bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Microfluidic‐Assisted Strategies for Synthesis and Applications of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Karunakaran Ramya , Onorati Chiara Luna , Amreen Khairunnisa , Goel Sanket , Lieberzeit Peter A.
Published: November 2024

This review gives an overview of using microfluidics in conjunction with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), which covers two aspects: on the one hand, on‐chip synthesis of polymer and MIP particles on the nano and the micro scale. This comprises both approaches using two different immiscible solvents and homogeneous matrices to obtain the desired particle morphologies. On the other hand, especially paper‐based microfluidic systems have attracted increasing interest as low‐cost analytical tools that are inherently useful for applying at the point of care. By now, there have been several successful attempts to combine them with MIP (instead of biological recognition systems) and to successfully apply them in environmental samples, food matrices, and for diagnostic applications.
Water Industry Communications: Vital Tools to Engage Stakeholders and Build Trust
Authors: Shackelford Douglas , Hoyt Monica B. , Cawby Mandy , Smith Kelley Dearing
Published: November 2024

Key Takeaways

Advancing a utility's communications assets not only supports its efforts to ensure public trust and comply with regulations but also furthers operational goals.

From a strategic perspective, water utility communications go well beyond reaching customers and stakeholders to unite utility teams and garner industry recognition.

Closing the gap between utilities and their communities, effective communications can help utilities cultivate customer advocates who support water system efforts.
An Update on Taste, Odor, and Appearance Methods for Water Analysis
Authors: Shawwa Ayman , Adams Hunter , Burlingame Gary A. , Dietrich Andrea M.
Published: November 2024

Key Takeaways

Many sensory methods are standardized, and new ones are being developed, to assess the aesthetic quality of source water and treated drinking water.

In Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, sections 2110 and 2150 have been updated, and section 2150D, “Attribute Rating Test” (ART), has been added.

ART is a technique for numerically rating water samples by sensory evaluation for the presence of taste and odor compounds.

Sensory tests—screening panelists for their ability to smell compounds—should be part of a utility's sensory program.
Designing a Water Pipeline to Last 100 Years or More
Authors: Habibian Ahmad , Sever V. Firat
Published: November 2024

Key Takeaways

Although superior materials and advanced techniques are available, designing a pipeline to supply water for 100 years or more is not necessarily the optimal choice for a utility.

Numerous factors come into play when planning for pipe design, installation, monitoring, and maintenance, not the least of which is uncertainty about the future.

Tools such as computational modeling, life‐cycle cost analysis, forensic analysis, and scenario planning through digital design can help a utility create a cost‐effective pipeline plan.
Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Symposium: Health Disparities Within Communities of Color
Authors: Vera‐Colón Madeline K. M. , Huerta‐Montañez Gredia , Kancherla Vijaya , Anto‐Ocrah Martina , Myer Michelle , Silva Marilyn Helen
Published: November 2024

Background

High‐risk pregnancies and birth defects are often greater within communities of color where resources for a healthy pregnancy are generally lacking. Infant and maternal mortality, preterm birth, and instances of increased developmental and physical defects are related to environmental exposures (e.g., pesticides, lead in water, wildfire smoke), dietary additives, and lack of access to adequate healthcare. More frequently people of color and other under‐served groups, are affected by historical inequality and unconscious bias. Compounding these disparities, research into these issues and efforts to address them are poorly supported.

Methods

The speakers in this symposium presented evidence for health disparities within communities of color to foster research aimed at identifying toxic levels of potentially hazardous dietary chemicals, or exposures in the pediatric population can focus on addressing the current inadequacy of translating scientific findings into enforceable policies.

Results

The disparities discussed within this symposium highlighted key areas in desperate need of policy reform. In the United States, regulatory exposure levels have been established for lead exposures but frequently exceed these limits without mitigation. Neural tube defects can be prevented by a simple dietary solution such as fortification of staple foods with folic acid. Recent literature on gender as a social determinant of health has determined women suffer more negative health consequences due to social attitudes.

Conclusions

Ultimately, this symposium provided an understanding of the experience of disadvantaged and marginalized persons during pregnancy, illustrated the disparities that exist in reproductive health, and described the need to address and prevent them.
Gliosarcoma: A Multi‐Institutional Analysis on Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Roohani Siyer , Mirwald Maximilian , Ehret Felix , Fink Christoph , König Laila , Striefler Jana Käthe , Jacob Noelle Samira , Popp Ilinca , Steffel Johannes , Handtke Jolina , Claßen Noa Marie , Rotermund Titus , Zips Daniel , Vajkoczy Peter , Schüller Ulrich , Spałek Mateusz Jacek , Kaul David
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study describes oncological outcomes and investigates prognostic factors for patients with gliosarcomas (GSM).

