bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photothermal Fibrous Chitosan/Polydopamine Sponge for Intraoperative Hemostasis and Prevention of Tumor Recurrence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Resection
Authors: Mu Lanxin , Qi Luhe , Long Haitao , Huang Jing , Zhong Zibiao , Shi Xiaowen , Chen Chaoji , Ye Qifa
Published: November 2023

Hepatectomy, a surgical procedure for liver cancer, is often plagued by high recurrence rates worldwide. The recurrence of liver cancer is primarily attributed to microlesions in the liver, changes in the immune microenvironment, and circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream. To address this issue, a novel intervention method that combines intraoperative hemostasis with mild photothermal therapy is proposed, which has the potential to ablate microlesions and improve the immune microenvironment simultaneously. Specifically, the integrated strategy is realized based on the fibrous chitosan/polydopamine sponge (CPDS), which is constructed from shearing‐flow‐induced oriented hybrid chitosan fibers and subsequent self‐assembly of polydopamine. The CPDS demonstrates high elasticity, excellent water absorption, and photothermal conversion performance. The results confirm the efficient hemostatic properties of the fibrous CPDS in various bleeding models. Notably, in subcutaneous and orthotopic postoperative recurrence and metastasis models of hepatocellular carcinoma, the fibrous CPDS significantly inhibits local tumor recurrence and distant metastasis. Moreover, the combination with lenvatinib can substantially enhance the antitumor effect. This comprehensive treatment strategy offers new insights into hepatectomy of liver cancer, representing a promising approach for clinical management.
High‐Density Artificial Synapse Array Consisting of Homogeneous Electrolyte‐Gated Transistors
Authors: Li Jun , Lei Yuxing , Wang Zexin , Meng Hu , Zhang Wenkui , Li Mengjiao , Tan Qiuyun , Li Zeyuan , Guo Wei , Wen Shengkai , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2023

The artificial synapse array with an electrolyte‐gated transistor (EGT) as an array unit presents considerable potential for neuromorphic computation. However, the integration of EGTs faces the drawback of the conflict between the polymer electrolytes and photo‐lithography. This study presents a scheme based on a lateral‐gate structure to realize high‐density integration of EGTs and proposes the integration of 100 × 100 EGTs into a 2.5 × 2.5 cm2 glass, with a unit density of up to 1600 devices cm−2. Furthermore, an electrolyte framework is developed to enhance the array performance, with ionic conductivity of up to 2.87 × 10−3 S cm−1 owing to the porosity of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks‐67. The artificial synapse array realizes image processing functions, and exhibits high performance and homogeneity. The handwriting recognition accuracy of a representative device reaches 92.80%, with the standard deviation of all the devices being limited to 9.69%. The integrated array and its high performance demonstrate the feasibility of the scheme and provide a solid reference for the integration of EGTs.
Fortifying Zinc Metal Anodes against Uncontrollable Side‐Reactions and Dendrite Growth for Practical Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries: A Novel Composition of Anti‐Corrosive and Zn2+ Regulating Artificial Protective Layer
Authors: Park Jong Hyun , Choi Changhoon , Park Jung Been , Yu Seungho , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: November 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have recently gained significant attention for grid‐scale energy storage applications owing to their high intrinsic energy density, low cost, and environmental benignity. Nevertheless, uncontrolled Zn dendrite accumulation, H2 gas generation, and inevitable corrosion resulting from intricate water‐induced side‐reactions remain the main hurdles to AZIB commercialization. To overcome these problems, it is imperative to develop easy‐to‐handle strategies for the construction of versatile artificial protective layers (APL) on Zn surfaces. Inspired by the suppressed HER and anti‐corrosive properties of zinc silicate (Zn2SiO4), this study rationally designed a novel APL consisting of Zn2SiO4 nanospheres and decorated surface‐modified carbon nanotube (CNT) to produce a stable and durable Zn anode (C‐ZSL@Zn). The C‐ZSL layer simultaneously improved Zn2+ transport kinetics and the Zn2+ de‐solvation effect, maintained electrically insulating properties, and uniformized Zn2+ flux on the Zn surface, synergistically enabling corrosion‐free and dendrite‐free Zn plating/stripping behavior on C‐ZSL@Zn. Consequently, the C‐ZSL@Zn achieved prolonged lifespans of ≈1600 (at 1 mA cm–2) and ≈1100 h (at a high depth of discharge of ≈51.24%) with ultralow voltage hysteresis in symmetric cells, together with improved cycling stability for coin‐ and pouch‐type Zn||α‐MnO2 full‐cells. This study creates a new avenue for constructing stable APL@Zn anodes for practical applications.
Tuning Dopant Distribution for Stabilizing the Surface of High‐Nickel Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Chen , Cui Zehao , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: November 2023

