bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ten golden rules for restoration to secure resilient and just seagrass social‐ecological systems
Authors: Unsworth Richard K. F. , Jones Benjamin L. H. , Bertelli Chiara M. , Coals Lucy , Cullen‐Unsworth Leanne C. , Mendzil Anouska F. , Rees Samuel C. , Taylor Flo , Walter Bettina , Evans Ally J.
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Seagrass meadows are a globally important habitat subject to significant loss. As efforts to restore these sensitive habitats are hampered by their high cost and low levels of reliability, rigorous guidance is required to improve effectiveness and ensure they are cost‐effective. Here, we define 10 golden rules for how we can undertake seagrass restoration. We do this by considering that for seagrass restoration to be successful, it needs to take place with people and not against people. The framework we present aims to direct efforts for seagrass restoration that are holistic and achieve broad goals for people, biodiversity and the planet.

The world has lost a significant proportion of its seagrass, and although glimmers of hope for its recovery exist, losses and degradations continue. First and foremost, evidence highlights the need to put the world on a global pathway to seagrass net gain. Achieving this outcome requires that conservation of what remains is a priority, but reaching net gain requires seagrass coverage to increase at rates unlikely to be achieved naturally; large‐scale active restoration is required to fill this gap. Novel finance mechanisms aligned to the climate emergency and biodiversity crises are increasingly leading to larger scale restoration projects. However, no clear framework exists for developing or prioritising approaches. With seagrass restoration expensive and unreliable, rigorous guidance is required to improve effectiveness and ensure it is cost‐effective. Building on evidence from terrestrial and marine sources, here, we apply the ‘10 golden rules’ concept, first outlined for reforestation and later applied to coral reefs, to seagrass restoration. In doing so, we follow international standards for ecological restoration and view seagrass restoration in a broad context, whereby regeneration can be achieved either by planting or by enhancing and facilitating natural recovery. These rules somewhat differ from those on reforestation and coral reef restoration, principally due to the relative immaturity of seagrass restoration science. These 10 golden rules for seagrass restoration are placed within a coupled social‐ecological systems context, and we present a framework for conservation more broadly, to achieve multiple goals pertaining to people, biodiversity and the planet.
Nutritional status in the era of highly effective CFTR modulators
Authors: Bass Rosara , Alvarez Jessica A.
Published: August 2024

Advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnostics and therapeutics have led to improved health and longevity, including increased body weight and decreased malnutrition in people with CF. Highly effective CFTR modulator therapies (HEMT) are associated with increased weight through a variety of mechanisms, accelerating trends of overweight and obesity in the CF population. Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with improved pulmonary function in CF, yet the incremental improvement at overweight and obese BMIs is not clear. Improvements in pulmonary health with increasing BMI are largely driven by increases in fat‐free mass (FFM), and impact of HEMT on FFM is uncertain. While trends toward higher weight and BMI are generally seen as favorable in CF, the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity has raised concern for potential risk of traditional age‐ and obesity‐related comorbidities. Such comorbidities, including impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, cardiac disease, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, colon cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea, may occur on top of pre‐existing CF‐related comorbidities. CF nutrition recommendations are evolving in the post‐modulator era to more individualized approaches, in contrast to prior blanket high‐fat, high‐calorie prescriptions for all. Ultimately, it will be essential to redefine goals for optimal weight and nutritional status to allow for holistic health and aging in people with CF.
Improving growth in infants with CF
Authors: Gabel Megan E. , Gaudio Rachel E. , Shaikhkhalil Ala K.
Published: August 2024

Cystic fibrosis (CF) results in chronic pulmonary infections, inflammation, pancreatic insufficiency, and multiple gastrointestinal manifestations. Malnutrition and poor growth are hallmarks of CF, and strongly associated with poor outcomes. Through newborn screening, many infants can be diagnosed within a few days of life, which allows for early initiation of nutritional counseling and close clinical follow‐up. Obstacles to growth for infants with CF start in utero, as newborns with CF can have a lower birth weight than the general population. Improving infant growth has been linked to improved clinical outcomes and survival. It remains a top priority and challenge for caregivers and healthcare teams. An interdisciplinary approach, including registered dietitian and social work support, is essential to optimize health for infants with CF. Remaining barriers to normalcy include deficits in linear growth, lack of accurate nutrition biomarkers, persistence of inequities related to social determinant of health, particularly in the global CF community.
Early detection of hepatobiliary involvement in cystic fibrosis: Biomarkers, radiologic methods, and genetic influences
Authors: Sankararaman Senthilkumar , Freeman A. Jay
Published: August 2024

Cystic fibrosis‐related hepatobiliary involvement (CFHBI) is a term used to describe a spectrum of hepatobiliary involvement ranging from a transient elevation of transaminase levels to advanced cystic fibrosis‐associated liver disease (aCFLD). While CFHBI is common among people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), aCFLD is rare impacting only approximately 5%–10% of the CF population. After respiratory/cardiorespiratory issues and transplant‐related complications, aCFLD is now the 4th leading cause of mortality among PwCF. Additionally, aCFLD is an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality and is associated with significant morbidity. Despite this recognition, our ability to predict those patients at greatest risk for aCFLD, identify early aCFLD, and monitor the incremental progression of CFHBI is lacking. Here, we review the strengths and weaknesses of the common biomarkers and imaging modalities used in the evaluation and monitoring of CFHBI, as well as the current understanding of genetic modifiers related to aCFLD.
Evolving data on risk and current screening recommendations for colorectal cancer in cystic fibrosis: Pre‐ and posttransplant
Authors: Raza Zain , Islam Bianca N. , Hachem Christine Y. , Cummings Linda C.
Published: August 2024

