bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Multi-modal Physiotherapy, Including Hip Abductor Strengthening, in Patients with Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
Authors: Beers Amanda , Ryan Michael , Kasubuchi Zenya , Fraser Scott , Taunton Jack E.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to quantitatively examine hip abductor strength in patients presenting with iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) and to determine whether a multi-modal physiotherapy approach, including hip abductor strengthening, might play a role in recovery.

Method: Our observational, pretest–posttest study is one of the first prospective studies in this area. Patients presenting to physiotherapy with unilateral ITBFS were recruited to participate. Participants followed a 6-week rehabilitation programme designed to strengthen hip abductors; strength was measured every 2 weeks using a hand-held dynamometer and compared bilaterally.

Results: Sixteen subjects (five men, 11 women) aged 20 to 53 years participated. All but 2 reported running as one of their main physical activities. A trend toward a significant difference in hip abductor strength was found between the injured and uninjured sides at baseline, but this difference disappeared by 6 weeks. Hip abductor strength was significantly related to physical function at weeks 2, 4, and 6. Nine subjects were discharged from physiotherapy after the 6-week period, while the other 7 subjects continued attending for up to 5 months.

Conclusions: Hip abductor strengthening appeared to be beneficial in the treatment of ITBFS, but further research on the use of hip abductor strengthening for treatment and prevention of ITBFS is needed.
Ritonavir Increases CD36, ABCA1 and CYP27 Expression in THP-1 Macrophages
Authors: Pou Jordi , Rebollo Alba , Roglans Núria , Sánchez Rosa M. , Vázquez-Carrera Manuel , Laguna Juan C. , Pedro-Botet Juan , Alegret Marta
Published: October 2008

Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor used in combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection, is associated with an increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of ritonavir, in the absence of added lipoproteins, on the expression of genes that control cholesterol trafficking in human monocytes/macrophages. Design: THP-1 cells were used to study the effects of ritonavir on the expression of CD36, ATP binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1), scavenger receptor B class I (SR-BI), caveolin-1 and sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27). Exposure to ritonavir (2.5 μg/ml) increased CD36 protein (28%, P < 0.05) and mRNA (38%, P < 0.05) in differentiated THP-1 macrophages, but not in undifferentiated monocytes. This effect was not related to the increase in PPARγ expression (51%, P < 0.05) caused by ritonavir. Ritonavir also reduced SR-BI protein levels (46%, P < 0.05) and increased CYP27 (43%, P < 0.05) and ABCA1 (49%, P < 0.05) mRNA expression. Liver X receptor α (LXRα) mRNA, protein and binding activity were also increased by ritonavir treatment. Conclusions: We propose that ritonavir induces ABCA1 expression in THP-1 macrophages through LXRα. The increase in ABCA1 and other cholesterol efflux mediators, such as CYP27, may compensate CD36 induction. Therefore, we suggest that the net effect of ritonavir on macrophages in the absence of lipoproteins is not clearly proatherogenic.
Effects of Pulmonary Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes on Lung and Systemic Inflammation with Coagulatory Disturbance Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice
Authors: Inoue Ken-ichiro , Takano Hirohisa , Koike Eiko , Yanagisawa Rie , Sakurai Miho , Tasaka Sadatomo , Ishizaka Akitoshi , Shimada Akinori
Published: October 2008

Despite intensive research as to the pathogenesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-related inflammation with coagulatory disturbance, their exacerbating factors have not been well explored. This study examined the effects of pulmonary exposure to two types of nano-sized materials (carbon nano-tubes: CNT [single-wall: SWCNT, and multi-wall: MWCNT]) on lung inflammation and consequent systemic inflammation with coagulatory disturbance induced by pulmonary exposure to LPS in mice and their cellular mechanisms in vitro. ICR male mice were divided into 6 experimental groups that intra-tracheally received the vehicle, two types of CNT (4 mg/kg), LPS (33 μ g/kg), or LPS plus either type of CNT. Twenty-four hours after treatment, both types of CNT alone induced lung inflammation with enhanced lung expression of proinflammatory cytokines, but did not synergistically exacerbate lung inflammation elicited by LPS. SWCNT significantly induced/ enhanced pulmonary permeability and hyperfibrinogenemia and reduced activated protein C in the absence or presence of LPS, whereas MWCNT did moderately. Both CNT moderately, but not significantly, elevated circulatory levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In the presence of LPS, CNT tended to elevate the levels of the mediators with an overall trend, which was more prominent with SWCNT than with MWCNT. In vitro study showed that both CNT amplified LPS-induced cytokine production from peripheral blood monocytes. These results suggest that CNT can facilitate systemic inflammation with coagulatory disturbance, at least in part, via the activation of mononuclear cells, which is accompanied by moderate enhancement of acute lung inflammation related to LPS.
Adiponectin Is a Negative Regulator of Bone Mineral and Bone Strength in Growing Mice
Authors: Ealey Kafi N. , Kaludjerovic Jovana , Archer Michael C. , Ward Wendy E.
Published: October 2008

