bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the Potential of Star Anise Essential Oil: Comparative Analysis and Optimization of Innovative Extraction Methods for Enhanced Yield, Aroma Characteristics, Chemical Composition, and Biological Activities
Authors: Zhang Guangjie , Ma Zheng , Piao Yan , Li Ning , Bian Canfeng , Ren Chenxi , Gao Mingyuan , Yue Weiming , Guan Tianzhu
Published: October 2024

Star anise has been used for a long time in improving human health and curing diseases, owing to its unlimited components with complex chemical structures and a wide range of bioactivities. This study is aimed to investigate the influence of extraction methods (steam distillation, ethanol Soxhlet extraction, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, subcritical n‐butane extraction) on the yield, aroma properties, chemical composition, and bioactivity of star anise essential oils. Electronic nose detection revealed the essential oils from subcritical extraction exhibited the most intense aroma, while the essential oils from ethanol Soxhlet extraction had a more complex aroma profile. Fourier‐transform infrared analysis showed the presence of benzene rings, carbonyl groups, C=C, and aromatic ether bonds in the essential oils extracted through different methods. The major components were heterocyclic olefins, heterocyclic oxygenates, and aromatic oxygenates, as well as certain amounts of flavonoids and polyphenols. Correlation analysis revealed the relative contents of volatile trans‐anethole, wormwood, d‐limonene, cineole, and trans‐α‐citronelene were strongly associated with the antibacterial activity of the essential oils. Similarly, the contents of volatile components (d‐limonene, cineole) and non‐volatile components (total flavonoids and total polyphenols) were strongly correlated with the DPPH scavenging activity of the essential oils. These results confirm the effectiveness of the ethanol Soxhlet extraction method in retaining the bioactivity of the essential oils. Finally, with a Box–Behnken central composite design of response surface and single‐factor experiments, the optimal extraction conditions for the ethanol Soxhlet method were determined: ultrasonic frequency of 80 kHz, crushing particle size of 60 meshes, liquid–material ratio of 8:1 (mL:g), and ultrasonic time of 35 min. Under these conditions, the essential oil yield was 25.51% ± 0.21%. Overall, these findings highlight the significance of extraction methods in obtaining high‐quality star anise essential oils with desirable aroma properties and potent bioactivities.
Fermented Quinoa and Canihua in Plant‐Based Diets Increase Iron and Zinc Bioavailability in Growing Rats
Authors: Castro‐Alba Vanesa , Vargas Mirian , Sandberg Ann‐Sofie , Perez‐Rea Daysi , Bergenståhl Björn , Granfeldt Yvonne , Lazarte Claudia E.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of non‐fermented and fermented pseudocereal flours, quinoa and canihua, on iron and zinc bioavailability in Wistar rats. Two diets prepared with 92% fermented quinoa or 79.5% fermented canihua were compared with diets prepared with the same amount of non‐fermented pseudocereals. Other two quinoa diets were prepared with 60% non‐fermented or fermented quinoa and compared with a refence diet which was free of phytates. Body weight, feed efficiency ratio, and the absorption, retention and bioavailability of iron and zinc were evaluated. While body weight and feed efficiency ratio were higher (p < 0.05) in animals after non‐fermented diets, the results of mineral absorption and bioavailability were consistently higher in the diets containing fermented pseudocereals. Iron concentration in the livers of animals after the fermented quinoa (92%) and canihua diet (79.5%), were 34% and 30% higher than after the diets with non‐fermented pseudocereals. Zinc bioavailability, indicated by zinc in femur of animals fed the 60% fermented quinoa diet was 53.2 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW, comparable to that in animals fed a reference diet with no phytates (58.2 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW), and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in animals fed the non‐fermented quinoa diet (34.5 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW). Zinc bioavailability was mainly influenced by phytate content in the diet (R2 = 0.665 and p = 0.000). The retention of iron in the liver (2220 μg g−1 FeInt g−1 BW) was higher in the diet containing 60% of fermented quinoa than in the non‐fermented diet (1429 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW). Differences in iron absorption were mainly impacted by iron content in the diets (R2 = 0.828 and p = 0.000). In conclusion, the addition of fermented pseudocereals to diets increased the bioavailability of iron and zinc in Wistar rats. These findings will encourage further research into fermented pseudocereals and their potential health effects.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Fermented and Aged Mountain‐Cultivated Ginseng Sprouts via Suppression of MAPK‐NF‐κB Pathway in Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Cao Dang Long , Woo Min‐Seok , Kim Eun‐Jin , Ahn Byeonggyu , Prayoga Anjas Happy , Kang Sang Soo , Cho Kye Man , Kang Dawon
Published: October 2024