Advances in treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), including cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductor regulator (CFTR) modulators, have ushered in an era where patients with CF have much longer life expectancies. This shift in life expectancy demands increased attention to diseases of aging in patients with CF. A notable complication of CF is early‐onset colorectal cancer (CRC), which is especially prevalent in patients with severe mutations and after transplant. CFTR acts as a tumor suppressor gene based on knockout models. Lack of CFTR expression promotes carcinogenic processes such as intestinal inflammation and deleterious gut microbiome changes. The consensus Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommendations advocate treating this population as a high‐risk group, using a colonoscopy‐only screening strategy starting at age 40 in patients without transplant and at age 30 after transplant. Screening should be considered every 5 years if negative and every 3 years or sooner for patients with adenomatous polyps. Future research will determine the role of noninvasive CRC screening tools in this population, as well as the effects of CFTR modulators on the risk of developing CRC.
The foregut in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Vélez Christopher , Neuringer Isabel , Schwarzenberg Sarah Jane
Published: August 2024

The aerodigestive organs share a kindred embryologic origin that allows for a more complete explanation as to how the foregut can remain a barrier to normalcy in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). The structures of the aerodigestive tract include the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, the hypopharynx, the esophagus, the stomach, as well as the supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic tubular airways (including the trachea). Additional gastrointestinal (GI) luminal/alimentary organs of the foregut include the duodenum. Extraluminal foregut structures include the liver, the gall bladder, the biliary tree, and the pancreas. There are a variety of neurologic controls within these complicated anatomic compartments to separate the transit of food and liquid from air. These structures share the same origin from the primitive foregut/mesenchyme. The vagus nerve is a critical structure that unites respiratory and digestive functions. This article comments on the interconnected nature of cystic fibrosis and the GI tract. As it relates to the foregut, this has been typically treated as simple “reflux” as the cause of worsened lung function in pwCF. That terms like gastroesophageal reflux (GER), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, and regurgitation are used interchangeably to reflect pathology further complicates matters; we offer a more physiologically accurate term called “GI‐related aspiration” or “GRASP.” Broadly, this term reflects that aspiration of foregut contents from the duodenum through the stomach to the esophagus, into the pharynx and the respiratory tree in pwCF. As a barrier to normalcy in pwCF, GRASP is fundamentally two disease processes—GERD and gastroparesis—that likely contribute most to the deterioration of lung disease in pwCF. In the modulator era, successful GRASP management will be critical, particularly in those post‐lung transplantation (LTx), only through successful management of both GERD and gastroparesis. Standardization of clinical management algorithms for GRASP in CF‐related GRASP is a key clinical and research gap preventing normalcy in pwCF; what exists nearly exclusively addresses surgical evaluations or offers guidance for the management of GI symptoms alone (with unclear parameters for respiratory disease considerations). We begin first by describing the result of GRASP damage to the lung in various stages of lung disease. This is followed by a discussion of the mechanisms by which the digestive tract can injure the lungs. We summarize what we anticipate future research directions will be to reduce the impact of GRASP as a barrier to normalcy in pwCF.
The effects of single education session on physiotherapy students' knowledge levels and thoughts on accreditation
Authors: Yıldırım Muhammed , Mehder Büşra , Selçuk Halit , Salar Sinem , Keklicek Hilal
Published: August 2024

Background

and Purpose: In the global landscape, quality assurance is paramount for educational institutions to adapt and thrive. The accreditation process involves evaluating an institution's quality according to standards established by experts and officially documenting its level of quality. This study aimed to assess the impact of a single educational session on physiotherapy and rehabilitation students' awareness and understanding of accreditation processes, recognizing their vital role in quality assurance.

Methods

A pretest‐posttest design was employed with 211 students from a physiotherapy and rehabilitation department. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing demographic information, knowledge about accreditation, and thoughts regarding accreditation. The educational session focused on accreditation criteria and processes, involving presentations and interactive discussions. McNemar's analysis was used to compare the response rates given by the students pre‐and post‐session.

Results

Analysis after the education session revealed a significant increase in students' knowledge of accreditation concepts (p < 0.05). Positive attitudes towards accreditation were reinforced, with students recognizing its importance in education quality. Despite pre‐existing positive attitudes, the educational intervention enhanced students' understanding and engagement in accreditation processes with a significant increase in three of the eight questions on thoughts about accreditation (p < 0.05).