Layered oxide cathodes with a high‐nickel (Ni ≥ 0.9) content exhibit great potential for enabling high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries. However, their practical feasibility and cycle life are hampered by severe surface reactivity with the electrolyte. A LiNi0.90Co0.05Al0.05O2 cathode is presented enriched with Al on the surface (S‐NCA) and benchmark it against a LiNi0.90Co0.05Al0.05O2 cathode obtained by a conventional co‐precipitation method that has a uniform Al distribution throughout the bulk (B‐NCA). The S‐NCA cathode greatly outperform with an impressive capacity retention of 84% after 1000 cycles in pouch full cells with graphite anode compared to 62% retention for B‐NCA. Advanced surface characterization methodologies, including time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry, reveal that the Al‐enriched surface morphology facilitates the formation of a robust, thin electrode‐electrolyte interphase (EEI), effectively suppressing the oxidative decomposition of the electrolyte, gas generation, and metallic dead lithium formation on graphite anode. The results illustrate that surface reactivity with the electrolyte is the primary factor limiting the cycle of cells with high‐Ni cathodes. The work provides valuable insights toward the practical viability of ultrahigh‐Ni cathodes in lithium‐ion batteries.
Timing of conceptions in Phayre's leaf monkeys: Energy and phytochemical intake
Authors: Borries Carola , Lu Amy , Ossi‐Lupo Kerry , Koenig Andreas
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Raising offspring imposes energetic costs, especially for female mammals. Consequently, seasons favoring high energy intake and sustained positive energy balance often result in a conception peak. Factors that may weaken this coordinated effect include premature offspring loss and adolescent subfertility. Furthermore, seasonal ingestion of phytochemicals may facilitate conception peaks. We examined these factors and potential benefits of a conception peak (infant survival and interbirth interval) in Phayre's leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus).

Materials and Methods

Data were collected at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand (78 conceptions). We estimated periods of high energy intake based on fruit and young leaf feeding and via monthly energy intake rates. Phytochemical intake was based on fecal progestin. We examined seasonality (circular statistics and cox proportional hazard models) and compared consequences of timing (infant survival and interbirth intervals, t‐test, and Fisher exact test).

Results

Conceptions occurred in all months but peaked from May to August. This peak coincided with high fecal progestin rather than presumed positive energy balance. Primipara conceived significantly later than multipara. Neither infant survival nor interbirth intervals were related to the timing of conception.

Discussion

Periods of high energy intake may not exist and would not explain the conception peak in this population. However, the presumed high intake of phytochemicals was tightly linked to the conception peak. Timing conceptions to the peak season did not provide benefits, suggesting that the clustering of conceptions may be a mere by‐product of phytochemical intake. To confirm this conclusion, seasonal changes in phytochemical intake and hormone levels need to be studied more directly.
Structure of Staphylococcus aureus ClpP Bound to the Covalent Active‐Site Inhibitor Cystargolide A
Authors: Illigmann Astrid , Vielberg Marie‐Theres , Lakemeyer Markus , Wolf Felix , Dema Taulant , Stange Patrik , Kuttenlochner Wolfgang , Liebhart Elisa , Kulik Andreas , Staudt Nicole D. , Malik Imran , Grond Stephanie , Sieber Stephan A. , Kaysser Leonard , Groll Michael , Brötz‐Oesterhelt Heike
Published: November 2023

The caseinolytic protease is a highly conserved serine protease, crucial to prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein homeostasis, and a promising antibacterial and anticancer drug target. Herein, we describe the potent cystargolides as the first natural β‐lactone inhibitors of the proteolytic core ClpP. Based on the discovery of two clpP genes next to the cystargolide biosynthetic gene cluster in Kitasatospora cystarginea, we explored ClpP as a potential cystargolide target. We show the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus ClpP by cystargolide A and B by different biochemical methods in vitro. Synthesis of semisynthetic derivatives and probes with improved cell penetration allowed us to confirm ClpP as a specific target in S. aureus cells and to demonstrate the anti‐virulence activity of this natural product class. Crystal structures show cystargolide A covalently bound to all 14 active sites of ClpP from S. aureus, Aquifex aeolicus, and Photorhabdus laumondii, and reveal the molecular mechanism of ClpP inhibition by β‐lactones, the predominant class of ClpP inhibitors.
Crystalline, Porous Helicene Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Yan Qianqian , Tao Shanshan , Liu Ruoyang , Zhi Yongfeng , Jiang Donglin
Published: November 2023

Helicenes are a class of fascinating chiral helical molecules with rich chemistry developed continuously over the past 100 years. Their helical, conjugated, and twisted structures make them attractive for constructing molecular systems. However, studies over the past century are mainly focused on synthesizing helicenes with increased numbers of aromatic rings and complex heterostructures, while research on inorganic, organic, and polymeric helicene materials is still embryonic. Herein, we report the first examples of helicene covalent organic frameworks, i.e., [7]Helicene sp2c‐COF‐1, by condensing [7]Helicene dialdehyde with trimethyl triazine via the C=C bond formation reaction under solvothermal conditions. The resultant [7]Helicene sp2c‐COF‐1 exhibits prominent X‐ray diffraction peaks and assumes a highly ordered 2D lattice structure originated from the twisted configuration of [7]Helicene unit. The C=C linked [7]Helicene sp2c‐COF‐1 materials exhibited extended π conjugation and broadly tuned their absorption, emission, redox activity, photoconductivity, and light‐emitting activity, demonstrating rich multifunctionalities and great potentials in developing various applications. This work opens a way to a new family of COFs as well as helicene materials, enabling the exploration of unprecedented π architectures and properties.
Halogen‐Modulated 2D Coordination Polymers for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis under Air and Pure Water Conditions
Authors: Zhang Jieping , Lei Hang , Li Zhijia , Jiang Feilong , Chen Lian , Hong Maochun
Published: November 2023

