bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailored Design Ti4+ Coordination via Coplanar Carboxyl and Hydroxyl Groups Toward High Purity TiO2(B) with Ultrafast Li+ Storage
Authors: Ke Jinlong , Li Meichen , Chen Shi , Xiao Peitao , Hu Aiping , Xu Chaohe , Gao Peng , Liu Jilei
Published: February 2024

TiO2(B) is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to its fast lithiation/delithiation kinetics, however, its thermodynamic metastable nature makes it difficult to synthesize pure phase, which significantly affects its lithium storage capability. Herein, the structural evolution from precursor to TiO2(B) is systematically investigated and it is revealed that the formation of high‐purity monoclinic HTO (hydrogen titanate) precursor is the key to preparing TiO2(B) with high purity, which can be achieved via tailored‐design the solvent structures of Ti4+ in the precursor solution. Glycolic acid (GA) is favorable for the synthesis of high‐purity HTO, benefiting from its simplest spatial structure and coplanar carboxyl and hydroxyl groups for Ti4+ coordination, further leading to the formation of TiO2(B) with a high phase purity of 98.83% that exhibits excellent rate capability (80.5% capacity retention with current densities increased from 1 to 30 C), thus making it a promising candidate for simultaneous energy and power density LIBs anode.
Mnox Nanoenzyme Armed CAR‐NK Cells Enhance Solid Tumor Immunotherapy by Alleviating the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment
Authors: Duan Jiazhi , Zhao Songbo , Duan Yuyao , Sun Dawei , Zhang Gaorui , Yu Dexin , Lou Yalin , Liu Huimin , Yang Shanshan , Liang Xiaohong , Ma Chunhong , Liu Hong , Qiu Jichuan , Gao Lifen , Sang Yuanhua
Published: February 2024

Adoptively transferred cells usually suffer from exhaustion, limited expansion, and poor infiltration, partially attributing to the complicated immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to explore more effective strategies to improve the poor tumor microenvironment (TME) to efficaciously deliver and support extrinsic effector cells in vivo. Herein, an intelligent biodegradable hollow manganese dioxide nanoparticle (MnOX) that possesses peroxidase activity to catalyze excess H2O2 in the TME to produce oxygen and relieve the hypoxia of solid tumors is developed. MnOX nanoenzymes modified with CD56 antibody could specifically bind CAR‐NK (chimeric antigen receptor modified natural killer) cells. It is demonstrated that CAR‐NK cells incorporated with MnOX nanoenzymes effectively infiltrate into tumor tissues with an improved TME, which results in superior antitumor activity in solid tumor‐bearing mice. The antibody connection between MnOX nanoenzymes and CAR‐NK endows the lowest efficient dosage of MnOX. This study features a smart synergistic immunotherapy approach for solid tumors using MnOX nanoenzyme‐armed CAR‐NK cells, which would provide a valuable tool for immunocyte therapy in solid tumors.
Mitocytosis Mediated by an Enzyme‐Activable Mitochondrion‐Disturbing Polymer‐Drug Conjugate Enhances Active Penetration in Glioblastoma Therapy
Authors: Xiang Yufan , Wang Bing , Yang Wanchun , Zheng Xiuli , Chen Rongjun , Gong Qiyong , Gu Zhongwei , Liu Yanhui , Luo Kui
Published: February 2024

The application of nanomedicines for glioblastoma (GBM) therapy is hampered by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the dense glioblastoma tissue. To achieve efficient BBB crossing and deep GBM penetration, this work demonstrates a strategy of active transcellular transport of a mitochondrion‐disturbing nanomedicine, pGBEMA22‐b‐pSSPPT9 (GBEPPT), in the GBM tissue through mitocytosis. GBEPPT is computer‐aided designed and prepared by self‐assembling a conjugate of an amphiphilic block polymer and a drug podophyllotoxin (PPT). When GBEPPT is delivered to the tumor site, overexpressed γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) on the brain–blood endothelial cell, or the GBM cell triggered enzymatic hydrolysis of γ‐glutamylamide on GBEPPT to reverse its negative charge to positive. Positively charged GBEPPT rapidly enter into the cell and target the mitochondria. These GBEPPT disturb the homeostasis of mitochondria, inducing mitocytosis‐mediated extracellular transport of GBEPPT to the neighboring cells via mitosomes. This intracellular‐to‐intercellular delivery cycle allows GBEPPT to penetrate deeply into the GBM parenchyma, and exert sustainable action of PPT released from GBEPPT on the tumor cells along its penetration path at the tumor site, thus improving the anti‐GBM effect. The process of mitocytosis mediated by the mitochondrion‐disturbing nanomedicine may offer great potential in enhancing drug penetration through malignant tissues, especially poorly permeable solid tumors.
Stretchable Substrates with 3D Wave Patterned Surface for Enhanced Mechanical Stability of Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes
Authors: Linnet Jes , Nørgaard Jeppe , Kiil Hans‐Erik , Kjelstrup‐Hansen Jakob
Published: February 2024