Obesity is associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) but the mechanism for this is unclear. Serum levels of the adipokine adiponectin are inversely correlated with obesity, but results from studies on its relationship to bone mass are conflicting. The objective of this study was to compare bone mineral content (BMC), BMD and biomechanical strength properties of femur and lumbar vertebrae in 8- and 16-week old adiponectin transgenic mice (AdTg). These mice exhibit significantly elevated circulating adiponectin but have similar body weights compared to wild-type (WT) littermates that were used as controls. Female AdTg mice displayed significantly lower femur BMC at 8 and 16 weeks of age and femur neck peak load was significantly lower in 8-week old AdTg mice of both genders compared to controls. The peak load from compression testing of an individual lumbar vertebra was significantly lower in female AdTg mice compared to WT at 8 weeks, and this difference persisted at 16 weeks of age. In addition, lumbar vertebrae BMC was significantly lower in 16-week old male AdTg mice compared to WT although vertebra peak load was not different. Serum adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with femur BMC. In summary, elevated circulating adiponectin inhibits the acquisition of bone mass in growing mice and results in decreased biomechanical measures of functional strength that are surrogate measures of susceptibility to fractures. These results support a role for circulating adiponectin as a metabolic link that can explain, at least in part, the positive relationship between obesity and both bone mass and reduced susceptibility to fractures.
The Role of Pharmacogenetics in Treating Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Patnaik Meeta , Renda Matthew J. , Athanasiou Maria C. , Reed Carol R.
Published: October 2008

Symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders include abnormalities in both physical and psychological domains. Many drugs indicated for the treatment of CNS disorders are fraught with side effects and/or poor efficacy which impact patients’ quality of life and drives non-compliance. Moreover, for many CNS drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, it takes time to determine whether a particular drug is efficacious in an individual patient. To optimize drug treatment for each patient, prescribing physicians often need to raise or lower doses, switch drug classes, or prescribe additional drugs to mitigate side effects, often in a “trial and error” fashion. Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing, particularly in the realm of CNS therapy, can reduce the unpredictability of this process. By determining a patient’s genetic profile, individual therapy parameters may be predicted pre-treatment for drug efficacy, optimal drug dose, and the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The intent of this review is to highlight the power of PGx testing to predict the likelihood of ADRs and efficacy during the treatment of the following CNS disorders: epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression.
Regulatory Agency Consideration of Pharmacogenomics
Authors: Pendergast Mary K.
Published: October 2008

This article discusses the current ambiguous state of federal regulatory agency control over pharmacogenomic testing, a subset of genetic testing that combines information about genetic variability with pharmacology in order to improve drug recommendations. An analysis of the common three terms used to evaluate regulation of pharmacogenomic testing: research validity, clinical validity, and clinical utility, followed by a case study involving U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of laboratory developed tests, illustrates the present gap in pharmacogenomic oversight. The existing agency overlap in regulating pharmacogenomic testing leads to unclear or even contradictory authoritative advice.
Hexane/Ethanol Extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Licorice Suppresses Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis in H9c2 Rat Cardiac Myoblasts
Authors: Choi Hyun Ju , Seon Mi Ra , Lim Soon Sung , Kim Jong-Sang , Chun Hyang Sook , Park Jung Han Yoon
Published: October 2008

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic, and has been recognized as one of the most effective anti-neoplastic agents in cancer chemotherapy. However, its usefulness is limited by its profound cardiotoxicity. Licorice is one of the most frequently prescribed agents in traditional herbal medicine, and is also employed as a natural sweetening additive. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root is added to a variety of herbal preparations to detoxify the effects of the other herbs in the preparation. In the present study, we explored the possibility that Glycyrrhiza uralensis licorice may alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The hexane/ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (HEGU), which lacks glycyrrhizin, was prepared because glycyrrhizin intake has previously been reported to induce hypertension. In an effort to determine whether HEGU ameliorates DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 rat cardiac myoblasts, the cells were pretreated with 0–15 mg/L HEGU, then treated with doxorubicin. The pretreatment of cells with HEGU resulted in a significant mitigation of DOX-induced reductions in cell numbers (34 ± 7%) and increases in apoptosis (53 ± 1%). The Western blot analysis of cell lysates showed that HEGU suppressed DOX-induced increases in the levels of p53, phospho-p53 (Ser 15), and Bax. In addition, HEGU induced an increase in the levels of Bcl-xL, regardless of DOX-treatment. HEGU inhibited the DOX-induced cleavage of caspases 9, 3, and 7, as well as DOX-induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Furthermore, HEGU caused reductions in the viable cell numbers of HT-29 human colon cancer cells (IC50 = 10.7 ± 0.3 mg/L), MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells (IC50 = 7.5 ± 0.1 mg/L), and DU145 human prostate cancer cells (IC50 = 4.7 ± 0.5 mg/L). HEGU augmented DOX-induced reductions in the viability of DU145 cells (15 ± 1%). These results indicate that HEGU may potentially be an effective agent for the alleviation of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
Klimawandel als Prüfstein für die Waldbewirtschaftung | Climate change as a touchstone for forest management
Authors: Rigling Andreas , Brang Peter , Bugmann Harald , Kräuchi Norbert , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Zimmermann Niklaus
Published: October 2008