Discussion

This study underscores the efficacy of educational interventions in fostering student engagement and awareness of accreditation. Findings suggest the need for integrating accreditation education into curricula and advocating its significance through seminars and literature support, ultimately enhancing student participation in quality assurance processes.
Effects of nutrition on recovery, mortality, and mobility of adult Tribolium castaneum after exposure to long‐lasting insecticide‐incorporated netting
Authors: Ming Qinglei , Morrison William R. , Zhu Kun Yan , Campbell James F. , Scully Erin D.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Long‐lasting insecticide‐incorporated netting (LLIN) has been used to deliver contact insecticides as an integrated pest management tool for stored product insect pests in food facilities. Although the presence of food is known to improve insect recovery after exposure, it is not clear whether food nutritional quality plays a role. Here, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum adults were exposed to two commercially available LLINs, Carifend (active ingredient α‐cypermethrin) and D‐Terrence (deltamethrin), then transferred to Petri dishes with foods with varying nutritional quality (e.g., 0–100% ratios of flour to non‐nutritive cellulose). We investigated the effects of nutrition, LLIN type, and exposure time on post‐exposure recovery, mortality, and mobility.

RESULTS

After exposure for 2–168 h, the immediate mortality of T. castaneum adults ranged from 0.5% to 91.0% with Carifend and 0% to 75.3% with D‐Terrence. Adult recovery and delayed mortality were significantly affected by nutritional quality, LLIN type, exposure time, and recovery time. For both LLINs, adult recovery increased over time, with a trend for higher recovery and lower mortality with increasing nutritional quality and decreasing exposure time. In addition, adult mobility decreased multiple‐fold after Carifend or D‐Terrence exposure for 30, 60 or 90 min compared to 10 min.

CONCLUSION

This study shows nutrition significantly modulates the efficacy of LLIN against T. castaneum, and thus strengthens the rationale for implementing stringent sanitation protocols for food facility managers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
A double‐blind randomized controlled trial of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) for the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kwok Wang Chung , Chan Shung Kay Samuel , Chiang Ka Yan , Ho Chung Man James
Published: August 2024

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease with acute exacerbation (AECOPD) being a common sequalae which negatively impact health status, rates of hospitalization and readmission, and disease progression. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) has been studied in COPD in both stable state and acute exacerbations, which has been shown to have small beneficial effects in stable COPD, as well as AECOPD. Yet, there has been lack of study with well‐designed protocol to assess the role of NAC in more objective outcomes in AECOPD.

Methods

This is a double‐blind randomized controlled trial. Patients will be randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive oral NAC at 600 mg twice daily or placebo twice daily with standard of care. Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and the ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) will be measured on days 1 and 7. The following will be measure at baseline and on day 4 and 7: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), 24‐hour sputum volume, oxygen saturation (SaO2), end‐tidal CO2, Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) score, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, grading of wheeze and grade of dyspnoea; blood inflammatory markers (leucocyte count, neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and high sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP)). Patients will be randomized to oral NAC at 600 mg twice daily or placebo for 7 days. The main outcome measures include: The difference in PaO2 on day 7. Secondary outcome: Change in following parameters on day 4/7 from baseline: FEV1, sputum volume, CAT score, LCQ score, SaO2, grade of wheeze; mMRC Dyspnoea Scale, end‐tidal CO2, blood inflammatory marker, change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio from baseline to day 7, PaCO2 on day 7, 28 and 90 days' mortality, time to wean off supplemental oxygen, length of stay.

Primary and secondary outcomes will be compared among the two treatment groups with two‐sample t‐test.

Discussion

We hypothesize that NAC use in COPD exacerbation can provide benefits in clinical and laboratory parameters.

Trial Registration

Name of the registry: ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial registration number: NCT05706402.

URL of the trial registry record for this trial: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05706402

Date of registration: Registered on 11th January 2023

Funding of the trial: The Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF).

Name and contact information for the trial sponsor: Wang Chung Kwok, Clinical Assistant Professor, Honorary Associate Consultant, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Role of sponsor: The funder is not involved in the planning of the study, gathering, analysing, and interpreting the data, or in preparing the manuscript.
Forest soil carbon storage in 10‐year‐old Douglas‐fir plantations of western Oregon and Washington remains similar to pre‐harvest
Authors: Holub Scott M. , Cattnach Glenn , Littke Kimberly M. , Hatten Jeff A.
Published: August 2024

Forests around the world, and in the case of this study, the coastal Pacific Northwest United States, store large amounts of carbon, both above ground in the trees and below ground in soils. Understanding the effects of forest disturbance, including timber harvesting, is important in order to evaluate the role that forestry plays in the global carbon cycle. Soil carbon can be difficult to assess with enough precision to detect the kinds of changes that are expected, yet a series of small changes over time in the same direction could have important cumulative effects. In this study, eight randomly selected Douglas‐fir forest stands in Oregon and Washington were sampled at 300 points each using a fixed‐depth sampling approach to attempt to detect a 5% or higher change in soil carbon storage to 1 m, longitudinally from pre‐harvest to 10 years post‐harvest. There was moderate variability in results over time at individual sites, with some sites decreasing slightly and others increasing slightly. Only two sites achieved lower than the 5% minimum detectible difference target. The remaining six sites were able to detect 5.7%–10.7% differences. In one case, an unexpectedly large increase in mineral soil carbon 10 years post‐harvest occurred without clear explanation. On average, forest floor carbon stores were 20% larger 10 years post‐harvest than pre‐harvest. Even with the large increases excluded, both the fixed‐depth approach and equivalent soil mass correction showed there was no significant change in mineral soil carbon stores to 1 m at 10 years post‐harvest in the region.
Decentralization policies and sustainable rural development: A path to eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2)
Authors: Ain Qurat ul , Yousaf Tahir , Tahir Muhammad Abubakar
Published: August 2024