Flexible electronic devices have promising applications in many future technologies such as wearables, implantables, robotics, and displays. Among the distinct types of mechanical flexibility, stretchability stands as a significant challenge. A particularly demanding objective is the realization of a high‐performance transparent electrode that endures stretching and can be mass produced, all while avoiding additional restrictions on device density. In this work, it is demonstrated that a 3D wave patterned surface provides a threefold improved strain performance of deposited indium tin oxide electrodes, in a statistical comparison of 3D wave patterned and planar surfaces, where indium tin oxide electrodes are stretched to electrical failure. Moreover, this platform alleviates residual thin film stress, allowing for easier handling of the substrates. This study demonstrates the feasibility of attaining stretchability for upcoming electronic devices using a scalable platform that incorporates high‐performance transparent electrode materials using only conventional materials and fabrication steps.
Organo‐Ptii Complexes for Potent Photodynamic Inactivation of Multi‐Drug Resistant Bacteria and the Influence of Configuration
Authors: Chong Hui , Liu Xuanwei , Fang Siyu , Yang Xiaofei , Zhang Yuefei , Wang Tianyi , Liu Lin , Kan Yinshi , Zhao Yueqi , Fan Hongying , Zhang Jingqi , Wang Xiaoyu , Yao Hang , Yang Yi , Gao Yijian , Zhao Qi , Li Shengliang , Plymoth Martin , Xi Juqun , Zhang Yu , Wang Chengyin , Pang Huan
Published: February 2024

PtII based organometallic photosensitizers (PSs) have emerged as novel potent photodynamic inactivation (PDI) reagents through their enhanced intersystem crossing (ISC) processes. Currently, few PtII PSs have been investigated as antibacterial materials, with relatively poor performances reported and with structure‐activity relationships not well described. Herein, a pair of configurational isomers are reported of Bis‐BODIPY (4,4‐difluoro‐boradizaindacene) embedded PtII PSs. The cis‐isomer (cis‐BBP) displayed enhanced 1O2 generation and better bacterial membrane anchoring capability as compared to the trans‐isomer (trans‐BBP). The effective PDI concentrations (efficiency > 99.9%) for cis‐BBP in Acinetobacter baumannii (multi‐drug resistant (MDR)) and Staphylococcus aureus are 400 nM (12 J cm−2) and 100 nM (18 J cm−2), respectively; corresponding concentrations and light doses for trans‐BBP in the two bacteria are 2.50 µM (30 J cm−2) and 1.50 µM (18 J cm−2), respectively. The 50% and 90% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50 and MIC90) ratio of trans‐BBP to cis‐BBP is 22.22 and 24.02 in A. baumannii (MDR); 21.29 and 22.36 in methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), respectively. Furthermore, cis‐BBP displays superior in vivo antibacterial performance, with acceptable dark and photoinduced cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate cis‐BBP is a robust light‐assisted antibacterial reagent at sub‐micromolecular concentrations. More importantly, configuration of PtII PSs should be an important issue to be considered in further PDI reagents design.
Sustainable sweetpotato production in the United States: Current status, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: George Justin , Reddy Gadi V. P. , Wadl Phillip A. , Rutter William , Culbreath Julianna , Lau Pierre W. , Rashid Tahir , Allan Matthew C. , Johaningsmeier Suzanne D. , Nelson Amanda M. , Wang Ming Li , Gubba Augustine , Ling Kai‐Shu , Meng Yan , Collins Daniel J. , Ponniah Sathish K. , Gowda Prasanna H.
Published: February 2024

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an important staple crop cultivated in over 100 countries, and the storage roots and vines provide food for humans and livestock. Sweetpotato consumption and demand for its value‐added products have increased significantly in the last two decades and have led to new cultivar development, expansion in acreage, and increased demand in the United States and its export markets. Despite the known nutritional components and other health benefits, further research is needed to characterize the genetic diversity and chemical composition related to their storage root qualities, essential in developing consumer‐preferred cultivars that offer host plant resistance against pests and pathogens. There is a critical need for research on non‐pesticidal control approaches that can provide safe, effective, economical, sustainable, and environmentally sound pest and disease management techniques, especially for socially disadvantaged small farmers in the United States. Moreover, climate change can significantly impact future production practices and yield and may directly or indirectly affect crop pests, weeds, and diseases. In this review, we discuss the current status, challenges, and future approaches associated with sweetpotato production practices; health‐promoting properties of sweetpotato cultivars; value‐added products; genetic diversity and germplasm; pest and disease management; weed and water management; pollination ecology; and other agronomic and cultural practices that may impact sustainable sweetpotato production by small‐scale, organic, and large‐scale growers.
Catalytic Synthesis of Carbonyl Compounds Using Acyl Fluorides, Carbamoyl Fluorides, and Fluoroformates: An Overview
Authors: Jung Yujin , Lee Yoonho , Shin Kwangmin
Published: February 2024

Acyl fluorides, carbamoyl fluorides and fluoroformates have been employed as efficient reagents in a number of organic syntheses. Their application in catalytic transformations, however, began to be explored in the early 2000s. Recently, these reagents have increasingly gained attention owing to their unique reactivity in diverse catalytic systems. This review aims to overview the advancements in the development of catalytic processes, including transition‐metal catalysis, organocatalysis, and cooperative NHC/photoredox catalysis, where these organofluorine compounds are employed as acyl, carbamoyl, and ester group donors.
Spatiotemporal variations in reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) residency at a remote meso‐scale habitat and its importance in future spatial planning
Authors: Harris Joanna L. , Hosegood Phil , Embling Clare B. , Williamson Benjamin J. , Stevens Guy M. W.
Published: February 2024

The Chagos Archipelago's vast no‐take marine protected area (MPA, 640,000 km2) provides refuge for elasmobranchs facing unsustainable depletion by fisheries. Nonetheless, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a substantial threat, and potential future changes to the use of the MPA could render elasmobranchs increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, putting geographically isolated populations, such as reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) at risk of local extinction. Therefore, the species' long‐term movements and habitat use must be identified to help prioritize current enforcement activity and inform future spatial planning.