Methods

Histopathologically confirmed GSM patients who underwent treatment at five European institutions were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

We analyzed 170 patients with a median clinical follow‐up time of 9.2 months. The majority received surgery (94.1%), postoperative radiotherapy (pRT, 81.8%), and temozolomide (TMZ)‐based postoperative chemotherapy (66.5%). The median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 12.3 and 6.6 months, respectively. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis (MVA), the following factors were significantly associated with OS: age per year (hazard ratio (HR): 1.03, p < 0.001), subtotal resection (STR) versus biopsy only (HR: 0.15, p = 0.018), gross total resection (GTR) versus biopsy only (HR: 0.13, p = 0.011), pRT versus no pRT (HR: 0.20, p < 0.001), postoperative TMZ‐based chemotherapy versus no postoperative chemotherapy (HR: 0.44, p = 0.003), MGMT promoter non‐methylated versus methylated (HR: 1.79, p = 0.05), and tumor diameter per cm (HR: 1.15, p = 0.046). For PFS, the following factors were significantly associated in the MVA: GTR versus biopsy only (HR: 0.19, p = 0.026), pRT versus no pRT (HR: 0.36, p = 0.006), postoperative TMZ‐based chemotherapy vs. no postoperative chemotherapy (HR: 0.39, p < 0.001), MGMT promoter status unknown versus methylated (HR: 1.69, p = 0.034), and tumor diameter per cm (HR: 1.18, p = 0.016). Sex, primary or secondary GSM, and TP53 mutational status were not significantly associated with OS or PFS.

Conclusions

Trimodal therapy comprising surgical resection, pRT and TMZ‐based chemotherapy appears to have the most beneficial effect on survival in GSM patients. Smaller tumor size, younger age and methylated MGMT promoters are associated with improved survival. To our knowledge, this is the largest multi‐institutional cohort study investigating outcomes and prognostic factors for GSM.
Development of an Antiviral Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Database (avMpNp Database) from Biodiversity
Authors: Quadros de Azevedo Daniela , Vinícius Viera Nóia João , Ribeiro Yasmim Carla M. , Alves dos Reis Raphael , Ribeiro Paulo Henrique Otoni , Almeida Moura Gustavo , Mendes Pamela , Barbosa de Souza Ana Beatriz , Carpini Mermejo Sofia , Serafim Mateus Sá Magalhães , Fernandes Thaís Helena Maciel , O'Donoghue Anthony J. , Campos Alessandra C. Faria Aguiar , Campos Sérgio Vale Aguiar , Gonçalves Maltarollo Vinícius , Oliveira Castilho Rachel
Published: November 2024

The construction of compound databases (DB) is a strategy for the rational search of bioactive compounds and drugs for new and old diseases. In order to bring greater impact to drug discovery, we propose the development of a DB of bioactive antiviral compounds. Several research groups have presented evidence of the antiviral activity of medicinal plants and compounds isolated from these plants. We believe that compiling these discoveries in a DB would benefit the scientific research community and increase the speed to discover new potential drugs and medicines. Thus, we present the Antiviral Medicinal Plant and Natural Product DB (avMpNp DB) as an important source for acquiring, organizing, and distributing knowledge related to natural products and antiviral drug discovery. The avMpNp DB contains a series of chemically diverse compounds with drug‐like profiles. To test the potential of this DB, SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro and PLpro enzymatic inhibition assays were performed for available compounds resulting in IC50 values ranging from 6.308±0.296 to 15.795±0.155 μM. As a perspective, artificial intelligence tools will be added to implement computational predictions, as well as other chemical functionalities that allow data validation.
Investigating the Antiproliferative Activity of Novel 4‐Chloro‐8‐Nitro‐1,2‐Dihydro‐3‐Quinoline Acylhydrazones on Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Nandakumar Vandana , Selvi Ramasamy Sentamil , Adhigaman Kaviyarasu , Arumugam Deepak , Ramasamy Shankar , Vivek Raju , Athimoolam Shunmuganarayanan , Thangaraj Suresh
Published: November 2024

A new series of acyl hydrazones have been synthesized from 4‐chloro‐8‐nitro‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde. These compounds were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. Density functional theoretical (DFT) studies were conducted to understand the correlation between electronic parameters and biological activity. The biological activity of the compounds was theoretically examined through molecular docking and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analysis. The compounds demonstrated high absorption rates and were found to be non‐hepatotoxic. Preliminary cytotoxicity screenings against HeLa cell lines identified compound 7 as the most potent, with an IC50 value of 18.8 μM. This compound was further selected for bioimaging studies. The results indicate that compound 7 induces apoptosis at its IC50 concentration, suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent.
Benzofuran‐Chalcone Derivatives as VEGFR‐2 Inhibitors: Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation
Authors: Liu Yixin , Zhang Chunfei , Zhang Xiao , Wan Chunping , Mao Zewei
Published: November 2024

The discovery and development of efficient VEGFR‐2 inhibitors has become a research hotspot in cancer treatment. In this work, a series of new benzofuran‐based chalcone derivatives have been prepared, and in vitro anticancer activities have been evaluated. The results revealed that derivatives showed selective cytotoxic activity against HCC1806, Hela, and A549 cell lines, especially 5c exhibited excellent inhibitory effect on VEFGR‐2 (IC50 = 1.07 nM). The molecular docking study indicated that 5c had an obvious binding site with the target VEGFR‐2 (PDB ID: 3V6B). Therefore, the benzofuran‐based chalcone derivatives could be considered as potent VEGFR‐2 inhibitors for further study.
Effect of Ischemia Testing and Coronary Revascularization on Mortality and Ventricular Tachycardia Recurrence in Patients With Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Without Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Shah Nischay , Saraiya Avinash , Patel Tejas , Marchlinski Francis E. , Pancholy Samir
Published: November 2024

Background

Studies show mixed results regarding the effect of coronary revascularization on mortality benefit and ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrence in patients with monomorphic VT without acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the effect of ischemia testing and/or coronary revascularization on mortality and VT recurrence in a pooled data set.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to December 2023 for studies reporting event data on mortality and VT recurrence in patients without ACS who presented with monomorphic VT. Data were pooled and analyzed using random effects meta‐analysis.