Climate scenarios predict for Switzerland until 2050 a general warming of 2°C. This warming is likely to feature moister winters, dryer summers and an increase of extreme weather events – hot spells like in summer 2003 could occur every few years. If these pojections become true, Swiss forests will be fundamentally altered by the direct effects of climate such as droughts, heat waves or storms. In addition, they will be affected by indirect effects such as diseases, pests or forest fires that may be even more significant than the direct effects. Large uncertainties still exist with respect to the degree and rate of the expected climatic changes. Nevertheless, forestry should not wait until absolute certainty arises, which will likely never be the case anyway. Forestry must act proactively, butin a cautious and scientifically sound manner. Based on the paradigm of adaptive forest management, we propose a concept for a stepwise alignment of forest management practices with the overall aim to increase the resistance and resilience of Swiss forests and to support ongoing early response processes. The measures proposed can be divided into 1) the analysis of the current state of the forests, 2) short-termed adaptation measures of forest management, and finally 3) the development of adapted management concepts that explicitly take into account climatic change.
Die Kastanie im Engadin – oder was halten Baumarten von modellierten Potenzialgebieten? Chestnut in the Engadine – what do tree species think about model predictions?
Authors: Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Bugmann Harald
Published: October 2008

New IPCC climate projections suggest drastic changes in future climate. We discuss two commonly used modeling approaches, statistical distribution models and dynamic forest succession models, as they are suitable for assessing expected effects of climate change on the tree species distribution in Switzerland and for assisting management decisions in forestry. We discuss the basic assumptions and the strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches, without an understanding of which it is impossible to fully judge the outcome of modeling exercises. We give an overview of results from applying these two modeling approaches in Switzerland and in the Alps and discuss their appropriate use.

We believe that these models are an important basis for decision making in the face of highly uncertain development of future climate. Nonetheless, models do not represent an exact copy of reality. Plausibility analyses are necessary in order to assess the results' usefulness and precision. Sensitivity analyses and a critical comparison of model results with expert knowledge of current forests, long measurement time series and other data are important. Also, dialog with practitioners and managers is not only important for checking the plausibility of model predictions under current conditions, but may also serve to improve the evaluation of future projections. We propose to apply models to the whole of Switzerland and to many tree species. Such a concerted national analysis may serve the adaptive management of forests and may strengthen dialog between researchers and practitioners.
Effekte des Klimawandels auf Windwurf, Waldbrand und Walddynamik im Schweizer Wald | Effects of climate change on windthrow, forest fire and forest dynamics in Swiss forests
Authors: Wohlgemuth Thomas , Conedera Marco , Albisetti Andrea Kupferschmid , Moser Barbara , Usbeck Tilo , Brang Peter , Dobbertin Matthias
Published: October 2008

Most natural disturbances to Swiss forests are caused by climatically induced extreme events: winter storms, foehn and thunderstorms predominate in the North of the Alps, and forest fires in the Southern Alps. Many studies predict a general increase of these extreme events under continued climatic change. How resistant are Swiss forests against wind and fire disturbance, and how resilient are they after disturbance? Because in Switzerland most of the severe winds happen in the wintertime, conifers such as Norway spruce and silver fir are the most vulnerable species. Beyond gust speeds of more than 40 m/s, all tree species are damaged. The fire resistance of forests depends on the flammability, which will increase due to increasing drought frequency. Forests in the Ticino will be most affected by this development, and to a lesser extent also forests in the Central Alps and those north of the Alps. After wind and fire disturbance, forest has re-established in almost all regions of Switzerland. Results from various studies in disturbed forests show that the amount of tree regeneration decreases with increasing elevation (R2 = 0.31). After fire, the speed of regeneration depends on various factors such as tree species, drought and the transient absence of mycorrhiza.

The natural regeneration process after severe forest disturbances reflects a first step towards a forest more adapted to the future. Trees that establish in big gaps and under repeated drought may resist the future climate.
Forstliche Schadorganismen im Zeichen des Klimawandels | Effects of climate change on forest pests and diseases
Authors: Engesser Roland , Forster Beat , Meier Franz , Wermelinger Beat
Published: October 2008

The predicted increase in temperature, dry summers, and extreme meteorological events will affect many harmful species both by directly accelerating their propagation rates as well as by weakening their host plants. There might also be shifts in the interrelations in species communities that can hardly be predicted. Some fungal species, that had previously been inconspicuous, caused notable damages in the drought periods of the last two decades. Higher winter temperatures often increase the survival rates of many fungal and insect species. Because hot and dry summers are likely to become more frequent and heavy storms tend to occur more often, an increase in massive outbreaks of bark beetles with corresponding damage is to be expected. As a result of global trade, more invasive alien fungi and insects are introduced into Europe where the climatic conditions become more favorable for them to establish themselves on native or introduced host trees.

Insects and diseases can have a profound impact on forest dynamics. Therefore, these disturbances must be included in the discussion of future tree species composition and of forest development scenarios.
Trockenperioden seit 1900 und Waldwachstum: eine Analyse langfristiger Datenreihen | Drought periods since 1900 and growth of forest stands: an analysis of long-term data series
Authors: Zingg Andreas , Bürgi Anton
Published: October 2008

Drought during the vegetation period has en effect on tree growth. Using daily precipitation data and growth records from long-term research plots, we investigated what can be defined as “drought” and how strong its effect is. Dry or humid periods are defined as the deviation from the long-term daily mean of precipitation. Such periods must last at least 60 days to be considered as being decisive for tree growth. The drought values are used together with other site and stand parameters as explaining variables in a model for the basal area increment for Norway spruce (Picea abies [L] H. Karst.), silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (Quercus L), based on data from long-term growth and yield plots which are located in the neighbourhood of precipitation measurement stations. These models explain 55 to 89% of the variance. In drought situations basal area increment drops clearly for spruce and beech, for fir only weakly and oak shows no reaction. Furthermore, we checked if there happened additional or compulsory felling after drought periods and if the basal area growth changed significantly compared to the growth in the period before. For both it is not the case, despite distinct drought periods in the last century, especially in the 40s with the extreme year of 1947. Therefore we do not expect dramatic changes for the investigated species in similar drought situations under the prerequisite that the other conditions do not change essentially.
Klimawandel als waldbauliche Herausforderung | Climate change as a challenge for silviculture
Authors: Brang Peter , Bugmann Harald , Bürgi Anton , Mühlethaler Urs , Rigling Andreas , Schwitter Raphael
Published: October 2008