Passive acoustic telemetry and modelled environmental data were used to investigate variations in 42 tagged M. alfredi utilization of a meso‐scale aggregation hotspot, Egmont Atoll, between 2019 and 2022.

Mobula alfredi displayed the highest levels of residency ever reported (77%), with prolonged absences (>2 months) limited to seven individuals. Egmont atoll was used year‐round, with activity peaks during the southeast monsoon (April – November), particularly at sites on the southwest, while sites on the northwest were predominately frequented in the northwest monsoon (December–March). Tags were most likely to be detected when the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) was in a positive phase with a greater mixed layer depth, associated with a depression of chlorophyll α levels in the Indian Ocean. Thus, M. alfredi may be particularly reliant on Egmont Atoll, where they are predominantly observed feeding, when prey resources are limited elsewhere.

In a region where the threat of fisheries is of increasing concern, the identification of crucial M. alfredi habitats is essential for conservation management planning. Given the significant role of Egmont Atoll for the local population, regular IUU enforcement patrols are crucial, particularly during the southeast monsoon. Any future changes to the MPA should prioritize preserving and actively enforcing no‐take regulations at Egmont Atoll.
Postcranial anatomy of Prestosuchus chiniquensis (Archosauria: Loricata) from the Triassic of Brazil
Authors: Mastrantonio Bianca Martins , Lacerda Marcel Baêta , de Farias Brodsky Dantas Macedo , Pretto Flávio Augusto , Rezende Letícia de Oliveira , Desojo Julia Brenda , Schultz Cesar Leandro
Published: February 2024

Prestosuchus chiniquensis is the best represented pseudosuchian archosaur from the Pinheiros‐Chiniquá Sequence, Middle‐Late Triassic (Ladinian/Carnian) of the Santa Maria Supersequence, Southern Brazil. Several incomplete specimens attributed to this species have been described, but the morphology of the postcranial skeleton of P. chiniquensis is poorly known. In this contribution we present the postcranial material of the UFRGS‐PV‐0629‐T specimen, concluding its description, as its skull and endocast have already been described. Additionally, histological data provided new information on the poorly known ontogenetic series of P. chiniquensis, and on its growth patterns suggesting a longer period of slow growth when compared to other basal Loricata species. A phylogenetic analysis placed UFRGS‐PV‐0629‐T in a group composed by the lectotype, paralectotype, and other described P. chiniquensis specimens, further corroborating our taxonomic hypothesis, that specimens of basal Loricata collected in Brazil are closely related to each other. Due to the association of characters found in the phylogenetic analysis, the specimen UFRGS‐PV‐0629‐T is attributed as the most complete material ever found for P. chiniquensis. As such, it is clear that the material presented here provides important new information on P. chiniquensis. Based on the results presented here, we revised the diagnosis for P. chiniquensis. However, it also evidences the need for new discoveries and studies of other specimens seeking to understand this and other closely related species, which were important components of worldwide trophic webs of the Triassic biotas.
Application of Trametes pubescens for dye removal and biological pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Abbas Mustansir , Ejaz Uroosa , Sohail Muhammad , Alanazi Abdullah K.
Published: February 2024

Sugarcane bagasse (SB) is an abundantly available agrowaste that is used extensively as a substrate for the production of different industrial enzymes. It is a renewable resource, rich in fermentable sugars. However, the presence of lignin makes it difficult for microbes to degrade it and so it is difficult to utilize it. Keeping in mind the role of white rot fungi in lignin degradation, Trametes pubescens MB89 was used in this study for the delignification of SB with the simultaneous production of laccase. The fungus was also used for the degradation of malachite green dye. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize variables affecting solid state fermentation of SB for laccase production. The leftover SB after fermentation was used for cellulase production by the thermophilic bacterium Neobacillus sedimentimangrovi UE25. The BBD depicted optimized conditions as 60% moisture, particle size 100 μ, 10 days’ incubation period, 450 μM CuSO4, and a temperature of 30 °C. The laccase titers of 1271 IU mL−1 were obtained under optimized conditions. Neobacillus sedimentimangrovi UE25 produced 4.574 IU mL−1 of endoglucanase and 1.812 IU mL−1 of β‐glucosidase by utilizing fungal pretreated SB. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the impact of fungal cultivation on SB. Pores were observed after microbial pretreatment and there were changes in the morphological characteristics such as the pith and fiber of SB. To test the ability of laccase to break down aromatic dyes, we grew the fungus T. pubescens MB89 in a nutrient‐rich medium supplemented with malachite green dye. The fungus was able to remove 73.68% of the malachite green dye from the medium in 24 h. This shows that T. pubescens MB89 has a range of potential applications for environmental and industrial purposes.
Sulforaphane prevents diabetes‐induced hepatic ferroptosis by activating Nrf2 signaling axis
Authors: Savic Nevena , Markelic Milica , Stancic Ana , Velickovic Ksenija , Grigorov Ilijana , Vucetic Milica , Martinovic Vesna , Gudelj Andjelija , Otasevic Vesna
Published: February 2024

