bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notch‐Targeted Therapeutic in Colorectal Cancer by Notch1 Attenuation Via Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Cascade DNA Delivery
Authors: Lu Yan , Cao Yufei , Guo Xiaowen , Gao Yijie , Chen Xue , Zhang Zixi , Ge Zhishen , Chu Dake
Published: May 2024

The Notch signaling is a key molecular pathway that regulates cell fate and development. Aberrant Notch signaling can lead to carcinogenesis and progression of malignant tumors. However, current therapies targeting Notch pathway lack specificity and induce high toxicity. In this report, a tumor microenvironment‐responsive and injectable hydrogel is designed to load plasmid DNA complexes as a cascade gene delivery system to achieve precise Notch‐targeted gene therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). The hydrogels are prepared through cross‐linking between phenylboric acid groups containing poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylate) (POEGMA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), used to load the complexes between plasmid DNA encoding short hairpin RNAs of Notch1 (shNotch1) and fluorinated polyamidoamine (PAMAM‐F) (PAMAM‐F/shNotch1). In response to low pH and H2O2 in tumor microenvironment, the hydrogel can be dissociated and release the complexes for precise delivery of shNotch1 into tumor cells and inhibit Notch1 activity to suppress malignant biological behaviors of CRC. In the subcutaneous tumor model of CRC, PAMAM‐F/shNotch1‐loaded hydrogels can accurately attenuate Notch1 activity and significantly inhibit tumor growth without affecting Notch signal in adjacent normal tissues. Therefore, this therapeutic system can precisely inhibit Notch1 signal in CRC with high responsiveness and low toxicity, providing a promising Notch‐targeted gene therapeutic for human malignancy.
A Suspended, 3D Morphing Sensory System for Robots to Feel and Protect
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yu Yi , Xiao Peng , Deng Feng , Zhang Yi , Chen Tao
Published: May 2024

Artificial sensory systems with synergistic touch and pain perception hold substantial promise for environment interaction and human–robot communication. However, the realization of biological skin‐like functional integration of sensors with sensitive touch and pain perception still remains a challenge. Here, a concept is proposed of suspended electronic skins enabling 3D deformation‐mechanical contact interactions for achieving synergetic ultrasensitive touch and adjustable pain perception. The suspended sensory system can sensitively capture tiny touch stimuli as low as 0.02 Pa and actively perceive pain response with reliable 5200 cycles via 3D deformation and mechanical contact mechanism, respectively. Based on the touch‐pain effect, a visualized feedback demo with miniaturized sensor arrays on artificial fingers is rationally designed to give a pain perception mapping on sharp surfaces. Furthermore, the capability is shown of the suspended electronic skin serving as a safe human–robot communication interface from active and passive view through a feedback control system, demonstrating potential in bionic electronics and intelligent robotics.
In Situ Functionalisation and Upcycling of Post‐Consumer Textile Blends into 3D Printable Nanocomposite Filaments
Authors: Apostolopoulou‐Kalkavoura Varvara , Fijoł Natalia , Lombardo Salvatore , Ruiz‐Caldas Maria‐Ximena , Mathew Aji P.
Published: May 2024

The linear lifecycle of the textile industry contributes to the enormous waste generation of post‐consumer garments. Recycling or repurposing of post‐consumer garments typically requires separation of the individual components. This study describes a novel and facile chemo‐thermo‐mechanical method for producing extrudable pellets, involving one‐pot, 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation of post‐consumer polycotton textiles, followed by mild mechanical treatment, all without isolating the constituents of the polycotton blend. The oxidized blend with high cellulose and carboxylate content of 1221 ± 82 mmol COO− per kg of cotton, is pelletised into a masterbatch and further in situ extruded into nanocomposite filaments for 3D printing. The carboxyl groups introduced on the polycotton‐based filters enable cotton fibrillation into nanoscaled fibers during mechanical treatment and extrusion resulting to a variety of functional and high surface‐finish quality models, including filters and fashion accessories. The electrostatic interactions with positively charged species, such as methylene blue (MB), facilitate their adsorption from water while exhibiting promising adsorption capacities. The adsorption of MB follows the Freundlich model and depends on the printed porosity of the filter. A “trash to treasure” concept for textile waste is further corroborated through the use of the developed 3D printing filament into commodity products.
Assessing the Performance of a Thermoresponsive Liquid‐Based Smart Windows for Building Thermal Regulation through Outdoor Experimentation and Computational Modeling
Authors: Parisi Gregory , Wang Xuanjie , Hwang Youngjin , Narayan Shankar
Published: May 2024

Smart windows have the potential to respond dynamically and passively to external stimuli, controlling the amount of light passing through the window. When a smart window switches from a clear to a translucent state, energy flow through the window is partially attenuated, allowing a room to cool down passively, thereby reducing the energy and fossil fuel consumption for air conditioning. The smart window demonstrated here consists of a thermoresponsive liquid consisting of Tergitol 15‐S‐7, which can dynamically and passively switch the window's transmittance when a temperature of 39 °C is reached. It is also demonstrated how the transition temperature can be lowered by adding salts. Outdoor experiments in realistic environments show that the temperature of a model house built with a thermo‐responsive window can achieve an indoor temperature of 7 °C less than a control house with an ordinary window. This study quantifies the energy savings possible using such windows at the building scale for cooling and heating in different climates and times of the year.
Tunable Electronic Properties and Contact Performance of Type‐II HfS2${\rm HfS}_2$/MoS2${\rm MoS}_2$ Van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Nguyen Son‐Tung , Hieu Nguyen V. , Le‐Quoc Huy , Nguyen‐Ba Kien , Nguyen Chuong V. , Nguyen Cuong Q.
Published: May 2024