H2O2 is a widely used eco‐friendly oxidant and a potential energy carrier. Photocatalytic H2O2 production from water and O2 is an ideal approach with the potential to address the current energy crisis and environmental issues. Three zig‐zag two‐dimensional coordination polymers (2D CPs), named CuX‐dptz, were synthesized by a rapid and facile method at room temperature, showing preeminent H2O2 photoproduction performance under pure water and open air without any additives. CuBr‐dptz exhibits a H2O2 production rate high up to 1874 μmol g−1 h−1, exceeding most reported photocatalysts under this condition, even comparable to those supported by sacrificial agents and O2. The coordination environment of Cu can be modulated by halogen atoms (X=Cl, Br, I), which in turn affects the electron transfer process and finally determines the reaction activity. This is the first time that 2D CPs have been used for photocatalytic H2O2 production in such challenging conditions, which provides a new pathway for the development of portable in situ H2O2 photosynthesis devices.
Exploring the impact of cellulose nanocrystals and annealing treatment on the interlayer bond strength of polylactic acid 3D printed composites
Authors: Zhang Ying , Lu Jia , Wu Junjun , Gao Xueqin
Published: November 2023

The extrusion‐based 3D printing process offers advantages, such as high precision, low cost, high speed, simplicity, and the ability to deposit multiple materials simultaneously. However, using 3D printing composite materials with orthogonal anisotropy can limit the interlayer bonding strength of printed parts. In this study, the interlayer tensile strength of 3D‐printed polylactic acid (PLA) was affected by adding 0.5 wt% cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and 1.2 wt% di‐cumyl peroxide (DCP) to PLA, and annealing at low temperature (373 K, 1 h). The effects of annealing and CNC were determined by mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, expansion testing, rheological testing, and x‐ray diffraction analysis. After annealing, the interlayer gap increased due to crystal shrinkage, leading to a 25.9% decrease in tensile strength. However, the addition of CNC and DCP significantly improved the flow properties of the sample, resulting in better interlayer bonding and a 52.7% increase in tensile strength.
Survey of freshwater mussels using high‐resolution acoustic imaging sonar and deep learning‐based object detection in Lake Izunuma, Japan
Authors: Zhao Fan , Mizuno Katsunori , Tabeta Shigeru , Hayami Hiroki , Fujimoto Yasufumi , Shimada Tetsuo
Published: November 2023

The use of traditional in situ methods for underwater surveys to map freshwater mussel habitats is limited by challenges such as water transparency, depth and high labour demands. In this study, adaptive resolution imaging sonar (ARIS) was applied to monitor mussel distribution and abundance.

In contrast to conventional quadrat surveys, this acoustic survey is non‐invasive and enables direct observation of mussels to allow their survival status to be determined in turbid water. ARIS produces high‐quality acoustic images that facilitate the creation of a distribution map for broader‐scale monitoring, especially if paired with deep learning methods such as the YOLOv4 algorithm for automatic mussel detection and classification.

ARIS was successfully applied to surveying over 2000 m2 of Lake Izunuma in Miyagi, Japan. In one site, a high mussel abundance of ~0.6 individuals/m2 was detected, while other sites had low densities. The detection model achieved a mean average precision of 0.97.

The survey results were used to generate a distribution map of living mussels. This study illustrates the feasibility of using an acoustic video camera with an open‐source deep learning algorithm to monitor mussels and other benthos in turbid water.
Electronic and steric substituent effects on the fluorescence emission of 2‐pyrazoline derivatives
Authors: Memarian Hamid Reza , Rejali Narges , Soltani Marzieh
Published: November 2023

A series of substituted 2‐pyrazolines were synthesized, and the steric and electronic effects of substituents on the C3‐ and C5‐positions of the heterocyclic ring on their fluorescent ability were investigated. Two different conjugative intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and intramolecular charge transfer through space (spiro‐conjugation) affect the fluorescence intensity of these compounds. The extent of the ICT process and spiro‐conjugation depends on the electronic nature of the additional substitution and its position on the attached aryl rings. In addition, the effects of the concentration and the solvent polarity on the fluorescence emission were studied. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to gain insight into the geometric, electronic, and spectroscopic properties of the pyrazoline derivatives. The results of both experimental and computational studies explain the effects of the geometrical orientation of the C3‐ and C5‐aryl rings toward the heterocyclic ring and also the electronic nature of their additional substitutions on the fluorescence intensity.
Photoexcitation dynamics of azide ion bound ferric myoglobin probed by femtosecond infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Park Seongchul , Kim Jooyoung , Lim Manho
Published: November 2023