Recently, we characterized the ferroptotic phenotype in the liver of diabetic mice and revealed nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived‐2)‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) inactivation as an integral part of hepatic injury. Here, we aim to investigate whether sulforaphane, an Nrf2 activator and antioxidant, prevents diabetes‐induced hepatic ferroptosis and the mechanisms involved. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control (vehicle‐treated), diabetic (streptozotocin‐induced; 40 mg/kg, from Days 1 to 5), diabetic sulforaphane‐treated (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42) and non‐diabetic sulforaphane‐treated group (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42). Results showed that diabetes‐induced inactivation of Nrf2 and decreased expression of its downstream antiferroptotic molecules critical for antioxidative defense (catalase, superoxide dismutases, thioredoxin reductase), iron metabolism (ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), ferroportin 1), glutathione (GSH) synthesis (cystine‐glutamate antiporter system, cystathionase, glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalitic subunit, glutamate‐cysteine ligase modifier subunit, glutathione synthetase), and GSH recycling ‐ glutathione reductase (GR) were reversed/increased by sulforaphane treatment. In addition, we found that the ferroptotic phenotype in diabetic liver is associated with increased ferritinophagy and decreased FTH1 immunopositivity. The antiferroptotic effect of sulforaphane was further evidenced through the increased level of GSH, decreased accumulation of labile iron and lipid peroxides (4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal, lipofuscin), decreased ferritinophagy and liver damage (decreased fibrosis, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Finally, diabetes‐induced increase in serum glucose and triglyceride level was significantly reduced by sulforaphane. Regardless of the fact that this study is limited by the use of one model of experimentally induced diabetes, the results obtained demonstrate for the first time that sulforaphane prevents diabetes‐induced hepatic ferroptosis in vivo through the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways. This nominates sulforaphane as a promising phytopharmaceutical for the prevention/alleviation of ferroptosis in diabetes‐related pathologies.
Plateletcrit is predictive of clinical outcome and prognosis for early‐stage breast cancer: A retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching
Authors: Zhao Xu , Yang Yilan , Pan Zhe , Lv Weiluo , Rao Xinxin , Wang Xuanyi , Yu Xiaoli
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Breast cancer (BC) is diagnosed as the most common cancer in women in 2022 according to the American Cancer Society. It is essential to detect early and treat early. Several studies have shown that some blood parameters have important predictive value for BC. In this study, we aim to explore whether some immune‐associated blood parameters are relevant to disease‐free survival (DFS) in early‐stage BC.

Methods

A single‐center, regression cohort study of 1490 patients with early‐stage BC in Shanghai Cancer Center was conducted from January 2008 to December 2016. The patients were matched according to the ratio of 1:1 based on Propensity Score Matching (PSM). All patients who experienced disease progression were matched successfully. Thus, 58 pairs of subjects were obtained. Matched blood parameters were evaluated by paired samples t‐test or Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Factors with statistical difference were further evaluated by stratified COX regression model.

Results

Univariate analysis showed differences in platelet‐related parameters (PLT, PCT, and PLR) and NLR between the two matched groups. However, stratified COX regression analysis, which ruled out the confounding effects of multiple factors, found that only PCT had prognostic value in early BC patients at baseline and study endpoint. Meanwhile, platelet‐related parameters (PLT, MPV) and NLR were different in the progressive group by self before and after comparison. However, the multiple‐factor analysis showed that only the NLR had prognostic value. ROC curve analysis indicated that the best sensitivity (65.45%) and specificity (78.18%) were obtained when the baseline PCT was 0.225. The optimal sensitivity (70.91%) and specificity (65.45%) were obtained when the PCT of disease progression was 0.215. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to calculate the DFS rate based on the critical values of the two groups.

Conclusions

Some blood parameters have value to predict DFS in early‐stage BC patients, especially platelet‐associated parameters.
Somatic mutations in a multigene panel and impact on prognosis based on TP53 status in Chinese HER2‐positive patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: A single‐institution retrospective cohort
Authors: Xiong Min , Wang Xuliren , Liu Douwaner , Xiu Bingqiu , Zhang Qi , Chi Weiru , Goh Chih Wan , Zhang Liyi , Chen Ming , Ren Hengyu , Shao Zhi‐Ming , Yang Benlong , Wu Jiong
Published: February 2024

Background

Gene mutations play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of tumors, particularly in breast cancer (BC). Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has shown greater clinical benefit in HER2‐positive breast cancer. However, further clinical investigation is needed to fully understand the correlation between genetic mutations and NAT efficacy and the long‐term prognosis in HER2‐positive BC.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 222 patients receiving NAT between 2017 and 2021 in the Department of Breast Surgery of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Tumor samples from these patients were subjected to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to analyze mutations in 513 cancer‐related genes. This study aimed to investigate the association between these genetic mutations and postoperative pathological complete response (pCR), as well as their impact on disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