Recently, the assembly of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWH) has proved to be an effective strategy to alter the properties and enhance the functionality of multifunctional devices based on 2D materials. Herein, first‐principles calculations are employed to construct the / vdWH, exploring its electronic properties, contact characteristics, and the impact of electric gating. The / vdWH is predicted to be structurally, thermally, and mechanically stable. The / vdWH leads to a reduction in the bandgap compared to the constituent components, potentially enhancing optical absorption. Furthermore, the / heterostructure forms the type‐II band alignment, localizing electrons and holes predominantly in the and layers, respectively. Such type‐II / heterostructure makes it promising candidate for the optoelectronic devices, benefiting from the spatial separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. Notably, the electronic properties and contact characteristics of the / vdWH are controllable under electric gating. The negative electric gating facilitates to a transformation from type‐II to type‐I band alignment, while the positive electric field induces a shift from semiconductor to metal in the / vdWH. This findings can provide valuable insights into the fundamental aspects that contribute to the exceptional performance observed in / vdWH toward high‐performance multifunctional devices.
An Alternate Search Method and An Extended Trace Line Method for Wheel‐Rail Contact Patch Centers Detection
Authors: Yongxu Hu , Liu He , Cai Yi , Yan Luo
Published: May 2024

Wheel‐rail contact is a link between the vehicle system and the rail system, and the contact processing approach affects accuracy of vehicle dynamic simulation. Contact detection is usually the start of wheel‐rail contact calculation, and detecting precision of contact patch center affect accuracy of contact force calculating results, therefore it is significant to improve detecting precision of contact patch center. An alternate search method (ASM) and an extended trace line method are proposed to improve precision and efficiency of contact patch centers detection. The proposed alternate search method applies Golden Ratio Search Method and variable intervals between grids to detect contact patch centers. To make the detected contact patch centers match rail tangential directions better, an extended trace line method is constructed based on geometrical constraints between contact points and rail tangential directions. Dynamic simulations of a bogie vehicle formed by two wheelsets and a bogie frame negotiating a rail curve are conducted to evaluate effects of the proposed methods. Calculating times of the proposed methods for finishing the simulations are compared to explain computational efficiencies of the different methods. The proposed approaches are real‐time capable and can be used for vehicle dynamics simulations.
A Biomimetic Multifunctional Scaffold for Infectious Vertical Bone Augmentation
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Li Zixin , Guo Houzuo , Wang Qibo , Guo Bowen , Jiang Xi , Liu Yishu , Cui Shengjie , Wu Zhengda , Yu Min , Zhu Lisha , Chen Liyuan , Du Ning , Luo Dan , Lin Ye , Di Ping , Liu Yan
Published: May 2024

The regenerative treatment of infectious vertical bone defects remains difficult and challenging today. Current clinical treatments are limited in their ability to control bacteria and infection, which is unfavorable for new bone formation and calls for a new type of material with excellent osteogenic and antibacterial properties. Here a multifunctional scaffold is synthesized that mimics natural bone nanostructures by incorporating silver nanowires into a hierarchical, intrafibrillar mineralized collagen matrix (IMC/AgNWs), to achieve the therapeutic goals of inhibiting bacterial activity and promoting infectious alveolar bone augmentation in rats and beagle dogs. An appropriate concentration of 0.5 mg mL−1 AgNWs is selected to balance biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. The achieved IMC/AgNWs exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties against Gram‐negative Porphyromonas gingivalis and Gram‐positive Streptococcus mutans. When the IMC/AgNWs are cocultured with periodontal ligament stem cells, it possesses excellent osteoinductive activities under both non‐inflammatory and inflammatory conditions. By constructing a rat mandibular infected periodontal defect model, the IMC/AgNWs achieve a near‐complete healing through the canonical BMP/Smad signaling. Moreover, the IMC/AgNWs enhance vertical bone height and osseointegration in peri‐implantitis in beagle dogs, indicating the clinical translational potential of IMC/AgNWs for infectious vertical bone augmentation.
Spontaneous Liquefaction of Solid Metal–Liquid Metal Interfaces in Colloidal Binary Alloys
Authors: Parker Caiden J. , Zuraiqi Karma , Krishnamurthi Vaishnavi , Mayes Edwin LH , Vaillant Pierre H. A. , Fatima Syeda Saba , Matuszek Karolina , Tang Jianbo , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Meftahi Nastaran , McConville Chris F. , Elbourne Aaron , Russo Salvy P. , Christofferson Andrew J. , Chiang Ken , Daeneke Torben
Published: May 2024

Crystallization of alloys from a molten state is a fundamental process underpinning metallurgy. Here the direct imaging of an intermetallic precipitation reaction at equilibrium in a liquid‐metal environment is demonstrated. It is shown that the outer layers of a solidified intermetallic are surprisingly unstable to the depths of several nanometers, fluctuating between a crystalline and a liquid state. This effect, referred to herein as crystal interface liquefaction, is observed at remarkably low temperatures and results in highly unstable crystal interfaces at temperatures exceeding 200 K below the bulk melting point of the solid. In general, any liquefaction process would occur at or close to the formal melting point of a solid, thus differentiating the observed liquefaction phenomenon from other processes such as surface pre‐melting or conventional bulk melting. Crystal interface liquefaction is observed in a variety of binary alloy systems and as such, the findings may impact the understanding of crystallization and solidification processes in metallic systems and alloys more generally.
Recent Advances in High‐Rate Solar‐Driven Interfacial Evaporation
Authors: Kim Hyeon Tae , Philip Ligy , McDonagh Andrew , Johir Md , Ren Jiawei , Shon Ho Kyong , Tijing Leonard D.
Published: May 2024