Climate change is about to change many site factors relevant for forest dynamics, and is therefore posing a great challenge for silviculture. We review the options for addressing this challenge and provide recommendations. In general, forest management should aim at increasing the adaptive capacity of the forests, enhancing their resistance to disturbance, and at reducing negative impacts of increased disturbances on forest products and services. The key to coping with climate change lies in enhancing the proportion of tree species adapted to future climate, and, in response to the uncertainties associated, in promoting the diversity of tree species and provenances. Additionally, fostering diversity in forest structure is likely to reduce risks and secure forest products and services. Strategic silvicultural options include mapping the sensitivity of sites and stands to climate change, adapting the target species compositions and choosing an appropriate silvicultural system. At an operational level, silvicultural options to increase tree species diversity include artificial regeneration, tending young stands, regeneration cuts and the reduction of ungulate impact. Other options are the premature final felling of stands and wildfire prevention. As the site conditions are undergoing change, the two cornerstones of close-to-nature silviculture “species selection based on (current) site conditions” and “preference for natural regeneration”, need revision. A flexible approach to forest management is advocated since the reactions of the forest to climate change cannot be accurately predicted.
Wald und Klimawandel – Ansätze für eine ökonomische Bewertung | Forests and climate change – approaches to an economic valuation
Authors: Olschewski Roland , Bebi Peter , Grêt-Regamey Adrienne , Kräuchi Norbert
Published: October 2008

The impact of climate change on forest ecosystem services will differ depending on the regional situation. Based on findings of natural sciences the impact on society can be assessed by applying economic valuation methods. We distinguish between cost- and benefit-oriented approaches, both of which necessary to provide a comprehensive basis for decision-making. Aspects of uncertainty that are especially related to protection services are considered by extended approaches, such as Bayesian networks combined with geographic information systems. Following an adaptive management approach these new findings can be integrated in the decision process and thus contribute to a sustainable resource use, while taking climate change as well as society's diverse demands for forest ecosystem services into account.
Ocyropsis‐Inspired Fast‐Swimming Transparent Soft Robots
Authors: Ye Zhiqiu , Yang Geng , Dai Huaixuan , Gan Yinliang , Jian Yihui , Xu Kaichen , Deen M. Jamal , Xia Jiaxu , Tian Nichen , Yang Yihong , Yang Huayong , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2025

Marine creatures achieve effective survival in unstructured ocean environments via fast swimming or transparent camouflage. Aqueous soft robots, capable of reproducing soft features of marine creatures, have the advantages of safe biological interaction, high environmental adaptation, and noise‐free when compared with traditional rigid robots. Yet, there exists a persistent challenge to develop both fast and energy‐efficient aqueous soft robots that can achieve better underwater operation or exploration. Enlightened by the morphology and swimming strategy of Ocyropsis — a jellyfish‐like creature, Ocyropsis‐inspired robots (i.e., Ocyrobots) that merge electro‐hydraulic actuation and Ocyropsis‐type rowing mechanisms to achieve high‐performance underwater locomotion are developed. Ocyrobots demonstrate a record‐high speed of 1.1 body length/s, which is approximately three times of previously reported fastest jellyfish‐like robots while maintaining a low power consumption of 37 mW. Ocyrobots also exhibit an impressive turning speed of 34° s−1, enabling dexterous locomotion and effective obstacle avoidance in confined underwater scenarios. Attributed to the self‐developed highly reliable polymer‐based ionic gel, Ocyrobots possess remarkable advantages of full transparency and high durability, which improves their lifetime and reduces potential disturbances to underwater ecosystems. The unprecedented biomimetic idea in this study is essential in enlightening the prototyping of future aqueous soft robotics.
The Defects of Single Atom Co1‐N‐C Regulate the H‐Binding Energy to Achieve Divergent Hydrogen Evolution or Transfer Hydrogenation with HCOOH
Authors: Lv Shanshan , Zhou Yan , Yang Wenjuan , Song Manman , Li Feng , Feng Mengmeng , Chen Chen , Chen Zheng
Published: February 2025

HCOOH can be used as a hydrogen donor in catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) or a hydrogen storage molecule. The desorption‐combination of H* species from H‐binding sites after dissociation of HCOOH is necessary for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but undesired for CTH. In this work, it is found that the process of high‐temperature calcination can cause defects in the nitrogen‐doped carbon anchored single atom Co catalyst (Co1‐N‐C) and adjust the electronic state of Co, thereby affecting the H‐binding energy on single atom Co sites. The three‐coordinated single atom Co with the most abundant defects (def‐CoN3) has best catalytic activity in CTH of nitrobenzene using FA as hydrogen donor in reductive formylation reaction. While the single atom Co with minimal defects (CoN3) shows optimal HER efficiency of HCOOH than def‐CoN3 and four‐coordinated single atom Co. Through density functional theory calculation, the defective sites promoted the dissociation of HCOOH and H* absorption but inhibited the H* desorption, which is conducive to CTH. The H* is moderately absorbed on defect‐free CoN3 and easily desorbed to generate H2 molecule. The regulation on defect structures of single atom Co will provide new avenue for designing catalysts in catalytic processes involving H‐atom transfer.
Regulation of Ion Transport Behavior in Layer‐by‐Layer Assembled Polymer/MXene Heterostructure Anodes for Metal‐Free Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Ruanye , Xu Hai , Li Zhemin , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: February 2025