In total, 48.65% patients reached pCR, ER‐negative status (p < 0.001), PR‐negative status (p < 0.001), Ki67 ≥ 20 (p = 0.011), and dual‐targeted therapy (p < 0.001) were all associated with enhanced pCR rates. The frequency of somatic alterations in TP53 (60%), PIK3CA (15%), and ERBB2 (11%) was highest. In the HER2+/HR‐ cohort, patients who achieved pCR had a significant benefit in prognosis (HR = 3.049, p = 0.0498). KMT2C (p = 0.036) and TP53 (p = 0.037) mutations were significantly increased in patients with DFS events. Moreover, TP53 mutations had prognostic significance in HER2‐positive BC patients with HR‐negative (HR = 3.712, p = 0.027) and pCR (HR = 6.253, p = 0.027) status and who received herceptin‐only targeted therapy (HR = 4.145, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

The genetic mutation profiles of Chinese HER2+ patients who received NAT were discrepant with respect to HR status or DFS events. TP53 mutations have significant prognostic value in patients with NAT for HER2‐positive BC and patients benefit differently depending on HR status, the neoadjuvant regimen and response, which highlights the significance of genetic factors in treatment customization based on individual genetic and clinical characteristics.
Efficacy of first‐line treatment options beyond RET‐TKIs in advanced RET‐rearranged non‐small cell lung cancer: A multi‐center real‐world study
Authors: Ge Yihui , Li Juan , Gong Wenjing , Wang Jian , Wei Xiaojuan , Liu Jing , Wang Shuyun , Wang Leirong , Sun Haifeng , Cheng Qinglei , Sun Yanxin , Dang Qi , Sun Yuping , Gao Aiqin
Published: February 2024

Background

Although RET‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RET‐TKIs) are the preferred first‐line therapy for advanced RET‐arranged NSCLC, most patients cannot afford them. In this population, bevacizumab, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy are the most commonly used regimens. However, the optimal scheme beyond RET‐TKIs has not been defined in the first‐line setting.

Methods

This retrospective study included 86 stage IV NSCLC patients harboring RET rearrangement from six cancer centers between May 2017 and October 2022. RET‐TKIs, chemotherapy, or one of the combination therapies (including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combined with chemotherapy (I + C), bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy (B + C), ICI and bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy (I + B + C)), were used as the first‐line therapeutics. The clinical outcomes and safety were evaluated.

Results

Fourteen of the 86 patients received RET‐TKIs, 57 received combination therapies, and 15 received chemotherapy alone. Their medium PFS (mPFS) were 16.92 months (95% CI: 5.9–27.9 months), 8.7 months (95% CI: 6.5–11.0 months), and 5.55 months (95% CI: 2.4–8.7 months) respectively. Among all the combination schemes, B + C (p = 0.007) or I + B + C (p = 0.025) gave beneficial PFS compared with chemotherapy, while I + C treatment (p = 0.169) generated comparable PFS with chemotherapy. In addition, I + B + C treatment had a numerically longer mPFS (12.21 months) compared with B + C (8.74 months) or I + C (7.89 months) schemes. In terms of safety, I + B + C treatment led to the highest frequency of hematological toxicity (50%) and vomiting (75%), but no ≥G3 adverse effect was observed.

Conclusions

I + B + C might be a preferred option beyond RET‐TKIs in the first‐line therapy of RET‐arranged NSCLC. Combination with Bevacizumab rather than with ICIs offered favorable survival compared with chemotherapy alone.
Metal‐free two‐dimensional phosphorene‐based electrocatalyst with covalent P–N heterointerfacial reconstruction for electrolyte‐lean lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhou Jiangqi , Shu Chengyong , Cui Jiawu , Peng Chengxin , Liu Yong , Hua Weibo , Simonelli Laura , Wu Yuping , Dou Shi Xue , Tang Wei
Published: February 2024

The use of lithium–sulfur batteries under high sulfur loading and low electrolyte concentrations is severely restricted by the detrimental shuttling behavior of polysulfides and the sluggish kinetics in redox processes. Two‐dimensional (2D) few layered black phosphorus with fully exposed atoms and high sulfur affinity can be potential lithium–sulfur battery electrocatalysts, which, however, have limitations of restricted catalytic activity and poor electrochemical/chemical stability. To resolve these issues, we developed a multifunctional metal‐free catalyst by covalently bonding few layered black phosphorus nanosheets with nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (denoted c‐FBP‐NC). The experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations show that the formed polarized P–N covalent bonds in c‐FBP‐NC can efficiently regulate electron transfer from NC to FBP and significantly promote the capture and catalysis of lithium polysulfides, thus alleviating the shuttle effect. Meanwhile, the robust 1D‐2D interwoven structure with large surface area and high porosity allows strong physical confinement and fast mass transfer. Impressively, with c‐FBP‐NC as the sulfur host, the battery shows a high areal capacity of 7.69 mAh cm−2 under high sulfur loading of 8.74 mg cm−2 and a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 5.7 μL mg−1. Moreover, the assembled pouch cell with sulfur loading of 4 mg cm−2 and an electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 3.5 μL mg−1 shows good rate capability and outstanding cyclability. This work proposes an interfacial and electronic structure engineering strategy for fast and durable sulfur electrochemistry, demonstrating great potential in lithium–sulfur batteries.
2D Monolayer Catalysts: Towards Efficient Water Splitting and Green Hydrogen Production
Authors: Modi Krishna H. , Pataniya Pratik M. , Sumesh C. K.
Published: February 2024