Recent advances in solar‐driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) have led to high evaporation rates that open promising avenues for practical utilization in freshwater production and industrial application for pollutant and nutrient concentration, and resource recovery. Breakthroughs in overcoming the theoretical limitation of 2D interfacial evaporation have allowed for developing systems with high evaporation rates. This study presents a comprehensive review of various evaporator designs that have achieved pure evaporation rates beyond 4 kg m−2 h−1, including structural and material designs allowing for rapid evaporation, passive 3D designs, and systems coupled with alternative energy sources of wind and joule heating. The operational mechanisms for each design are outlined together with discussion on the current benefits and areas for improvement. The overarching challenges encountered by SDIE concerning the feasibility of direct integration into contemporary practical settings are assessed, and issues relating to sustaining elevated evaporation rates under diverse environmental conditions are addressed.
Origin of Distinct Insulating Domains in the Layered Charge Density Wave Material 1T‐TaS2
Authors: Yang Hyungryul , Lee Byeongin , Bang Junho , Kim Sunghun , Wulferding Dirk , Lee Sung‐Hoon , Cho Doohee
Published: May 2024

Vertical charge order shapes the electronic properties in layered charge density wave (CDW) materials. Various stacking orders inevitably create nanoscale domains with distinct electronic structures inaccessible to bulk probes. Here, the stacking characteristics of bulk 1T‐TaS2 are analyzed using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is observed that Mott‐insulating domains undergo a transition to band‐insulating domains restoring vertical dimerization of the CDWs. Furthermore, STS measurements covering a wide terrace reveal two distinct band insulating domains differentiated by band edge broadening. These DFT calculations reveal that the Mott insulating layers preferably reside on the subsurface, forming broader band edges in the neighboring band insulating layers. Ultimately, buried Mott insulating layers believed to harbor the quantum spin liquid phase are identified. These results resolve persistent issues regarding vertical charge order in 1T‐TaS2, providing a new perspective for investigating emergent quantum phenomena in layered CDW materials.
A Bioactive Injectable Hydrogel Regulates Tumor Metastasis and Wound Healing for Melanoma via NIR‐Light Triggered Hyperthermia
Authors: Liu Xueyi , Shen Meifang , Bing Tiejun , Zhang Xinyun , Li Yifan , Cai Qing , Yang Xiaoping , Yu Yingjie
Published: May 2024

Surgical resection remains the mainstream treatment for malignant melanoma. However, challenges in wound healing and residual tumor metastasis pose significant hurdles, resulting in high recurrence rates in patients. Herein, a bioactive injectable hydrogel (BG‐Mngel) formed by crosslinking sodium alginate (SA) with manganese‐doped bioactive glass (BG‐Mn) is developed as a versatile platform for anti‐tumor immunotherapy and postoperative wound healing for melanoma. The incorporation of Mn2+ within bioactive glass (BG) can activate the cGAS‐STING immune pathway to elicit robust immune response for cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, doping Mn2+ in BG endows system with excellent photothermal properties, hence facilitating STING activation and reversing the tumor immune‐suppressive microenvironment. BG exhibits favorable angiogenic capacity and tissue regenerative potential, and Mn2+ promotes cell migration in vitro. When combining BG‐Mngel with anti‐PD‐1 antibody (α‐PD‐1) for the treatment of malignant melanoma, it shows enhanced anti‐tumor immune response and long‐term immune memory response. Remarkably, BG‐Mngel can upregulate the expression of genes related to blood vessel formation and promote skin tissue regeneration when treating full‐thickness wounds. Overall, BG‐MnGel serves as an effective adjuvant therapy to regulate tumor metastasis and wound healing for malignant melanoma.
Logic‐Based Strategy for Spatiotemporal Release of Dual Extracellular Vesicles in Osteoarthritis Treatment
Authors: Li Shiyu , Zheng Weihan , Deng Wenfeng , Li Ziyue , Yang Jiaxin , Zhang Huihui , Dai Zhenning , Su Weiwei , Yan Zi , Xue Wanting , Yun Xinyi , Mi Siqi , Shen Jianlin , Luo Xiang , Wang Ling , Wu Yaobin , Huang Wenhua
Published: May 2024

To effectively treat osteoarthritis (OA), the existing inflammation must be reduced before the cartilage damage can be repaired; this cannot be achieved with a single type of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, a hydrogel complex with logic‐gates function is proposed that can spatiotemporally controlled release two types of EVs: interleukin 10 (IL‐10)+ EVs to promote M2 polarization of macrophage, and SRY‐box transcription factor 9 (SOX9)+ EVs to increase cartilage matrix synthesis. Following dose‐of‐action screening, the dual EVs are loaded into a matrix metalloporoteinase 13 (MMP13)‐sensitive self‐assembled peptide hydrogel (KM13E) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate/gelatin methacryloyl‐hydrogel microspheres (PGE), respectively. These materials are mixed to form a “microspheres‐in‐gel” KM13E@PGE system. In vitro, KM13E@PGE abruptly released IL‐10+ EVs after 3 days and slowly released SOX9+ EVs for more than 30 days. In vivo, KM13E@PGE increased the CD206+ M2 macrophage proportion in the synovial tissue and decreased the tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐1β levels. The aggrecan and SOX9 expressions in the cartilage tissues are significantly elevated following inflammation subsidence. This performance is not achieved using anti‐inflammatory or cartilage repair therapy alone. The present study provides an injectable, integrated delivery system with spatiotemporal control release of dual EVs, and may inspire logic‐gates strategies for OA treatment.
Memorizable Electro‐Birefringence Effect Exhibited by Transparent Liquid Crystal/Polymer Composite Materials
Authors: Yamaguchi Masaki , Okumura Yasushi , Nishikawa Hiroya , Matsukizono Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Hirotsugu
Published: May 2024

Polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) with nano‐phase‐separated structures, in which nanometer‐sized liquid crystal (LC) domains are dispersed within a polymer matrix (nano‐PDLCs), are transparent solid materials whose optical properties can be modulated by applying an electric field (E‐field). Because the proportion of LC that can respond to an electric field is small, the specific surface area of the phase‐separated interface of nano‐PDLCs is larger than that of conventional PDLCs, resulting in higher drive voltages than those of conventional PDLCs. To lower the driving voltage of nano‐PDLCs, highly polar LCs (C3DIO) are used with a large dielectric anisotropy (>10000), and prepared nano‐PDLCs using DIO mixtures obtained by mixing them with related compounds as the host LC. Nano‐PDLCs employing DIO mixtures exhibit higher E‐field responsivity than those using conventional LC. In addition, the electro‐optical Kerr coefficient at visible wavelength is significantly high, reaching 10−8 m V−2. Furthermore, nano‐PDLCs using the DIO mixture exhibit a memory effect in which the induced birefringence remains even after the removal of the in‐plane E‐field. Memorized birefringence can be erased by heating or applying an E‐field perpendicular to the substrate surface. Nano‐PDLCs using a DIO mixture can be rewritable electro‐birefringence‐responsive materials that can memorize arbitrary birefringence values.
Towards a species‐level phylogeny for Neotropical Myrtaceae: Notes on topology and resources for future studies
Authors:   The Neotropical Myrtaceae Working Group, Staggemeier Vanessa G. , Amorim Bruno , Bünger Mariana , Costa Itayguara R. , de Faria Jair Eustáquio Quintino , Flickinger Jonathan , Giaretta Augusto , Kubo Marcelo T. , Lima Duane Fernandes , dos Santos Leidiana Lima , Lourenço Ana Raquel , Lucas Eve , Mazine Fiorella Fernanda , Murillo‐A José , de Oliveira Marla Ibrahim Uehbe , Parra‐O Carlos , Proença Carolyn E. B. , Reginato Marcelo , Rosa Priscila Oliveira , Santos Matheus Fortes , Stadnik Aline , Tuler Amélia Carlos , Valdemarin Karinne Sampaio , Vasconcelos Thais
Published: May 2024

Premise

Increasingly complete phylogenies underpin studies in systematics, ecology, and evolution. Myrteae (Myrtaceae), with ~2700 species, is a key component of the exceptionally diverse Neotropical flora, but given its complicated taxonomy, automated assembling of molecular supermatrices from public databases often lead to unreliable topologies due to poor species identification.

Methods

Here, we build a taxonomically verified molecular supermatrix of Neotropical Myrteae by assembling 3909 published and 1004 unpublished sequences from two nuclear and seven plastid molecular markers. We infer a time‐calibrated phylogenetic tree that covers 712 species of Myrteae (~28% of the total diversity in the clade) and evaluate geographic and taxonomic gaps in sampling.

Results

The tree inferred from the fully concatenated matrix mostly reflects the topology of the plastid data set and there is a moderate to strong incongruence between trees inferred from nuclear and plastid partitions. Large, species‐rich genera are still the poorest sampled within the group. Eastern South America is the best‐represented area in proportion to its species diversity, while Western Amazon, Mesoamerica, and the Caribbean are the least represented.

Conclusions

We provide a time‐calibrated tree that can be more reliably used to address finer‐scale eco‐evolutionary questions that involve this group in the Neotropics. Gaps to be filled by future studies include improving representation of taxa and areas that remain poorly sampled, investigating causes of conflict between nuclear and plastid partitions, and the role of hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting in relationships that are poorly supported.
Ponatinib‐review of historical development, current status, and future research
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop M. , Chifotides Helen T. , Haddad Fadi G. , Short Nicholas J. , Loghavi Sanam , Jabbour Elias
Published: May 2024

Ponatinib is a third‐generation BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with high potency against Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐positive leukemias, including T315I‐mutated disease, which is resistant to first‐ and second‐generation TKIs. Ponatinib was approved for T315I‐mutated chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), CML resistant/intolerant to ≥2 prior TKIs, advanced phase CML and Ph‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) where no other TKIs are indicated, and T315I‐mutated CML and Ph‐positive ALL. The response‐based dosing of ponatinib in chronic phase CML (CP‐CML) improved treatment tolerance and reduced the risk of toxicities, including cardiovascular risks. Ponatinib‐based therapy also resulted in significantly better outcomes in frontline Ph‐positive ALL compared with prior TKIs and is becoming a new standard of care in this setting. As the clinical development of third‐generation TKIs and their rational combinations progresses, we envision further transformative changes in the treatment of CML and Ph‐positive ALL.
Next‐generation phenotyping in Nigerian children with Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Arlt Annabelle , Knaus Alexej , Hsieh Tzung‐Chien , Klinkhammer Hannah , Bhasin Meghna Ahuja , Hustinx Alexander , Moosa Shahida , Krawitz Peter , Ekure Ekanem
Published: May 2024

