bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetically Actuated Microrobot Equipped with Electron‐Extracting Nanohooks for Enhanced Photothermal Fungal Eradication
Authors: Tang Zhuoyun , Kang Yong , Tang Haiyang , Li Qian , Qu Wei , Ji Xiaoyuan , Xia Dehua
Published: December 2024

Fungal infections pose a formidable challenge in the healing of diabetic wounds due to complex inflammatory microenvironments, high resistance, and recurrence risks, particularly during fungal aggregation and germination stages. Inspired by controllable fishhooks, this work presents a magnetically actuated microrobot (Co@NCNH/NC) that leverages carbon nanohooks to enhance localized photothermal therapy. This microrobot features controllable navigation capabilities to pathogens in the magnetic field, enabling precise fungal capture and thermally promoted penetration even in high‐viscosity environments. With impact force and high conductivity, the microrobot's nanohooks induce disruption of cell envelopes and facilitate electron extraction from membranes, collectively compromising fungal integrity and enhancing fungal vulnerability. Thus, in situ, heat ablation further eradicates aggregated spores and causes irreversible damage to germinated fungi by aggravating cellular lysis, metabolic dysfunction, and destruction of actin cytoskeletons, inhibiting fungal self‐repair and growth. Moreover, Co@NCNH/NC with good biocompatibility exhibits catalase‐like activity that helps alleviate wound inflammation during therapy. This dual‐action approach accelerates critical wound healing processes including angiogenesis and epidermalization, ultimately improving healing outcomes in chronic diabetic wounds. By combining targeted fungal eradication with inflammation reduction and tissue regeneration, this adaptable microrobotic technology shows considerable promise for advancing therapeutic efficacy and prevention of recurrence in diabetic wound healing.
Self‐Driven Janus Ga/Mg Micromotors for Reducing Deep Bacterial Infection in the Treatment of Periodontitis
Authors: Chi Hang , Wu Wei , Bao Hongxia , Wu Yingjie , Hu Narisu
Published: December 2024

A self‐propulsion Janus gallium (Ga)/magnesium (Mg) bimetallic micromotor is designed with favorable biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties as a therapeutic strategy for periodontitis. The Janus Ga/Mg micromotors are fabricated by microcontact printing technique to asymmetrically modify liquid metallic gallium onto magnesium microspheres. Hydrogen bubbles produced by the magnesium‐water reaction can provide the driving performance of up to 31.03 µm s−1 (pH 6.8), prompting the micromotor to actively breakthrough the biological barrier of saliva and gingival crevice fluid (GCF) into the bottom of periodontal pockets. In addition, the Janus Ga/Mg micromotors are effectively converted by degradation into the built‐in antimicrobial ion Ga(III) to eliminate deep‐seated Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis), with bactericidal efficiencies of over 99.8%. The developed Janus Ga/Mg micromotors have demonstrated potent antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo studies. Crucially, it reduces alveolar bone resorption, demonstrating the superior efficacy of liquid metal gallium in treating periodontitis. Therefore, Ga/Mg bimetallic micromotors hold great promise to be an innovative and translational drug delivery system to treat periodontitis or other inflammation‐related diseases in the near future.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Application of TS‐1 Zeolite for Green Catalytic Oxidation
Authors: Wang Jiawen , Duan Ning , Li Pan , Liu Yanyan , Wu Xianli , Li Baojun
Published: December 2024

TS‐1 has a unique structure, and TS‐1/H2O2 oxidation system for composition shows excellent catalytic performance in the oxidation of a variety of organic matter. The response conditions of the reaction system are mild, and the ultimate oxidation product is water. It is a typical “green catalytic” system and has received widespread attention from researchers. Here, the synthesis progress of TS‐1 to improve the accessibility and activity of active sites by doping mesoporous and microporous structures into traditional TS‐1 zeolite in recent five years are reviewed, including hydrothermal synthesis, dry gel conversion synthesis, solvent‐free synthesis, microwave assisted synthesis, and isomorphous substitution. Meanwhile, the application of TS‐1/H2O2 system in oxidative desulfurization, ketone ammonia oxidation, olefin epoxidation, and hydroxylation of aromatic hydrocarbons reactions are summarized and discussed. What's more, the reaction mechanism based on TS‐1/H2O2 system is proposed on regarding the isolated skeleton Ti site in titanium‐silicon zeolite as the active central site. Finally, the challenges and future development prospects of TS‐1 zeolite in synthesis and catalytic applications are predicted.
Streamlined Phase Transition and Reaction Compensation in Hybrid Evaporation‐Solution Deposited Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Zhou Yuan , Ai Wei , Pu Dexin , Fang Hongyi , Fu Shiqiang , Guan Hongling , Shao Wenlong , Chen Guoyi , Meng Weiwei , Fang Guojia , Ke Weijun
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a promising technology for next‐generation photovoltaics, yet scaling up from laboratory to industrial production via the solution spin‐coating method encounters significant challenges. Vacuum deposition offers a potential alternative but struggles with controlling perovskite phases and ensuring sufficient precursor reactions. Here, the study presents a hybrid evaporation‐solution approach using a large cation‐based pseudo‐halogen anion salt (guanidine thiocyanate) and a compensating cation salt (methylammonium iodide) as co‐additives to finely modulate the phase transition process. This approach eliminates the need for intermediate‐phase transitions, promotes sufficient precursor reactions, and facilitates the formation of highly oriented α‐phase perovskites prior to annealing. Consequently, it prevents detrimental δ‐phase formation, yielding enlarged, homogeneous perovskite grains with significantly reduced defects. The resulting p‐i‐n‐structured PSCs achieve a maximum efficiency of 24.72% and a low open‐circuit voltage loss of 0.377 V, coupled with significantly improved stability. The work integrates the advantages of vacuum deposition and solution processing, providing new insights into perovskite phase transitions and paving the way for the efficient, scalable production of high‐performance PSCs.
Beyond Molecular Design: Cocrystallization in Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks for Energy‐Conserving Dehydration and Real‐Time Luminescent Humidity Detection
Authors: Sun Wen‐Zhu , Zhang Wei‐Jie , Xu Ji‐Tong , Liu Dan‐Qing , Ou Bei‐Qi , Chen Ling , Ye Jia‐Wen , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: December 2024

