bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Matrix‐Mimetic Immunomodulatory Hydrogel for Accelerating Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Honglei , Huang Runzhi , Bai Long , Cai Yixin , Lei Miao , Bao Chunyan , Lin Shaoliang , Ji Shizhao , Liu Changsheng , Qu Xue
Published: June 2023

Macrophages play a crucial role in the complete processes of tissue repair and regeneration, and the activation of M2 polarization is an effective approach to provide a pro‐regenerative immune microenvironment. Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has the capability to modulate macrophage activities via its molecular, physical, and mechanical properties. Inspired by this, an ECM‐mimetic hydrogel strategy to modulate macrophages via its dynamic structural characteristics and bioactive cell adhesion sites is proposed. The LZM‐SC/SS hydrogel is in situ formed through the amidation reaction between lysozyme (LZM), 4‐arm‐PEG‐SC, and 4‐arm‐PEG‐SS, where LZM provides DGR tripeptide for cell adhesion, 4‐arm‐PEG‐SS provides succinyl ester for dynamic hydrolysis, and 4‐arm‐PEG‐SC balances the stability and dynamics of the network. In vitro and subcutaneous tests indicate the dynamic structural evolution and cell adhesion capacity promotes macrophage movement and M2 polarization synergistically. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis further confirms the immunomodulatory ability, and reveals a significant correlation between M2 polarization and cell adhesion. A full‐thickness wound model is employed to validate the induced M2 polarization, vessel development, and accelerated healing by LZM‐SC/SS. This study represents a pioneering exploration of macrophage modulation by biomaterials’ structures and components rather than drug or cytokines and provides new strategies to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
Robust Sulfate Anion Passivation for Efficient and Spectrally Stable Pure‐Red CsPbI3−xBrx Nanocrystal Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ru Xue‐Chen , Yang Jun‐Nan , Ge Jing , Feng Li‐Zhe , Wang Jing‐Jing , Song Kuang‐Hui , Chen Tian , Yu Ma Zhen‐ , Li Lian‐Yue , Yao Hong‐Bin
Published: June 2023

Metal halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising high‐definition display candidates due to their narrow emission bandwidth and wide color gamut. However, efficient and stable pure‐red PeLEDs have rarely been achieved. Herein, a robust and strongly‐coordinated sulfate anion passivation strategy is reported to achieve a spectrally stable and efficient pure‐red PeLED with an electroluminescent peak at 630 nm and full width at half maximum of 27 nm. Octylammonium sulfate is employed to construct a PbSO4 layer on the surface of CsPbI3−xBrx nanocrystals, which can effectively inhibit phase separation under UV light, humidity, or heat treatment. Using sulfate passivated CsPbI3−xBrx NC film, pure red PeLEDs with high external quantum efficiency of 12.6%, excellent spectral stability, and an operational half‐life time of over 300 min (T50@100 cd cm−2) are fabricated. This work provides a new avenue to improve performance of pure red PeLEDs via strong‐coordinated sulfate passivation.
Near‐Infrared InGaAs Intelligent Spectral Sensor by 3D Heterogeneous Hybrid Integration
Authors: Wang Xuquan , Dong Siyu , Huang Songlei , Wu Qiong , Fang Jiaxiong , Wang Zhanshan , Cheng Xinbin
Published: June 2023

The applications of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) are limited due to the bulky size, low integration, and poor intelligence in edge computing of traditional spectrometers. In this work, the authors develop an on‐chip InGaAs intelligent spectral sensor, which consists of a linear variable filter for wavelength selection, a linear focal plane array as detector and a chip processor for neural‐network inferring, based on an advanced 3D heterogeneous hybrid‐integration. More than 200 spectral channels with a spectral resolution of 1.25% central wavelength are acquired in a wide waveband from 900 to 1700 nm. Immediate results are provided onsite for users, especially applicable to nonspecialists, owing to the embedded algorithmic model in‐sensor. As a proof of applications, the authors experimentally detect adulterating green tea and achieve a real‐time identification with accuracy better than 90%. This spectral sensor with edge‐artificial‐intelligence breaks the dependence on external algorithms and paves the way for NIRS into miniaturization, integration, and intelligence, which brings more possibilities in incorporating with the consumer devices and the Internet of Things.
Metal Free Activation of Alkynyl Glycosyl Carbonate Donors
Authors: Prasad Kameshwar , Sharma Ananay , Pati Soumyaranjan , Taillefer Marc , Jaroschik Florian , Hotha Srinivas
Published: June 2023

Accessing homogenous glycoconjugates is of significance for assessing their biophysical activities and sometimes as vaccine candidate. Synthesis of glycoconjugates involves two species of which, glycosyl donor plays pivotal role in controlling the outcome of the glycosylation. Recently discovered alkynyl glycosyl carbonate donors possess self‐stability, high reactivity, and fast reaction time (15–30 min) when activated with [Au]/[Ag]‐catalysts. Herein, we report metal free conditions for the activation of the same alkynyl glycosyl carbonate donors using I2/TMSOTf in stoichiometric quantities. Extrusion product was characterized to be the vinylidene iodide by single crystal X‐ray analysis. The reaction conditions were illustrated to be suitable for synthesis of various glycosides, purine/pyrimidine nucleosides and a pentasaccharide repeating unit of Klebsiella pneumoniae (O‐3‐antigen).
Enhancing Electrocatalytic Performance for Overall Water Splitting using Hollow Structured Fe‐doped CoP with Phosphorus Vacancies
Authors: Na Rin , Min Kyeongseok , Kim Minjung , Min Sojeong , Baeck Sung‐Hyeon
Published: June 2023