Fermented and aged mountain‐cultivated ginseng sprouts (FAMCGS) exhibit superior antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties compared to mountain‐cultivated ginseng sprouts (MCGS). However, the mechanisms behind these properties of FAMCGSE remain unclear. This study explores the anti‐inflammatory effects of FAMCGS extract (FAMCGSE) on LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and the underlying mechanisms. The MTT assay confirmed that FAMCGSE (0 to 0.1%) maintained cell viability without inducing morphological changes. Pretreatment with FAMCGSE significantly mitigated LPS‐induced morphological alterations dose‐dependently. RT‐PCR and Western blot analyses showed that FAMCGSE significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory mediators such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, iNOS, and COX‐2. Additionally, FAMCGSE decreased the production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, nitric oxide, and PGE2 in LPS‐activated RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistically, FAMCGSE inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs; ERK, p38, and JNK) and prevented the LPS‐induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, with effects comparable to compound K (CK) or dexamethasone. Notably, FAMCGSE was particularly effective in inhibiting ERK and JNK activation, with less impact on p38, suggesting a specific inhibitory action on certain MAPK pathways. These findings highlight FAMCGSE's potential as an inhibitor of MAPK and NF‐κB pathways, indicating that FAMCGSE, including its main component CK, may be a promising therapeutic agent for inflammation‐related conditions.
Exploring Dietary Factors and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Insights From Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Xin , Yang Wenwen , Yang Yanjiang
Published: October 2024

Esophageal adenocarcinoma and diet are not well understood to be associated. We conducted Mendelian randomization analysis using 18 dietary factors as exposures (primarily including fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, alcohol consumption, meat consumption, tea intake, fish intake, etc.), with esophageal adenocarcinoma as the outcome. The IVW method was the leading method used for detecting causal links. Cochran's Q test was utilized to assess heterogeneity, the intercept of the MR‐Egger method was used to assess the presence of horizontal pleiotropy, and the existence of outliers was identified via the MR‐Presso method. This study identified that both alcohol intake frequency (OR = 1.375, p = 0.0216) and coffee intake (OR = 2.680, p = 0.0304) were linked to a heightened risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, while raw vegetable/salad consumption (OR = 0.117, p = 0.0258) and dried fruit intake (OR = 0.229, p = 0.00235) were associated with a decreased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. After FDR correction, only dried fruit intake (q = 0.0423) remained statistically significant. However, there was no evidence linking the other 14 dietary variables to esophageal adenocarcinoma. This study observed that alcohol consumption and coffee intake increase the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, while the intake of dried fruits rather than fresh fruits and raw vegetable intake rather than cooked vegetable intake reduce the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Other dietary factors were not associated with the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Medical Image Fusion for Multiple Diseases Features Enhancement
Authors: Khan Sajid Ullah , Alharbi Meshal , Shah Sajid , ELAffendi Mohammed
Published: October 2024

Throughout the past 20 years, medical imaging has found extensive application in clinical diagnosis. Doctors may find it difficult to diagnose diseases using only one imaging modality. The main objective of multimodal medical image fusion (MMIF) is to improve both the accuracy and quality of clinical assessments by extracting structural and spectral information from source images. This study proposes a novel MMIF method to assist doctors and postoperations such as image segmentation, classification, and further surgical procedures. Initially, the intensity‐hue‐saturation (IHS) model is utilized to decompose the positron emission tomography (PET)/single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image, followed by a hue‐angle mapping method to discriminate high‐ and low‐activity regions in the PET images. Then, a proposed structure feature adjustment (SFA) mechanism is used as a fusion strategy for high‐ and low‐activity regions to obtain structural and anatomical details with minimum color distortion. In the second step, a new multi‐discriminator generative adversarial network (MDcGAN) approach is proposed for obtaining the final fused image. The qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed method is superior to existing MMIF methods in preserving the structural, anatomical, and functional details of the PET/SPECT images. Through our assessment, involving visual analysis and subsequent verification using statistical metrics, it becomes evident that color changes contribute substantial visual information to the fusion of PET and MR images. The quantitative outcomes demonstrate that, in the majority of cases, the proposed algorithm consistently outperformed other methods. Yet, in a few instances, it achieved the second‐highest results. The validity of the proposed method was confirmed using diverse modalities, encompassing a total of 1012 image pairs.
Identifying critical modules and biomarkers of intervertebral disc degeneration by using weighted gene co‐expression network
Authors: Zhou Daqian , Liu Tao , Mei Yongliang , Lv Jiale , Cheng Kang , Cai Weiye , Gao Silong , Guo Daru , Xie Xianping , Liu Zongchao
Published: October 2024

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an age‐related orthopedic degenerative disease characterized by recurrent episodes of lower back pain, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. This study aimed to identify key biomarkers of IVDD and its causes.

Methods

We acquired three gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, GSE56081, GSE124272, and GSE153761, and used limma fast differential analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and IVDD samples after removing batch effects. We applied weighted gene co‐expression network (WGCNA) to identify the key modular genes in GSE124272 and intersected these with DEGs. Next, A protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed, and Cytoscape was used to identify the Top 10 hub genes. Functional enrichment analyses were performed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Three key genes were validated using Western Blot (WB) and qRT‐PCR. Additionally, we predicted miRNAs involved in hub gene co‐regulation and analyzed miRNA microarray data from GSE116726 to identify four differentially expressed miRNAs.