Luminescent probes attract increasing attentions for the unique superiorities like visually real‐time detecting. However, for optical humidity sensing, it is still quite challenging to attain facile dehydration/activation in sensing materials, due to the high polarity of water molecules, which limits their applications in real‐time detection and energy‐conserving applications. Here, we report two fluorescent hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), HPISF‐H2O and TPISF. HPISF‐H2O achieves water absorption in low humidity, but needs an energy‐intensive step (heating to ∼92°C in air) to dehydrate. Conversely, despite only a hydroxyl group being replaced, TPISF cannot bind to H2O at all. In other words, real‐time detection is not readily achieved through straightforward molecular design. Therefore, we propose a cocrystallization strategy to adjust their water‐binding capacity. As a result, the HOF cocrystals are adjusted to have both good H2O absorptivity and very gentle desorbing operation without heating (dry gas blowing or vacuuming). Benefiting from this strategy, appreciable advantages for an effective humidity sensor are realized, including real‐time detection (second‐scale response/recovery) and distinguishing fluorescence variation. Efficient sensing across a broad relative humidity (RH) range (10.0%–80.0%) was further achieved. Moreover, the mechanistic insight of fluorescent sensing was ascertained through detailed analyses of structural transformation, spectroscopic data, and theoretical approach.
Reconfigurable CMOS‐Compatible Supercapacitor‐Diode Empowering Computation Efficiency for Human‐Machine Interaction
Authors: Wang Dong , Yang Bofan , Zhou Ziye , Zhang Zhihan , Wu Zhengxiao , Huang Xiaodong
Published: December 2024

Biological system utilizes unidirectional ion flow to produce and transmit signals. To realize bioinspired artificial intelligence and thus seamless human‐machine interaction, ion rectification devices should be developed. Here, a reconfigurable CMOS‐compatible supercapacitor‐diode (CAPode) is developed by resettling the pseudo‐capacitive and electrochemical‐double‐layer‐capacitive components of a lithium‐ion pseudocapacitor into the positive and negative voltage regions respectively through engineering the redox peaks. This CAPode exhibits good ion rectification and charge‐storage bifunction with high rectification ratio (RR) (RRI~20, RRII~0.83), large areal capacitance (17 mF cm−2) and long cycling stability (5000 cycles). More importantly, two main computing paradigms in the biological system are efficiently realized based on this CAPode by empowering the supercapacitor function into the diode: (I) multivalued ionic logic gates are constructed based on the tunable ion rectification characteristics induced by the bifunction of this CAPode for mimicking the dendritic computing; (II) all‐CAPode based reservoir computing is implemented based on the reconfigurable volatile and nonvolatile charge‐storage characteristics of this CAPode for mimicking the neuromorphic computing. This work paves a new way towards seamless and high‐efficiency human‐machine interaction.
Promoting Alcohols Electrooxidation Coupled with Hydrogen Production via Asymmetric Pulse Potential Strategy
Authors: Xia Tian , Yang Jiangrong , Ren Qinghui , Fu Yu , Zhang Zhiyuan , Li Zhenhua , Shao Mingfei , Duan Xue
Published: December 2024

Electrocatalytic organic oxidation coupled with hydrogen (H2) production emerges as a profitable solution to simultaneously reduce overall energy consumption of H2 production and synthetic high‐value chemicals. Noble metal catalysts are highly efficient electrocatalysts in oxidation reactions, but they deactivate easily weakening the benefit in actual production. Herein, we report a universal asymmetric pulse potential strategy to achieve long‐term stable operation of noble metals for various alcohol oxidation reactions and noble metal catalysts. For example, by pulsed potentials between 0.8 V and 0 V vs. RHE, palladium (Pd)‐catalyzed glycerol (GLY) electrooxidation can continuously proceed for more than 2800 h with glyceric acid (GLA) selectivity of >70 %. Whereas, Pd electrocatalyst becomes nearly deactivated within 6 h of reaction under conventional potentiostatic strategy. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the generated electrophilic OH* from H2O/OH− oxidation on Pd (denoted as Pd−OH*) acts as main active species for GLY oxidation. However, Pd−OH* is prone to be oxidized to PdOx resulting in performance decay. When a short reduction potential (e.g., 0 V vs. RHE for 5 s) is powered, PdOx can be reversibly reduced to restore the current. Moreover, we tested the feasibility of this strategy in a flow electrolyzer, verifying the practical application potential.
Phthalimide derivatives as a new class of papain‐like protease inhibitors in SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Frasson David , Sievers Martin , Riedl Rainer
Published: December 2024