A viable alternative to non‐renewable hydrocarbon fuels is hydrogen gas, created using a safe, environmentally friendly process like water splitting. An important role in water‐splitting applications is played by the development of two‐dimensional (2D) layered transition metal chalcogenides (TMDCs), transition metal carbides (MXenes), graphene‐derived 2D layered nanomaterials, phosphorene, and hexagonal boron nitride. Advanced synthesis methods and characterization instruments enabled an effective application for improved electrocatalytic water splitting and sustainable hydrogen production. Enhancing active sites, modifying the phase and electronic structure, adding conductive elements like transition metals, forming heterostructures, altering the defect state, etc., can improve the catalytic activity of 2D stacked hybrid monolayer nanomaterials. The majority of global research and development is focused on finding safer substitutes for petrochemical fuels, and this review summarizes recent advancements in the field of 2D monolayer nanomaterials in water splitting for industrial‐scale green hydrogen production and fuel cell applications.
Recent Advances of Flexible MXene and its Composites for Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Shiben , Lu Linghong , Song Yan
Published: February 2024

MXenes have unique properties such as high electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, rich surface chemistry, and convenient processability. These characteristics make them ideal for producing flexible materials with tunable microstructures. This paper reviews the laboratory research progress of flexible MXene and its composite materials for supercapacitors. And introduces the general synthesis method of MXene, as well as the preparation and properties of flexible MXene. By analyzing the current research status, the electrochemical reaction mechanism of MXene was explained from the perspectives of electrolyte and surface terminating groups. This review particularly emphasizes the composite methods of freestanding flexible MXene composite materials. The review points out that the biggest problem with flexible MXene electrodes is severe self‐stacking, which reduces the number of chemically active sites, weakens ion accessibility, and ultimately lowers electrochemical performance. Therefore, it is necessary to composite MXene with other electrode materials and design a good microstructure. This review affirms the enormous potential of flexible MXene and its composite materials in the field of supercapacitors. In addition, the challenges and possible improvements faced by MXene based materials in practical applications were also discussed.
Electrochemical Diselenation of BODIPY Fluorophores for Bioimaging Applications and Sensitization of 1O2
Authors: Bozzi Ícaro A. O. , Machado Luana A. , Diogo Emilay B. T. , Delolo Fábio G. , Barros Luiza O. F. , Graça Gabriela A. P. , Araujo Maria H. , Martins Felipe T. , Pedrosa Leandro F. , da Luz Lilian C. , Moraes Emmanuel S. , Rodembusch Fabiano S. , Guimarães João S. F. , Oliveira André G. , Röttger Sebastian H. , Werz Daniel B. , Souza Cauê P. , Fantuzzi Felipe , Han Jianhua , Marder Todd B. , Braunschweig Holger , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: February 2024

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Holger Braunschweig at the Julius‐Maximilians‐Universität Würzburg, Germany and Eufrânio N. da Silva Júnior at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, UFMG, Brazil. The image depicts the electrochemical synthesis of selenium‐containing BODIPY molecules with lightning symbolizing the electrifying synthetic process, while the surrounding elemental chaos hints at the red‐shifted absorption and emission and the transformative photophysical properties of these new compounds. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202303883.
Machine Learning‐Based Prediction of Escitalopram and Sertraline Side Effects With Pharmacokinetic Data in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Poweleit Ethan A. , Vaughn Samuel E. , Desta Zeruesenay , Dexheimer Judith W. , Strawn Jeffrey R. , Ramsey Laura B.
Published: February 2024

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the first‐line pharmacologic treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Many patients experience side effects that are difficult to predict, are associated with significant morbidity, and can lead to treatment discontinuation. Variation in SSRI pharmacokinetics could explain differences in treatment outcomes, but this is often overlooked as a contributing factor to SSRI tolerability. This study evaluated data from 288 escitalopram‐treated and 255 sertraline‐treated patients ≤ 18 years old to develop machine learning models to predict side effects using electronic health record data and Bayesian estimated pharmacokinetic parameters. Trained on a combined cohort of escitalopram‐ and sertraline‐treated patients, a penalized logistic regression model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–0.88), with 0.69 sensitivity (95% CI: 0.54–0.86), and 0.82 specificity (95% CI: 0.72–0.87). Medication exposure, clearance, and time since the last dose increase were among the top features. Individual escitalopram and sertraline models yielded an AUROC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.65–0.81) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.55–0.73), respectively. Post hoc analysis showed sertraline‐treated patients with activation side effects had slower clearance (P = 0.01), which attenuated after accounting for age (P = 0.055). These findings raise the possibility that a machine learning approach leveraging pharmacokinetic data can predict escitalopram‐ and sertraline‐related side effects. Clinicians may consider differences in medication pharmacokinetics, especially during dose titration and as opposed to relying on dose, when managing side effects. With further validation, application of this model to predict side effects may enhance SSRI precision dosing strategies in youth.
Indices for measuring ratooning ability of sugarcane varieties
Authors: Dlamini Njabulo Eugene , Franke Angelinus C. , Zhou Marvellous
Published: February 2024