Results

We identified 10 hub genes using bioinformatics analysis, gene function enrichment analysis revealed that they were primarily enriched in pathways, such as the TNF signaling pathway. We chose JUNB, SOCS3, and CEBPB as hub genes and used WB and qRT‐PCR to confirm their expression. All three genes were overexpressed in the IVDD model group compared to the control group. Furthermore, we identified four miRNAs involved in the co‐regulation of the hub genes using miRNet prediction: mir‐191‐5p, mir‐20a‐5p, mir‐155‐5p, and mir‐124‐3p. Using limma difference analysis, we discovered that mir‐191‐5p, mir‐20a‐5p, and mir‐155‐5p were all down‐regulated and expressed in IVDD samples, but mir‐124‐3p showed no significant change.

Conclusion

JUNB, SOCS3, and CEBPB were identified as key genes in IVDD, regulated by specific miRNAs, providing potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets.
Effects of Vegetable Cover on the Regeneration Process in Degraded Dry Forest in Brazil
Authors: de Souza Stefanny Martins , Ramos Maiara Bezerra , Maciel Maria Gracielle Rodrigues , da Cunha Sonaly Silva , de Souza José João Lelis Leal , de Faria Lopes Sérgio
Published: October 2024

The Brazilian Caatinga is among the most diverse dry forests in the world, yet half of its original coverage has been degraded. Natural regeneration is influenced by climatic and edaphic conditions, as well as the existing adult stratum. Despite its significance, this process remains poorly understood in the Caatinga. Thus, our study aimed to analyze how anthropogenic disturbance, vegetation cover, and soil properties affect the regenerating stratum under different levels of Caatinga vegetation cover. The research was conducted in the driest region of Brazil. The selected sites represent low (Area I) and high (Area II) normalized difference vegetation index. Six vegetable plots (50 × 20 m each) were delimited to study adult stratum, and four vegetable plots (10 × 10 m each) to regeneration stratum. Topsoil was sampled in all vegetable plots. Our results reveal interactions between soil characteristics and the adult and regenerating strata. Area II exhibited higher diversity and a greater number of exclusive species, while Area I was dominated by species more resistant to limiting conditions, such as Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart. & Zucc. The C and N content in the soil showed a positive and significant correlation with the diversity of the regenerating stratum. The data suggest that the area with less vegetation cover, richness, and diversity shows signs of desertification.
Epoxidation of 1,2‐Polybutadiene and Its Dielectric, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Mori Yasuyuki , Morinaga Sho , Tada Ryu , Iwashima Tomoyuki , Sato Naomi , Ariyoshi Tomoyuki , Shinozuka Toyofumi , Kawauchi Takehiro , Furusho Yoshio , Endo Takeshi
Published: October 2024

A series of epoxidized 1,2‐polybutadienes with various degrees of epoxidation are synthesized by the reaction of 1,2‐polybutadienes and m‐chloroperbenzoic acid. Additionally, the curing behavior of epoxidized 1,2‐polybutadienes with a cationic initiator and the relationship between epoxidation ratios and the dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties of the cured materials are examined.
Colorado providers call an array of funding woes a ‘perfect storm’
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2024

Colorado's community mental health providers say they are experiencing many of the downsides that can come with a period of dizzying change. Facing declining Medicaid rolls, a shifting payment model and no prospects for new state funding to support restructuring, the state's provider community is calling the current environment a “perfect storm” of crisis that could engulf patient care.
Nursing Education for Sustainable Development: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Boakye Dorothy Serwaa , Kwashie Atswei Adzo , Adjorlolo Samuel , Korsah Kwadwo Ameyaw
Published: October 2024

Background

Sustainability represents an increasingly vital yet inconsistently implemented topic in nursing education. Formal concept analysis can promote unified conceptualisation to inform sustainability integration in nursing curriculums.

Objective

Analyse the concept of ‘nursing education for sustainable development’ using the Walker and Avant framework to clarify meaning and application in nursing programmes.

Method

The literature was systematically searched for attributes, antecedents and consequences used to formulate a concept definition, and compared to existing conceptualisations.

Results

Core concept attributes are interconnectedness of human/ecological health, sustainability‐focused curriculums, competency cultivation and social justice orientations. Antecedents include recognising ecological determinants of health and committed nursing faculty. Consequences encompass the preparation of sustainability‐competent nurses and elevated nursing contributions to sustainable health systems.

Conclusion

The concept analysis provides an original synthesised perspective advancing coherence and applicability to guide sustainability education in nursing programmes through a translational framework for competency, curriculum design and content delivery approaches.