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) papain‐like cysteine protease (PLpro) represents one of only two essential cysteine proteases involved in the regulation of viral replication. It, therefore, qualifies as a promising therapeutic target for the development of antiviral agents. We identified a previously synthesized protease inhibitor, resulting from an earlier project, as a PLpro inhibitor and crafted a structure–activity relationship around the hit, leading to the more potent inhibitors ZHAWOC6941 (17h) and ZHAWOC25153 (17o) displaying IC50 values of 8 and 7 µM, respectively. The two compounds represent a new class of PLpro inhibitors and, with single‐digit micromolar IC50 values, are comparable to inhibitors found in the literature.
Bauakustische Simulation einer Holzrahmenwand
Authors: Stenitzer Alexander , Neusser Maximilian , Nusser Bernd
Published: December 2024

Bauphysikalische Simulationen haben sich im Planungsalltag der Hygrothermik bereits fest etabliert. Die Simulation realer physikalischer Effekte in der Bauakustik, speziell im Leichtbau, und die Möglichkeit, präzise Vorhersagen zu treffen, stellt bisher aber noch eine Herausforderung dar. Mit zunehmender Nachfrage im Holzbau wachsen die Ansprüche sowie der Bedarf an Planungssicherheit. Die zuverlässige frequenzabhängige Prognose des Schalldämmmaßes von Leichtbauteilen könnte ressourcenintensive Messungen einsparen. Bisher hat sich die Finite Elemente Methode (FEM) als geeignete Methode erwiesen, um bauakustische Parameterstudien an Leichtbauteilen durchzuführen und konstruktive Veränderungen in Relation zueinander zu bewerten. In diesem Artikel wird die Simulation einer Holzrahmenwand in Fenstergröße mithilfe der FEM präsentiert. Die Simulationsergebnisse, durchgeführt mit der Software „COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1“, werden mit bauakustischen Messungen verglichen. Das Schalldämmmaß wird mit einer maximalen Abweichung von 5 dB pro Terzband prognostiziert. Bei der FEM ist die Qualität der Eingangsdaten entscheidend, wobei durch Modalanalysen relevante Steifigkeitswerte und Verlustfaktoren ermittelt werden. Dieser Ansatz gewinnt insbesondere bei mehrschichtigen Bauteilen mit anisotropen Materialien an Relevanz. Zusätzlich zur Modellvalidierung wurden anhand des Modells unterschiedliche Parametervariationen durchgeführt, deren Ergebnisse ebenfalls detailliert dargelegt werden.
Naturally Occurring Cleistanthane Diterpenoids and Their Biological Activities
Authors: Yang Hong‐Ying , He Yi‐Lin , Chen Jian‐Jun , Gao Kun
Published: December 2024

Cleistanthane diterpenoids, an important class of active natural products, are characterized by a 6/6/6 tricycle system and contain a variety of functional groups. Studies have shown that cleistanthane diterpenoids are widespread in various higher plants and endophytic fungi and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. This review provides extensive coverage of naturally occurring cleistanthane diterpenoids discovered from 1973 to 2024 and sheds light on the sources, structures, biological effects, and primary molecular mechanisms of them and provides a useful reference for the further study and development of these compounds.
Conservative Management of Horizontal Root Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Haghdadi Farid , Mokabberi Amirreza , Rad Seyed Ahmad Banihashem
Published: December 2024

In cases where permanent teeth have closed apices and completely erupted roots, the probability of root fractures is increased due to the stable support given by the adjacent bone and periodontal tissues. Fractures have the potential to affect several dental structures, including the pulp, dentin, cementum, bone, and periodontal tissues. In cases of horizontal root fractures (HRF), the apical section typically maintains vitality; however, the present case presented an unusual apex necrosis. Given the patient's age and tooth stability, traditional apical surgery was deemed inappropriate. Instead, a conservative treatment approach was chosen to preserve the tooth. This case report details the management and a 2‐year follow‐up of a maxillary central incisor exhibiting a HRF and apical necrosis, successfully addressed through the application of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) in the both apical and coronal segments. Using MTA prevented apical surgery in cases of apex necrosis accompanied by HRF.
Systemic‐to‐Pulmonary Collateral Artery in a Preterm Infant
Authors: Shitara Yoshihiko , Furuya Tomoko , Kondo Utako , Kushima Reiko
Published: December 2024

This case involved the detection of a systemic‐to‐pulmonary collateral artery (SPCA) in a preterm infant at 18 days using echocardiography, with SPCA closure identified at 11 months. Regular echocardiographic monitoring is essential to prompt therapeutic intervention in cases of elevated pulmonary flow, emphasizing the importance of timely management.
Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst Promoted with Amorphous MgO for Enhanced CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
Authors: Chen Hecao , Xie Shangzhi , Jiang Zhaocong , Xu Jing , Zhu Minghui
Published: December 2024