The primary objective of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) variety testing programs is to identify cultivars that have high cane yields and good ratooning ability (RA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of six RA indices to estimate RA among sugarcane varieties and to identify an index well suited to predict RA in long‐term ratoon crop cycles. The six indices were as follows: ratoon crops yield means, second ratoon to plant cane yield ratio, final ratoon crop to plant cane yield ratio, mean of ratoon crops to plant cane yield ratio (RP), linear regression, and quadratic regression. Data from four variety trials consisting of eight post‐release varieties plus a control, harvested early, mid, and late in the cropping season for over six crop cycles, were used to estimate the RA indices. To identify indices that can predict RA in long‐term ratoon crop cycles, simple linear regression analyses were used to compare the RA indices derived from 6‐year crop cycles and similar indices derived from data from 111 commercial fields harvested over 11 successive crops. Coefficient of determination (R2) values plotted against their respective ratoon crop numbers were used to determine the minimum number of ratoon crops required to accurately predict RA indices for the 11‐year crop cycle. The six indices varied in their rankings of the RA of varieties, emphasizing the importance of identifying the most appropriate indices for different ratooning practices. Based on its highest R2 value of 0.92, the RP index was identified as the most accurate index to predict RA in long‐term ratoon crop cycles requiring a minimum of five successive crops.
Novel insights on genetics and epigenetics as clinical targets for paediatric astrocytoma
Authors: Johns Dona A. , Williams Richard J. , Smith Craig M. , Nadaminti Pavani P. , Samarasinghe Rasika M.
Published: February 2024

Paediatric and adult astrocytomas are notably different, where clinical treatments used for adults are not as effective on children with the same form of cancer and these treatments lead to adverse long‐term health concerns. Integrative omics‐based studies have shown the pathology and fundamental molecular characteristics differ significantly and cannot be extrapolated from the more widely studied adult disease. Recent clinical advances in our understanding of paediatric astrocytomas, with the aid of next‐generation sequencing and epigenome‐wide profiling, have led to the identification of key canonical mutations that vary based on the tumour location and age of onset. These driver mutations, in particular the identification of the recurrent histone H3 mutations in high‐grade tumours, have confirmed the important role epigenetic dysregulations play in cancer progression. This review summarises the current updates of the classification, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical management of paediatric astrocytoma based on their grades and the ongoing clinical trials. It also provides novel insights on genetic and epigenetic alterations as diagnostic biomarkers, highlighting the potential of targeting these pathways as therapeutics for this devastating childhood cancer.
Block chain technology for secured dynamic optimal routing in WSN with optimized generative adversarial capsule network
Authors: Bhuvaneswari C. Ambika , Ruby E. D. Kanmani
Published: February 2024

One of the key strategies in wireless sensor network (WSN) for sending data packets to the base station (BC) is known as routing. However, malicious node outbreaks will occur, which exaggerate the functions of WSNs during the routing procedure. A secure routing protocol is necessary to protect the effectiveness of WSN and routing fortification. In real‐time scenarios, the existing routing protocol is volatile dynamically; it makes difficult to identify the performance of unprotected routing nodes. In this manuscript, a unique routing strategy is proposed for secured dynamic optimal routing (SDOR) in WSN that combines block chain technology optimized with a generative adversarial capsule network. Every routing sensor node contains a secret key, which is used to construct a crypto hash signature (CHS) token for flow access. The proposed block chain‐based WSN is used to provide SDOR information using a self‐attention‐based generative adversarial capsule network that is improved using the flamingo search algorithm. Following that, the security on the proposed block chain WSN is assessed from six angles. Block chain token transactions are evaluated using measures including average latency, average energy usage, and throughput. The proposed SDOR‐SA‐GAC‐FSA‐CHS‐BWSN delivers 53.87%, 42.57%, and 32.87% lower average packet delay, 28.97%, 37.73%, and 34.75% lesser identification time analyzed to the existing methods, such as trusted distributed routing scheme for WSNs using block chain (SDOR‐DCNN‐SSOA‐BWSN), secure authentication with DSM‐KL ascertained presentation optimization of hybrid block chain‐enabled model for multi‐WSN (SDOR‐DSM‐KL‐BWSN), and optimizing the valid transaction utilizing reinforcement learning‐based block chain ecosystem in WSN (SDOR‐RIL‐BWSN).
Variation in hydropeaking‐induced stranding of Barbus barbus L. and Chondrostoma nasus L. larvae: Assessing the impact of daytime and down‐ramping rates
Authors: Führer Simon , Auer Stefan , Coudrais‐Duhamel Anna , Olejarz Antonin , Stoisser Felix , Schmutz Stefan , Hayes Daniel S.
Published: February 2024

Unnatural changes in river flow patterns resulting from peak‐operating hydropower plants adversely impact freshwater ecosystems. In particular, the rapid dewatering of shoreline habitats during artificial flow down‐ramping puts early fish life stages at a high risk of becoming stranded if they fail to follow receding water levels in time. While extensive research has been conducted on the effects of hydropeaking on salmonid species, there is limited knowledge on the diverse cyprinid family, particularly on vulnerable early life stages. Hence, this study aims to compare the larval stranding of two cyprinid species, the common barbel (Barbus barbus L.) and common nase (Chondrostoma nasus L.), in response to bank dewatering. We conducted larvae experiments in near‐natural mesocosms, simulating single flow down‐ramping events with varying down‐ramping rates (0.3–1.8 cm·min−1) during the day and at night to quantify stranding rates, also including water temperature and fish development. Our results reveal distinct diurnal patterns for both species, with higher stranding rates during the night than during the day in all experimental scenarios. The data also show higher stranding rates at faster down‐ramping, with interaction effects between down‐ramping rates and time of day. The stranding rates between the two species are similar across most of the scenarios. Scenarios with colder water temperatures show that nase larvae tend to strand more frequently than with warmer temperatures. In conclusion, the study results contribute to the ongoing discourse on hydropeaking mitigation by providing new perspectives on flow‐reduction effects on early cyprinid life stages. Mitigation measures should prioritize the periods during early larval development and factor in prevailing water temperatures. Lowering down‐ramping rates, especially during nighttime, will help minimizing negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, particularly when combining flow rules and habitat restoration measures.
Enhancing the Electrical and Photoelectrical Efficacy with the Synergistic SrO–ZnO Nano‐Heterosystem
Authors: Jaffri Shaan Bibi , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Abrahams Isaac , Habila Mohamed A.
Published: February 2024