Water electrolysis is a promising method for producing ultra‐pure hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in the future. In this study, the use of a hollow‐structured Fe‐doped CoP with an abundance of phosphorus defects for both oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER) is suggested. The as‐prepared electrocatalyst has a low overpotential of 300 and 143 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for the OER and HER, respectively. When the synthesized electrocatalyst is used as both anode and cathode in a water electrolyzer, the full cell requires a very small cell voltage of 1.63 V at 10 mA cm−2 and exhibits excellent stability for over 100 h. The excellent performance is due to the generation of numerous electrocatalytic active sites induced by introduction of structural defects such as Fe dopants and P vacancies, which modify the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates during water electrolysis. This study can offer new insights into the development of efficient precious metal‐free electrocatalysts for production of renewable energy sources.
Genomic Resequencing Unravels the Genetic Basis of Domestication, Expansion, and Trait Improvement in Morus Atropurpurea
Authors: Dai Fanwei , Zhuo Xiaokang , Luo Guoqing , Wang Zhenjiang , Xu Yujuan , Wang Dan , Zhong Jianwu , Lin Sen , Chen Lian , Li Zhiyi , Wang Yuan , Zhang Diyang , Li Yuanyuan , Zheng Qinyao , Zheng Tangchun , Liu Zhong‐Jian , Wang Li , Zhang Zhiyong , Tang Cuiming
Published: June 2023

Mulberry is an economically important plant in the sericulture industry and traditional medicine. However, the genetic and evolutionary history of mulberry remains largely unknown. Here, this work presents the chromosome‐level genome assembly of Morus atropurpurea (M. atropurpurea), originating from south China. Population genomic analysis using 425 mulberry accessions reveal that cultivated mulberry is classified into two species, M. atropurpurea and M. alba, which may have originated from two different mulberry progenitors and have independent and parallel domestication in north and south China, respectively. Extensive gene flow is revealed between different mulberry populations, contributing to genetic diversity in modern hybrid cultivars. This work also identifies the genetic architecture of the flowering time and leaf size. In addition, the genomic structure and evolution of sex‐determining regions are identified. This study significantly advances the understanding of the genetic basis and domestication history of mulberry in the north and south, and provides valuable molecular markers of desirable traits for mulberry breeding.
Highly Tunable Cascaded Metasurfaces for Continuous Two‐Dimensional Beam Steering
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Zhang Li , Xie Rongbo , Ni Yibo , Wu Xiaoyu , Yang Yuanmu , Xing Fei , Zhao Xiaoguang , You Zheng
Published: June 2023

Cascaded metasurfaces can exhibit powerful dynamic light manipulation by mechanically tuning the far‐field interactions in the layers. However, in most current designs, the metasurfaces are separated by gaps smaller than a wavelength to form a total phase profile, representing the direct accumulation of the phase profiles of each layer. Such small gap sizes may not only conflict with the far‐field conditions but also pose great difficulties for practical implementations. To overcome this limitation, a design paradigm taking advantage of a ray‐tracing scheme that allows the cascaded metasurfaces to operate optimally at easily achievable gap sizes is proposed. Enabled by the relative lateral translation of two cascaded metasurfaces, a continuous two‐dimensional (2D) beam‐steering device for 1064 nm light is designed as a proof of concept. Simulation results demonstrate tuning ranges of ±45° for biaxial deflection angles within ±3.5 mm biaxial translations, while keeping the divergence of deflected light less than 0.007°. The experimental results agree well with theoretical predictions, and a uniform optical efficiency is observed. The  generializeddesign paradigm can pave a way towards myriad tunable cascaded metasurface devices for various applications, including but not limited to light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and free space optical communication.
Quantum Topological Neuristors for Advanced Neuromorphic Intelligent Systems
Authors: Assi Dani S. , Huang Hongli , Karthikeyan Vaithinathan , Theja Vaskuri C. S. , de Souza Maria Merlyne , Xi Ning , Li Wen Jung , Roy Vellaisamy A. L.
Published: June 2023

Neuromorphic artificial intelligence systems are the future of ultrahigh performance computing clusters to overcome complex scientific and economical challenges. Despite their importance, the advancement in quantum neuromorphic systems is slow without specific device design. To elucidate biomimicking mammalian brain synapses, a new class of quantum topological neuristors (QTN) with ultralow energy consumption (pJ) and higher switching speed (µs) is introduced. Bioinspired neural network characteristics of QTNs are the effects of edge state transport and tunable energy gap in the quantum topological insulator (QTI) materials. With augmented device and QTI material design, top notch neuromorphic behavior with effective learning‐relearning‐forgetting stages is demonstrated. Critically, to emulate the real‐time neuromorphic efficiency, training of the QTNs is demonstrated with simple hand gesture game by interfacing them with artificial neural networks to perform decision‐making operations. Strategically, the QTNs prove the possession of incomparable potential to realize next‐gen neuromorphic computing for the development of intelligent machines and humanoids.
Micron‐resolution Imaging of Cortical Bone under 14 T Ultrahigh Magnetic Field
Authors: He Tian , Pang Zhenfeng , Yin Yu , Xue Huadong , Pang Yichuan , Song Haixin , Li Jianhua , Bai Ruiliang , Qin An , Kong Xueqian
Published: June 2023