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol not only reduces CO2 emissions but also produces a high‐quality energy source that is easy to store and transport. We found that the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3/MgO catalyst prepared by the deposition‐precipitation method, exhibits a higher methanol space‐time yield compared to the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst below 2 MPa. However, no activity difference was observed beyond 2 MPa. Characterization techniques revealed that for the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3/MgO catalyst, MgO is amorphous attributed to the influence of Al during calcination. The presence of amorphous MgO not only reduces the size of Cu0 particles but also enhances CO2 adsorption on the catalyst surface. We also demonstrate that improvement of CO2 adsorption capacity is the key factor for the higher activity of the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3/MgO catalyst below 2 MPa.
Gold Nanoparticle‐Catalyzed Solvent Switchable Selective Partial Reduction of Nitrobenzene to N‐Phenylhydroxylamine and Azoxybenzene
Authors: Doherty Simon , Knight Julian G. , Alharbi Hussam Y. , Paterson Reece , Wills Corinne , Dixon Casey , Chamberlain Thomas W. , Yan Han , Griffiths Anthony , Daly Helen , Chansai Sarayute , Hardacre Christopher
Published: December 2024

Impregnation of phosphine‐decorated polymer‐immobilized ionic liquid with the tetrachloroaurate anion results in reduction of the gold(III) to gold(I) with concomitant oxidation of the phosphine to its oxide. In situ reduction of the resulting precursor, AuCl@O = PPh2‐PEGPIILS, generated the corresponding O = PPh2‐PEGPIIL‐stabilized AuNPs, AuNP@O = PPh2‐PEGPIILS, which is a highly active and selective catalyst for the solvent‐dependent partial reduction of nitrobenzene to N‐phenylhydroxylamine in water and azoxybenzene in ethanol. The initial TOFs are comparable to those obtained with gold nanoparticles generated by reduction of tetrachloroaurate‐impregnated phosphine oxide‐decorated polymer‐immobilized ionic liquid AuCl4@O = PPh2‐PEGPIILS, i.e., the activity and selectivity profiles do not appear to depend on whether the AuNPs are generated from Au(III) or in situ‐generated Au(I). In stark contrast, gold nanoparticles prepared by NaBH4 reduction of AuCl@PPh2‐PEGPIILS based on gold(I) confined in phosphine‐modified polymer‐immobilized ionic liquid gave markedly lower initial TOFs. The use of dimethylamine borane (DMAB) as the hydrogen donor resulted in a substantial and dramatic enhancement in activity for reductions conducted in water compared with NaBH4 and the initial TOF of 20,400 mol nitrobenzene converted mol Au−1 h−1 obtained with AuNPs generated in situ from AuCl4@O = PPh2‐PEGPIILS is among the highest to be reported for the metal nanoparticle catalyzed selective reduction of nitrobenzene to N‐phenylhydroxylamine; this is a significant improvement on existing protocols, which should enable the partial selective reduction of nitroarenes to be conducted in water with a low catalyst loading under extremely mild conditions.
Investigation of the Effects of Blocking Potassium Channels With 4‐Aminopyridine on Paclitaxel Activity in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Cüce‐Aydoğmuş Esra M. , İnhan‐Garip G. Ayşe
Published: December 2024

Background

Paclitaxel (PTX) has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent for several malignancies, including breast cancer, and efforts to increase the efficiency of PTX are continuous. Previous studies have shown that the voltage‐gated K+ channels are over‐expressed in breast cancer cell lines; therefore, blocking this type of K+ channel reduces cell proliferation and viability.

Aims

In this study, FDA‐approved 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), a voltage‐gated potassium channel blocker, was used in combination with PTX to improve the anticancer activity of PTX in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines.

Methods and Results

Viability was determined with trypan blue, a clonogenic assay was performed, and the cell cycle was determined with a flow cytometer and immunochemistry. To gain an insight into the mechanism, intracellular K+ concentration, intracellular Ca2+ (calcium) concentration, and transmembrane potential measurements were made with corresponding fluorescent dyes. The apoptotic cell number was determined using Annexin /PI method by flow cytometer. Viability decreased with combination therapy and the clonogenic assay proved decreased colony formation. The apoptotic cell number was increased after treatment with the combination in both cell lines. Cell cycle measurements showed G1 arrest for both MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines upon 4‐AP treatment. PTX caused G1 arrest in MCF‐7 cells and S phase arrest in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Combination treatment caused S phase arrest in MCF‐7 cells and S phase and G2/M phase arrest in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Intracellular K+ concentration was increased after all treatments in both cell lines. Ca2+ concentration was increased significantly after combination treatment. Depolarization in the transmembrane potential was observed after all treatments in both cell lines.