Rural infrastructure development is crucial for achieving sustainable development. It enhances quality of life, improves connectivity, promotes economic growth, and supports food security. Whereas rural infrastructure development is influenced by fiscal decentralization, which enables local administrations to prioritize investments and allocate resources based on local needs and priorities. Given this background, this empirical study investigates the impact of devolution reform policy on rural infrastructure development in Pakistan, employing the Stackelberg model. The findings exhibit a positive relationship between subnational government spending through decentralization and the accessibility to transport and communication services, rural development, and development of irrigation infrastructure. The theoretical model proposes that decentralized information permits efficient decision‐making, with local authorities better equipped to deliver public services aligned with local preferences. Increased public utilization of services is expected as a result of decentralization. The combination of empirical analysis and theoretical foundations suggests that the 2001 decentralization policy enhances the accountability of subnational governments. By providing them with more informed and essential benefits for resource allocation according to voter priorities, this policy ultimately increases the efficiency of public expenditures in achieving sustainable development.
Three‐dimensional carbon nanotube framework enables low‐cost LiFe5O8 anode material for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Li Lei , Huo Jinsheng , Ran Qiwen , Liu Xingquan
Published: August 2024

LiFe5O8 is regarded as a promising material, which is used as anode for lithium‐ion batteries on account of its lower cost and higher theoretical capacity. However, its practical applications are hindered by the low electron transfer rate, poor cycling performance, and huge magnification of lattice volume. In this work, a LiFe5O8/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite anode is designed to realize the ideal anode for low‐cost lithium‐ion batteries, showing broad commercial application prospects. It is found that the three‐dimensional conductive network of CNTs is used to accelerate electron transfer rate within the LiFe5O8 particles, thereby significantly reducing the reversible reaction barrier (Fe/Fe3O4). In addition, it can also alleviate the volume change of electrode, which maintains a stable Li+ insertion/extraction behavior during long‐term cycles. As a consequence, there is still a high capacity (427.3 mAh g−1) of the LiFe5O8/CNTs 3% anode reserved after 50 cycles at 0.5 C whereas the bare LiFe5O8 anode only delivers a low capacity of 220.6 mAh g−1 along with a poor cycling stability. This work highlights the outstanding contribution of electronic conductivity toward the electrochemical performance of LiFe5O8 anode and provides a low‐cost and commercially applicable composite anode for developing lower cost lithium‐ion batteries.
Self‐Powered Supercapacitor with Bifunctional Separator in Suppressing Self‐Discharge
Authors: Paul Aparna , Chakraborty Anjan , Samanta Prakas , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kuila Tapas
Published: August 2024

Integrating energy harvesters with energy storage devices helps enhance energy utilization efficiency. The requirement for external power sources in energy storage devices can also be addressed by the development of an all‐in‐one single system. Vegetable peels can be used as piezoelectric energy harvesters due to the generation of electric dipole within cellulose. The self‐discharge processes cause open circuit potential decay, resulting in a loss of energy stored within the cell. The self‐discharge rate can be controlled by using a piezoelectric separator. This work used garlic skins as a piezoelectric separator, which helped delay the self‐discharge rate. The supercapacitor using Ni−Mn oxide as positive and Fe−Ni sulfide/RGO as negative electrode materials was fabricated with garlic skin as a separator. The device was charged from an initial OCP of ~0.15–~0.37 V in ~ 4 sec by finger tapping. The OCP decay rate was reduced by~88 % compared to that of using the Whatmann separator. The fabricated Ni−Mn oxide RGO/garlic skin/FeS2 RGO exhibited ~72.2 W h kg−1 energy density at a power density of ~2 kW kg−1 in an operated potential window of ~2 V. This research provides a cost‐effective method for developing piezoelectric supercapacitor with low self‐discharge rate.
Rational Fabrication of MoS2/g‐C3N4 Heterostructures for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yuan Hu , Xu Feng , Xue Qian , Zeng Yi , Qi Xuede , Li Kun , Li Qingwu , Zhang Mingjie , Hu Xuebu , Lu Shun , Jiang Jinxia , Qi Xueqiang
Published: August 2024