Reporting Method

We followed the guidelines outlined in the Walker and Avant framework in the conduct and reporting of this paper.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient and public contribution.
Fatal outcome in isolated Pauci‐immune pulmonary capillaritis: A case report
Authors: El Mawla Zeinab , Hammoud Ghinwa , Abed El Hamid Racha , Zreik Abbas , Tfayli Ali , Mansour Bassam
Published: October 2024

Isolated Pauci‐immune pulmonary capillaritis (IPIPC) is a rare form of small vessel vasculitis that affects only the lungs, causing inflammation of pulmonary capillaries and potentially leading to severe outcomes like alveolar haemorrhage. A 23‐year‐old woman with a prior diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis presented with hemoptysis and respiratory distress, ultimately diagnosed with IPIPC. Despite treatment with high‐dose steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, her condition deteriorated, resulting in respiratory failure and death. IPIPC often lacks systemic symptoms and ANCA positivity, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Imaging, bronchoscopy, and histopathology are key for diagnosis, while management typically involves corticosteroids and possibly immunosuppressives. The case underscores the challenges in identifying and treating IPIPC, highlighting the importance of early intervention to improve prognosis, even though complications can still lead to significant respiratory issues and mortality.
The interplay of Christianity and Ndau African traditional religion in shaping climate change adaptation in Zimbabwe: An Afrocentric analysis
Authors: Tirivangasi Happy Mathew , Nyahunda Louis
Published: October 2024

This paper utilizes Afrocentric tenets to explore how the Ndau people's shift from African traditional religion to Christianity affects their understanding and experience of climate change. Set against recent climate‐induced disasters in Chimanimani, the study employs Afrocentric qualitative methods, including talking cycles and philosophical sagacity interviews, to gather data from household heads and village leaders. Findings indicate that traditional religious practices significantly influenced rainfall patterns and disease control, impacting agriculture. The transition to Christianity has markedly altered the community's climate change adaptation strategies. Despite this shift, Christianity has provided benefits, aiding communities in coping with droughts, death, property destruction, livelihood disruption, and climate change‐induced diseases. This study contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 13, emphasizing the importance of understanding society's social rubric to combat climate change. By employing Afrocentric lenses to analyze the Ndau people's historical and cultural narratives, it offers a unique perspective on religious evolution and climate adaptation.
ZnO@In2O3 Core–Shell Heterojunctions Constructed With ZIF‐8 and MIL‐68 (In) for Improving Photogenerated Carrier Transfer Process
Authors: Luo Chonghan , Liu Yuan , Yu Jiatian , Zhou Ling , Zhang Rongbin , Wang Xuewen
Published: October 2024

The realization of fast carrier transport can effectively enhance photocatalytic performance. A core–shell structure of ZnO and In2O3 is successfully constructed by using MIL‐68 (In) and ZIF‐8 as a substrate, forming a heterojunction. This MOF‐derived core–shell heterojunction inherits the advantages of ZIF‐8, with pores facilitating carriers transfer to the surface for reactions and a large specific surface area providing more active sites. This Z‐scheme heterojunction of ZnO and In2O3 can effectively separate and improve the utilization of photogenerated carriers. The well‐designed interface of the core–shell structure achieves the rapid transfer of photogenerated carriers. The photocatalytic degradation capability of ZnO@ In2O3 is enhanced by the synergistic effect of Z‐scheme heterojunction and core–shell structure. This work provides insight into the investigation of constructing core–shell heterojunctions.
Reduced Non‐Specific Binding of Super‐Resolution DNA‐PAINT Markers by Shielded DNA‐PAINT Labeling Protocols
Authors: Lučinskaitė Evelina , Bokhobza Alexandre F. E. , Stannard Andrew , Meletiou Anna , Estell Chris , West Steven , Michele Lorenzo Di , Soeller Christian , Clowsley Alexander H.
Published: October 2024

The DNA‐based single molecule super‐resolution imaging approach, DNA‐PAINT, can achieve nanometer resolution of single targets. However, the approach can suffer from significant non‐specific background signals originating from non‐specifically bound DNA‐conjugated DNA‐PAINT secondary antibodies as shown here. Using dye‐modified oligonucleotides the location of DNA‐PAINT secondary antibody probes can easily be observed with widefield imaging prior to beginning a super‐resolution measurement. This reveals that a substantial proportion of DNA probes can accumulate, non‐specifically, within the nucleus, as well as across the cytoplasm, of cells. Here, Shielded DNA‐PAINT labeling is introduced, a method using partially or fully double‐stranded docking strand sequences, prior to labeling, in buffers with increased ionic strength to greatly reduce non‐specific interactions in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm. This new labeling approach is evaluated against various conditions and it is shown that applying Shielded DNA‐PAINT can reduce non‐specific events approximately five‐fold within the nucleus. This marked reduction in non‐specific binding of probes during the labeling procedure is comparable to results obtained with unnatural left‐handed DNA albeit at a fraction of the cost. Shielded DNA‐PAINT is a straightforward adaption of current DNA‐PAINT protocols and enables nanometer precision imaging of nuclear targets with low non‐specific backgrounds.
PEDOT:PSS Nanoparticle Membranes for Organic Solvent Nanofiltration
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Chen , Lv Tian‐Run , Yin Ming‐Jie , Ji Yan‐Li , Jin Cheng‐Gang , Chen Bo‐Hao , An Quan‐Fu
Published: October 2024