Conclusion

Biophysical parameters like the transmembrane potential and ion fluxes have been defined in cancer progression which can provide new aspects for cancer treatments. This study shows that the combination of 4‐AP with PTX is a promising alternative the mechanism of which needs further investigation considering the results obtained for Ca2+, K+, and membrane potential.
Microbial Upgrading of Lignin Depolymerization: Enhancing Efficiency with Lignin‐First Catalysis
Authors: Ponukumati Aditya , Carr Rhiannon , Ebrahimpourboura Zahra , Hu Yifeng , Narani Anand , Gao Yu , Shang Zeyu , Krishnamurthy Anirudh , Mba Wright Mark , Seok Moon Tae , Foston Marcus
Published: December 2024

Chemical depolymerization of lignin is a non‐selective process that often generates a wide distribution of product compounds, denoted herein as lignin breakdown products (LBPs). To address this limitation, we developed a hybrid lignin conversion process that employs a lignin‐first catalytic approach on biomass and subsequent microbial upgrading. A Pd/C catalyst was used for reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of poplar biomass, and Rhodococcus opacus PD630 (R. opacus PD630) was then cultivated on the resulting LBPs. This RCF approach increases the total biomass utilization by R. opacus PD630 over base‐catalyzed depolymerization (BCD) reactions that were performed in the absence of Pd/C and molecular hydrogen (H2). LBPs generated using RCF resulted in higher cell growth per gram of biomass. Cellulose in the residual biomass after RCF treatment also showed enhanced enzymatic digestibility due to saccharification yields over 40%. Techno‐economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA) of this hybrid lignin conversion scheme, integrated into a cellulosic bioethanol plant, decreased the minimum ethanol selling price from $4.07/gallon (base case) to $3.94/gallon. Global warming potentials ranged from 29 and 30.5 CO2,eq/MJ. These results highlight the potential for an industrial hybrid conversion‐based biorefinery scheme that utilizes lignin‐first catalytic deconstruction and R. opacus PD630 upgrading.
Natural Low‐Melting Mixture Solvents for Green Recovery of Spent All‐Solid‐State Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Superior Efficiency over Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yu , Shen Yaxue , Liu Zicheng , Yang Mingshuai , Zhang Yuqing , Niu Zihang , Wang Yanlong , Feng Minghui , Shi Zhuojia
Published: December 2024

Spent all‐solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries (ASIBs) containing toxic and precious metal would be produced significantly and lead to resource waste and environmental pollution as the wide application of ASIBs in the near future. Therefore, it is necessary to develop green strategy for recovery of ASIBs. Here, we propose a safe, mild and green strategy to recover toxic and precious metals from cathode/solid electrolyte of ASIBs by using natural low‐melting mixture solvents (LoMMSs) with high selectivity and high leaching efficiency. Natural LoMMSs are abundant, natural available, cheap, non‐flammable, biodegradable and biocompatible. Results show that natural LoMMSs could leach nearly 100 % Na and achieve superhigh Na/Zr selectivity of up to 58 from ASIBs at mild temperature, outperforming the recycling efficiency and selectivity of lithium‐ion batteries cathode. More importantly, we find that water could be used as a green and low‐cost anti‐solvent to precipitate the extracted metal from the leachate with low‐energy consumption at room temperature. This work provides a cost‐effective, energy‐saving, mild, green strategy for the recovery of cathode/solid electrolyte from spent ASIBs with high safety and high selectivity.
The conceptual potential of ‘more‐than‐human care’: A reflection with an artisanal fishing village in Brazil
Authors: Ressiore C. Adriana , Ludwig David , El‐Hani Charbel
Published: December 2024

As dominant approaches to biodiversity loss and climate change continue to fail in mitigating current socio‐environmental crises, scholars and activists are exploring novel conceptual frameworks to drive transformative change in conservation. Among these, more‐than‐human care has emerged as a concept at the intersection of feminist debates about care and post‐humanist discussions around the more‐than‐human. Although more‐than‐human care is increasingly referenced in the literature, it remains sparsely situated in the Global South. This article investigates the concept's potential to articulate care relations that can foster more plural, respectful, and transformative biodiversity conservation practices in local communities. Our research is situated in an artisanal fishing village in Brazil, where we engaged with both human and non‐human members of the community to engage with their perspectives on more‐than‐human care and its relevance to their local concerns. From our analysis, four key dimensions emerged: the vital and everyday nature of caring; the relationality between humans and non‐humans; reciprocity; and the fostering of flourishing for as many as possible. Our core argument is that the interaction between community practices and care theory enables new perspectives that center on daily and reciprocal care relations often overlooked in mainstream conservation approaches. By situating the conceptual potential of more‐than‐human care within the Global South, we underscore its ability to make the invisible visible and to inspire action for transformative change.
An investigation into the applicability of rapid artificial intelligence‐assisted compressed sensing in brain magnetic resonance imaging performed at 5 Tesla field strength
Authors: Zhou Liqiang , Wang Jiaqi
Published: December 2024

Background

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 5 T offers unprecedented spatial resolution but is often limited by long scan times. Acceleration techniques, such as compressed sensing (CS) and artificial intelligence‐assisted compressed sensing (ACS), have the potential to speed up the acquisition process while maintaining image quality. This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of CS and ACS (with various acceleration factors) in brain MRI imaging at 5 T.

Methods

In this study, we enrolled 12 healthy volunteers and compared ACS‐accelerated 5 T brain MRI with conventional methods of CS. The ACS acceleration factors for the brain protocol, consisting of 3D T1‐weighted sequences and 2D T2‐weighted sequences, were optimized in a pilot study on healthy volunteers (acceleration factor, 2.06–3.41× in T2‐weighted imaging and 3.52–8.49× in T1‐weighted imaging). We evaluated the images acquired from patients using various acceleration methods on the basis of acquisition times, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), the contrast‐to‐noise ratio, subjective image quality, and diagnostic agreement.