Recently, the development of Zn‐host materials in metal‐free aqueous Zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) has emerged as an effective strategy to address the challenges of uncontrollable dendrite growth and severe corrosion in Zn anodes. Herein, the layer‐by‐layer assembly conjugated polyimide nanocomposite (PTN‐MXene) through in situ polymerization is proposed to realize high energy density and stability metal‐free AZIBs. Specifically, the unique layered structure and abundant redox centers of conjugated diketone‐based polyimide (PTN), combined with its high structural compatibility with MXene, enable the formation of a layer‐by‐layer assembled 2D/2D heterostructure. This design ensures sufficient contact and expands the interlayer spacing of MXene, facilitating faster electron/ion transport kinetics and providing better access to redox centers. Importantly, the regulation of ion transport behavior from H+ or Zn2+ to H+/Zn2+ coinsertion in PTN‐MXene is achieved and verified by different characterization techniques. Thus, PTN‐MXene anode exhibits high specific capacity (283.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate performance and outstanding cycling performance. As a proof‐of‐concept, the full batteries fabricated by Prussian blue analogs cathode and PTN‐MXene anode deliver a high energy density of 72.4 Wh kg−1 and exceptional cycling stability over 2000 cycles.
TiO2 Anchored Cu Single Atoms Catalysts Boost Nitrite Electroreduction to Ammonia for Water Remediation
Authors: Sun Mingming , Wan Wenrui , Zhao Xiao , Shao Chunfeng , Liu Ning , Fan Maohong , Wang Jianji
Published: February 2025

The electrochemical conversion of harmful pollutant nitrite (NO2−) in wastewater to NH3 is an effective strategy for water remediation and production of value‐added chemicals. However, achieving high NH3 yield and selectivity is challenging due to the low catalyst activity and competitive H2 and N2H4 byproducts. Herein, for the first time, Cu single‐atom electrocatalysts on TiO2 (Cu1/TiO2) are designed for nitrite reduction to NH3 in a neutral aqueous electrolyte. The optimal Cu1/TiO2 exhibits an exceptional NH3 production rate of 21.2 mg h−1 mgcat−1 and a high NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 96.0% at −1.0 V (vs RHE), representing one of the best electrocatalytic performance ever achieved. Impressively, the NO2− (0.1 mol L−1) can be completely conversed in 8 h electrolysis. The experimental studies and theoretical calculations uncover that the single atoms Cu narrows the bandgap of TiO2 and improves the electron transfer in Cu1/TiO2, and the single‐atom Cu and TiO2 synergistically activate NO2−, stabilize the *NO intermediate, and reduce the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step (*NH3→NH3), thus resulting in remarkable electrocatalytic activity and selectivity for the reduction of nitrite to NH3. This study provides a new strategy for simultaneous NH3 production and water remediation at ambient conditions by using single‐atom catalysis.
Breathable, Moisturizing Biomimetic Wound Dressing with Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Liu Yunge , Chen Xiao , Zhang Chengzhi , Li Saiya , Zheng Hui , Tang Wanting , Wang Qiannan , Liu Jinbo , Fang Kefan , Zhao Yingmin , Zhang Jing , Wang Dianyu
Published: February 2025

Maintaining wound breathability and preventing infection are crucial for moist wound healing. However, existing hydrogel dressings suffer from poor breathability and clinically used antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, metal nanoparticles, and natural antimicrobial substances face challenges including resistance, toxicity, and high extraction costs, respectively. Inspired by the antimicrobial properties of airway surface liquid (ASL), a biomimetic moisturizing and antibacterial hydrogel dressing (BMAHD) is designed. It combines polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel with ordinary gauze to achieve high breathability, while also secreting a water‐glycerol mixture to moisturize the wound. Interestingly, Na2CO3 secreted by dressing achieves broad‐spectrum bactericidal effects, with up to 99% sterilization rates within 24 h. Furthermore, co‐cultivation experiments with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (L929) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) demonstrate excellent cellular compatibility of the dressing. To prove of concept, the animal model confirms that BMAHD significantly promotes wound healing. The BMAHD provides a valuable reference for the design of novel medical dressings.
Blue Multiple‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials
Authors: Cui Boyao , Zhou Jianqiao , Duan Chunbo , Xu Hui
Published: February 2025