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) heterojunctions were prepared through the hydrothermal method and the calcination method (namely, MoS2/g‐C3N4‐1 and MoS2/g‐C3N4‐2) for the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of a heterostructure composite between MoS2 and g‐C3N4. The bandgap of MoS2 and g‐C3N4 was studied with ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy and electrochemical Mott‐Schottky tests. MoS2/g‐C3N4‐1 exhibits remarkable efficiency in degrading Rhodamine B, achieving 91.2 % degradation in 1 h, which is 1.06 times higher than MoS2/g‐C3N4‐2. Additionally, the MoS2/g‐C3N4‐1 heterojunction demonstrates good reusability, maintaining a degradation efficiency of 71.2 % after 5 cycles. The reason lies in that the MoS2/g‐C3N4‐1 possesses a larger specific surface area (33.078 m2g−1) than MoS2/g‐C3N4‐2 (28.621 m2g−1). Free radical quenching experiments indicate that ⋅O2− serves as the primary active species for photocatalytic degradation. The findings indicate that incorporating g‐C3N4 into MoS2 improves its photocatalytic capability due to aligned energy bands, promoting charge transfer, and reducing electron‐hole recombination.
Advancement of DDR1 and DDR2 Inhibitors: Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds, Designing Strategies, and Structure‐Activity Relationship (SAR)
Authors: Pal Rohit , Kumaraswamy B. , Md. Ashadul S. K. , Hosamani Ketan R. , Swamy Purawarga Matada Gurubasavaraja
Published: August 2024

DDR1 and DDR2 are nonintegrin collagen receptors in the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Both DDRs bind to various collagen types and perform crucial functions in embryo development. DDRs are different from other receptor tyrosine kinases due to their interaction with extracellular matrix components and unusual activation kinetics. DDR regulates cell migration, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Dysregulated DDR function is linked to the advancement of several human illnesses, including fibrosis, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. DDRs play a vital role in disease progression and development. Therefore, the use of DDR inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for disorders with limited therapy alternatives. In recent years, DDRs have been regarded as attractive targets for drug development, as evidenced by a significant rise in research in this field. The current review illustrates about recent advancement of small molecules, their designing strategies and structure‐activity relationship. The DDR inhibitors can contain various core structures such as pyrimidine, phthalazine, pyrazole, pyrazine, imidazo[1,2‐a]sspyrazine, quinazoline, and thieno[3,2‐b]pyridin‐7‐yl derivatives. Furthermore, based on the constructive analysis of the published derivatives, we found that the majority of the powerful compounds have a similar scaffold (amide linker, hydrophobic tail, hinge binder with or without spacer). Among the different literature, the most potent compounds 4 (imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazine), 5 (pyridine), 19 (pyridine), and 24 (quinazoline) displayed potent activity against DDR1 with IC50 values ranging from 2.26 – 4.67 nM, while DDR2 IC50 values ranging from 3.2 – 7.29 nM. This approach will help medicinal chemists to refine and develop novel small molecules targeting DDR1 and DDR2.
A Simple, Effective, and Selective Approach to Synthesize Natural Vicinal Diols from α‐Costic Acid
Authors: Fatima Ezzahra Maaghloud , Achraf Abdou , Ahmed El Hakmaoui , Jamal JamalEddine , Mohamed Akssira , Mohamed Dakir
Published: August 2024

α‐costic acid, the main component of Dittrichia viscosa collected from Morocco, was converted to its derivative γ‐costic acid, both products were the subject of a transformation to obtain new oxygenated derivatives (vicinal diols). The starting material, α‐costic acid was converted to methyl‐α and γ‐costate. The two esters were transformed to vicinal diols employing two reagents I2/t‐BuOOH and diluated KMnO4. The first one was the regioselectivity activation of carbon‐carbon double bond using iodine, creating an iodonium intermediate which react with t‐BuOOH to give corresponding diol and the second one was the exploitation of KMnO4 as an effective and environmentally friendly oxidant. These simple and effective oxidants led us to two natural vicinal diols α and γ esters costic with a good yield.
Synthesis of Electrophilic Cyclopent‐2‐enone Conjugates With Modulatory Effects on Inflammatory Responses Mediated by Nrf2/Keap1, NF‐κB and IL‐6
Authors: Neri Gabriel Luis L. , Chen Yi‐Siao , Arturo Hans Christian P. , Quimque Mark Tristan J. , Vidar Warren S. , Keum Young‐Sam , Liao Chen‐Chung , Yen Chia‐Hung , Macabeo Allan Patrick G.
Published: August 2024

Cyclopent‐2‐enone bearing natural products possess anti‐inflammatory, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities attributed to the presence of a Michael acceptor enone group acting as a bait for protein targets. To explore the biological activity of synthetic small molecules bearing the cyclopent‐2‐enone moiety, a collection of 4‐substituted cyclopent‐2‐enones (3 a–3 i) was prepared synthetically using Lewis acid‐catalyzed Mukaiyama‐Michael reaction (MMR) in modest to high yields. These derivatives were screened for their effect on inflammatory response mediators, namely Nrf2, NF‐κB, and IL‐6 through cell‐based reporter assays. The results show that 5‐(4‐oxocyclopent‐2‐en‐1‐yl)furan‐2(5H)‐one (3 g) is a potent Nrf2 activator in HaCaT cells. The mechanism of Nrf2 activation by 3 g was investigated through an MS/MS‐directed proteomic analysis and have shown the formation of a Michael adduct via cysteine‐613 on Keap1, an inhibitor of Nrf2. Density functional theory calculations show favorable Michael adduct formation between 3 g and the truncated Keap1 tripeptide Pro‐Cys613‐Ala at the β‐carbon of the cyclopent‐2‐enone moiety. On the other hand, the derivative 4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)cyclopent‐2‐en‐1‐one (3 a) exhibited selective Nrf2 inhibition in the cancer cell line Huh7, and inhibitory activity along with 3 g against NF‐κB, and IL‐6 in RAW 264.7 cells. This points to the cyclopent‐2‐enone group being an effective scaffold for anti‐inflammatory drug designs.
High Yield Synthesis of Cellulose Nanocrystals From Avicel by Mechano‐Enzymatic Approach
Authors: Spagnuolo Laura , Beneventi Davide , Dufresne Alain , Operamolla Alessandra
Published: August 2024