Next‐generation phenotyping (NGP) can be used to compute the similarity of dysmorphic patients to known syndromic diseases. So far, the technology has been evaluated in variant prioritization and classification, providing evidence for pathogenicity if the phenotype matched with other patients with a confirmed molecular diagnosis. In a Nigerian cohort of individuals with facial dysmorphism, we used the NGP tool GestaltMatcher to screen portraits prior to genetic testing and subjected individuals with high similarity scores to exome sequencing (ES). Here, we report on two individuals with global developmental delay, pulmonary artery stenosis, and genital and limb malformations for whom GestaltMatcher yielded Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) as the top hit. ES revealed a known pathogenic nonsense variant, NM_133433.4: c.598C>T; p.(Gln200*), as well as a novel frameshift variant c.7948dup; p.(Ile2650Asnfs*11) in NIPBL. Our results suggest that NGP can be used as a screening tool and thresholds could be defined for achieving high diagnostic yields in ES. Training the artificial intelligence (AI) with additional cases of the same ethnicity might further increase the positive predictive value of GestaltMatcher.
Simultaneous sensing of carbidopa and levodopa by a novel strategy based on dual‐emission ratiometric assay of modified carbon dots
Authors: Abbasi Majd Sasan , Kashanian Soheila , Shekarbeygi Zahra , Babaei Mahsa
Published: May 2024

Rapid control of the content of Parkinson's drugs in biological fluids and pharmaceutical formulations is of great importance because changes in the concentration of these drugs affect their bioavailability and biopharmaceutical properties. Therefore, we presented a simple and convenient method for the ratiometric detection of carbidopa and levodopa for carbon dots (CDs) dual‐fluorescent emission. Dual‐emission CDs were prepared from chitosan using a microwave method, following which the surface was chemically modified with terephthalaldehyde. CDs had two strong well‐separated peaks at 445 and 510 nm. The relative measurement of carbidopa and levodopa was based on the static extinction of CDs at 445 nm and increase at 510 nm, respectively. The linear range for carbidopa measurement was 2.5–300 nM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.1 nM, and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.68%. Further, the linear range for levodopa measurement was equal to 3.0–400 nM, with LOD and RSD% of 2.8 nM and 3.5%, respectively. Also, selectivity of ratiometric sensor in the presence of interferences was investigated, which showed that the recovery of carbidopa and levodopa in serum and urine samples has changed between 96.80% and 116.24% with RSD% 0.11–0.77. CDs also provided good results for the determination of carbidopa and levodopa in real samples, and had high selectivity in the presence of possible interferences.
Influence of antioxidants from pequi leaves on the thermal and oxidative stability of biodiesel
Authors: Irineu Ranuir Lucas de Oliveira , Silva Victor Juan Rodrigues da , Nogueira Josiane da Rocha Ferreira , Merlo Thais Cardoso , Rial Rafael Cardoso
Published: May 2024

In this study, the efficacy of antioxidants found in pequi leaves was examined for safeguarding pequi biodiesel (EBP) against oxidation. The results reveal notable achievements. The antioxidant activity of AFP (a pequi leaf antioxidant additive) was assessed at various concentrations, demonstrating that as the concentration of AFP increases, the inhibition percentage significantly rises, reaching a remarkable inhibition of 99.12% at 100 mg L−1, with a calculated IC50 of 25.4 mg L−1. Additionally, the analysis of the AFP composition revealed the presence of terpenes and oxygenated compounds, which are well known for their antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the research emphasized the significance of thermogravimetric analysis in evaluating the thermal stability of additives, identifying critical temperatures at which AFP begins to protect biodiesel against oxidation (247.18°C) and the point at which its effectiveness may diminish (469.19°C). The EBP met quality standards regarding acidity, water content and density, but exhibited slightly lower oxidative stability compared with established standards. The correlation between the thermal degradation of biodiesel and the induction period highlighted the efficacy of AFP in mitigating thermal degradation. Nevertheless, it also indicated that maintaining biodiesel quality requires complementary approaches to minimize degradation over time.
Expression levels of tam receptors and ligands in the testes of rats exposed to short and middle‐term 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation
Authors: Katirci Ertan , Kirimlioglu Esma , Oflamaz Asli O. , Hidisoglu Enis , Cernomorcenco Alexandra , Yargıcoğlu Piraye , Ozen Sukru , Demir Necdet
Published: May 2024

With advances in technology, the emission of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) into the environment, particularly from mobile devices, has become a growing concern. Tyro 3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) receptors and their ligands are essential for spermatogenesis and testosterone production. RFR has been shown to induce testicular cell apoptosis by causing inflammation and disrupting homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the role of TAM receptors and ligands in the maintenance of homeostasis and elimination of apoptotic cells in the testes (weeks), short‐term sham exposure (sham/1 week), and middle‐term sham exposure (sham/10 weeks). Testicular morphology was assessed using hematoxylin‐eosin staining, while immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess expression levels of TAM receptors and ligands in the testes of all groups. The results showed that testicular morphology was normal in the control, sham/1 week, and sham/10 weeks groups. However, abnormal processes of spermatogenesis and seminiferous tubule morphology were observed in RFR exposure groups. Cleaved Caspase 3 immunoreactivity showed statistically significant difference in 1 and 10 weeks exposure groups compared to control group. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the immunoreactivity of Tyro 3, Axl, Mer, Gas 6, and Pros 1 between groups. Moreover, Tyro 3 expression in Sertoli cells was statistically significantly increased in RFR exposure groups compared to the control. Taken together, the results suggest that RFR exposure negatively affects TAM signalling, preventing the clearance of apoptotic cells, and this process may lead to infection and inflammation. As a result, rat testicular morphology and function may be impaired.
Anatomical study of the relationship between the lumbar intervertebral disc, nerves, and psoas major
Authors: Sun Hongqi , Fan Chaohui , Zhou Xinying , Zheng Zhiyang , Liu Zezheng , Li Qingchu , Zhao Qinghao
Published: May 2024