Compact, mineralized cortical bone tissues are often concealed on magnetic resonance (MR) images. Recent development of MR instruments and pulse techniques has yielded significant advances in acquiring anatomical and physiological information from cortical bone despite its poor 1H signals. This work demonstrates the first MR research on cortical bones under an ultrahigh magnetic field of 14 T. The 1H signals of different mammalian species exhibit multi‐exponential decays of three characteristic T2 or T2* values: 0.1–0.5 ms, 1–4 ms, and 4–8 ms. Systematic sample comparisons attribute these T2/T2* value ranges to collagen‐bound water, pore water, and lipids, respectively. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging under 14 T yielded spatial resolutions of 20–80 microns, which resolves the 3D anatomy of the Haversian canals. The T2* relaxation characteristics further allow spatial classifications of collagen, pore water and lipids in human specimens. The study achieves a record of the spatial resolution for MR imaging in bone and shows that ultrahigh‐field MR has the unique ability to differentiate the soft and organic compartments in bone tissues.
Non‐Invasive Detection, Precise Localization, and Perioperative Navigation of In Vivo Deep Lesions Using Transmission Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Zongyu , Deng Binge , Zhou Yutong , Xie Haoqiang , Zhang Yumin , Lin Li , Ye Jian
Published: June 2023

Non‐invasive detection and precise localization of deep lesions have attracted significant attention for both fundamental and clinical studies. Optical modality techniques are promising with high sensitivity and molecular specificity, but are limited by shallow tissue penetration and the failure to accurately determine lesion depth. Here the authors report in vivo ratiometric surface‐enhanced transmission Raman spectroscopy (SETRS) for non‐invasive localization and perioperative surgery navigation of deep sentinel lymph nodes in live rats. The SETRS system uses ultrabright surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) nanoparticles with a low detection limit of 10 pM and a home‐built photosafe transmission Raman spectroscopy setup. The ratiometric SETRS strategy is proposed based on the ratio of multiple Raman spectral peaks for obtaining lesion depth. Via this strategy, the depth of the phantom lesions in ex vivo rat tissues is precisely determined with a mean‐absolute‐percentage‐error of 11.8%, and the accurate localization of a 6‐mm‐deep rat popliteal lymph node is achieved. The feasibility of ratiometric SETRS allows the successful perioperative navigation of in vivo lymph node biopsy surgery in live rats under clinically safe laser irradiance. This study represents a significant step toward the clinical translation of TRS techniques, providing new insights for the design and implementation of in vivo SERS applications.
Phenotype–fitness relationships and pollen‐transfer efficiency of five orchid species with different pollination strategies
Authors: Capó Miquel , Borràs Joshua , Perelló‐Suau Sebastià , Rita Juan , Cursach Joana
Published: June 2023

Premise

Deceptive pollination, a fascinating mechanism that independently originated in several plant families for benefiting from pollinators without providing any reward, is particularly widespread among orchids. Pollination efficiency is crucial in orchids due to the aggregated pollen in a pollinarium, which facilitates pollen transfer and promotes cross‐pollination as pollinators leave after being deceived.

Methods

In this study, we compiled data on reproductive ecology from five orchid species with different pollination strategies: three deceptive‐strategy species (shelter imitation, food deception, sexual deception), one nectar‐rewarding species, and one shelter‐imitation but spontaneously selfing species. We aimed to compare the reproductive success (female fitness: fruit set; male fitness: pollinarium removal) and pollination efficiency of species representing these strategies. We also investigated pollen limitation and inbreeding depression among the pollination strategies.

Results

Male and female fitness were strongly correlated in all species but the spontaneously selfing species, which had high fruit set and low pollinarium removal. As expected, pollination efficiency was highest for the rewarding species and the sexually deceptive species. Rewarding species had no pollen limitation but did have high cumulative inbreeding depression; deceptive species had high pollen limitation and moderate inbreeding depression; and spontaneously selfing species did not have pollen limitation or inbreeding depression.

Conclusions

Pollinator response to deception is critical to maintain reproductive success and avoid inbreeding in orchid species with non‐rewarding pollination strategies. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the trade‐offs associated with different pollination strategies in orchids and highlight the importance of pollination efficiency in orchids due to the pollinarium.
Alkoxymigration onto α‐Imino Gold Carbenes for Constructing Propellane‐Type Indolines
Authors: Greiner Luca C. , Arichi Norihito , Inuki Shinsuke , Ohno Hiroaki
Published: June 2023

We developed a new reaction entity of α‐imino gold carbenes involving alkoxy migration. The reaction would proceed through oxonium ylide formation by intramolecular addition of an alkoxy group, carbon‐oxygen bond cleavage, and carbon−carbon bond formation. We achieved an efficient gold‐catalyzed synthesis of indoline‐propellanes via a one‐pot sequence by using ethylene glycol as a trapping reagent.
The mechanical properties of polystyrene composites were improved by designing large‐size 3D GO/CNTs hybrid aerogel reinforced by epoxy resin
Authors: Xu Hui , Sun Yanzeng , Song Guojun , Song Yinghu , Li Jialing , Wu Jinzhe , Guo Cong , Li Xiaoru
Published: June 2023