The photoexcitation dynamics of N3−‐bound ferric myoglobin (MbN3) were investigated after exciting MbN3 in D2O at 283 K with a 575 nm pulse by probing the anti‐symmetric stretching mode of the azide. Global fitting of the overall time‐resolved spectra revealed that thermal relaxation of two stretching bands proceeded with a time constant of 6 ps, and that a new absorption band formed and decayed with time constants of 0.6 and 23 ps, respectively. The new absorption near 2040 cm−1 was attributed to the high‐spin species 2.4 kJ/mol above the low‐spin species, as the excited low‐spin relaxes thermally via the high‐spin species. However, this absorption could also arise from deligated N3̄ remaining within the protein. The decay of this absorption can be interpreted as either spin transition of the high‐spin species into the low‐spin species or geminate recombination of the dissociated N3̄. The implications of both interpretations are discussed.
Data‐Driven Protein Engineering for Improving Catalytic Activity and Selectivity
Authors: Ao Yu‐Fei , Dörr Mark , Menke Marian J. , Born Stefan , Heuson Egon , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: November 2023

Protein engineering is essential for altering the substrate scope, catalytic activity and selectivity of enzymes for applications in biocatalysis. However, traditional approaches, such as directed evolution and rational design, encounter the challenge in dealing with the experimental screening process of a large protein mutation space. Machine learning methods allow the approximation of protein fitness landscapes and the identification of catalytic patterns using limited experimental data, thus providing a new avenue to guide protein engineering campaigns. In this concept article, we review machine learning models that have been developed to assess enzyme‐substrate‐catalysis performance relationships aiming to improve enzymes through data‐driven protein engineering. Furthermore, we prospect the future development of this field to provide additional strategies and tools for achieving desired activities and selectivities.
Construction of Multifunctional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalysis
Authors: Chen Zhi , Wang Jian‐Cheng , Du Jia‐Qi , Kan Xuan , Sun Ting , Kan Jing‐Lan , Dong Yu‐Bin
Published: November 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have recently drawn intense attention due to their potential applications in photocatalysis. Herein, we report a multifunctional COF which consists of triphenylamine (TPA) and 2,2′‐bipyridine (2, 2′‐bipy) entities. The obtained TAPA−BPy−COF is a heterogeneous photocatalyst and can efficiently catalyze the oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides. In addition, TAPA−BPy−COF can be further metalated by Pd(II) via 2,2′‐bipy−metal coordination. The generated Pd@TAPA−BPy−COF can highly promote photocatalytic synthesis of 3‐cyanopyridines via cascade addition/cyclization of arylboronic acids with γ‐ketodinitriles in heterogeneous way. This work has demonstrated the way for the rational design and preparation of more efficient photoactive COFs for photocatalysis.
Probabilistic stationary subspace regression model for soft sensing of nonstationary industrial processes
Authors: Zhao Hongxia , Xu Jingyun , Wang Peiliang
Published: November 2023

Benefitting from the development of industrial intelligence, data‐driven soft sensors have been widely applied in industrial processes in recent years. Driven by fluctuations in raw material quality, varying loads, and uncertain disturbances, industrial processes are often characterized by nonstationary properties. However, the nonstationary characteristics of the process are not considered in traditional data‐driven methods, leading to the poor prediction performance of soft sensors. Meanwhile, numerous nonstationary modelling methods have been proposed for process monitoring, with probabilistic stationary subspace analysis (PSSA) showing significant application potential. Unfortunately, PSSA has not yet been used to develop effective soft sensors for nonstationary processes. Therefore, the PSSA model is extended to the regression form (PSSR), and a corresponding soft sensing model is developed in this paper. Unlike previous approaches, the proposed PSSR can offer a suitable description of nonstationary processes and fully capture the mathematical correlation between input and output variables. Finally, the prediction performance of PSSR is verified through case studies on a numerical example and penicillin fermentation process. The experimental results indicate that PSSR can provide a superior solution for soft sensing modelling of nonstationary industrial processes.
Atroposelective Synthesis of 2‐Arylindoles via Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐Catalyzed Direct Amination of Indoles†
Authors: Bao Wen , Chen Ye‐Hui , Liu Yu‐Wei , Xiang Shao‐Hua , Tan Bin
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Indole‐based atropisomers are a very important class of axially chiral compounds. However, the atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral 2‐arylindole remains largely unexplored. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of atropisomeric 2‐arylindoles using direct amination of indoles with p‐quinonediimines in the presence of chiral phosphoric acid as a catalyst. Quinonediimine acts as an aminating reagent through formal polarity inversion of imine. The malonate group on the 2‐aryl of 2‐indoles was found to be essential for high enantioselectivity of the products. This could be due to the additional interaction between the ester group and the catalyst, as well as the intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Our findings provide a new strategy for the asymmetric construction of 2‐arylindole atropisomers.
Factors associated with disease progression in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure anticoagulated with rivaroxaban
Authors: Manito Nicolás , Cepeda‐Rodrigo José María , Farré Nuria , Castillo Orive Miguel , Galve Enrique , Jiménez‐Candil Javier , García‐Pinilla José M. , López Sánchez Eduardo Sebastián , Rafols Carles , Gómez Doblas Juan José
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) have a high risk of thromboembolism and other outcomes and anticoagulation is recommended.

Hypothesis

This study was aimed to explore the risk factors associated with HF worsening in patients with AF and HF taking rivaroxaban in Spain.

Methods

Multicenter, prospective, observational study that included adults with AF and chronic HF, receiving rivaroxaban ≥4 months before entering. HF worsening was defined as first hospitalization or emergency visit because of HF exacerbation.