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) exhibit significant advantages in the fields of ultra‐high‐definition (UHD) displays and wearable devices. However, developing low‐cost, high‐efficiency, and high‐purity blue emission materials remains a significant challenge for academia and industry. While thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials meet low‐cost manufacturing needs and achieve 100% internal quantum efficiency, their charge‐transfer excited states lead to broad emission spectra that don't meet the BT.2020 standard. Fortunately, the multiple resonance (MR) strategy offers an effective solution for creating blue TADF materials with high color purity. Through careful structural design and precise tuning of excited state energy levels, blue MR‐TADF materials can easily achieve a full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of less than 30 nm. Nevertheless, it still faces significant challenges, such as severe aggregation‐induced quenching and efficiency roll‐off. Herein, this work overviews the recent progress of blue MR‐TADF materials and devices, and introduce representative molecular design strategies aimed at suppressing concentration quenching, enhancing reverse intersystem crossing rates, and achieving deep blue emission, which will aid future endeavors to develop more efficient, stable blue MR‐TADF materials and devices suitable for UHD display applications.
hnRNPC Functions with HuR to Regulate Alternative Splicing in an m6A‐Dependent Manner and is Essential for Meiosis
Authors: Xiong Xinxin , Feng Shenglei , Ma Xixiang , Liu Kuan , Gui Yiqian , Chen Bei , Fan Xu , Wang Fengli , Wang Xiaoli , Yuan Shuiqiao
Published: February 2025

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) and its reader proteins are involved in pre‐mRNA processing and play a variety of roles in numerous biological processes. However, much remains to be understood about the regulation of m6A and the function of its specific readers during meiotic processes. Here, this study shows that the potential m6A reader protein hnRNPC is essential for both male and female meiosis in mice. Germ cell‐specific knockout of Hnrnpc causes meiotic arrest at pachynema in male mice. Specifically, hnRNPC‐deficient males show abnormal meiosis initiation and defective meiotic progression, ultimately leading to meiotic arrest at the pachytene stage. Interestingly, hnRNPC‐null females show similar meiotic defects to males. Mechanistically, this study discovers that in male germ cells, hnRNPC works with HuR to directly bind and modulate alternative splicing of meiotic‐related genes (e.g., Sycp1, Brca1, and Smc5) in an m6A‐dependent manner during spermatogenesis. Collectively, these findings reveal hnRNPC as a critical factor for meiosis and contribute to a mechanistic understanding of the hnRNPC‐HuR interaction in alternative splicing of mRNAs during germ cell development.
HUWE1‐Mediated Degradation of MUTYH Facilitates DNA Damage and Mitochondrial Dysfunction to Promote Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Yang Yunwen , Wang Peipei , Zhou Kaiqian , Zhang Wen , Liu Suwen , Ouyang Jing , Bai Mi , Ding Guixia , Huang Songming , Jia Zhanjun , Zhang Aihua
Published: February 2025

The role of MUTYH, a DNA repair glycosylase in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. In this study, it is found that MUTYH protein levels are significantly decreased in the kidneys of cisplatin‐ or folic acid (FA)‐induced mouse AKI models and patients with AKI. MUTYH deficiency aggravates renal dysfunction and tubular injury following cisplatin and FA treatment, along with the accumulation of 7, 8‐dihydro‐8‐oxoguanine (8‐oxoG) and impairs mitochondrial function. Importantly, the overexpression of type 2 MUTYH (nuclear) significantly ameliorates cisplatin‐induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, overexpression of type 1 MUTYH (mitochondrial) shows a marginal effect against cisplatin‐induced injury, indicating the chief role of type 2 MUTYH in antagonizing AKI. Interestingly, the results also indicate that the upregulation of the E3 ligase HUWE1 causes the ubiquitination and degradation of MUTYH in tubular epithelial cells. HUWE1 knockout or treatment with the HUWE1 inhibitor BI8622 significantly protect against cisplatin‐induced AKI. Taken together, these results suggest that the ubiquitin E3 ligase HUWE1‐mediates ubiquitination and degradation of MUTYH can aggravate DNA damage in the nucleus and mitochondria and promote AKI. Targeting the HUWE1/MUTYH pathway may be a potential strategy for AKI treatment.
A Spleen‐Targeted Tolerogenic mRNA‐LNPs Vaccine for the Treatment of Experimental Asthma
Authors: Wang Fazhan , Lou Jia , Lou Xiaohan , Wu Fang , Gao Xiaoke , Yao Xiaohan , Wan Jiajia , Duan Xixi , Deng Wenjing , Ma Lixia , Zhang Lijing , He Guangjie , Wang Ming , Ni Chen , Lei Ningjing , Qin Zhihai
Published: February 2025

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)‐based mRNA vaccines have witnessed their great advantages in the fight against infectious diseases. However, the pro‐inflammatory properties of mRNA‐LNPs vaccines may hinder the induction of antigen‐specific tolerogenic immune responses. Here, it is demonstrated that stearic acid‐doped LNPs co‐loaded with nucleoside‐modified mRNA and celastrol selectively target spleen, convert their adjuvanticity and promote a tolerogenic rather than immunogenic DCs phenotype. Furthermore, the tolerogenic mRNA vaccine also invokes the generation of antigen‐specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen and migration of the induced Tregs to the lung. In a mouse model of allergic asthma, immunization with the tolerogenic mRNA vaccine significantly alleviated symptom induction, reducing eosinophilic granulocyte accumulation and mucus secretion. In conclusion, this spleen‐targeted mRNA‐LNPs vaccine platform induces tolerogenic immune responses, offering promise for the development of therapeutics against allergic asthma and other conditions requiring immune tolerance modulation.
GhLPF1 Associated Network Is Involved with Cotton Lint Percentage Regulation Revealed by the Integrative Analysis of Spatial Transcriptome
Authors: Wu Hongyu , Wang Luyao , Zhao Shengjun , Gao Mengtao , Cao Junfeng , Hao Yupeng , Yu Li , Zhao Ting , Wang Siyuan , Han Jin , Zhu Yumeng , Zhao Yongyan , Li Jie , Nie Ke , Lu Kening , Ding Linyun , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Tianzhen , Guan Xueying
Published: February 2025