Dispersion of carbon nanomaterials in polymers has long been a challenge. In this work, large‐scale epoxy‐reinforced GO/CNT aerogel (GECA) was prepared with stable three‐dimensional (3D) interconnected network as reinforced skeleton. The GECA/polystyrene (GECA/PS) nanocomposites were then fabricated by in‐situ polymerization of styrene in interconnected GECA. The results showed that the obtained GECA exhibited high compression modulus with no significant permanent deformation. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the prepared GECA/PS were significantly improved with a low filler content of 1.0 wt.%. when the ratio of GO and CNT to epoxy resin was 1:1, the tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, and impact strength of the composites were the highest, at 17.51 MPa, 33.01 MPa, 110.28 MPa, and 4.169 KJ/m2, respectively, representing an increase of 113.0%, 76.1%, 147.5%, and 99.5%, respectively.
Leveraging a century of fisheries surveys to prioritize conservation efforts for species in Great Plains streams of Oklahoma (USA)
Authors: Starks Trevor A. , Wallace Drew A. , Pallett Matthew S. , Rodger Anthony W.
Published: June 2023

Although non‐game fishes typically dominate lists of threatened and imperilled species, funding mechanisms for non‐game species are usually less robust than those for game species. This imbalance emphasizes the need for methodologies to identify imperilled species effectively and ensure efficient allocation of limited conservation resources.

A database comprising >3,900 fisheries surveys conducted between 1905 and 2020 in Great Plains streams of Oklahoma (USA) was used to develop methodology for identifying species in need of conservation by assessing differences in species occurrences and trends in species ranges through time.

Changes in occurrence for 92 species at both river catchment and ecoregion scales were assessed. Generalized linear models indicated significant differences between historical and contemporary fish communities at both scales. Univariate testing showed 84 instances of species occurrences changing in at least one catchment.

Declines in occurrence were observed for eight species currently listed as species of greatest conservation need in Oklahoma and were used to identify five candidate species for listing. Family‐level trends in species occurrences suggested declines of native true minnow species and increases in generalist sunfishes and catfishes through time.

Trends in detections within each hydrologic unit code sampled were used as a proxy for tracking changes in species range within each catchment. Various species were used as case studies to highlight this method.

The results demonstrate how managers can apply an empirical methodology that extracts information from long‐term datasets to optimize conservation efforts for stream fishes and associated taxa.
Silver‐catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of N‐aryl‐1H‐pyrazolyl‐substituted Benzenesulfonamides from Ynamides and Pyrazoles
Authors: Karunakar Galla V. , Raju Chittala Emmaniel , Himaja Karra Sai Bhavani Nagasri , Kumar Perla Bharath , Sridhar Balasubramanian
Published: June 2023

Silver‐catalyzed N‐aryl‐1H‐pyrazolyl substituted benzenesulfonamide derivatives were obtained regioselectively from ynamides and pyrazoles. In this intermolecular organic transformation, several substituted benzenesulfonamides were obtained in good to excellent yields by forming a new C−N bond under mild reaction conditions.
Highly microporous and mesoporous nanomaterials derived from Agave sisalana waste for supercapacitors
Authors: Kibona Talam E. , Mahushi Debora J. , Shao Godlisten N.
Published: June 2023

Nanostructured electrodes with large surface area are essential for studying charge storage mechanisms in supercapacitors. Biomass‐based carbonaceous porous electrodes have proven to be good candidates for supercapacitor application. In this study, micropore and mesopore dominated carbon materials derived from Agave sisalana sisal waste were prepared through carbonization and chemical activation with ZnCl2. Scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction studies show that the microstructure and composition of the as‐prepared microporous carbon materials are influenced by adjusting the ZnCl2 to the carbon mass ratio. Sorption studies demonstrated a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 1464 m2 g−1, type I isotherms for low temperature, type IV at 900 °C, and 99% micropore content in all the samples. The fabricated electrodes exhibited high specific capacitances of 497 F g−1at 5 mV s−1, which is indicative of our carbon materials’ strong potential for use in the production of high‐performance supercapacitors. Specific capacitance increased with increasing micropore surface areas.
Vitelline vascular remnant causing intestinal obstruction in a patient with TARP syndrome
Authors: Omorodion Jacklyn , Tannenbaum Laura , O'Neill John Patrick , Cummings Christy , Wojcik Monica H.
Published: June 2023

Background

TARP syndrome, characterized by talipes equinovarus, atrial septal defect, Robin sequence, and persistent left superior vena cava, is an X‐linked recessive condition caused by deleterious variants in RBM10. Vitelline vascular remnants (VVR) are a rare vitelline duct anomaly with approximately 26 cases previously reported. There are no previously reported cases of VVRs in patients with TARP syndrome.

Case

We present a male neonate diagnosed with TARP syndrome via trio whole exome sequencing who had classic features of this syndrome, although his course was additionally complicated by feeding intolerance with multiple episodes of abdominal distension. Serial imaging and contrast studies of the upper GI tract and small bowel demonstrated small bowel obstruction of unclear etiology. Given the poor prognosis associated with this condition, life‐sustaining measures were withdrawn, and he passed away at 38 days of age. On autopsy, a VVR was unexpectedly identified with proximal bowel dilation, explaining his feeding intolerance.