Results

The pooled sample consisted of a total of five studies, with 1062 patients, of whom 433 underwent ischemia testing and/or coronary revascularization and 629 did not. There was no statistically significant difference in the mortality and VT recurrence in the patients who underwent ischemia testing and/or revascularization versus those who did not (mortality odds ratio [OR]: 0.98; [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62 to 1.53]; p = 0.92; VT recurrence OR: 1.07; [95% CI: 0.51 to 2.26]; p = 0.86). No publication bias was detected by examination of the funnel plot, Begg−Mazumdar's test (p = 0.80), and Egger's test (p = 0.91).

Conclusion

In conclusion, in patients with sustained monomorphic VT in the absence of ACS, ischemia testing and/or revascularization does not lead to improved mortality or a decrease in the incidence of VT recurrence.
Mirtazapine: An Antidepressant for Treating Chronic, Refractory Nausea and Vomiting in a Patient With Metastatic Sarcoma Receiving Palliative Care: A Case Report
Authors: Ziaei Seyedeh Golnaz , Tahmasebi Mamak
Published: November 2024

Managing chronic, refractory nausea and vomiting in advanced cancer patients is challenging, especially when unrelated to cancer treatment. Mirtazapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant, effectively alleviates these symptoms, improving quality of life. It offers a promising palliative care alternative, addressing multiple symptoms and reducing polypharmacy, thereby enhancing patient satisfaction.
Theoretical Study on Pt1/CeO2 Single Atom Catalysts for CO Oxidation
Authors: Li Boyang , Li Jian , Ding Shujiang , Su Yaqiong
Published: November 2024

Optimizing the structural configurations of atom‐efficient single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is crucial for enhancing the catalytic performance. In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) to investigate single Pt atoms positioned at step‐edges and within a solid solution on the CeO2(111) surface, comparing their thermodynamic stability, electronic properties, and potential energy surfaces for CO oxidation. Stability studies indicate that the solid solution catalyst is more stable than the step‐edge‐supported catalyst. Additionally, the Pt atom in the solid solution effectively activates lattice oxygen, facilitating oxygen vacancy formation. CO oxidation, analysed through the Mars‐van Krevelen mechanism, reveals that the solid solution catalyst possesses moderate CO adsorption energy and lower oxygen vacancy formation energy, resulting in reduced energy barriers throughout the CO oxidation cycle. These findings underscore the critical impact of Pt atom configuration within the CeO2 matrix on catalytic activity, with the solid solution model demonstrating superior efficiency over step‐edge‐supported Pt catalysts.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Purine Alkaloid Metabolites from Caffeine
Authors: Asra Ridho , Jones Alan M.
Published: November 2024

The development of electrochemical approaches to the valorization of abundant natural products into high value medications and metabolites is of pharmaceutical interest. In this study, we explored the electrosynthetic behavior of the abundant legal psychoactive, caffeine, a representative member of the purine alkaloid class. Initial screening of the cyclic voltammetric behavior of eleven exemplar purine alkaloids revealed a structure electroactivity relationship (SeAR) for determining the initial oxidation site of caffeine. Optimization of the current controlled electrochemical (CCE) reaction enabled the dialing‐in/out of differential oxidative metabolic products using both undivided and divided cells. Sequential desmethylation around the purine ring was observed both by isolation and comparison to authentic metabolite reference standards via HPLC measurements. Amide, imide, and a novel N‐methyl heteroaryl oxidation mechanism were observed. Tractable quantities of the high‐value medication, theophylline, and the dietary supplement, paraxanthine, were isolated in 17 % and 8 % b.r.s.m. This approach offers a marked improvement compared to the best‐in‐class techniques (chemical 0.8 % and enzymatic 0.97 % yields) and may have potential in other natural product and drug discovery settings to prepare valuable metabolites.
High‐performance and flexible thermoelectric generator based on a robust carbon nanotube/BiSbTe foam
Authors: Jeong Myeong Hoon , Bae Eun Jin , Park Byoungwook , Ha Jong‐Woon , Han Mijeong , Kang Young Hun
Published: November 2024

Organic thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are flexible and lightweight, but they often have high electrical resistance, poor output power, and low mechanical durability, because of which their thermoelectric performance is poor. We used a facile and rapid solvent evaporation process to prepare a robust carbon nanotube/Bi0.45Sb1.55Te3 (CNT/BST) foam with a high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT). The BST sub‐micronparticles effectively create an electrically conductive network within the three‐dimensional porous CNT foam to greatly improve the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient and reinforce the mechanical strength of the composite against applied stresses. The CNT/BST foam had a zT value of 7.8 × 10−3 at 300 K, which was 5.7 times higher than that of pristine CNT foam. We used the CNT/BST foam to fabricate a flexible TEG with an internal resistance of 12.3 Ω and an output power of 15.7 µW at a temperature difference of 21.8 K. The flexible TEG showed excellent stability and durability even after 10,000 bending cycles. Finally, we demonstrate the shapeability of the CNT/BST foam by fabricating a concave TEG with conformal contact on the surface of a cylindrical glass tube, which suggests its practical applicability as a thermal sensor.
Site‐specifically Phosphorylated Hsp90C‐terminal Domain Variants Provide Access to Deciphering the Chaperone Code.
Authors: Gajsek Oliver , Becker Christian F. W. , Conibear Anne C.
Published: November 2024

