possesses robust defense mechanisms against most antibiotic drugs and host responses due to their complex cell membranes with unique lipid molecules. Thus, the efficacy of existing front‐line drugs is diminishing, and new and recurring cases of TB arising from multidrug‐resistant M.tb are increasing. TB begs the scientific community to explore novel therapeutic avenues. A precise knowledge of the compounds with their mode of action could aid in developing new anti‐TB agents that can kill latent and actively multiplying M.tb. This can help in the shortening of the anti‐TB regimen and can improve the outcome of treatment strategies. Natural products have contributed several antibiotics for TB treatment. The sources of anti‐TB drugs/inhibitors discussed in this work are target‐based identification/cell‐based and phenotypic screening from natural products. Some of the recently identified natural products derived leads have reached clinical stages of TB drug development, which include rifapentine, CPZEN‐45, spectinamide‐1599 and 1810. We believe these anti‐TB agents could emerge as superior therapeutic compounds to treat TB over known Food and Drug Administration drugs.
Seizures in eating disorders
Authors: Gibson Dennis , Watters Ashlie , Bauschka Maryrose
Published: April 2023

Objective

To complete a descriptive study of seizure etiology in a large population of eating disorder (ED) patients and to better understand whether malnutrition itself, in those with EDs, is associated with seizure development.

Method

In this retrospective study, 75 patients with documented seizures met inclusion criteria from a total of 1664 charts.

Results

Prevalence of seizures in this ED cohort was found to be 4.5%, with 29.3% of individuals experiencing seizures due to psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Other common causes of seizures included substance abuse/withdrawal (18.7%), primary seizure disorder (12%), and electrolyte abnormalities/hypoglycemia (10.7%). Three patients (4%) also developed their seizures presumably due to Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE).

Discussion

Several etiologies of seizures are reported from this large sample of ED patients, and this is also the first study to report on a possible association of WE as a cause of seizures in ED patients. The contribution of WE and malnutrition toward the development of seizures in this population remains to be determined, and future studies should also seek to better understand the inter‐relationship between malnutrition and the other variables discussed in this article, such as hypomagnesemia, toward seizure development.

Public significance

The medical complications of EDs are myriad but seizures have not historically been considered one of those direct complications of malnutrition. The findings of this retrospective study suggest that seizure development may be a direct and indirect complication associated with EDs. The presentation of Wernicke's encephalopathy, which can also be associated with development of seizures, requires further investigation in those with EDs.
Detection of anomalous radioxenon concentrations: A distribution‐free approach
Authors: Scagliarini Michele , Gualdi Rosanna , Ottaviano Giuseppe , Rizzo Antonietta
Published: April 2023

The detection of anomalous atmospheric radioxenon concentrations plays a key role in detecting both underground nuclear explosions and radioactive emissions from nuclear power plants and medical isotope production facilities. For this purpose, the CTBTO's International Data Centre uses a procedure based on descriptive thresholds. In order to supplement this procedure with a statistical inference‐based method, we compared several non‐parametric change‐point control charts for detecting shifts above the natural radioxenon background. The results indicate that the proposed methods can provide valuable tools for the institutions responsible for the verification and classification of anomalous radioxenon concentrations.