Results

A total of 672 patients from 71 Spanish centers were recruited, of whom 658 (97.9%) were included in the safety analysis and 552 (82.1%) in the per protocol analysis. At baseline, mean age was 73.7 ± 10.9 years, 64.9% were male, CHA2DS2‐VASc was 4.1 ± 1.5, HAS‐BLED was 1.6 ± 0.9% and 51.3% had HF with preserved ejection fraction. After 24 months of follow‐up, 24.9% of patients developed HF worsening, 11.6% died, 2.9% had a thromboembolic event, 3.1% a major bleeding, 0.5% an intracranial bleeding and no patient had a fatal hemorrhage. Older age, the history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the previous use of vitamin K antagonists, and restrictive or infiltrative cardiomyopathies, were independently associated with HF worsening. Only 6.9% of patients permanently discontinued rivaroxaban treatment.

Conclusions

Approximately one out of four patients with HF and AF treated with rivaroxaban developed a HF worsening episode after 2 years of follow‐up. The identification of those factors that increase the risk of HF worsening could be helpful in the comprehensive management of this population.
C7‐Halomethylene/methyl‐C3‐thiophenyl‐spirocyclic‐β‐lactams: Synthesis, X‐ray Analysis, Antimicrobial Evaluation, Cytotoxicity Profile and Molecular Docking Interactions
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Kumari Sumeeta , Kaur Jaswinder , Sahoo S. C. , Reenu  , Kumar Pinnaka Anil , Bhalla Aman
Published: November 2023

In the realm of healthcare, the continuous evolution of new alternative antimicrobial agents provides hope in addressing the progressively daunting issue of severe multidrug resistance. In our quest to confront drug resistance, we explored the conjugation of thiophene motif with β‐lactams into single matrix to develop a series of spirocyclic‐β‐lactams. For this, stereoselective synthesis of cis‐C3‐alkyloxy‐C4‐thiophenyl substituted monocyclic β‐lactams was achieved which were further subjected to intramolecular sulfenyl‐cyclization to furnish C7‐halomethylene/methyl‐C3‐thiophenyl substituted spirocyclic‐β‐lactams. The synthesized compounds were investigated in vitro for their potential activity against six multidrug‐resistant bacterial strains. The most promising C7‐iodomethylene‐C3‐thiophenyl‐spirocyclic‐β‐lactam 7 a appended with 4′‐methoxyphenyl moiety, exhibited acceptable activity against B. cereus and P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 0.75 and 6.25 μg/mL respectively, surpassing ampicillin and vancomycin. Furthermore, this compound demonstrated antifungal effectiveness against C. tropicalis (1.5 μg/mL). On the basis of substituent type and their respective positions, compounds possessing −OCH3 and −C=CHX (halomethylene) groups exhibited more inhibitory potential than others. Active derivatives tested for their cytotoxicity on normal human hepatic (THLE‐2) cell lines confirmed their non‐toxic nature. Further, molecular docking studies predicted the favourable binding interactions of spirocycles within active sites of target proteins. Moreover, several compounds illustrate satisfactory in silico ADME profile. These outcomes provided bright prospect for development of spirocyclic‐β‐lactams as potential solution to combat evolving multidrug resistance.
Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies Based on Nucleic Acid Aptamers Selected against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: The Challenge of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Santana Juan Carlos , Coria‐Jiménez Victor Rafael
Published: November 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly spreading global health problem, and approximately five million deaths associated with AMR pathogens were identified prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has developed increasing AMR, and in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) colonized by this bacterium, rare phenotypes have emerged that complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the hosts, in addition to multiple associated “epidemic strains” with high morbidities and mortalities. The conjugation of aptamers with fluorochromes or nanostructures has allowed the design of new identification strategies for Pseudomonas aeruginosa with detection limits of up to 1 cell ⋅ mL−1, and the synergy of aptamers with antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides and nanostructures has exhibited promising therapeutic qualities. Some selected aptamers against this bacterium have shown intrinsic antimicrobial activity. However, these aptamers have been poorly evaluated in clinical isolates and have shown decreased interactions for CF isolates, demonstrating, in these cases, uncommon phenotypes resulting from the selective qualities of this disease as well as the great adaptive capacity of the pathogen. Therefore, finding an aptamer or set of aptamers that have the ability to recognize strange phenotypes of this bacillus is crucial in the battle against AMR.
The possible role furin and furin inhibitors in endometrial adenocarcinoma: A narrative review
Authors: Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Maiahy Thabat J. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: November 2023

Background

Endometrial adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a malignant tumor of the endometrium. EAC is the most common female malignancy following the menopause period. About 40% of patients with EAC are linked with obesity and interrelated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and high circulating estrogen levels. Proprotein convertase (PC) furin was involved in the progression of EAC.

Recent findings

Furin is a protease enzyme belonging to the subtilisin PC family called PC subtilisin/kexin type 3 that converts precursor proteins to biologically active forms and products. Aberrant activation of furin promotes abnormal cell proliferation and the development of cancer. Furin promotes angiogenesis, malignant cell proliferation, and tissue invasion by malignant cells through its pro‐metastatic and oncogenic activities. Furin activity is correlated with the malignant proliferation of EAC. Higher expression of furin may increase the development of EAC through overexpression of pro‐renin receptors and disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17). As well, inflammatory signaling in EAC promotes the expression of furin with further propagation of malignant transformation.