The ubiquitous molecular chaperone Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is pivotal in many cellular processes through folding of client proteins under stressed and normal conditions. Despite intensive research on its function as a chaperone, the influence of posttranslational modifications on Hsp90 (the ‘chaperone code’), and its interactions with co‐chaperones and client proteins, still remains to be elucidated. The C‐terminal domain (CTD) of Hsp90 is essential for formation of the active homodimer state of Hsp90 and contains recognition sites for co‐chaperones and client proteins. Here we used expressed protein selenoester ligation to introduce site‐selective phosphorylations in the Hsp90 CTD, while preserving the native amino acid sequence. The two phosphorylations do not affect the overall secondary structure, but in combination, slightly decrease the thermal stability of the CTD. The Hsp90 CTD functions as a chaperone in decreasing aggregation of model client proteins, but the C‐terminal phosphorylations do not significantly alter the anti‐aggregation activity for these clients. The optimization of expressed protein selenoester ligation (EPSL) to carry out several steps in one pot provides an efficient route to access site‐specifically modified Hsp90 CTD variants, allowing the generation of Hsp90 variants with site‐specific PTMs to decipher the chaperone code.
Determination of Sugar Concentrations in Aqueous Solution Using Multivariate Predictions Based on 1H‐NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Herdlevær Kristoffer Mega , Strandengen Kasper , Løhre Camilla , Barth Tanja
Published: November 2024

Renewable chemicals from carbohydrate‐rich wastes, like furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), are gaining prominence as alternatives to petroleum‐based resources. Assessing the suitability of biomass as feedstock for furfural and HMF production requires knowledge of its composition. This study focuses on developing and validating predictive models for individual sugar concentrations in hydrolysates using quantitative 1H NMR data. Utilizing partial least square (PLS) regression, the dataset includes 137 NMR spectra of multi‐component sugar standards (arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, mannose, maltose, sucrose, and xylose). The best‐performing model achieved an R2 of 0.987–0.999 and RMSECV of 0.37–1.56 mM and is based on the non‐overlapping area of the NMR spectrum. Real‐world samples were used for validation, resulting in predicted sugar concentrations with a mean standard deviation of 0.5 mM. This high accuracy and streamlined analysis process make these models practical for quantifying large sample sets, showcasing the reliability and accessibility of extracting statistical information from H‐NMR data.
In situ X‐Ray Powder Diffraction Investigation on the Development of Zeolite‐Templated Carbons in FAU Zeolite
Authors: Aumond Thibaud , Esteves Martin , Mocuta Cristian , Batonneau‐Gener Isabelle , Haines Julien , Faccio Ricardo , Sachse Alexander
Published: November 2024

A time resolved in situ X‐ray powder diffraction study using synchrotron radiation allowed for describing the evolution of the zeolite FAU structure during the development of a zeolite‐templated carbon (ZTC) in its porous voids. During the ZTC formation the intensity decrease of most zeolite reflections and the simultaneous rise in intensity of the 222 reflection (of null intensity in the pristine zeolite) was observed. Full pattern profile fitting by Rietveld refinement allowed for achieving a detailed description of the underlying chemistry, with coincident pore filling with carbon atoms in specific positions and framework distortion. Monitoring the intensity profiles of the 222 reflection allowed assessment of the energetics of the ZTC formation. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the phenomena involved on the atomic scale in ZTC synthesis.
Desmoid tumors: Old and new drugs for a rare and challenging disease
Authors: Kasper Bernd
Published: November 2024

There has been a paradigm shift in the treatment strategy for patients with desmoid tumor toward less invasive management using systemic therapies. In addition to older drugs, such as conventional chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the newest class of medical agents—the gamma secretase inhibitors—have been included in the treatment armamentarium for patients with desmoid tumor, as nicely depicted in the latest consensus guideline from The Desmoid Tumor Working Group.
Abemaciclib and Letrozole in Metastatic Male Breast Cancer
Authors: Schönfeld Leon , Möhring Christian , Strobel Rouven , Kaatsch Hanns Leonhard , Waldeck Stephan , Wagner Ulrike
Published: November 2024

Background

Male breast cancer is a very rare disease and only accounts for around 1% of all breast cancers. The treatment strategies are based on those used for breast cancer in women. So far, there is a lack of randomized data to support specific treatment modalities in men. To our knowledge, a therapeutic approach with a combination of letrozole and abemaciclib has not yet been described for a male patient with metastatic breast cancer.

Case Description

Here, we report a case of a male patient with advanced metastatic breast cancer treated with a combination of letrozole and abemaciclib. The therapy was well tolerated with no reported side effects. The follow‐up CT showed regression of the primary tumor mass and the lymph nodes and soft tissue metastases.