Recycling of valuable solutes and recovery of organic solvents via organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) are important for sustainable development. However, the trade‐off between solvent permeability and solute rejection hampers the application of OSN membranes. To address this issue, the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanoparticle membrane with hierarchical pores is constructed for OSN via vacuum filtration. The small pores (the free volume of the polymer chain) charge for the solute rejection (high rejection efficiency for low molecule weight solute) and allow solvent passing while the large pores (the void between two PEDOT:PSS nanoparticles) promote the solvent transport. Owing to the lack of connectivity among the large pores, the fabricated PEDOT:PSS nanoparticle membrane enhanced solvent permeance while maintaining a high solute rejection efficiency. The optimized PEDOT:PSS membrane affords a MeOH permeance of 7.2 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 with over 90% rejection of organic dyes, food additives, and photocatalysts. Moreover, the rigidity of PEDOT endows the membrane with distinctive stability under high‐pressure conditions. The membrane is used to recycle the valuable catalysts in a methanol solution for 150 h, maintaining good separation performance. Considering its high separation performance and stability, the proposed PEDOT:PSS membrane has great potential for industrial applications.
Three‐Color Protein Photolithography with Green, Red, and Far‐Red Light
Authors: Zheng Yanjun , Chen Fei , Frank Saskia , Quispe Haro Juan José , Wegner Seraphine V.
Published: October 2024

Protein photolithography is an invaluable tool for generating protein microchips and regulating interactions between cells and materials. However, the absence of light‐responsive molecules that allow for the copatterning of multiple functional proteins with biocompatible visible light poses a significant challenge. Here, a new approach for photopatterning three distinct proteins on a single surface by using green, red, and far‐red light is reported. The cofactor of the green light‐sensitive protein CarH is engineered such that it also becomes sensitive to red and far‐red light. These new cofactors are shown to be compatible with two CarH‐based optogenetic tools to regulate bacterial cell‐cell adhesions and gene expression in mammalian cells with red and far‐red light. Further, by incorporating different CarH variants with varying light sensitivities in layer‐by‐layer (LbL) multiprotein films, specific layers within the films, along with other protein layers on top are precisely removed by using different colors of light, all with high spatiotemporal accuracy. Notably, with these three distinct colors of visible light, it is possible to incorporate diverse proteins under mild conditions in LbL films based on the reliable interaction between Ni2+‐ nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) groups and polyhistidine‐tags (His‐tags)on the proteins and their subsequent photopatterning. This approach has potential applications spanning biofabrication, material engineering, and biotechnology.
Carrier‐Free Biomimetic Organic Nanoparticles with Super‐High Drug Loading for Targeted NIR‐II Excitable Triple‐Modal Bioimaging and Phototheranostics
Authors: Liu Ying , Luo Yu , Gao Yijian , Ma Yujie , Huang Zhongming , Yang Yuliang , Li Xiliang , Li Shengliang
Published: October 2024

Multimodal near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) theranostics combined with nanotechnology have emerged as promising treatments for cancer due to their noninvasive and high spatiotemporal nature. Traditional NIR‐II theranostics typically comprise useless and massive inert carriers, resulting in low drug loading capacity, reduced therapeutic effects, and potential biotoxicity. To overcome these limitations, this work reports carrier‐free NIR‐II theranostics simultaneously with high drug loading capacity and multimodal NIR‐II imaging capabilities for cancer phototheranostics in the NIR‐II window. Carrier‐free BTA nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by self‐assembling the NIR‐II responsive conjugated oligomer BTA without adding coating agents; these NPs exhibited 100% drug loading and high‐performance NIR‐II theranostic capabilities. Cancer cell membranes are camouflaged on carrier‐free BTA NPs to provide homologous targeting ability, enhanced stability, and 77.8% drug loading. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that biomimetic NPs provide efficient triple‐modal guidance for NIR‐II fluorescence, photoacoustic, and photothermal imaging and complete tumor elimination via photothermal therapy (PTT). Additionally, theranostics‐based treatments with good biosecurity are demonstrated. This study contributes a new strategy for the design of high‐drug‐loading NIR‐II theranostics and further promotes the clinical translation of theranostic agents.
Tailoring Li+ Local Coordination Environment of Solid Polymer Electrolytes to Boom Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Zhang Huandi , Zhao Zehua , Shi Xiaowei , Liu Junpeng , Liu Jiamei , Li Lei
Published: October 2024

The low ionic conductivity is the key issue of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), hampering their practical application. Great efforts have been devoted to reducing their crystallinity to increase ionic conductivity but ignored their Li+ local coordination environment influence. Here, Li+ local coordination environment tunable poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)‐based solid‐state electrolytes are experimentally realized via d‐cellobiose octaacetate. d‐cellobiose octaacetate competes with anions and polymer chains for coordination of Li+ thorough C═O groups to weaken their coordination of Li+, increase the number of carriers, and strengthen the transport kinetics of Li+, booming the ionic conductivity of SPEs at room temperature. When used in lithium metal symmetric batteries and full batteries, SPEs greatly improve their electrochemical performance at 25 °C. This work clarifies the important influence of Li+ local coordination environment on Li+ transport and provides a promising strategy to improve the ionic conductivity of SPEs.
Engineered Core–Shell SiC@SiO2 Nanofibers for Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Performance
Authors: Song Limeng , Wang Linan , Chen Yongqiang , Wu Hongjing , Song Bozhen , Wang Nannan , Guan Li , Wang Hailong , Zhang Rui , Zhu Yanqiu , Xia Yongde , Fan Bingbing
Published: October 2024