Results

Our findings revealed that ACS acceleration significantly reduced the acquisition times for T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences by up to 43% and 53%, respectively, compared with traditional CS at 5 T. Importantly, this acceleration was achieved while maintaining excellent image quality, demonstrated by higher or comparable SNR and contrast‐to‐noise ratio values.

Conclusions

The optimal ACS acceleration factors for 5 T brain MRI were determined to be 2.73× for 2D T2‐weighted sequences and 6.5× for 3D T1‐weighted sequences. ACS not only facilitates rapid imaging but also ensures comparable image quality and diagnostic performance, highlighting its potential to revolutionize high‐field MRI scanning.
Vitamin D3 Exerts a Neuroprotective Effect in Metabolic Syndrome Rats: Role of BDNF/TRKB/Akt/GS3Kβ Pathway
Authors: Aladdin Noha , Ghareib Salah A.
Published: December 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is usually associated with cognitive impairment, neuropathic pain, and reduced brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF via tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) exerts neuroprotection by activating protein kinase B (Akt) to inhibit glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β). Although Vitamin D3 (VitD3) has demonstrated favorable metabolic and neuronal outcomes in MetS, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects remain poorly elucidated. We aimed to test the hypothesis that VitD3 mitigates MetS‐induced cognition deficits and neuropathic pain via modulating the BDNF/TRKB/Akt/GS3Kβ signaling pathway. MetS was induced in male rats by 10% fructose‐supplemented water and 3% salt‐enriched diet. After 6 weeks, normal and MetS rats received either vehicle or VitD3 (10 µg/kg/day) for an additional 6 weeks. Glycemic status, lipid profile, and behavioral changes were assessed. The advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and markers of inflammation (TNF‐α and NF‐κB), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), and apoptosis (caspase3), as well as BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, Akt, GSK3β, phosphorylated tau, and amyloid beta (Aβ) were assessed in the cerebral cortex. MetS rats had deteriorated glycemic and lipid profiles, higher AGEs, reduced levels of BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, and active Akt, along with increased GSK3β levels, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These changes were associated with higher levels of cognitive impairment markers phosphorylated tau and Aβ, as well as behavioral changes indicative of cognitive impairment and neuropathic pain. VitD3 improved the cognitive and behavioral alterations, while mitigating the associated molecular derangements. Our results indicate that VitD3 may exert neuroprotective effects by modulating the BDNF/TrkB/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.
ESG Ratings and CEO Charitable Stock Donations: Is Firm ESG Aligned With CEO Personal Philanthropy?
Authors: Dai Han , Lee Daeun , Liang Ying , Litt Barri
Published: December 2024

In the evolving landscape of sustainable investing, with unprecedented market attention on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information, our study delves into the relationship between a firm's ESG ratings and the philanthropic behavior of its chief executive officer (CEO), particularly in terms of charitable stock donations. Examining US firms and utilizing comprehensive ESG data from Refinitiv, we find that ESG‐rated firm CEOs engage in greater personal stock donation activity as compared to their non‐ESG counterparts. They also appear to time donations in a less self‐serving manner. When we isolate ESG firms, we find CEOs of the strongest ESG performers exhibit no self‐interested timing behavior. Our study contributes to the sparse literature on CEO charitable behavior, shedding light on the potential alignment between ESG performance at the firm level and genuine, altruistic giving at the CEO level. Such alignment provides valuable insight for investors, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and researchers interested in the intersection of sustainable investing and executive action.
Eating Disorders, Co‐Morbid Disorders and Early Risk Factors Amongst Post‐9/11 Veteran Men and Women
Authors: Cooper Zafra , Smith Brian N. , Kehle‐Forbes Shannon , Dorset Julianne , Mitchell Karen S.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To assess, by interview, the rates of eating disorders in a nationally representative sample of recent veterans, describe their DSM‐5 eating disorder diagnoses and the occurrence of comorbid psychiatric disorders. To conduct an exploratory case‐control analysis of previously documented and additional specific military risk factors before eating disorder onset to inform studies of prospective risk.

Method

Using a two‐stage design, probable cases and controls were identified by screening questionnaires from a sample of 1494 veterans who completed a survey study and interviewed to establish case status and confirm probable co‐morbid psychiatric diagnoses. Previously documented risk factors and military risk factors occurring before disorder onset were investigated.

Results

Ninety‐one cases and 51 controls were confirmed. Weighted prevalence for any eating disorder was 5.2%, with estimates for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified eating disorder being 0.01%, 0.6%, 1.4%, and 1.6%, respectively. Seventy‐nine (86.8%) confirmed cases had a diagnosis of one or more co‐morbid psychiatric disorders. Previously documented risk factors were associated with subsequent case status, while in this sample, military risk factors were not.