Conclusion

In summary, this case report clearly shows the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach and should be discussed for the treatment of future patients.
Synthesis, Structure, and Non‐Linear Optical Properties of New Metal Semi‐Organic Complex: 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐1,4‐diium tris(nitrato)‐silver
Authors: Roy Arindam , Bakshi Souradeep , Kintali Manohor Prasad , Srinivasan P. , Deb Roy Saikatendu
Published: November 2024

Optically transparent metal semi organic single crystal of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐1,4‐diium tris(nitrato)‐silver (DTNS) is synthesized using slow evaporation solution technique. This single crystal is grown with dimension up to using 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as solute and water and methanol as solvent in the presence metal salt silver nitrate. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study showed a trigonal structure with space group P3c1 and the sum formula . The composition of metal Silver (Ag) in single crystal is confirmed through Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Analysis. The confirmation of various functional groups in DTNS molecular structure is characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR). UV–Visible absorption study showed the cut‐off wavelength at 250 nm with transparency 350–700 nm and the bandgap is about 3.3 eV. The thermal stability and melting point temperature is analyzed by Thermogravimetry‐Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG/DSC). The third order Non Linear Optics (NLO) efficiency of the synthesized crystal is times greater than that of KDP. All of these analysis implies that DTNS crystal can be beneficial element for non‐linear optical applications.
Unfolding Electrolyzer Characteristics to Reveal Solar‐to‐Chemical Efficiency Potential: Rapid Analysis Method Bridging Electrochemistry and Photovoltaics
Authors: Astakhov Oleksandr , Cibaka Thérèse , Wieprecht Lars , Rau Uwe , Merdzhanova Tsvetelina
Published: November 2024

Development of photovoltaic−electrochemical (PV‐EC) systems for energy storage and industry decarbonization requires multidisciplinary collaborative efforts of different research groups from both photovoltaic and electrochemical research communities. Consequently, the evaluation of the solar‐to‐chemical or solar‐to‐fuel efficiency of a new electrolyzer (EC) as a part of a PV‐EC system is a time‐consuming task that is challenging in a routine optimization loop. To address this issue, a new rapid assessment method is proposed. This method employs power balance requirements to unfold the input EC characteristics into the parameter space of PV‐EC systems. The system parameters, composed with the EC output characteristics, yield the solar‐to‐chemical efficiency attainable by the electrolyzer in combination with any PV device under any irradiance at any relative PV‐to‐EC scaling and any mode of power coupling. This comprehensive overview is achieved via a mathematically simple conversion of the EC characteristics in any spreadsheet software. The method, designed to streamline the development and minimize the efforts of both the photovoltaic and electrochemical communities, is demonstrated via the analysis of CO2‐reduction electrolyzer characteristics and verified with dedicated PV‐EC experiments.
High‐Entropy Electrolyte Design for Low‐Temperature Supercapacitors
Authors: Dong Chenxi , Wang Yuan , Luo Zongbin , Dai Chunlong , Lin Zifeng
Published: November 2024

Supercapacitors (SCs) are high‐power energy storage devices but often experience reduced electrochemical performance at low temperatures, especially below −30 °C, due to the high freezing points of conventional electrolytes. In this study, we introduce a novel high‐entropy electrolyte (HEE) for supercapacitors that extends operational capabilities over a wide temperature range. The high entropy of the HEE results in an exceptionally low freezing point of −116 °C. With an increased number of solvent molecules in the cation solvation structures, the HEE exhibits high conductivity (3.9 mS cm−1 at −50 °C) and low de‐solvation energy (14.1 kJ mol−1). When incorporated into a carbon‐based SC, the HEE enables a capacitance retention of 58 % at temperatures below −30 °C, compared to 25 °C, while conventional single‐solvent electrolytes retain only 38 %. Additionally, the HEE provides superior high‐rate performance and excellent cycling stability, maintaining 88 % capacitance after 15,000 cycles, compared to 73 % with conventional electrolytes.
A Role for the Microbiota‐Gut‐Brain Axis in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A New Conceptual Model
Authors: Schneider Elizabeth , Schmidt Ricarda , Cryan John F. , Hilbert Anja
Published: November 2024

Objective

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by a severely restrictive diet leading to significant physical and/or psychosocial sequelae. Largely owing to the phenotypic heterogeneity, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are relatively unknown. Recently, the communication between microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract and the brain—the so‐called microbiota‐gut‐brain axis—has been implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders. This Spotlight review sought to investigate and conceptualize the possible ways that the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis is involved in ARFID to drive future research in this area.

Method

By relating core symptoms of ARFID to gut microbiota and its signaling pathways to the brain, we evaluated how the gut microbiota is potentially involved in the pathophysiology of ARFID.