To enable SiC material to achieve high electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance, solving its impedance mismatch with EMW is necessary. Therefore, a novel approach is proposed for the precise control of impedance matching by adjusting the shell thickness of SiO2 nanolayers on the surface of SiC nanofibers (NFs). High‐angle annular dark field‐scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) reveals the atomic scale oxidation process of SiC, providing fresh insights into the oxidation mechanism. By oxidizing to construct a heterogeneous core–shell structure nanofiber (NF) can effectively lock the incident EMW inside the NF through the generated charges gathered at the interface, forming an electronic barrier that prevents the outward propagation of EMWs. The produced SiC@SiO2 NFs‐3 exhibits exceptional EMW absorption properties, including an impressive minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −53.09 dB and a broad maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 8.85 GHz. These findings not only deepen understanding of the oxidation mechanism of SiC but also offer valuable insights for further enhancing the EMW absorption capabilities of SiC materials, paving the way for their application in advanced EMW technologies.
Electrolyte‐Salts Regulated Hydrogen‐Bonding Configuration and Interphase Formation Achieving Highly Stable Anode for Rechargeable Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Meijing , Zhao Jiaojiao , Zhang Yangyang , Liu Yunyun , Ji Wei , Xiang Xingde
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen evolution reactions that cause the alkalization of aqueous electrolytes generally frustrate the structural stability and cycling performance of NaTi2(PO4)3/C anode material for rechargeable aqueous sodium‐ion batteries (ASIBs). Herein, a novel highly concentrated electrolyte with a large hydrogen‐evolution overpotential and hydroxide‐capture ability is rationally established by incorporating a bifunctional Mg(Ac)2 additive into a concentrated NaAc aqueous solution. The highly concentrated electrolyte salts (4m NaAc+3m Mg(Ac)2) favor regulation on hydrogen‐bonding configurations and kinetically shift the hydrogen evolution potential to a lower value of −1.37 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The Mg(Ac)2 additive plays particular roles in spontaneously capturing hydroxide ions generated during hydrogen evolution reactions on anode surfaces and simultaneously forming a protective Mg(OH)2‐like interphase. As a result, the unique electrolyte significantly improves the structural stability and cycling performance of NaTi2(PO4)3/C anode (94.8% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 100 mA·g−1). The effect of salt concentration on hydrogen bonding configurations of aqueous electrolytes is investigated with Raman spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The interphase is identified by coupling EDS mapping, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. This work provides a new strategy for improving the cycling stability of aqueous sodium‐ion batteries.
Polyurethane Vitrimers Engineered with Nitrogen‐Coordinating Cyclic Boronic Diester Bonds for Sustainable Bioelectronics
Authors: Tao Yue , Xue Yu , Wang Fucheng , Shan Liangjie , Ni Zhipeng , Lan Yunting , Zhang Pei , Wang Yafei , Liu Ji
Published: October 2024

Flexible bioelectronic devices seamlessly interface with organs and tissues, offering unprecedented opportunity for timely prevention, early diagnosis, and medical therapies. However, the majority of flexible substrates utilized in bioelectronics still encounter significant challenges in terms of recyclability and reprocessing, leading to the accumulation of environmentally and biologically hazardous toxic waste. Here, the study reports the design of recyclable polyurethane (PU) vitrimers engineered with internal boron‐nitrogen coordination bonds that can reversibly dissociate to boronic acids and hydroxyl, or undergo metathesis reaction following an associative pathway. The study demonstrates the capacity of these recyclable PU vitrimers as flexible substrates in various wearable and implantable bioelectronic applications, achieving high‐quality electrophysiological recordings and stimulation. Furthermore, the study establishes a sustainable recycling process by reconstructing a range of bioelectronic devices from the recycled PU vitrimers without compromising the mechanical performance. This closed‐loop approach not only addresses the critical challenge of the reclaiming medical electronic waste but also paves the way for the development of sustainable flexible bioelectronics for healthcare applications.
An Integrated Microcurrent Delivery System Facilitates Human Parathyroid Hormone Delivery for Enhancing Osteoanabolic Effect
Authors: Mo Xiaoyi , Meng Keyu , Li Zehui , Lan Shanwei , Ren Zhengda , Fu Xihong , Li Chenglin , Sun Tiancheng , Xie Denghui , Zhang Zhongmin , Chen Hui‐Jiuan
Published: October 2024