Conclusions

We highlight the importance of full post‐mortem examination in understanding the complete spectrum of manifestations of genetic syndromes and provide a review of the literature.
Teaching and assessing undergraduate collaboration skills scaffolded through the biochemistry curriculum using collaboration rubrics and student learning contracts
Authors: Mertz Pamela S. , Sherrer Shanen M. , Bowers Geoffrey M.
Published: June 2023

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at St. Mary's College of Maryland has scaffolded collaboration skills throughout the Biochemistry curriculum and developed several assessment tools to evaluate these skills. Biochemistry I and II have used team contracts at the beginning of extensive team projects where students identify their strengths, review expectations, and plan for group communication. At the conclusion of each project, each student assesses their own contributions and team members for various parts of the project. A common collaboration rubric was also applied in Biochemistry I and II as well as in two other courses, General Chemistry II Lab and Physical Chemistry I Lab, for students to evaluate themself and team members using the following subcategories: quality of work, commitment, leadership, communication, and analysis. In Biochemistry I and II, we used this rubric for multiple assignments that are part of the projects in the lecture courses. In the General Chemistry II Lab, we provided elements of this rubric within an evaluation form that reflects these collaboration attributes after each lab experience, so students can assess and report privately on their experiences as part of their collaboration grade for the course. A similar collaboration rubric is completed by students for each team‐based laboratory within Physical Chemistry I. We also demonstrate different ways that instructors can use the data from these assessment tools. In our department, we are using these tools to frame the importance of collaboration skills and collecting data to inform our teaching of these skills. Preliminary data suggest that our curriculum is successfully teaching students how to be good collaborators.
Blue goes green: The impact of the chief executive officer and board of directors' political ideology on corporate environmental performance
Authors: Kim Yeongsu Anthony
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the association between a CEO's political ideology and Corporate Environmental Performance. Although previous research has established a strong association between a CEO's political ideology and overall performance on Corporate Social Responsibility, little research has examined how it relates to a firm's environmental impact. Utilizing data on CEO political donations, this study shows that a CEO's liberalism generally has a positive effect on a firm's environmental performance. However, this relationship can be influenced by the political conservatism of the board of directors. Furthermore, liberal CEOs are inclined to prioritize environmental strength and minimize environmental concerns. This research provides insight into the intricate dynamics of how a CEO's political ideology, as well as that of the board of directors, can influence a firm's environmental performance.
Nonfinancial reporting in family firms: A systematic review and agenda for future research
Authors: Brunelli Sofia , Sciascia Salvatore , Baù Massimo
Published: June 2023

This paper offers a systematic review of the literature on nonfinancial reporting in family firms, which has substantially grown in recent years. We identified and analyzed 74 articles published between 2002 and 2023. The work contributes to the domains of nonfinancial reporting and family business by providing an integrative and critical overview of the literature and by identifying future research avenues. We conclude by offering practical implications for managers, consultants, and policymakers.
Perforating cutaneous vessels: A key feature of acupoints – Anatomical evidence from five‐Shu acupoints in the upper limbs
Authors: Meng Shuo , Tang Zitian , Zhu Mingsheng , Liang Xinshuo , Ding Zhiwei , Wang Zengtao , Hu Jinlian
Published: June 2023

Acupuncture has been proven an effective clinical treatment for numerous pathological conditions and malfunctions. However, substantial anatomical evidence for acupuncture points (APs) and meridians is still lacking, so the location of APs is relatively subjective and understanding of the biological mechanisms of acupuncture is limited. All these problems hinder the clinical applications and worldwide acceptance of acupuncture. Our long‐term microsurgery experience has indicated that Perforating Cutaneous Vessels (PCVs) are highly relevant to APs but the anatomical evidence is insufficient. To address this lack, two specimens of fresh adult human upper limbs were dissected using an advanced vascular perfusion‐fixation method and then examined. The results show that all 30 five‐Shu APs in the upper limbs have corresponding PCVs. Both specimens showed a 100% coincidence rate between APs and PCVs, indicating that PCVs could be critical anatomical features of APs. This study also provides an anatomical basis for locating APs objectively via preliminary detection of PCVs. The findings could lead to a better theoretical understanding of mechanisms of acupuncture and the essence of meridians.
Inhibition of VEGFR2 and EGFR signaling cooperatively suppresses the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Onda Maho , Ota Akinobu , Ito Kunihiro , Ono Takayuki , Karnan Sivasundaram , Kato Mikako , Kondo Sayuri , Furuhashi Akifumi , Hayashi Tomio , Hosokawa Yoshitaka , Kazaoka Yoshiaki
Published: June 2023

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and EGFR‐targeting therapeutics have been widely employed to treat patients with a variety of carcinomas including OSCC. Here, we aimed to investigate alternative signaling for OSCC survival under the disruption of EGFR signaling.

Methods

OSCC cell lines, namely HSC‐3 and SAS, were utilized to investigate how EGFR disruption affects cell proliferation. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to examine how EGFR disruption affects oncogenic signaling in OSCC cells. Disruption of KDR gene was performed using CRISPR/Cas9 techniques. A VEGFR inhibitor, vatalanib was used to research the impact of VEGFR inhibition on OSCC survival.