Cadaveric study; To describe the characteristics of the nerve and its relationship with the lumbar intervertebral disc and psoas major muscle. Nerve injury is an understudied complication of extreme lateral interbody fusion. A detailed description of the nerve anatomy would be helpful for surgeons to minimize the risk of this complication. The lumbar plexus and lumbar sympathetic nerve of 10 embalmed male cadavers were dissected, and the distribution, number, and spatial orientation of the nerves on the L1/2 to L4/5 intervertebral discs were examined. Metal wires were applied along nerve paths through the psoas major muscle. The position of the nerves was examined on CT. In zone III at L1/2 and L4/5, no nerves were found. In zone II and zone III at L2/3, no lumbar plexus was found, and only the ramus communicans passed through. At the L1‐L5 level, the density of nerves in the posterior half of the psoas major muscle was greater than that in the anterior half. The lumbar plexus was found in all of zone IV. The genitofemoral nerve emerges superficially and anteriorly from the medial border of the psoas major at the L3–4 level, but at the L1/2 level, the sympathetic trunk is located in zone II. The remaining disc‐level sympathetic trunks appear in zone I. No nerves were found in zone III of the L1/2 or L4/5 disc. In zones II and III of L2/3, the lumbar plexus appears safe. The genitofemoral nerve travels through zones II and III of L3/4. The distribution density of nerves in the posterior half of the psoas major muscle was greater than that in the anterior half of that muscle at the L1‐L5 level.
Predicting wheat flour quality for making Japanese sponge cake using flour pasting properties as measured by the Rapid Visco Analyzer
Authors: Mense Andrew L. , Ross Andrew S. , Bock Jayne E.
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate a series of Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) methods for their ability to produce results that were predictive of Japanese sponge cake (JSC) quality. Two solvents (water and 50% [w/w] sucrose in water) and two temperature profiles [Standard 1 (STD 1) and an internal cake temperature profile] were selected to run across a diverse set of flour samples from two crop years that possessed variable bake performance. The results were analyzed for predictive outcomes for JSC prepared using a mechanical fold method.

Findings

The solvent retention capacity (SRC) results did not show any significant trends with JSC quality. The RVA results from both profiles using water as the solvent did not show a significant correlation with JSC quality while the 50% (w/w) sucrose solvent was significantly correlated (p ≤ .01). The STD 1 and internal cake temperature profile batter pasting viscosity (BPV) using the sucrose solvent showed significant (p ≤ .01) correlations with mechanical folded JSC volume (r = .97), firmness (r = −.88), and overall score (r = .85).

Conclusions

The RVA BPV results showed that a 50% sucrose solvent could more accurately be used to predict and screen for JSC quality outcomes. Both RVA profiles could be used with a sucrose solvent to predict JSC quality. JSC volume and overall score showed significant positive correlations with BPV while firmness had a significant negative correlation.

Significance and Novelty

This research identified two RVA profiles that when paired with a 50% (w/w) sucrose solvent could be used to screen for JSC quality using less flour and taking less time than a bake test. This test could potentially assist breeders and millers in quicky screening flours for efficient decision making. This is the first time an RVA temperature profile that mimics the internal rise in temperature for a JSC during baking has been used to predict JSC quality. In addition, the STD 1 profile using the 50% (w/w) sucrose solvent has not been previously used to predict JSC quality.
Enzymatic Production of Glycerol from Glycolaldehyde and Formaldehyde
Authors: Seo Pil‐Won , Kim Ji‐Won , Kim Jeong‐Sun
Published: May 2024

Glycerol is a simple and important polyol in both biological and industrial field. To produce glycerol in an eco‐friendly manner, we established a one‐pot cascade reaction by fructose‐6‐phosphate aldolase (FSA) and aldehyde reductase (ALR) from formaldehyde (FALD) and its dimerized form glycolaldehyde (GALD) via L‐glyceraldehyde. For this, we characterized two FSAs at various conditions. Among them, FSA from Gilliamella apicola (GaFSA) has shown the higher L‐glyceraldehyde production activity in the phosphate buffer than the well‐known FSA from Escherichia coli (EcFSA) by more than 2 times. We also characterized two ALRs (xylose reductase from Candida tenuis; CtXR, the annotated DL‐glyceraldehyde reductase from Hypocrea jecorina; HjGLD) that specifically reduce L‐glyceraldehyde into glycerol. Bioproduction of glycerol from FALD and GALD was performed using GaFSA and CtXR, which produced ~8.8 mM glycerol from 25 mM of FALD and GALD (conversion yield of ~35 %). This suggested that a simple process would help in designing a green production of glycerol from a wasteful one‐carbon chemicals.
Dimensionality reducing Gaussian mixture‐based reconstruction for fault detection in multimode processes
Authors: Cui Yanfeng , Fan Wei , Zhou Yongzan
Published: May 2024