Cellulose nanocrystals are an important class of bio‐based crystalline nanostructures, finding application in several technological fields, including paper and textile coating, biocomposite engineering, biocatalysts immobilization, etc. This study explores enzymatic hydrolysis of Avicel, using endoglucanase from Aspergillus niger, to find an environmentally friendly method to extract cellulose nanocrystals from cellulose sources. Enzymatic hydrolysis has the advantage of reduced energy consumption and higher environmental friendliness compared to acid hydrolysis. In this work, we report for the first time very high nanocrystals yield by combining mechanical pretreatment of the cellulose starting material with a ball miller and endoglucanase hydrolysis, as a result of an extensive optimization of reaction conditions. In particular, a ball milling pretreatment carried out for 50 minutes at 3 Hz, allowed to isolate enzymatic CNCs with 76 % yield and with crystallinity as high as 75 %. The materials were characterized by X‐Ray diffractometry, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Their characteristics were compared with the properties of sulfated CNCs, prepared from Avicel by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Our results are technologically relevant, as they contribute to the accessibility and sustainability of CNCs for a wide range of applications in various industries.
Development of an Effective Au : Pd Bimetallic Heterogeneous Catalyst for Oxidative Lignin Depolymerization to Low Molecular Weight Aromatics
Authors: Karunasinghe Gayan , Qian Dali , Meier Mark S. , Crocker Mark , Martinelli Michela
Published: August 2024

Lignin, a phenolic‐rich biomass component, holds promise for producing value‐added products. However, its complex structure and recalcitrance present challenges for its effective utilization. To overcome this, a AuPd/Li−Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) catalyst was developed to facilitate lignin depolymerization. Various AuPd bimetallic nanoparticle compositions were supported on a basic Li−Al LDH support via a sol‐immobilization method and characterized using N2‐physisorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalysts were then evaluated in the oxidation of several benzylic alcohols using O2 as the oxidant, from which Au7Pd3/Li−Al LDH and Au1Pd1/Li−Al LDH were identified as possessing promising catalytic activity. Further investigations focused on the aerobic oxidation of β‐O‐4 linked lignin model dimers under atmospheric pressure. The tested catalysts demonstrated sequential oxidation of the model compounds, leading to cleavage of the β‐O‐4 linkage. Finally, the catalysts were applied to the oxidative deconstruction of γ‐valerolactone (GVL) extracted maple lignin at 120 °C. Au1Pd1/Li−Al LDH emerged as the most effective catalyst, yielding a range of aromatic monomers with a total monomer yield of 27 %. These results highlight the potential of the Au1Pd1/Li−Al LDH catalyst system as an eco‐friendly approach for lignin depolymerization under mild conditions.
HKUST‐1 Derived Cu2S‐Cu3P@C Nanomatrix Electrode Material for Non‐Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensing
Authors: Ali Mubashir , Wahid Malik , Majid Kowsar
Published: August 2024

Robust Cu2S‐Cu3P@C Nanomatrix electrode material has been synthesized via a two‐step process involving carbonization of Cu‐MOF, HKUST‐1, followed by simultaneous phosphorization and sulphurization of the carbonized product. This seamless approach leads to the efficient incorporation of highly active Cu2S‐Cu3P hybrid nanostructures within a conductive carbon matrix, exhibiting exceptional electrochemical glucose sensing performance. Synergistic interactions between Cu2S‐Cu3P and the carbon matrix boost glucose electro‐oxidation kinetics. The resulting Cu2S‐Cu3P@C displays a broad linear response (0.005–5 mM), low detection limit (2.3 μM), and high sensitivity (10,790 μA mM−1 cm−2), with excellent selectivity towards glucose even in the presence of interferents. This biomimetic Cu2S‐Cu3P@C nanomatrix catalyst holds promise for biosensor development in bioanalysis and clinical diagnosis.
Research on Lithium Storage Performance of MoS2/rGO Composites
Authors: Wang Yuyang , Ge Tao , Zhan Xinju , Guo Laigong , Liu Song , Cheng Qian , Deng Yifeng
Published: August 2024