Results

EGFR disruption significantly decreased the proliferation and oncogenic signaling including Myc and PI3K‐Akt, in OSCC cells. Chemical library screening assays revealed that VEGFR inhibitors continued to inhibit the proliferation of EGFR‐deficient OSCC cells. In addition, CRISPR‐mediated disruption of KDR/VEGFR2 retarded OSCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, combined erlotinib–vatalanib treatment exhibited a more potent anti‐proliferative effect on OSCC cells, compared to either monotherapy. The combined therapy effectively suppressed the phosphorylation levels of Akt but not p44/42.

Conclusion

VEGFR‐mediated signaling would be an alternative signaling pathway for the survival of OSCC cells under the disruption of EGFR signaling. These results highlight the clinical application of VEGFR inhibitors in the development of multi‐molecular‐targeted therapeutics against OSCC.
Design and Synthesis of Pyridine and Thiazole Derivatives as Eco‐friendly Insecticidal to Control Olive Pests
Authors: Elkanzi Nadia A. A. , Al‐Hazmi Aryam Khaled Ghayad , Bakr Rania B. , Gad Mohamed A. , Abd El‐Lateef Hany M. , Ali Ali M.
Published: June 2023

Treatment of p‐tosyloxybenzaldehyde (1) with ethyl cyanoacetate afforded ethyl 2‐cyano‐3‐(4‐{[(4‐methylphenyl)sulfonyl]oxy}phenyl)acrylate (2) which reacted with some active methylene derivatives under microwave irradiation in presence of ammonium acetate yielded pyridine derivatives 3–7. On the other hand, when treatment of compound 1 with thiosemicarbazide gave 4‐tosyloxybenzylidenethiosemicarbazone (8), which allowed to react with some active methylene compounds, such as: ethyl bromoacetate, chloroacetonitrile or phenacyl bromide derivatives gave thiazole derivatives 9–13. The structure of all products were confirmed by elemental and spectroscopic analyses such as IR, 1H‐NMR, 13CNMR and mass spectra. The advanced of this method are short reaction time (3–7 min), excellent yield, pure products, and low‐cost processing. In the final category, the toxicological characteristics of all compounds were tested towards Saissetia oleae (Olivier, 1791) (Hemiptera: Coccidae). With respect to the LC50 values. It has been found that compound 3 possesses the highest insecticidal bioefficacy compared with other products, with values of 0.502 and 1.009 ppm, for nymphs and adults female, respectively. This study paves the way towards discovering new materials for potential use as insecticidal active agents.
Chemical Analysis and in Vitro Antiviral Effects of Northeast Türkiye Propolis Samples against HSV‐1
Authors: Cora Merve , Buruk C. Kurtuluş , Ünsal Serbülent , Kaklikkaya Neşe , Kolayli Sevgi
Published: June 2023

Propolis is one of the mixtures with the widest biological activity among natural products used in complementary medicine. HSV‐1 is a highly contagious and endemic virus. Available drugs are insufficient for recurrent HSV‐1 infections. Therefore, new approaches to treat HSV‐1 infections are still being developed. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the inhibition effect of ethanolic Anatolian propolis extracts obtained from the Eastern Black Sea Region (Pazar, Ardahan, and Uzungöl) on HSV‐1. In addition to the total phenolic (TPC) and the total flavonoid content (TFC), the phenolic profiles of the extracts were analyzed by HPLC‐UV. The antiviral activity of the extracts were tested by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT‐PCR), and plaque reduction tests, and the results were evaluated statistically. It was determined that the total amount of phenolic substances varied between 44.12 and 166.91 mg GAE/g, and the total flavonoid content of the samples varied between 12.50 and 41.58 (mg QUE/g). It was shown that all propolis samples used in the current study were effective against HSV‐1, but the higher phenolic compounds contained in the samples showed the higher activity. The results show that ethanolic propolis extracts are promising candidates for HSV‐1 treatment.
Dexamethasone to prednisolone rotation relieved hiccups in colorectal cancer patient continuing teleworking during anticancer therapy
Authors: Nagata Takuya , Watanabe Ayako , Momo Kenji , Kashiwabara Yuka , Saeki Misa , Oto Yuji , Uchikura Takeshi , Kobayashi Koji , Toshima Hirokazu , Shimada Ken , Tanaka Katsumi
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

We present a case of chemotherapy‐induced hiccups that were alleviated by steroid rotation. Hiccups are often overlooked, but they have an impact on the patient's quality of life. In the COVID‐19 era, web‐based teleworking has become an important tool, hiccups during a teleconference should be noted as a concern for patients.
Extensive chronic perianal pyoderma associated with persistent inflammation caused by wearing the same unwashed underwear for more than ten years
Authors: Adachi Michiko Matsuzawa , Yoshida Katsuyuki , Fukuchi Takahiko , Tanaka Akira , Yamamoto Naoto , Sugawara Hitoshi
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Poor personal hygiene wearing the same unwashed briefs, and prolonged sitting have led to the development of chronic perianal pyoderma. This can be confused with hidradenitis suppurativa and must be differentiated as their treatments are different.