Conclusion

Furin is associated with the development and progression of EAC through the induction of proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of malignant cells of EAC. Furin induces ontogenesis in EAC through activation expression of ADAM17, pro‐renin receptor, CD109, and TGF‐β. As well, EAC‐mediated inflammation promotes the expression of furin with further propagation of neoplastic growth and invasion.
Non‐Labeled, Stable Labeled, or Radiolabelled Approaches for Provision of Intravenous Pharmacokinetics in Humans: A Discussion Piece
Authors: Young Graeme C. , Spracklin Douglas K. , James Alexander D. , Hvenegaard Mette G. , Pedersen Mette L. , Wagner David S. , Georgi Katrin , Schieferstein Hanno , Bjornsdottir Inga , Romeo Andrea A. , Cassidy Kenneth C. , Da‐violante Georges , Blech Stefan , Schulz Simone I. , Cuyckens Filip , Nguyen Mai Anh , Scarfe Graeme
Published: November 2023

A review of the use of microdoses and isotopic microtracers for clinical intravenous pharmacokinetic (i.v. PK) data provision is presented. The extent of application of the varied approaches available and the relative merits of each are highlighted with the aim of assisting practitioners in making informed decisions on the most scientifically appropriate design to adopt for any given new drug in development. It is envisaged that significant efficiencies will be realized as i.v. PK data in humans becomes more routinely available for suitable assets in early development, than has been the case prior to the last decade.
Imaging flow cytometry of tumoroids: A new method for studying GPCR expression
Authors: Gratio V. , Dayot S. , Benadda S. , Nicole P. , Saveanu L. , Voisin T. , Couvineau A.
Published: November 2023

Fluorescence confocal microscopy is commonly used to analyze the regulation membrane proteins expression such as G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). With this approach, the internal movement of GPCRs within the cell can be observed with a high degree of resolution. However, these microscopy techniques led to complex and time‐consuming analysis and did not allow a large population of events to be sampled. A recent approach termed imaging flow cytometry (IFC), which combines flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, had two main advantages to study the regulation of GPCRs expression such as orexins receptors (OXRs): the ability (1) to analyze large numbers of cells and; (2) to visualize cell integrity and fluorescent markers localization. Here, we compare these two technologies using the orexin A (OxA) ligand coupled to rhodamine (OxA‐rho) to investigate anti‐tumoral OX1R expression in human digestive cancers. IFC has been adapted for cancer epithelial adherent cells and also to 3D cell culture tumoroids which partially mimic tumoral structures. In the absence of specific antibody, expression of OX1R is examined in the presence of OxA‐rho. 2D‐culture of colon cancer cells HT‐29 exhibits a maximum level of OX1R internalization induced by OxA with 19% ± 3% colocalizing to early endosomes. In 3D‐culture of HT‐29 cells, internalization of OX1R/OxA‐rho reached its maximum at 60 min, with 30.7% ± 6.4% of OX1R colocalizing with early endosomes. This is the first application of IFC to the analysis of the expression of a native GPCR, OX1R, in both 2D and 3D cultures of adherent cancer cells.
Metamaterial‐inspired miniaturized and broadband U‐slotted patch antenna for the 5G communications covering the full N78 band
Authors: Lu Hao , Zhang Bei , Xu Xiaofei
Published: November 2023

This work presents a new miniaturized and broadband metamaterial‐inspired U‐slotted patch antenna (MUPA), aiming to cover the full N78 band in the 5G mobile communications. Two techniques as the mushroom metamaterials and U‐slotted patch are synthetically used in the MUPA. A particular MUPA is designed with low‐cost low‐index substrates with εr = 2.2 and further demonstrated in experiments. It is found that the new antenna has an operating bandwidth of 3.30 to 3.82 GHz (14.6%). The patch length is only 18 mm (0.21λ, λ is the wavelength at the center frequency 3.56 GHz). The radiation characteristics of the MUPA are also studied in experiments. The measured antenna gain is 5.54 dBi whereas the cross‐polarizations are successfully suppressed lower than −16 dB, making the MUPA promising to meet the demands of 5G mobile communications.
Evaluating Enterococcus faecium9 N‐2 as a probiotic candidate from traditional village white cheese
Authors: Dikbaş Neslihan , Orman Yusuf Can , Alım Şeyma , Uçar Sevda , Tülek Ahmet
Published: November 2023