Discussion

Rates of eating disorder and co‐occurring psychiatric disorders in recent veterans were comparable to those reported for non‐veterans, with levels of posttraumatic stress disorder likely higher. As co‐occurring psychiatric disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder, may complicate achieving good outcomes with existing evidence‐based treatments, there is an urgent need to adapt them where necessary to improve outcomes. Military risk factors may maintain or exacerbate pre‐existing problems and need to be investigated alongside other maintaining factors in longitudinal studies.

Public Significance

Rates of eating disorder and co‐occurring psychiatric disorders in recent veterans were comparable to those reported for non‐veterans, highlighting a need to detect eating problems and address unmet treatment need. Co‐occurring psychiatric disorders may complicate achieving good outcomes with existing treatments, emphasising a need to adapt them to improve outcomes. Investigating maintaining factors, including military factors in longitudinal studies will likely aid treatment development.
Long‐term changes in riparian connectivity and groundwater chemistry in an urban watershed
Authors: Washington Brittany N. , Groffman Peter M. , Duncan Jonathan M. , Band Lawrence E. , Miller Andrew J.
Published: December 2024

Hydrologic alterations associated with urbanization can weaken connections between riparian zones, streams, and uplands, leading to negative effects on the ability of riparian zones to intercept pollutants carried by surface water runoff and groundwater flow such as nitrate (NO3−) and phosphate (PO43−). We analyzed the monthly water table as an indicator of riparian connectivity, along with groundwater NO3− and PO43− concentrations, at four riparian sites within and near the Gwynns Falls Watershed in Baltimore, MD, from 1998 to 2018. The sites included one forested reference site (Oregon Ridge), two suburban riparian sites (Glyndon and Gwynnbrook), and one urban riparian site (Cahill) with at least two locations and four monitoring wells, located 5 m from the center of the stream, at each site. Results show an increase in connectivity as indicated by shallower water tables at two of the four sites studied: Glyndon and Cahill. This change in connectivity was associated with decreases in NO3− at Glyndon and increases in PO43− at Glyndon, Gwynnbrook, and Cahill. These changes are consistent with previous studies showing that shallower water table depths increase anaerobic conditions, which increase NO3− consumption by denitrification and decrease PO43− retention. The absence of change in the forested reference site, where climate would be expected to be the key driver, suggests that other drivers, including best management practices and stream restoration projects, could be affecting riparian water tables at the two suburban sites and the one urban site. Further research into the mechanisms behind these changes and site‐specific dynamics is needed.
Fertilizer management approaches influence nutrient leaching from residential landscapes
Authors: Reisinger Alexander J. , Bean Eban Z. , Clark Mark , Levine Ansley J. , Wilson P. Christopher
Published: December 2024

Residential lawn management often includes fertilizer application to encourage healthy plant growth and support the aesthetic preferences of homeowners and communities. These inputs may negatively impact the environment by increasing nutrient export to aquatic ecosystems via surface runoff or leaching through soil into groundwater. Fertilizer management and nutrient export are of particular concern in karst areas like North‐Central Florida, where the underlying karst geology leads to rapid, direct connections between surface and groundwater ecosystems. We quantified nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leaching from residential landscapes in North‐Central Florida. We investigated nutrient leaching from landscapes spanning a real estate gradient and across different fertility treatments (no N fertilizer, synthetic mineral fertilizer, biosolids‐based organic mineral fertilizer, compost topdressing, natural areas). We measured leachate from these landscapes weekly for 1 year. All residential landscapes, including control yards that received no N fertilizer, leached >10x more nitrate than natural areas, and landscapes treated with synthetic fertilizer exhibited an >80x increase in nitrate leaching. Fertilizer treatments also appeared to alter the N leaching composition, with a greater proportion of total dissolved N leaching coming from nitrate in fertilized treatments (synthetic and organic) compared to natural, control, or compost‐treated landscapes. These results show that landscape management and human actions are important drivers of nutrient leaching in residential landscapes. While all residential lawns leached more N than natural areas, less leaching was associated with certain management approaches. When implemented at larger scales, these approaches may reduce the likelihood of negative impacts of residential landscapes on regional water quality.
A case of cutaneous small vessel vasculitis after the seventh dose of COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Maruyama Riruke , Kishi Hirofumi , Higashi Koichiro , Yuki Mika , Nagami Haruhiko , Tabara Hideki
Published: December 2024

A 77‐year‐old woman on regular hemodialysis was admitted due to purpura on her extremities, elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP), D‐dimer, and syncope attack. Despite hospitalization and treatment, her purpura got worse, and a skin biopsy revealed cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV). No apparent cause could be pointed out for CSVV. Her purpura had deteriorated until we started treatment with prednisolone (PSL). We later confirmed that she had received her seventh COVID‐19 vaccination before the onset of purpura on her extremities. In this case, the highlight is that even the seventh dose of the COVID‐19 vaccination could potentially induce CSVV.
YAP1 Overexpression Enhances the Aerobic Glycolysis Process via Suppression of EGLN2 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Dou Ruohan , Qi Zihao , Liu Guanya , Su Yuantao
Published: December 2024

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive diseases and has remarkably high mortality rates. In recent years, altered metabolism has been shown to contribute to the maintenance of pancreatic cancer malignancies. However, the molecular mechanism underlying glucose metabolism reprogramming remains elusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of Yes‐associated protein (YAP1), an important effector of the Hippo pathway, in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the contributions of YAP1 and its associated glycolytic enzymes to prognosis were assessed via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset.