Development of the sustainable materials for consolidation of the energy sustainability needs special emphasis in the current era of the increasing energy demand. In compliance with this, present investigation reports first investigation on the amended sustainable production conjugated with the microwave process of the strontium oxide (SrO) and zinc oxid (ZnO) forming SrO–ZnO nanoscale heterostructure. The band gap of the prepared green nanomaterial was tuned reducing it from 5.8 to 3.6 eV upon the formation of the nanocomposite. With the mixed cubic and hexagonal phase, these particles have average crystallite size of 66.4 nm and irregular shape. The electro‐catalytic assays have expressed the bifunctional role of the SrO–ZnO towards generation of the oxygen and hydrogen. However, it has an excellent hydrogen production capacity with the lower overpotential of 126 mV and Tafel slopes 123.6 mV dec−1. In addition, this nanomaterial has also exhibited superior electrochemical charge storage for batter applications with the unit capacity of 541.7 mAH g−1 and Rs = 0.4 Ω, reflecting facilitated diffusion at the interface. In terms of photovoltaic applications, SrO–ZnO nanocomposite has effectively passivated the perovskite solar cells by improving efficiency from 7.2% to 15.1%. Such an improved performance is associated with the chemical synergism.
Proglacial lake evolution coincident with glacier dynamics in the frontal zone of Kvíárjökull, South‐East Iceland
Authors: Kavan Jan , Stuchlík Radim , Carrivick Jonathan L. , Hanáček Martin , Stringer Christopher D. , Roman Matěj , Holuša Jakub , Dagsson‐Waldhauserová Pavla , Láska Kamil , Nývlt Daniel
Published: February 2024

The termini of Icelandic glaciers are highly dynamic environments. Pronounced changes in frontal ablation in recent years have consequently changed ice dynamics. In this study, we reveal the inter‐seasonal dynamics of the Kvíárjökull ablation zone and proglacial zone using ArcticDEM and Sentinel‐2 images acquired between 2011 and 2021 and intra‐seasonal dynamics with repeated UAV surveys during summer 2021. Average glacier surface velocity in the ablation zone ranged from 51 m year−1 in 2015 up to 199 m year−1 in 2018, with maxima within the axial zone of the glacier and minima on the glacier edges. Coincidentally, and in accordance with glacier retreat/advance, the ice‐marginal proglacial lake fluctuated in its area, and we interpret that it was also a key factor in the development of the glacier terminus morphology. A complex spatial pattern of glacier surface elevation changes, including thickening in the frontal true left margin of the terminus, is interpreted to be due to variable subglacial topography, relatively fast ice flow from the accumulation zone and an insulating effect of glacier surface debris cover. In contrast, the true right (southern) part of the glacier terminus experienced thinning and retreat/disintegration also during the 2021 summer season, which we attribute to enhanced frontal ablation connected to the intrusion of lake water into the crevassed glacier terminus. Overall, this study suggests that where glaciers are developing ice‐marginal lakes complex patterns of glacier dynamics and mass loss can be expected, which will confound understanding of the short‐term evolution of these environments.
The utilization of phytic acid as a reactive flame retardant in the preparation of a fully waterborne biobased epoxy system
Authors: Aljamal Amer , Marosi György , Szolnoki Beáta
Published: February 2024

A fully biobased waterborne flame‐retarded epoxy system was prepared using sorbitol polyglycidyl ether epoxy resin (SPE) and phytic acid (PA) as a reactive flame retardant (FR). The flame‐retardant efficiency was evaluated by comparing the reference SPE‐PA system with solventborne and waterborne SPE systems. Additional enhancement of intumescence and reduction of flammability was achieved by incorporating ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and melamine (MEL) into the SPE–PA system. PA, serving as a curing agent, contributed approximately 1% phosphorous content, resulting in an increased limiting oxygen index (LOI). UL‐94 flammability tests demonstrated improved FR properties with PA, and the addition of 2% phosphorous from APP to SPE‐PA achieved a self‐extinguishing V0 UL‐94 rating. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed enhanced thermal stability and higher char yield with PA compared with other curing agents. Mass loss calorimetry (MLC) confirmed the superior charring effect of PA compared with other curing agents. The thermal insulation properties of the residual char were assessed by measuring the temperature on the back surface (Tb) of coated steel plates exposed to a 25 kW/m2 heat flux for 1 h. The PA sample containing 3%P of APP exhibited a Tb decrease of 130°C compared with the solventborne reference sample. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the char morphology supported these findings, indicating the effectiveness of the intumescent FR system. Infrared spectra of the char residues and pyrolysis gaseous products were obtained to gain insights into the flame‐retardant mechanism of the different systems.