There are potential risks of persistent inflammation resulting from poor personal hygiene. This comprises wearing the same unwashed briefs and prolonged sitting posture that led to developing chronic perianal pyoderma (CPP) in a smoking man. CPP can be confused with hidradenitis suppurativa, requiring differentiation as their treatment strategies distinctly differ.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma with constrictive pericarditis as the first manifestation: A case report
Authors: He Cheng‐Peng , Tu Di‐Wei , Zhang Ting‐Wei , Zhang Qian , Zhang Qiang , Kang Di , Wang Ying‐Ying , Li Ying‐Ying , Zhang Bin , Han Sha‐Sha , Li Hong‐Bo
Published: June 2023

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) with pericardial involvement is extremely rare. We now report a rare case of malignant PM with constrictive pericarditis as the first presentation. A 59‐year‐old male diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis underwent pericardiectomy and pericardial pathology revealed mesothelial hyperplasia. Eight months after surgery, the patient was admitted to the hospital with chest tightness and wheezing for 5 days. Computed tomography scan of the chest showed a left lung expansion insufficiency, limited bilateral pleural thickening, pericardial thickening with a small amount of pericardial effusion, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum, bilateral supraclavicular fossa, bilateral cervical roots, and right axilla. The pleural malignancy should be possibly considered. Pathology after pleural puncture showed malignant PM. Pathology after left supraclavicular lymph node puncture biopsy showed metastatic malignant mesothelioma. The diagnosis of this patient was clear. Although malignant PM rarely involves the pericardial constriction, we cannot ignore the fact that malignant PM involves the pericardium. The patient has been diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis, accompanied by pleural thickening and pleural effusion. Without other pathogenic factors, pleural biopsy should be aggressively performed in patients with constrictive pericarditis to determine the cause.
A case report of a 16‐year‐old male with extrapulmonary tuberculosis presenting as multiloculated mediastinal, pleural, and paravertebral fluid collections with chest pain, Eldoret, Kenya
Authors: Maleche Maureen Aleyo , Sirera Betty , Masika Kennedy Barasa , Keitany Kibbet Kobor , Oduor Chrispine , Diero Lameck
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Extrapulmonary TB presenting as multiloculated pleural fluid collections is rare in persons less than 18 years of age, but it can occur. High index of suspicion is important in establishing early diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality.

We present a case report of an immunocompetent African young man who presented with persistent chest pain and fever, and was diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) following chest CT scan, pleural biopsy histopathology examination, and Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining, and pleural fluid Gene Xpert studies.
Percutaneous deep venous arterialization with balloon angioplasty salvaged a life‐threatening critical limb in a hemodialysis patient after repeated pedal angioplasty failed: A case report
Authors: Takagi Tomonari , Miyamoto Akira , Ohura Norihiko , Yamauchi Yasutaka
Published: June 2023

Chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) with severe below‐the‐ankle (BTA) lesions is often difficult to revascularize with endovascular treatment (EVT) and surgical treatment. We present a case of successful limb salvage using percutaneous deep venous arterialization (pDVA) in a patient with CLTI whose BTA lesion reconstruction failed. A 57‐year‐old man with diabetes mellitus and end‐stage renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis was referred to our hospital because of gangrene in the second and third toes of his left foot. EVT was repeated for the anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery (PTA), dorsal foot artery, and plantar artery lesions; however, revascularization below the ankle was unsuccessful. As the infection had spread to the sole of the foot, below‐the‐knee amputation was indicated, but the patient refused. Therefore, we performed pDVA on the left PTA simultaneously with a Lisfranc amputation. An arteriovenous fistula was created at the ankle joint using a Venous Arterialization Simplified Technique and a guidewire was inserted into the plantar vein. Balloon dilatation from PTA to the plantar vein was performed to complete the pDVA. Although repeated EVT was required to maintain blood flow in the pDVA, skin grafting was performed 3 months after the pDVA, the wound completely healed, and he was discharged 6 months after the DVA. The pDVA can be an option for limb salvage in patients with no‐option CLTI who are confronted by imminent amputation.
Effective treatment of choreaballism due to an MT‐CYB variant with haloperidol, tetrabenazine, and antioxidants
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Ghosh Ritwik
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders are a common phenotypic feature of mitochondrial disorders. Choreaballism has been reported particularly in patients with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes syndrome and in maternally inherited diabetes and deafness syndrome. The pathophysiological basis of movement disorders in mitochondrial disorders is the involvement of the basal ganglia or the midbrain. Haloperidol and mitochondrial cocktails have proven beneficial in some of these cases. Here we present another patient with mitochondrial choreaballism who benefited significantly from symptomatic therapy. The patient is a 14‐year‐old male with a history of hypoacusis, ptosis, and focal tonic–clonic seizures of the upper/lower limbs on either side since childhood. Since this time he has also developed occasional, abnormal involuntary limb movements, choreaballism, facial grimacing, carpopedal spasms, and abnormal lip sensations. He was diagnosed with a non‐syndromic mitochondrial disorder after detection of the variant m.15043G > A in MT‐CYB. Seizures have been successfully treated with lamotrigine. Hypocalcemia was treated with intravenous calcium. For hypoparathyroidism calcitriol was given. Choreaballism was treated with haloperidol and tetrabenazine. In addition, he received coenzyme Q10, L‐carnitine, thiamine, riboflavin, alpha‐lipoic acid, biotin, vitamin‐C, vitamin‐E, and creatine‐monohydrate. With this therapy, the choreaballism disappeared completely. This case shows that mitochondrial disorders can manifest with cognitive impairment, seizures, movement disorder, hypoacusis, endocrinopathy, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, and myopathy, that choreaballism can be a phenotypic feature of multisystem mitochondrial disorders, and that choreaballism favorably responds to haloperidol, tetrabenazine, and possibly to a cocktail of antioxidants, cofactors, and vitamins.
Metal‐Organic Gels of Tris‐tetrazole‐tri‐amido Molecule with Co(II) and Ni(II) as Effective Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Effect of Metal Ion, Porosity and Morphology on the Catalytic Activity of MOGs
Authors: Moi Rajib , Nath Karabi , Ghosh Debanjali , Biradha Kumar
Published: June 2023