Cotton fibers, derived from the epidermis of the ovule, provide a sustainable natural fiber source for the textile industry. Traits related to fiber yield are predominantly determined by molecular regulations in the epidermis of the outer integument (OI) region of the cotton ovule. Here, we identify an R2R3 MYB transcription factor coding gene GhLPF1 within the QTL‐LP‐ChrA06 locus for lint percentage (LP, percentage of lint to seed cotton) through constructing the 1‐Day Post Anthesis Cotton Ovule Spatial Transcriptome Atlas. GhLPF1 is subjected as a downstream target of miR828 during fiber development. The direct downstream genes (DDGs) of GhLPF1 are biased to increased expression in GhLPF1‐CR, and are preferentially expressed in OI, so that GhLPF1 is primarily a transcriptional repressor to its DDGs. Population‐wide transcriptome analysis confirms that expression variation of GhLPF1‐DDGs is significantly biased to negative correlation with LP, among which a type I homeobox protein‐coding gene GhHB6 is further validated to be the directly downstream gene of GhLPF1. Given these data, it is demonstrated that GhLPF1 mediates a regulation network in LP as a transcriptional repressor, which makes it a valuable functional marker for fiber‐trait improvement application from QTL‐LP‐ChrA06.
LIMA1 O‐GlcNAcylation Promotes Hepatic Lipid Deposition through Inducing β‐catenin‐Regulated FASn Expression in Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Authors: Yang Fuji , Chen Yifei , Zheng Guojun , Gu Kefeng , Fan Lin , Li Tingfen , Zhu Ling , Yan Yongmin
Published: February 2025

Hepatic lipid deposition is a key factor in progressing metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study investigates the impact of the LIM domain and actin‐binding protein 1 (LIMA1) on hepatic steatotic in MASLD and explore the underlying mechanisms. Increased levels of LIMA1 is observed in both serum and serum sEV of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) patients compared to healthy controls, with AUROC values of 0.76 and 0.86, respectively. Furthermore, increased LIMA1 O‐GlcNAcylation is observed in mouse models of MASLD, and steatotic hepatocytes. Mechanistic studies revealed that steatosis upregulated Host cell factor 1 (HCF1) and O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) expression, leading to catalyzed O‐GlcNAcylation at the T662 site of LIMA1 and subsequent inhibition of its ubiquitin‐dependent degradation. O‐GlcNAcylation of LIMA1 enhances hepatocyte lipid deposition by activating β‐catenin/FASn‐associated signaling. Additionally, compared with their AAV8‐TBG‐LIMA1‐WT counterparts, AAV8‐TBG‐LIMA1ΔT662 injection exhibited decreases in systemic insulin resistance, steatosis severity, inflammation and fibrosis in HFD‐fed and CDAHFD‐fed LIMA1 HKO (hepatocyte‐specific knockout) mice. Moreover, LTH‐sEV‐mediated delivery of LIMA1 promoted MASLD progression by promoting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. The findings suggest that serum sEV LIMA1 may be a potential noninvasive biomarker and therapeutic target for individuals with MASH.
A Spatially Distributed Microneedle System for Bioorthogonal T Cell‐Guided Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Lanya , Wang Fei , Mo Shushan , Deng Junyao , Wang Xueyi , Ai Jiacong , Xiao Yingxian , Zeng Yan , Li Qishan , Zhang Yixin , Cai Limin , Li Zhenhua
Published: February 2025

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the diversity of solid tumor antigens and the poor infiltration of CAR‐T cells significantly hinder the efficacy of CAR‐T therapies against tumors. Here, a spatially distributed microneedle system (SDMNS) is developed that leverages bioorthogonal reactions to activate and guide endogenous T cells to tumors for effective destruction. The SDMNS consists of two dissolving microneedles, each loaded with complementary bioorthogonal groups and applied separately to lymph nodes and tumor sites. One microneedle loaded with two dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)‐modified antibodies activates T cells and labels them with bioorthogonal groups in lymph nodes. The other microneedle, containing N‐azidoacetylmannosamine‐tetraacylated (Ac4ManNAz) for glycometabolic labeling of tumor cells, and the T cell chemotactic factor IP10, is applied directly to the tumor site. The in vivo studies demonstrate that SDMNS effectively directs the migration and infiltration of endogenous activated T cells into the tumors. Through a bioorthogonal click reaction, DBCO‐modified T cells conjugate with azide (N3)‐modified tumor cells, eliciting robust antitumor immune responses and durable immune memory. The SDMNS offers a novel strategy to overcomes tumor heterogeneity by facilitating the directed migration of endogenous T cells.
A New Type Microwave Absorption Materials: Metal–Organic‐Frameworks (MOFs) Used as Non‐Conductive Material Combination with P‐C‐800
Authors: Han Guodong , Zhao Song , Sui Sai , Feng Bo , Wang Yudeng , Zhou Junxiang , Li Zhuolun , Tian Xiaoxia , Jia Yuxiang , Wang Jiafu , Qu Shaobo
Published: February 2025