Human parathyroid hormone (1–34) (PTH) exhibits osteoanabolic and osteocatabolic effects, with shorter plasma exposure times favoring bone formation. Subcutaneous injection (SCI) is the conventional delivery route for PTH but faces low delivery efficiency due to limited passive diffusion and the obstruction of the vascular endothelial barrier, leading to prolonged drug exposure times and reduced osteoanabolic effects. In this work, a microcurrent delivery system (MDS) based on multimicrochannel microneedle arrays (MMAs) is proposed, achieving high efficiency and safety for PTH transdermal delivery. The internal microchannels of the MMAs are fabricated using high‐precision 3D printing technology, providing a concentrated and safe electric field that not only accelerates the movement of PTH but also reversibly increases vascular endothelial permeability by regulating the actin cytoskeleton and interendothelial junctions through Ca2+‐dependent cAMP signaling, ultimately promoting PTH absorption and shortening exposure times. The MDS enhances the osteoanabolic effect of PTH in an osteoporosis model by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation on the bone surface compared to SCI. Moreover, histopathological analysis of the skin and organs demonstrated the good safety of PTH delivered by MDS in vivo. In addition to PTH, the MDS shows broad prospects for the high‐efficiency transdermal delivery of macromolecular drugs.
Platinum Nanozyme‐Loaded Dissolving Microneedles Scavenge ROS and Promote Lineage Progression for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment
Authors: Hu Weitong , Shi Shuhan , Xu Yihua , Zhang Yunting , Hu Jingyi , Bian Qiong , Ma Xiaolu , Ye Yuxian , Yang Shengfei , Sheng Xiaoxia , Liang Guang , Zhang Tianyuan , Wu Haibin , Gao Jianqing
Published: October 2024

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent issue affecting the physical and mental health of individuals but with fewer current treatments. Platinum nanozymes (PtNZs) are known for their excellent ability to reduce and modulate the high oxidative stress environment in AGA pathology. And microneedles are used to overcome the skin barrier due to the poor permeability of PtNZs. Herein, dissolving microneedles loaded with PtNZs (Pt‐MNs) are designed and successfully induced hair regeneration in the AGA model. Pt‐MNs possessed adequate mechanical strength to breach the skin barrier for effective PtNZs delivery. In vivo, PtNZs first reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) to oxygen, which recovered the AGA pathological environment. And the oxygen then increased oxidative phosphorylation, promoting the differentiation of hair follicle stem cells to achieve hair regeneration. The group treated with Pt‐MNs with a dosing frequency of once every three days achieved faster hair growth than the daily application of the positive drug minoxidil. Further safety experiments showed that the application of Pt‐MNs locally opened temporary and recoverable skin channels, with no retention of Pt in major organs, indicating high safety. In conclusion, this study indicated the potential of Pt‐MNs as an effective method for treating AGA.
Experimental and analytical investigations on bond–slip behavior of steel reinforcement inUHPFRCconsidering yielding
Authors: Wang Dan‐Dan , Li Ying‐Min , Chen Yi , Long Bin , Kang Shao‐Bo , Zhou Shu‐Rong , Preinstorfer Philipp
Published: October 2024

The bond behavior between ultra‐high‐performance fibre‐reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and steel rebars plays an important role in the load‐bearing capacity and serviceability of structural members. A suitable bond–slip model is essential for predicting the load resistance and deformation capacity of members, after cracking of the UHPFRC. This paper studies the bond strength between ribbed steel bars and the surrounding UHPFRC before and after yielding of the steel reinforcement. To determine the corresponding bond–slip relationship, pull‐out tests, with varying embedment lengths of the reinforcement, namely 2 times and 10 times the rebar diameter, and diameter of reinforcing bars ranging from 10 mm to 16 mm were conducted. The bond stress, strain and slip along the embedment length of the steel rebars were measured by strain gauges and displacement transducers. Based on the test data, a bond stress–slip model was derived before (elastic stage) and after (inelastic stage) yielding of the reinforcement. The slip at the yield point is suggested through theoretical equations. The post‐yield bond–slip model is based on yield bond stress and frictional bond stress. The two‐part model was validated through iterative procedures and is able to predict the applied force, bond stress and strain distribution along the reinforcing bar. A comparison between the test data and analytical results demonstrates a good predictive capacity on the bond behavior of reinforcement in UHPFRC both before and after yielding of the reinforcement.
Out-of-time-ordered-correlators for the pure inverted quartic oscillator: classical chaos meets quantum stability
Authors: Romatschke Paul
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Out-of-time-ordered-correlators (OTOCs) have been suggested as a means to diagnose chaotic behavior in quantum mechanical systems. Recently, it was found that OTOCs display exponential growth for the inverted quantum harmonic oscillator, mirroring the fact that this system is classically and quantum mechanically unstable. In this work, I study OTOCs for the inverted anharmonic (pure quartic) oscillator in quantum mechanics, finding only oscillatory behavior despite the classically unstable nature of the system. For higher temperature, OTOCs seem to exhibit saturation consistent with a value of –2⟨x2⟩T ⟨p2⟩T at late times. I provide analytic evidence from the spectral zeta-function and the WKB method as well as direct numerical solutions of the Schrödinger equation that the inverted quartic oscillator possesses a real and positive energy eigenspectrum, and normalizable wave-functions.
High energy scattering in the Unitary Toy Model
Authors: Kovner Alex , Levin Eugene , Lublinsky Michael
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We continue exploring the Unitary Toy Model (UTM) as a playground for high energy collisions in QCD. Our new approach is based on the diagonalization of the evolution Hamiltonian. Part of the spectrum can be identified with intercepts of dressed Pomerons. Analogously to QCD, a multi-Pomeron expansion of the S-matrix is badly divergent asymptotic series. Yet we succeeded to establish resummation procedures resulting in a well behaved S-matrix. In addition the Hamiltonian possesses negative eigenvalues, which dominate the approach of the S-matrix to saturation. We are hopeful that important lessons about BFKL-based Pomeron calculus could be taken from the toy world to real QCD.
Revisiting for maximal flavor violating $$ {Z}_{e\mu}^{\prime } $$ and its phenomenology constraints
Authors: Liu Jia , Song Muyuan , Zhang Haohao
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lepton flavor violation (LFV), observed conclusively in neutrino oscillations, remains a pivotal area of investigation due to its absence in the Standard Model (SM). Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) physics explores charged lepton flavor violation (CLFV), particularly through new particle candidates such as the Z′. This article focuses on maximal LFV interactions facilitated by the Z′ boson, specifically targeting its off-diagonal interactions with the first and second generations of charged and neutral leptons. In our ultraviolet (UV) model for the origin of the Z′, inspired by the work of [R.Foot et al., Phys.Rev. D50 (1994) 4571-4580], we utilize the discrete Z2 symmetry to investigate the maximal LFV mediated by the Z′ between the muon (μ) and electron (e) arising from the additional scalars. This symmetry prohibits flavor-conserving interactions between Z′ and μ+μ−, e+e−. In conjunction with collider, (g – 2)μ, (g – 2)e, inverse μ decay, Muonium-to-Antimuonium conversion and LFV decay constraints, we provide forecasts for anticipated limits derived from processes such as νμN → νeμ+e−N in neutrino trident experiments like the DUNE search at the first time. These limits highlight the prospective scope and significance of LFV investigations within these experimental frameworks. Within the mass range of 0.01 GeV to 10 GeV, the most stringent limit arises from $$ \mathcal{B}\left(\mu \to e+X+\gamma \right) $$
B