In this study, various functional and probiotic attributes of the Enterococcus faecium 9 N‐2 strain isolated from village‐style white cheese were characterized, while also assessing its safety. To achieve this, we conducted an in vitro analysis of several key probiotic properties exhibited by the 9 N‐2 strain. Notably, this strain demonstrated robust resilience to low pH, high bile salt concentrations, lysozyme, pepsin, pancreatin, and phenol. Furthermore, this strain displayed exceptional auto‐aggregation capabilities and moderate co‐aggregation tendencies when interacting with Escherichia coli. The cell‐free supernatant derived from strain 9 N‐2 exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens. The strain exhibited resistance to gentamicin, meropenem, and bacitracin, while remaining susceptible to vancomycin and various other antibiotics. Furthermore, it was found that E. faecium 9 N‐2 possessed the capacity to produce the phytase enzyme. When all the results of this study are evaluated, it is thought that 9 N‐2 strain has superior probiotic properties, and therefore it can be used as probiotic in food, medicine, and animal feed in the future. In addition, further in vivo tests should be performed to fully understand its effects and mechanisms of action and to confirm its safety and probiotic effects. Further research and clinical trials are also needed to identify new strains with potential probiotic properties.
Automatic detection of ischemic necrotic sites in small intestinal tissue using hyperspectral imaging and transfer learning
Authors: Zhang Lechao , Xue Jianxia , Xie Yi , Huang Danfei , Xie Zhonghao , Zhu Libin , Chen Xiaoqing , Cui Guihua , Ali Shujat , Huang Guangzao , Chen Xiaojing
Published: November 2023

Acquiring large amounts of hyperspectral data of small intestinal tissue with real labels in the clinic is difficult, and the data shows inter‐patient variability. Building an automatic identification model using a small dataset presents a crucial challenge in obtaining a strong generalization of the model. This study aimed to explore the performance of hyperspectral imaging and transfer learning techniques in the automatic identification of normal and ischemic necrotic sites in small intestinal tissue. Hyperspectral data of small intestinal tissues were collected from eight white rabbit samples. The transfer component analysis (TCA) method was performed to transfer learning on hyperspectral data between different samples and the variability of data distribution between samples was reduced. The results showed that the TCA transfer learning method improved the accuracy of the classification model with less training data. This study provided a reliable method for single‐sample modelling to detect necrotic sites in small intestinal tissue .
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: CEUS characteristics are correlated with pathological findings and help predict early recurrence after resection
Authors: Wang Lan , Wang Guojuan , Wang Peihua , Nie Fang
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To identify characteristics of preoperative contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) that could predict early recurrence after curative resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

From January 2017 to September 2022, a total of 110 patients with PDAC (all confirmed by samples obtained via operation) who underwent CEUS within 1 month before surgery were enrolled. We proposed five CEUS enhancement patterns (Pattern I, homogeneous enhancement; Pattern II, heterogeneous enhancement without cystic components; pattern III, ring enhancement; Pattern IV, starry enhancement; Pattern V, heterogeneous enhancement with cystic components) of PDAC. Clinical‐pathologic and CEUS characteristics for predicting early recurrence (recurrence within 1 year after curative resection) were analyzed. Important CEUS characteristics were compared with the pathological findings.

Results

Tumor size and TNM stage were closely associated with early recurrence. Incomplete‐enhancement and enhancement pattern III, IV and V at CEUS imaging were more prone to early recurrence. Incomplete‐enhancement lesions had higher histological tumor grades, less frequent remaining acini, and more frequent necrosis within the tumor. PDACs with pattern I and II had lower histological tumor grades, and pattern III, IV and V had higher histological tumor grades. PDACs with pattern I, II and IV had less frequent intratumoral necrosis than PDACs with pattern III and V, and PDACs with pattern IV had lower MVD values.

Conclusions

PDACs with incomplete enhancement and enhancement pattern III, IV and V were more prone to early recurrence after attempted curative resection, and these important CEUS characteristics were closely related to the pathological findings of PDAC.
Identifying clinical response to daratumumab therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma using a patient‐derived in vitro model
Authors: van Nieuwenhuijzen Niels , Cuenca Marta , Abbink Leonie , Jak Margot , Peperzak Victor , Minnema Monique C.
Published: November 2023

Response to daratumumab in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is heterogeneous, and a reliable biomarker of response is lacking. We aimed to develop a method that identifies response to daratumumab therapy. Patient‐derived MM cells were collected before start of daratumumab treatment and were cultured in a hydrogel‐based culture system. The extent of antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity in vitro was associated with both clinical response and progression‐free survival in corresponding patients. Together, our results demonstrate that in vitro sensitivity to daratumumab therapy in a hydrogel culture with primary MM cells might be used to identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment.
Response of surface energy fluxes and hydrothermal characteristics to night‐time precipitation changes in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dong Qingxue , Luo Siqiong , Wen Xiaohang , Wang Jingyuan , Tan Xiaoqing , Chen Zihang , Wang Ziyue
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the land‐surface model CLM 4.5 in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau by utilizing field observation data from Kabu and Pailong sites. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of night‐time precipitation changes on radiation, surface energy fluxes and soil hydrothermal characteristics in this region. Results revealed that CLM 4.5 accurately simulated upward shortwave/longwave radiation, surface energy fluxes and soil temperature in this region. However, the simulation of soil moisture exhibited a slight fluctuation of the simulated value during precipitation, resulting in poorer performance during heavy precipitation and a failure to simulate the rapid change of latent heat flux and soil moisture. Sensitivity experiments demonstrated that night‐time precipitation significantly influenced upward shortwave/longwave radiation, energy budge and soil hydrothermal processes, with each element changing considerably with changes in precipitation. Surface energy fluxes and hydrothermal characteristics were found to be more sensitive to increased precipitation than decreased precipitation. Additionally, soil moisture was found to play a crucial role in the impact of precipitation changes on surface energy fluxes and hydrothermal characteristics. Furthermore, the study also found that changes in precipitation had a more pronounced effect on relatively dry areas and seasons than already extremely wet areas and seasons. Finally, the variation in soil moisture was found to be restricted by the original soil moisture. In conclusion, this study highlighted the significant influence of night‐time precipitation on surface hydrothermal characteristics and surface energy budget in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau.
Forensic analysis of white automotive paint of same manufacturer with Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Lei Lei , Massonnet Geneviève
Published: November 2023