Results

We hypothesized that the restricted type and amount of food intake characteristic of ARFID diminishes gut microbial diversity, including beneficial bacteria and their metabolites capable of signaling to the brain, to modulate biopsychological pathways relevant to ARFID: homeostatic signaling, food reward, interoception, sensory sensitivity, disgust, perseveration, fear‐based learning, and mood. Candidate signaling mechanisms include microbial‐induced effects on inflammation, cortisol, and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

Discussion

Through reviewing the extant evidence, we conceptualized a new theoretical framework of ARFID with an emphasis on microbiota‐gut‐brain axis signaling to inform future research. Although more research is necessary to evaluate this theoretical model, the tentative evidence suggests that therapeutics specifically targeting the gut microbiota for the treatment of ARFID symptomatology warrants more investigation.
The Core of the Matter—Importance of Identification Method and Biological Replication for Benthic Marine Monitoring
Authors: Jensen Mads Reinholdt , Agersnap Sune , Sigsgaard Eva Egelyng , Ávila Marcelo de Paula , Glenner Henrik , Wisz Mary S. , Thomsen Philip Francis
Published: November 2024

Benthic macrofauna are important and widely used biological indicators of marine ecosystems as they have limited mobility and therefore integrate the effects of local environmental stressors over time. Recently, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has provided a potentially more resource‐efficient approach for benthic biomonitoring than traditional morphology‐based methods. Several studies have compared eDNA with morphology‐based monitoring, but few have compared the two approaches using the exact same sediment cores. In addition, the meiofauna and pelagic organisms obtained as ‘bycatch’ using eDNA have largely been disregarded from comparisons. Here, we address these shortcomings through comparative invertebrate analyses of six sediment sample replicates from each of four stations in Denmark, using eDNA metabarcoding and morphological identification. Our results revealed large variation between the six replicates for both methods and little overlap in taxon compositions between methods. While the morphological dataset was dominated by molluscs and annelids, the eDNA dataset was dominated by arthropods and annelids. Using community composition data, we found that sampling stations could be distinguished both with eDNA and morphology. Finally, we inferred expected total richness from extrapolated accumulation curves of detected taxa from each method. This indicated that eDNA metabarcoding requires less replication than morphology for maximum coverage of diversity to be reached. However, both methods required high levels of replication, and our results on taxonomic composition add to the evidence that morphological and eDNA‐based methods should preferably be used as complimentary tools for marine bioassessment.
Electrochemical Glycerol Valorization Using Tolerant Pt Embedded Bi Platform Electrocatalysts Derived From Photoactive Bismuth Oxyiodide Nanosheet Intermediates
Authors: Lee Hak Hyeon , Choi Ji Hoon , Kim Dong Su , Jeon Sungho , Stach Eric A. , Cho Hyung Koun
Published: November 2024

Pt‐based electrocatalysts for glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) exhibit low durability due to the inactivation of Pt through rapid poisoning under oxidative conditions. Thus, bimetallic PtBi was strategically synthesized using BiOI as a photoactive intermediate for the uniform photoelectrodeposition of Pt. The nanostructured Pt–Bi was electrochemically reduced from a Pt/BiOI medium, and the GOR‐activated Pt–Bi electrocatalysts (G–Pt–Bi) were obtained via a subsequent electrochemical activation process. Here, abundant Bi sites in PtBi can prevent Pt poisoning and effectively provide adsorbed OH− for the GOR on Pt sites. Consequently, it allows the operation in low onset potential for GOR with a high mass activity of 13.35 A mgPt
−1 at 0.85 VRHE in alkaline solution. The GOR products obtained using G–Pt–Bi were identified as glycolate and formate by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance without the interruption of the hydrogen evolution reaction, and it finally enables the operation of a membrane‐free two‐electrode system. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that the G–Pt–Bi exhibit superior GOR kinetics and higher resistance to Pt inactivation compared with conventional Pt/C. This study suggests a novel design for a G–Pt–Bi architecture in developing durable and high‐mass‐activity Pt catalysts for the GOR.

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The Effectiveness of Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Silymarin on MASLD: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Huang Qian , An Ziming , Xin Xin , Gou Xiaojun , Tian Xiaoting , Hu Yiyang , Mei Zubing , Feng Qin
Published: November 2024

Polyphenols, known for their potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, have emerged as promising, natural, and safe complementary treatment options for metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Among these, curcumin, resveratrol, and silymarin are the most extensively studied; however, their differential effects on MASLD outcomes remain inconclusive. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin, resveratrol, and silymarin in patients with MASLD. A comprehensive search of seven databases was conducted up to September 2024. Odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD), and standardized MD (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess treatment effects. Primary outcomes included improvement in hepatic steatosis and ALT activity, while secondary outcomes included changes in AST activity, blood lipids, glucose, BMI, blood pressure, and TNF‐α. Twenty‐seven studies involving 1691 participants were included. Curcumin significantly improved hepatic steatosis compared to placebo (OR: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.45 to 13.27, p = 0.009), followed by resveratrol (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.20 to 8.42, p = 0.02). Silymarin exhibited the strongest effect in reducing ALT levels (MD: −6.44 U/L, 95% CI: −10.03 to −2.85, p = 0.0004), with curcumin (MD: −5.88 U/L, 95% CI: −9.05 to −2.72, p = 0.0003) also showing significant reductions. A marked reduction in AST was observed with silymarin (MD: −6.99 U/L, 95% CI: −8.56 to −5.42, p < 0.00001), followed by curcumin (MD: −3.36 U/L, 95% CI: −5.35 to −1.36, p = 0.001). Furthermore, curcumin intake significantly improved metabolic indicators (TG, FBG, HOMA‐IR, and BMI). Resveratrol reduced FBG and DBP. Curcumin had the strongest effect on hepatic steatosis and improved both transaminase levels and metabolic markers. Silymarin demonstrated the greatest reduction in transaminase levels, while resveratrol showed modest benefits in steatosis and metabolic improvements. The three polyphenols appear as promising therapeutics for the treatment of MASLD.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye using PANI‐CuFe2O4 Nano Composite
Authors: Saha Tisa Rani , Habib Md. Ahsan , Ali S. M. Imran , Naime Jannatul , Mahiuddin Md. , Sarkar Shaheen M. , Khan Md. Abu Rayhan , Karim Kaykobad Md Rezaul
Published: November 2024