Development of efficient and low cost electrocatalysts has been an important area of research in the field of materials chemistry. In this regard metal‐organic gels (MOGs) are one of the promising materials and they are being utilized for various materials applications including energy conversion and storage. Electrochemical applications of the MOGs are still in its infancy and further studies are required for exploration of structure‐property correlation that is crucial for targeted and efficient materials design. Herein we report multi stimuli responsive MOGs containing a tris‐tetrazole‐tri‐amido based organic ligand. The self‐assembly of the threefold symmetric ligand with Co(II)/Ni(II) acetates results in the MOGs with distinct morphological and structural characteristics, regardless of containing the same organic ligand. These MOGs were synthesized by direct mixing of the precursors under ambient conditions. The xerogels of these MOGs (Co‐MOG′ and Ni‐MOG′) exhibit excellent OER performance as the Co‐MOG′ and Ni‐MOG′ shows the overpotential of 312 mV and 418 mV at 10 mA/cm2 in an alkaline electrolyte. Electrocatalytic performance of the xerogels were correlated to their structural features like distinct morphology and porosity of the material that facilitates the mass transfer and maximum exposure to the electrochemical active sites. Importantly, this work demonstrates the functional application of MOGs as electrocatalysts for OER and the effect of metal ion, porosity and morphology on their overall performance.
Influence of Glycyl‐L‐Glutamic Acid Dipeptide on Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystallization
Authors: Polat Sevgi , An Qi , Eral Huseyin Burak
Published: June 2023

The increasing prevalence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease, a form of arthritis with high inflammatory potential, has triggered considerable interest in the search for additives to prevent CPPD crystal formation, particularly in the field of biomineralization. In this context, CPPD crystallization in aqueous solution with and without glycine, glutamic acid, or glycyl‐L‐glutamic acid as crystal‐growth modifier was experimentally investigated. The produced crystals were characterized structurally, morphologically, and in terms of their surface charge. In addition, the thermal degradation profiles of CPPD crystals obtained with and without the modifiers were characterized by TGA‐FTIR, and the major volatile product was H2O.
Durable hierarchical phosphorus‐doped biphase MoS2 electrocatalysts with enhanced H* adsorption
Authors: Qian Yongteng , Yu Jianmin , Lyu Zhiyi , Zhang Qianwen , Lee Tae Hyeong , Pang Huan , Kang Dae Joon
Published: June 2023

Phase engineering is an efficient strategy for enhancing the kinetics of electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, phase engineering was employed to prepare high‐performance phosphorous‐doped biphase (1T/2H) MoS2 (P‐BMS) nanoflakes for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The doping of MoS2 with P atoms modifies its electronic structure and optimizes its electrocatalytic reaction kinetics, which significantly enhances its electrical conductivity and structural stability, which are verified by various characterization tools, including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure. Moreover, the hierarchically formed flakes of P‐BMS provide numerous catalytic surface‐active sites, which remarkably enhance its HER activity. The optimized P‐BMS electrocatalysts exhibit low overpotentials (60 and 72 mV at 10 mA cm−2) in H2SO4 (0.5 M) and KOH (1.0 M), respectively. The mechanism of improving the HER activity of the material was systematically studied using density functional theory calculations and various electrochemical characterization techniques. This study has shown that phase engineering is a promising strategy for enhancing the H* adsorption of metal sulfides.
Integration of machine learning and data analysis for the SAGD production performance with infill wells
Authors: Huang Ziteng , Yang Min , Chen Zhangxin
Published: June 2023

There have been numerous studies on predicting the production performance of the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process by data‐driven models with different machine learning algorithms since their introduction into industry. Similar efforts on SAGD infill wells, nevertheless, remain rare for this advanced alteration in improving the classical SAGD performance. On the other hand, predictive tools to optimize an infill well start time is useful in maximizing bitumen production and minimizing its costs. In this paper, a series of SAGD infill well models are constructed with selected ranges of operational conditions. Three SAGD infill well production performance indicators, namely, an increased ratio (), a total steam–oil ratio (SORtotal), and a stolen ratio () for each SAGD infill well, are calculated based on simulated infill well cases and control models. Five different machine learning algorithms (an artificial neural network [ANN] algorithm, three gradient boosting decision tree [GBDT] algorithms, and a support vector machine [SVM] algorithm) are trained, tested, and evaluated for their effectiveness in predicting those three indicators as output parameters, given seven SAGD relevant parameters as input parameters. Comparisons of different data sets show that the ANN is the best in predicting all three performance indicators under different infill well start times among all the above machine learning algorithms, while the GBDT algorithms have a better ability to learn a variation trend in the SAGD infill well performance.