Modern industrial processes increasingly prioritize demands for safety and reliability, spurring substantial research on process monitoring models. Among existing research subjects, concurrent multimode operating conditions are vital for effective process monitoring. This work proposes an efficient dimensionality‐reducing Gaussian mixture‐based reconstruction approach for multimode industrial process monitoring. The t‐SNE method is first employed to transform high‐dimensional data into a lower‐dimensional space that retains critical operational information. Using these reduced dimensions, a robust Gaussian mixture model is established to partition the operation data into different modes. Furthermore, the original data are assigned to the corresponding operating modes, and local variational autoencoder (VAE) reconstruction models are established, respectively. For each VAE model, two statistics are designed, termed and , to detect abnormalities. The proposed method is applied to a three‐phase flow facility, and the superiority over the comparison methods is proved.
From Deep Learning to the Discovery of Promising VEGFR‐2 Inhibitors
Authors: Yucel Mehmet Ali , Adal Ercan , Aktekin Mine Buga , Hepokur Ceylan , Gambacorta Nicola , Nicolotti Orazio , Algul Oztekin
Published: May 2024

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) stands as a prominent therapeutic target in oncology, playing a critical role in angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. FDA‐approved VEGFR‐2 inhibitors are associated with diverse side effects. Thus, finding novel and more effective inhibitors is of utmost importance. In this study, a deep learning (DL) classification model was first developed and then employed to select putative active VEGFR‐2 inhibitors from an in‐house chemical library including 187 druglike compounds. A pool of 18 promising candidates was shortlisted and screened against VEGFR‐2 by using molecular docking. Finally, two compounds, RHE‐334 and EA‐11, were prioritized as promising VEGFR‐2 inhibitors by employing PLATO, our target fishing and bioactivity prediction platform. Based on this rationale, we prepared RHE‐334 and EA‐11 and successfully tested their anti‐proliferative potential against MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells with IC50 values of 26.78±4.02 and 38.73±3.84 μM, respectively. Their toxicities were instead challenged against the WI‐38. Interestingly, expression studies indicated that, in the presence of RHE‐334, VEGFR‐2 was equal to 0.52±0.03, thus comparable to imatinib equal to 0.63±0.03. In conclusion, this workflow based on theoretical and experimental approaches demonstrates effective in identifying VEGFR‐2 inhibitors and can be easily adapted to other medicinal chemistry goals.
Towards the Targeted Protein Degradation of PRMT1
Authors: Martin Poppy L. , Pérez‐Areales Francisco Javier , Rao Shalini V. , Walsh Stephen J. , Carroll Jason S. , Spring David R.
Published: May 2024

Targeting the protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. The phase 1 clinical trial for GSK3368715, the first PRMT1 inhibitor to enter the clinic, was terminated early due to a lack of clinical efficacy, extensive treatment‐emergent effects, and dose‐limiting toxicities. The incidence of the latter two events may be associated with inhibition‐driven pharmacology as a high and sustained concentration of inhibitor is required for therapeutic effect. The degradation of PRMT1 using a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) may be superior to inhibition as proceeds via event‐driven pharmacology where a PROTAC acts catalytically at a low dose. PROTACs containing the same pharmacophore as GSK3368715, combined with a motif that recruits the VHL or CRBN E3‐ligase, were synthesised. Suitable cell permeability and target engagement were shown for selected candidates by the detection of downstream effects of PRMT1 inhibition and by a NanoBRET assay for E3‐ligase binding, however the candidates did not induce PRMT1 degradation. This paper is the first reported investigation of PRMT1 for targeted protein degradation and provides hypotheses and insights to assist the design of PROTACs for PRMT1 and other novel target proteins.
Application and Quality of Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis in Pharmaceutical Research: A Systematic Cross‐Sectional Analysis and Practical Considerations
Authors: Yang Zhirong , He Hua , Wang Rui , Liu Dongyang , Li Ge , Sun Feng
Published: May 2024

Model‐based meta‐analysis (MBMA) can be used in assisting drug development and optimizing treatment in clinical practice, potentially reducing costs and accelerating drug approval. We aimed to assess the application and quality of MBMA studies. We searched multiple databases to identify MBMA in pharmaceutical research. Eligible MBMA should incorporate pharmacological concepts to construct mathematical models and quantitatively examine and/or predict drug effects. Relevant information was summarized to provide an overview of the application of MBMA. We used AMSTAR‐2 and PRISMA 2020 checklists to evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of included MBMA, respectively. A total of 143 MBMA studies were identified. MBMA was increasingly used over time for one or more areas: drug discovery and translational research (n = 8, 5.6%), drug development decision making (n = 42, 29.4%), optimization of clinical trial design (n = 46, 32.2%), medication in special populations (n = 15, 10.5%), and rationality and safety of drug use (n = 71, 49.7%). The included MBMA covered 17 disease areas, with the top three being nervous system diseases (n = 19, 13.2%), endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (n = 17, 11.8%), and neoplasms (n = 16, 11.1%). Of these MBMA studies, 138 (96.5%) were rated as very low quality. The average rate of compliance with PRISMA was only 51.4%. Our findings suggested that MBMA was mainly used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of drugs, with a focus on chronic diseases. The methodological and reporting quality of MBMA should be further improved. Given AMSTAR‐2 and PRISMA checklists were not specifically designed for MBMA, adapted assessment checklists for MBMA should be warranted.
Revealing the Roles of Guanidine Hydrochloride Ionic Liquid in Ion Inhibition and Defects Passivation for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Saeed Aamir , Wang Liang , Chen Zhaoyang , Fang Junhui , Hussain Iqbal , Yuan Lin , Wang Shuai , Zhao Jianwei , Zhang Haitao , Miao Qingqing
Published: May 2024