The present perspective accentuates the synthesis of PANI‐CuFe2O4 (PCF) nanocomposite, and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye using a synthesized composite. The stable PCF is confirmed and characterized by analytical techniques, namely, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analysis. The synthesized PCF nanocomposites are significantly crystalline in nature, having magnetic saturation of 10.47 emu g−1, and monoclinic crystalline structure as well as the size of nanocomposite is 39.54 nm verified by XRD pattern. SEM analysis revealed a regular porous and rough surface of nanocomposite. In addition, the nanocomposite divulged the remarkable efficient elimination of MB dye with maximum removal of 96% with good fitting of Langmuir isotherm, indication of monolayer formation on the catalyst surface through the interaction between nanocomposite and dye molecule. The adsorption kinetics bolstered the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, suggesting the adsorption process proceeded by chemisorption. The most notable feature of the nanocomposite is the reusability and good stability after several cycles, maintaining 90% after five cycles.
Astrocytic NHERF‐1 Increases Seizure Susceptibility by Inhibiting Surface Expression of TREK‐1
Authors: Bae Yeonju , Lee Soomin , Kim Ajung , Lee Shinae , Kim Seong‐Seop , Park Sunyoung , Noh Junyeol , Ryoo Kanghyun , Yi Gwan‐Su , Park Jae‐Yong , Hwang Eun Mi
Published: November 2024

Mature hippocampal astrocytes exhibit a linear current‐to‐voltage (I‐V) K+ membrane conductance called passive conductance. It is estimated to enable astrocytes to keep potassium homeostasis in the brain. We previously reported that the TWIK‐1/TREK‐1 heterodimeric channels are crucial for astrocytic passive conductance. However, the regulatory mechanism of these channels by other binding proteins remains elusive. Here, we identified Na+/H+ exchange regulator‐1 (NHERF‐1), a protein highly expressed in astrocytes, as a novel interaction partner for these channels. NHERF‐1 endogenously bound to TWIK‐1/TREK‐1 in hippocampal cultured astrocytes. When NHERF‐1 is overexpressed or silenced, surface expression and activity of TWIK‐1/TREK‐1 heterodimeric channels are inhibited or enhanced, respectively. Furthermore, we confirmed that reduced astrocytic passive conductance by NHERF‐1 overexpressing in the hippocampus increases kainic acid (KA)‐induced seizure sensitivity. Taken together, these results suggest that NHERF‐1 is a key regulator of TWIK‐1/TREK‐1 heterodimeric channels in astrocytes and suppression of TREK‐1 surface expression by NHERF‐1 increases KA‐induced seizure susceptibility via reduction of astrocytic passive conductance.
Analysis of Nirmatrelvir Entry into Pulmonary Lining Fluid in Patients with COVID‐19: A Unique Perspective to Explore and Understand the Target Plasma Concentration of 292 ng/mL in Antiviral Activity
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Xia Lin , Yuan Zhilong , Jiao Yang , Wang Zhuo
Published: November 2024

Background

Currently, the applicant has chosen a target plasma trough concentration for nirmatrelvir, which is adjusted to 292 ng/mL based on the drug's molecular weight (499.54 Daltons), its binding to human plasma proteins (69%), and the in vitro antiviral EC90 value (181 nM). However, the current exposure‐effect relationships (ER) analysis of viral load in patients enrolled in the EPIC‐HR study has not revealed clinically significant trends in the ER. Given that the lungs are the primary site of COVID‐19 infection, we aim to further understand this exposure relationship by exploring and analyzing the penetration characteristics of nirmatrelvir in the lungs.

Objectives

To explore and understand the target plasma concentration of 292 ng/mL in antiviral activity.

Methods

We identified all critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment in the respiratory intensive care unit of Changhai hospital between January 2023 and October 2023. Samples of plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were obtained at pre‐dose trough concentrations after administration of nirmatrelvir (NMV). The relationship between NMV levels in plasma and the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) was assessed by determining concentrations of NMV.

Results

There was a significant relationship between NMV levels in plasma and ELF (ELF = 0.4976*PLASMA‐ 204; R = 0.96), with a correlation whose slope (0.4976) suggested that the blood‐to‐ELF ratio of drug penetration was 2:1. A negative value from the equation indicates that NMV requires to reach baseline concentration to penetrate the ELF.