MoS2/reduced graphene oxide (MoS2‐I, MoS2/rGO‐II and MoS2/rGO‐V) composites with the mass ratio of MoS2 to GO is 1:1, 2:1 and 5:1, which were used as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The electrochemical properties and structure were tested and characterized. In the first cycle charge and discharge, the initial discharge capacity of MoS2/rGO‐II electrode is 821.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and the first coulomb efficiency is 92.09 %. The capacity attenuation of the second and third cycles is 65 mAh g−1 and 10.1 mAh g−1, respectively. Compared to MoS2 electrode, the attenuation of MoS2/rGO‐II electrode is obviously improved at different rates of 0.1 C, 0.2 C and 0.5 C, so MoS2/rGO‐II electrode shows excellent rate performance. Through the reaction mechanism analysis, it is concluded that most of the oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface of GO are removed, but the conjugated network of graphene is not fully restored, resulting in the loss of electrical conductivity. However, the results of EIS directly show that rGO can still provide good conductivity for MoS2. Therefore, MoS2/rGO composites have great potential as electrodes for LIBs and broad research and application prospects in the field of energy storage.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Linezolid Analogues with C5‐thioether/N,S‐acetal Amide
Authors: Tian Zeng , Ren Huahua , Zou Yao , Sun Yewei , Jiang Xiaojian
Published: August 2024

The modification on the C5‐side chain in Linezolid analogues development is sporadic owing to the fact that trivial alternation on this position always leads to significant loss of antibacterial activity and in many cases to complete inactivity. The present work focused on constructing the potent yet relatively unexplored C5‐side chain of Linezolid, therefore various C5‐thioethers were synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial activities. The most potent candidates, hydroxyl thioether (R)‐5 a, (R)‐10 a, and (R)‐5 r which featuring a linear N,S‐acetal amide motif at the C5 side chain, shown strong antibacterial activities with no observable cytotoxicity.
Discovery and Biological Evaluation of Novel Fluorinated Derivatives of Benzophenone Analogues as Potent Anti‐Cancer Agent: Synthesis, In Vitro Assay and Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Pandya Vikrant H. , Sufiyan Chhipa Abu , Kalariya Ravi N. , Modi Krunal M. , Rana Shally , Patel Chirag , Patel Snehal , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Sing Yadav Jhillu
Published: August 2024

A range of new fluorinated derivatives of benzophenone analogs were developed and assessed on the human MDA‐MB‐231 triple‐negative breast cancer cell line and human cervical carcinoma cell line KB‐3‐1 for cytotoxic and anti‐proliferative effects. Synthesized derivatives were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, HRMS, and XRD spectroscopy. Compounds 6 a and 7 a had ~2.1 and ~13‐fold more cytotoxic activity against the KB‐3‐1 cell line than the positive control, gemcitabine. Malononitrile‐modified fluorinated benzophenone derivatives 6 b and 7 b exhibited outstanding cytotoxicity against the KB‐3‐1 cell line, outperforming the standard reference by ~3.6 and ~13.5 times, respectively. Similarly, compounds 6 a, and 7 a exhibited ~1.2 and ~2.5 fold accurate cytotoxic activity against the MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell line compared to a standard reference. Whereas, compounds 6 b and 7 b exhibited ~2.2 and ~2.8 fold accurate cytotoxic activity compared to a reference standard. The experimental results demonstrated that out of eight novel compounds, compound 7 b had greater cytotoxic activity than the standard reference against the cervical cancer cell line KB‐3‐1 and the breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231. Molecular docking investigation was used to examine the expected binding affinity and potential binding poses of the produced compounds.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities of MIL‐53(Fe)‐GO Composites via a Simple Solid‐Phase Synthesis Strategy: Increasing the Exposed Active Sites and Intimate Interfacial Contact
Authors: Liu Ningning , Xia Yang , Xing Hai
Published: August 2024

MIL‐53(Fe)‐GO composite photocatalysts were successfully fabricated via a simple solid‐phase synthesis strategy, and they were applied as efficient visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts for the oxidation of organic dyes and the reduction of Cr(VI). The experimental results demonstrated that MIL‐53(Fe)‐GO composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities compared with the pure MIL‐53(Fe) sample. Based on the photoelectrochemical analyses, the loading of GO could enhance visible‐light absorption and accelerate the separation and transfer of charge carries, leading to the improvement of photocatalytic performance. Moreover, more intimate interfacial contact and active sites in the system could be achieved via a simple solid‐phase synthesis strategy. They could also play important role in the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. Besides, a possible photocatalytic mechanism was also investigated in detail.
An Aluminum Anode with Superior Discharge Characteristics Prepared via Grain Refinement
Authors: Sobati AmirHossein , Dehghanian Changiz
Published: August 2024