As a result of full‐scale ongoing global efforts, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskite has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, the long‐term operational stability for commercialization standards is still lagging owing to intrinsic defects such as ion migration‐induced degradation, undercoordinated Pb2+, and shallow defects initiated by disordered crystal growth. Herein, we employed multifunctional, non‐volatile tetra‐methyl guanidine hydrochloride [TMGHCL] ionic liquid (IL) as an additive to elucidate defects’ passivation effects on organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskite. More specifically, the formation of hydrogen bonds between H+ in GA+ and I− and coordinate bonding between Cl− and undercoordinated Pb2+ could significantly passivate these defects. The hypothesis was confirmed by both experimental and DFT simulations displaying that the optimized ratio of IL integration restrains ion migration, improving grains’ size, and significantly elongating the carrier lifetime. Remarkably, the modified cell achieved a peak efficiency of 22.00 % with negligible hysteresis, compared to the control device‘s PCE of 20.12 %. In addition, the TMGHCL‐based device retains its 93.29 % efficiency after 16 days of continuous exposure to air with a relative humidity of 35±5% and temperature of 25±5 °C. This efficient approach of adding IL to perovskites absorber can produce high PCE and has strong commercialization potential.
Enhancement of Li/S Battery Performance by a Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide Carbon Host Decorated with MoO3
Authors: Piñuela‐Noval Juan , Fernández‐González Daniel , Suárez Marta , Verdeja Luis Felipe , Celeste Arcangelo , Pierini Adriano , Mazzei Franco , Navarra Maria Assunta , Brutti Sergio , Fernández Adolfo , Agostini Marco
Published: May 2024

Electrochemical energy storage systems based on sulfur and lithium can theoretically deliver high energy with the further benefit of low cost. However, the working mechanism of this device involves the dissolution of sulfur to high‐molecular weight lithium polysulfides (LiPs with general formula Li2Sn, n≥4) in the electrolyte during the discharge process. Therefore, the resulting migration of partially dissociated LiPs by diffusion or under the effect of the electric field to the lithium anode, activates an internal shuttle mechanism, reduces the active material and in general leads to loss of performance and cycling stability. These drawbacks poses challenges to the commercialization of Li/S cells in the short term. In this study, we report on the decoration of reduced graphene oxide with MoO3 particles to enhance interactions with LiPs and retain sulfur at the cathode side. The combination of experiments and density functional theory calculations demonstrated improvements in binding interactions between the cathode and sulfur species, enhancing the cycling stability of the Li/S cells.
Anchoring Single‐Atomic Metal Sites in Metalloporphyrin‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Zi‐Ao , Xu Zi‐Jian , Li Jun‐Yu , Li Xi‐Ya , Fang Zhi‐Bin , Zhang Teng
Published: May 2024

A photoactive covalent organic framework (COF) was built from metalloporphyrin and bipyridine monomers and single‐atomic Pt sites were subsequently installed. Integrating photosensitizing metalloporphyrin and substrate‐activating Pt(bpy) moieties in a single solid facilitates multielectron transfer and accelerates photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with a maximum production rate of 80.4 mmol h−1 gPt−1 and turnover frequency (TOF) of 15.7 h−1 observed. This work demonstrates that incorporation of single‐atomic metal sites with photoactive COFs greatly enhances photocatalytic activity and provides an effective strategy for the design and construction of novel photocatalysts.
Susceptibility of Leishmania to novel pentavalent organometallics: Investigating impact on DNA and membrane integrity in antimony(III)‐sensitive and ‐resistant strains
Authors: Islam Arshad , do Prado Bruno Rodrigues , Dittz Dalton , Rodrigues Bernardo Lages , Silva Sydnei Magno da , do Monte‐Neto Rubens L. , Shabeer Muhammad , Frézard Frédéric , Demicheli Cynthia
Published: May 2024

The aim the present study was to investigate the impact of novel pentavalent organobismuth and organoantimony complexes on membrane integrity and their interaction with DNA, activity against Sb(III)‐sensitive and ‐resistant Leishmania strains and toxicity in mammalian peritoneal macrophages. Ph3M(L)2 type complexes were synthesized, where M = Sb(V) or Bi(V) and L = deprotonated 3‐(dimethylamino)benzoic acid or 2‐acetylbenzoic acid. Both organobismuth(V) and organoantimony(V) complexes exhibited efficacy at micromolar concentrations against Leishmania amazonensis and L. infantum but only the later ones demonstrated biocompatibility. Ph3Sb(L1)2 and Ph3Bi(L1)2 demonstrated distinct susceptibility profiles compared to inorganic Sb(III)‐resistant strains of MRPA‐overexpressing L. amazonensis and AQP1‐mutated L. guyanensis. These complexes were able to permeate the cell membrane and interact with the Leishmania DNA, suggesting that this effect may contribute to the parasite growth inhibition via apoptosis. Taken altogether, our data substantiate the notion of a distinct mechanism of uptake pathway and action in Leishmania for these organometallic complexes, distinguishing them from the conventional inorganic antimonial drugs.