Methods

YAP1 expression was silenced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and its effects on glycolytic activity and mitochondrial respiration were analysed via Agilent Seahorse XF Analysers. The effects of YAP1 on hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and its transcriptional activity on glycolytic genes were examined via shRNA‐mediated silencing of YAP1. The underlying mechanism by which YAP1 controls the HIF‐1α protein level was analysed by exploring the interaction between YAP1 and egg‐laying‐defective nine family (EGLN) members, which are well‐established regulators of the HIF‐1α protein level. Finally, the effects of YAP1, EGLN and glycolytic genes on prognosis were analysed via TCGA dataset.

Results

We found that silencing YAP1 expression inhibited anabolic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer cells. YAP1 was demonstrated to regulate the HIF‐1α protein level, transcriptional activity and the expression of HIF‐1α‐targeted glycolytic genes. In‐depth analysis demonstrated that EGLN2, a modulator of the HIF‐1α protein level, was a direct target of YAP1. Low EGLN2 expression was associated with a poor prognosis. By analysing TCGA dataset and performing immunohistochemical staining, we demonstrated that YAP1 expression was negatively correlated with EGLN2 expression at the mRNA level and protein levels.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that YAP1 positively regulates aerobic glycolysis by inhibiting EGLN2 expression, which results in an increased HIF‐1α protein level and transcriptional activity. YAP1 was positively regulated and significantly correlated with HIF‐1α‐targeted glycolytic genes, including glucose transporter type 1(GLUT1), hexokinase2 (HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Elevated YAP1 expression and concomitant downregulation of EGLN2 contributed to poor survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. Our results suggest that YAP1 may be a promising predictive marker and treatment target for human pancreatic cancer.
Vitamin and trace element status and growth in children with short bowel syndrome being weaned off parenteral nutrition
Authors: Tuokkola Jetta , Olkkonen Elina , Gunnar Riikka , Pakarinen Mikko , Merras‐Salmio Laura
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to study weaning off parenteral nutrition (PN) as a risk factor for vitamin and trace element deficiencies and growth deficit.

Methods

Children born between 2010 and 2019, treated for SBS in Helsinki University Hospital, were followed for their nutrition, growth, and vitamin and trace element biochemical status. Information on these as well as patient characteristics and intestinal anatomy were collected from electronic patient records.

Results

A total of 59 patients with SBS were identified. The weaning period was found to be a risk factor for micronutrient deficiencies and growth. Most frequent deficiencies were detected for vitamin K as suggested by prothrombin time (PT) (91% of patients), vitamin D (70%), and vitamin A (67%). Other deficiencies were less common with 44% for vitamin B12, 25% for selenium, 19% for copper, 24% for zinc, and 11% for vitamin E. For all the studied micronutrients, 3 months before to 1 month postweaning had the highest rate of micronutrient deficiencies, except for vitamin B12, for which the highest proportion of deficiencies presented at 1–6 months postweaning.

Conclusions

The weaning period from PN is a risk for micronutrient deficiencies. Regular monitoring and sufficient supplementation are essential for preventing malnutrition.
Optimizing transport methods to preserve function of self‐innervating muscle cells for laryngeal injection
Authors: Kaefer Samuel L. , Zhang Lujuan , Brookes Sarah , Morrison Rachel A. , Voytik‐Harbin Sherry , Halum Stacey
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Recently, our laboratory has discovered a self‐innervating population of muscle cells, called motor endplate‐expressing cells (MEEs). The cells innately release a wide variety of neurotrophic factors into the microenvironment promoting innervation when used as an injectable treatment. Unlike other stem cells, the therapeutic potential of MEEs is dependent on the cells' ability to maintain phenotypical cell surface proteins in particular motor endplates (MEPs). The goal of this study is to identify transport conditions that preserve MEE viability and self‐innervating function.

Methods

Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) of adult Yucatan pigs were cultured and induced to generate MEEs. Effects of short‐term cryopreservation methods were studied on MPC and MEE stages. A minimally supplemented medium was investigated for suspension‐mediated transport, and MEEs were loaded at a constant concentration (1 × 107 cells/mL) into plastic syringes. Samples were subjected to varying temperatures (4, 22, and 37°C) and durations (6, 18, 24, and 48 h), which was followed by statistical analysis of viability. Transport conditions maintaining viability acceptable for cellular therapy were examined for apoptosis rates and expression of desired myogenic, neurotrophic, neuromuscular junction, and angiogenic genes.

Results

Cryopreservation proved detrimental to our cell population. However, a minimally supplemented medium, theoretically safe for injection, was identified. Transport temperature and duration impacted cell viability, with warmer temperatures leading to faster death rates prior to the end of the study. Transport conditions did not appear to affect apoptotic rate. Any expression change of desirable genes fell within the acceptable range.

Conclusions

Transport state, medium, duration, and temperature must be considered during the transport of injectable muscle cells as they can affect cell viability and expression of integral genes. These described factors are integral in the planning of general cell transport and may prove equally important when the cell population utilized for laryngeal injection is derived from a patient's own initial muscle biopsy.