As Electric Vehicles became more important in the field of energy, the disadvantages of lithium‐ion batteries became apparent. This led to an increased interest in metal‐air batteries, particularly aluminum‐air batteries, as alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries. However, aluminum‐air batteries also have their own deficiencies, with one of the main areas of research being the improvement of anode characteristics. Improving anode characteristics is a crucial area of research in this field. Aluminum alloys have traditionally been used to overcome obstacles in creating batteries with favorable electrochemical properties. However, recent studies suggest that reducing the grain size of aluminum anodes can have positive effects. In this study, we investigated the electrochemical behavior of three aluminum alloys that were grain‐refined by Al‐5Ti‐1B and compared the results to a commonly used aluminum alloy as an anode in aluminum‐air batteries. We chose Al−Ti alloys with variable amounts of titanium (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 wt.%) for evaluation. We selected a 4 molar potassium hydroxide solution as the test electrolyte due to the merits of alkaline electrolytes. Our study found that the alloy with 0.05 wt.% of titanium is the best anode choice. This anode has promising discharge characteristics at high current density (50 mA/cm2) and is an appropriate choice for electric vehicles.
Probing Temperature‐Dependence of Hydrogen Bonding in Condensed Polymeric Materials with Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Lu Yao , Fan Xinyue , Ge Shijie
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen bonding is pivotal in chemical and biological systems, yet detecting it in condensed matter, especially polymers, remains challenging. We propose a straightforward method using an aggregation‐induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) probe, demonstrated in a specially designed hydrogen‐bonded polymer with UPy groups. Unlike conventional covalent bonding, our approach involves mixing the AIEgen probe with polymers, inducing a significant change in fluorescence intensity due to the exceptional AIE characteristics. Validation involved comparative analyses with traditional methods, including dynamic mechanical analysis and infrared spectroscopy, across various temperatures. Our AIEgen‐based approach offers a more intuitive assessment of hydrogen bonding dynamics than the complexity of infrared spectroscopy. Importantly, hydrogen‐bonding transition temperatures determined by our AIEgen‐based method are only 6–8 degrees higher than those from dynamic mechanical analyses, confirming accuracy under faster, simpler conditions. This innovative technique not only opens a new avenue for investigating hydrogen bonding dynamics within confined polymer chains but also enhances the precision of transition temperature determination in solid‐state materials. Our study highlights the vital role of hydrogen bonding in functional materials, promising exciting possibilities for further advancements in this field.
Enhanced Stability and Performance Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells via Hole Transport Materials Additive Strategies
Authors: Ahmad Khursheed , Ahmad Khan Rais , Abdullah  , Seo Hyung‐Kee
Published: August 2024

Past few years has witnessed a rapid surge in the design and fabrication of lead halide perovskite solar cells (LH‐PSCs). Methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) is one of the widely used visible light absorbing material towards the fabrication of LH‐PSCs. The CH3NH3PbI3 has a band gap of around 1.55 eV which makes it a suitable visible light sensitizer for the development of high performance next generation LH‐PSCs. In this work, CH3NH3PbI3 has been explored as visible light absorbing layer with mesoscopic device architecture of (FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/spiro‐OMeTAD+MoS2/Au) LH‐PSCs. MoS2 has been utilized as hole transport material additive which not only acted as additive but also enhanced the performance of the LH‐PSCs with long term stability. The FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/spiro‐OMeTAD+MoS2/Au showed the interesting efficiency of 14.2 % which is higher than that of the FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/spiro‐OMeTAD/Au device (11.9 %). This work offers the fabrication of stable and improved LH‐PSCs with device architecture of FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/spiro‐OMeTAD+MoS2/Au.
Exploring the Inhibitory Effects of Quinolone Medications on Carbonic Anhydrase Enzyme Activity: In Vitro and In Silico Investigation
Authors: Demir Yeliz
Published: August 2024

Enzyme inhibition is a frequently employed technique for regulating enzyme activity in several biological systems that are physiologically significant. In this study, it was evaluated the effectiveness of six specific quinolone medicines, namely lomefloxacin, nalidixic acid, gatifloxacin, norfloxacin, sparfloxacin and nitrofurantoin, in inhibiting two human isoforms of the carbonic anhydrase (hCA) that play a role in different physiological and pathological circumstances. In order to achieve this objective, both in vitro and in silico investigations were conducted to get a deeper understanding of the potential binding interactions and affinities for hCA I and II isoforms. The kinetic inhibitory effects (Kis) of hCA I ranged from 1.31 to 13.07 μM, in comparison to the reference medication acetazolamide (AAZ, Ki of 0.12 μM). In addition, hCA II was effectively suppressed by these drugs, with Kis ranging from 1.42 to 11.93 μM, compared to AAZ (Ki of 0.098 μM). Significant interactions between the six medicines and hCAs indicated their potential to support therapeutic targets against pathological diseases. Furthermore, the findings acquired will contribute to the enhancement of therapeutic dose regimens for these medications and the prevention of unforeseen drug‐drug interactions when administered concurrently with other substances.
DBU‐Catalyzed Vinylogous Reaction of 3‐Cyano‐4‐methylcoumarins with 3‐Arylsulfonyl‐3‐indolyloxindoles
Authors: Mritunjay  , Sharma Shubham , Singh Pushpinder , Gupta Ankush , Singh Virender , Singh Lakhmir , Kumar Akshay
Published: August 2024

An efficient metal‐free DBU catalyzed approach for the construction of biologically significant quaternary carbon centered C‐3 functionalized 2‐oxindole derivatives through vinylogous reaction of 3‐cyano‐4‐methylcoumarins with 3‐arylsulfonyl‐3‐indolyloxindoles has been developed for first time. The developed protocol is simple, cost‐effective, and producing the desired products in good yields, without utilizing potentially harmful chemicals. Moreover, the synthesized 3,3‐disubstituted 2‐oxindole molecules contain established pharmacophors in their structure, i. e., oxindole‐, indole‐ and coumarin‐ moieties, which makes them a valuable candidate for drug development process.