Metal–Organic‐Frameworks (MOFs) are commonly used as microwave‐absorbing materials after pyrolysis treatment. Rare researchers treat MOFs as non‐conductive materials and use them as absorbing materials directly. In this paper, MOFs@P‐C‐800 composite materials are prepared adopt to hydrothermal and ultrasonic dispersion methods by regulating the morphological characteristics of MOFs and the content of P‐C‐800. As for the Co‐BDC‐P‐C‐800, the maximum reflection loss reaches −18.4 dB at 14.29 GHz and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) achieves 3.87 GHz from 13.5 to 17.37 GHz. After the contents of P‐C‐800 is adjusted, the Co‐BDC‐P‐C‐800 (0.05 g) exhibited excellent microwave absorption performance, the maximum RL value of −60 dB at 13 GHz with a thickness of 2.0 mm, and the EAB achieves 5.91 GHz from 12.02 to 17.93 GHz. This paper not only provides new application direction for MOFs, but also offers a promising direction for the research and development of absorbing materials.
Structural Influence on Exciton Formation and the Critical Role of Dark Excitons in Polymeric Carbon Nitrides
Authors: Im Changbin , Beranek Radim , Jacob Timo
Published: February 2025

Polymeric carbon nitrides (PCNs) exhibit intriguing optical properties and exceptional performance in (photo)catalysis, optoelectronics, and energy storage. Nevertheless, the intricate phenomena involving light absorption, formation of long‐lived excitons, photo‐charging, and photochemical processes observed in PCNs remain poorly understood. This theoretical investigation elucidates the origin of distinct dark and bright excitons, their stability and lifetimes, and their correlation with the microstructural attributes of PCNs. Based on these results, the decisive role of dark excitons in photocatalytic reactivity is proposed, which underlies the experimentally observed differences in the photocatalytic performance of various PCN derivatives. This study thus establishes novel insights into the factors governing the light‐driven processes in PCNs that can provide essential guidelines for rational design of PCNs with enhanced performance.
Revealing the Role of Ru‐O‐Ce Interface Coupling in CeO2‐Ru Aerogel for Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Kinetics
Authors: Fan Haoxin , Wan Xinhao , Sun Shougang , Zhou Xuemei , Bu Xiuming , Ye Jianqi , Bai Rui , Lou Hengwei , Chen Yao , Gao Jie , Zhang Jian , Gao Wei , Wen Dan
Published: February 2025

Designing heterogeneous interface to enhance the kinetics for electrocatalysts is a highly efficient but challenging pathway toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water electrolysis. Herein, the heterogeneous coupling of CeO2 quantum dots onto porous Ru aerogel through interfacial Ru‐O‐Ce bridge is proposed to construct CeO2‐Ru aerogel as the superior HER electrocatalyst with ultra‐low overpotentials. In situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal the electron distribution at the heterogeneous Ru‐O‐Ce bridge to boost hydrogen bonding at Ru sites, and the faster water adsorption and dissociation at the CeO2 sites to enhance the HER kinetics. Furthermore, CeO2‐Ru aerogel is employed as excellent cathodes for both acidic and alkaline water electrolyzers with ampere‐level current density and stably operated over 500 hours. Thus, the synergistic effect for CeO2‐Ru aerogel through the Ru‐O‐Ce bridge tunes the HER catalytic mechanism and reinforces the activity, realizing highly efficient hydrogen generation in water electrolysis.
Charge Carrier Dynamics at Heterojunction of Semiconductor Nanoheterostructures for Photocatalytic Solar Fuel Generation
Authors: Tsai Kai‐An , Chang Jui‐Cheng , Pu Ying‐Chih
Published: February 2025

This review summarizes the investigation of semiconductor nanoheterostructures (NHSs) aimed at enhancing the efficiency of solar fuel generation through various time‐resolved spectroscopic techniques, including transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS), time‐resolved photoluminescence, and in situ TAS. These time‐resolved spectroscopies provide insights into the mechanisms of exciton and charge carrier dynamics at the heterojunctions of optimized semiconductor NHSs. The significance of these techniques underscores the necessity for designing effective photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for applications in photocatalytic water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction. Finally, the current challenges and future directions for studying charge carrier dynamics in semiconductor NHSs for photocatalytic solar fuel generation are outlined and discussed.
Mechanically mediated bulk atom transfer radical polymerization enabled by high‐performance piezoelectric Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3
Authors: Xiong Juan , Yu Ke , Wang Bing‐Hao , Huang Xin‐Yi , Tang Shu , Hu Qing , Guo Jun‐Kang , Tang Long , Yin Shuang‐Feng
Published: February 2025

This study presents the successful mechanically mediated bulk atom transfer radical polymerization (mechano‐ATRP) of methyl acrylate (MA) using the high‐performance piezoelectric material Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) under ultrasonic conditions. Compared to the widely used BaTiO3 in mechano‐ATRP, BNT demonstrates superior piezoelectric performance, enhancing carrier generation, separation, and interfacial transfer. The strong interaction between BNT and Cu catalysts facilitates the rapid capture of mechano‐induced electrons, leading to the formation of CuI/L and efficient polymerization initiation. Factors such as piezoelectric material loading, Cu catalyst loading, targeted degrees of polymerization, and sonication power were systematically evaluated. The living nature of ATRP was confirmed by polymers with predetermined molecular weights and low dispersitis (<1.2). This work broadens the application of ATRP and offers valuable insights into the design of piezoelectric catalytic materials for mechano‐ATRP.