Discriminating paints of the same color has always been a challenge in automotive paint examination. The process is even more difficult when these paints originate from the same manufacturer and color. Raman spectroscopy is an effective and non‐destructive method that is commonly used to differentiate automotive paint. This method is often used to provide a reliable information about pigments and extenders contained in topcoats and is barely used to examine other layers of paints. In this study, A total of 54 white automotive paints from one single manufacturer (Volkswagen) were prepared and analyzed by Raman Spectroscopy. Each layer of the samples was measured in order to evaluate if Raman spectroscopy can provide good discrimination power. Statistical methods were used to characterize and classify these samples. Correlations between paint characteristics and discriminating factors (such as model, topcoat color code, production year, and assembly plant) were also investigated to get a deeper understanding of automotive paints.
Ligand‐Mediated Interaction of Nanoparticles with Lipid Membranes
Authors: Mathew Sandeep , Laradji Mohamed , Kumar P.B. Sunil
Published: November 2023

While many studies are performed on the effect of ligands on the adhesion and endocytosis of NPs, the effects of ligand length and surface density on the NPs' interaction with lipid membranes are poorly investigated. Here, a computational investigation is presented, based on molecular dynamics of a coarse‐grained implicit‐solvent model, of the interaction between ligand‐decorated spherical NPs and lipid membranes. Specifically,the case is considered where the ligands interact attractively with lipid membranes only through their ends. In particular, the effects of ligand grafting density, ligand length, and strength of ligand‐lipid interaction is investigated on the degree of wrapping of the NP by the membrane and on the morphology of the membrane close to the NP. Whereas the degree of wrapping is found to increase with increasing the grafting density for a given interaction strength and ligand length, it decreases with ligand length for a given grafting density and interaction strength. For moderate values of the adhesion strength and long ligands, it is found that the end ligands form long linear clusters, which lead to an anisotropic conformation of the membrane around the NP. For short ligands, the wrapping of the membrane around the NP is almost complete, with the wrapped NP showing a regular faceted structure for high adhesion strength.
Pyroptosis is involved in maternal nicotine exposure‐induced metabolic associated fatty liver disease progression in offspring mice
Authors: Su Yu‐Qing , Lin Yan , Huang Shu‐Jing , Lin Yan‐Ting , Ran Jing , Yan Fang‐Fang , Liu Xian‐Lan , Hong Long‐Cheng , Huang Mei , Su Huan‐Zhong , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , You Jian‐Hong , Su Yi‐Ming
Published: November 2023

We have investigated whether inflammasomes and pyroptosis are activated in maternal nicotine exposure (MNE) offspring mice and whether they are involved in MNE‐promoted metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in adult offspring. We injected pregnant mice subcutaneously with saline vehicle or nicotine twice a day on gestational days 11–21. Offspring mice from both groups were fed with a normal diet (ND) or a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 6 months at postnatal day 21 to develop the MAFLD model. Serum biochemical indices were analyzed, and liver histology was performed. The expression levels of inflammasome and pyroptosis proteins were detected by western blot. We found MNE significantly aggravated the injury of MAFLD in adult offspring mice. MNE activated inflammasomes and pyroptosis in both infant and adult offspring mice. HFD treatment activated inflammasomes but not pyroptosis at 3 months, while it showed no effect at 6 months. However, pyroptosis was more severe in MNE‐HFD mice than in MNE‐ND mice at 6 months. Taken together, our data suggest MNE promotes MAFLD progression in adult offspring mice. MNE also induces NLRP3 and NLRP6 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in both infant and adult offspring mice, which may be involved in MNE‐promoted progression of MAFLD.
What Can Industrial Catalytic Olefin Polymerization Plants Tell Us About Reaction Kinetics? From Production Rate and Residence Time to Catalyst Reaction Performance.
Authors: Touloupidis Vasileios , Soares João B. P.
Published: November 2023

The information available in daily plant operation data is not fully exploited by polymer reaction engineers: what do the catalytic olefin polymerization plants tell? In this article, a method is proposed to increase catalyst and process know‐how, based on experimentally acquired production rate results, coming from a continuous tandem reactor polymerization process. The polymer reaction engineering methodology is also discussed in detail for connecting the catalyst reaction performance to the expected activity profile and yield for batch operation, together with the residence time distribution effect for continuous operation. The potential of the proposed methodology is highlighted with a theoretical example and the effectiveness of the method is demonstrated with an applied example, accurately estimating deactivation parameter values for two catalysts based on plant information and, validated based on small‐scale polymerization experiments.