Conclusions

The relationship between NMV levels in plasma and ELF with low permeability and a negative baseline value suggests that the target plasma concentration of 292 ng/mL is insufficient for antiviral activity. This study provides a unique perspective to explore and understand no clinically meaningful trend of exposure‐response relationships in patients enrolled in EPIC‐HR.
VMC‐UNet: A Vision Mamba‐CNN U‐Net for Tumor Segmentation in Breast Ultrasound Image
Authors: Wang Dongyue , Zhao Weiyu , Cui Kaixuan , Zhu Yi
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer remains one of the most significant health threats to women, making precise segmentation of target tumors critical for early clinical intervention and postoperative monitoring. While numerous convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and vision transformers have been developed to segment breast tumors from ultrasound images, both architectures encounter difficulties in effectively modeling long‐range dependencies, which are essential for accurate segmentation. Drawing inspiration from the Mamba architecture, we introduce the Vision Mamba‐CNN U‐Net (VMC‐UNet) for breast tumor segmentation. This innovative hybrid framework merges the long‐range dependency modeling capabilities of Mamba with the detailed local representation power of CNNs. A key feature of our approach is the implementation of a residual connection method within the U‐Net architecture, utilizing the visual state space (VSS) module to extract long‐range dependency features from convolutional feature maps effectively. Additionally, to better integrate texture and structural features, we have designed a bilinear multi‐scale attention module (BMSA), which significantly enhances the network's ability to capture and utilize intricate feature details across multiple scales. Extensive experiments conducted on three public datasets demonstrate that the proposed VMC‐UNet surpasses other state‐of‐the‐art methods in breast tumor segmentation, achieving Dice coefficients of 81.52% for BUSI, 88.00% for BUS, and 88.96% for STU. The source code is accessible at https://github.com/windywindyw/VMC‐UNet.
KGF secreted from HSCs activates PAK4/BMI1, promotes HCC stemness through PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Li Qinghua , Chen Qiuyang , Wang Wenchao , Xie Rongrong , Li Zhen , Chen Dawei
Published: November 2024

In our present study, we investigated the interaction between HSCs and HCC, also explored the molecular mechanism. Clinical samples were collected from HCC and adjacent tissue with different degree of liver fibrosis. HCC cells were co‐cultured with LX‐2 cell by Transwell system or cultured with conditioned medium (CM), which was collected from LX‐2. The tumor spheroid growth and colony formation analyses were performed to evaluate the cell stemness. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted on cell apoptosis after 5‐Fu treatment. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay confirmed the interaction between BMI1 and PAK4. Our results showed that BMI1 was highly expressed in HCC and was correlated with HCC liver fibrosis. Both co‐cultured with LX‐2 and cultured with CM promoted HCC stemness, also increased KGF level and BMI1 expression. KGF treatment had a similar effect with co‐culture with LX‐2 on HCC. BMI1 overexpression promoted HCC stemness and activated PI3K/AKT pathway, which was reversed by PI3K inhibition. PAK4 was activated by KGF, then phosphorylated S315 site and promoted protein stability of BMI1, therefore enhanced HCC stemness. BMI1 also had a promote effect on liver fibrosis. In summary, we found that KGF secreted by HSCs activated PAK4, which phosphorylated S315 and promoted protein stability of BMI1, and further promoted liver fibrosis and HCC stemness through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our present study deeply studied the interaction and mechanism between HSCs and HCC, which might provide a new insight for HCC therapy.
Reward deprivation is associated with elevated alcohol demand in emerging adults
Authors: Murphy James G. , Acuff Samuel F. , Buck Avery C. , Campbell Kevin W. , MacKillop James
Published: November 2024

Policies vary substantially in terms of providing sources of psychosocial enrichment. Behavioral economic models of substance use and addiction emphasize that deficits in access to substance‐free sources of reward increase substance reinforcing value and risk for addiction. The current study used an alcohol demand curve approach to test the hypothesis that various indices of reward deprivation would be associated with elevated alcohol reinforcing efficacy. We examined associations between alcohol demand indices and several facets of reward deprivation in a sample of young adults (N = 1,331; ages 19–25 years) recruited from the United States and Canada who reported recent binge drinking. Additionally, we created an index of cumulative reward deprivation that integrated the various reward facets and examined its association with alcohol demand intensity and maximum expenditure on alcohol. Our findings indicate that reward deprivation is associated with elevated alcohol demand and provide support for alcohol prevention and intervention approaches that emphasize environmental enrichment.
Assessment of bovine milk exosome preparation and lyophilized powder stability
Authors: Lu Lu , Han Chunle , Wang Miao , Du Huanqing , Chen Ning , Gao Mengya , Wang Na , Qi Dongli , Bai Wei , Yin Jianxin , Dong Fengwei , Li Tianshi , Ge Xiaohu
Published: November 2024

Exosomes are cell‐derived nanovesicles that play a crucial role in intercellular communication, presenting promising potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Bovine milk exosomes (MK‐Exo) show production scalability and cost‐effectiveness, offering distinct advantages over cell‐derived exosomes. However, exosome storage and transportation are challenging owing to their unstable nature, necessitating preservation at ultralow temperatures. Research findings suggest that freeze‐drying could provide a viable solution; however, different sources of exosomes may require specific protocols. In this study, we aimed to successfully isolate high‐purity MK‐Exo and develop a specialized freeze‐drying and lyophilization method for improved long‐term preservation of MK‐Exo. Specifically, the stability of the lyophilized MK‐Exo was evaluated using storage stability tests. Notably, lyophilized MK‐Exo remained stable for at least 3 months under high temperature of 50°C and for at least 24 months under low temperatures of 2°C–8°C, preserving their physicochemical properties and biological activity. Conclusively, these findings provide a potential solution for ambient‐temperature transportation of MK‐Exo, facilitating their industrial‐scale production.