μ
→
e
+
X
+
γ

when $$ {M}_{Z^{\prime }}<{m}_{\mu } $$

M

Z
′

<

m
μ

, while ∆ae provides effective constraints as $$ {M}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

M

Z
′

approaches 10 GeV. Looking ahead, the proposed Muonium-to-Antimuonium Conversion Experiment (MACE) is expected to impose the most stringent constraints on Muonium-to-Antimuonium oscillation, improving sensitivity by about one order of magnitude against ∆ae.
An intracerebral microdialysis study to determine the neuropharmacokinetics of eribulin in patients with metastatic or primary brain tumors
Authors: Eroglu Zeynep , Synold Timothy , Badie Behnam , Liu An , Chowdhury Arnab , Kilpatrick Julie , Blanchard Suzette , Portnow Jana
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Eribulin is an inhibitor of microtubule dynamics. It is not as highly protein bound as the taxanes and is less vulnerable to extrusion by P-glycoprotein in the blood–brain barrier (BBB). These features predict that eribulin could play an active role in managing brain tumors. Indeed, the small amount of published clinical data indicates eribulin may have some efficacy against breast cancer brain metastases. To better understand the potential of eribulin for treating brain tumors, we performed an intracerebral microdialysis study to determine the neuropharmacokinetics of eribulin in cancer patients undergoing tumor resection.

Methods

After tumor removal, two microdialysis catheters were inserted into peritumoral brain tissue. Approximately 24 h after surgery, a single dose of eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 was administered intravenously. Dialysate samples were collected continuously for 72 h, with plasma samples collected in parallel. Eribulin concentrations were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Dialysate samples from 12 intracerebral microdialysis catheters placed in 7 study participants were included in the analysis. A statistically significant difference was observed between eribulin concentrations in brain tissue where BBB was disrupted versus intact, with a difference in mean maximum concentrations on log2 scale of 3.37 (std err = 0.59, p-value = 0.005). Nonetheless, overall brain to plasma ratios of eribulin only ranged from 0.13 to 1.99%.

Conclusion

Although we could detect higher concentrations of eribulin in brain tissue where BBB was disrupted, intracerebral eribulin levels were not sufficient to predict eribulin would have consistent clinically meaningful activity against tumors in the brain.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02338037 (January 9, 2015).
MYB/MYBL1-altered gliomas frequently harbor truncations and non-productive fusions in the MYB and MYBL1 genes
Authors: Chung Hye-Jung , Rajan Sharika , Wu Zhichao , Ferrone Christina K. , Raffeld Mark , Lee Ina , Gagan Jeffrey , Dampier Christopher , Abdullaev Zied , Tyagi Manoj , Cimino Patrick. J. , Quezado Martha , Aldape Kenneth
Published: October 2024

Astrocytomas that harbor recurrent genomic alterations in MYB or MYBL1 are a group of Pediatric-type diffuse low-grade gliomas that were newly recognized in the 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. These tumors are described in the WHO classification as harboring fusions in MYB or MYBL1. In this report, we examine 14 consecutive cases in which a MYB or MYBL1 alteration was identified, each with diagnostic confirmation by genome-wide DNA methylation profiling (6 Angiocentric gliomas and 8 Diffuse astrocytomas, MYB- or MYBL1-altered), for their specific genomic alterations in these genes. Using RNA sequencing, we find productive in-frame fusions of the MYB or MYBL1 genes in only 5/14 cases. The remaining 9 cases show genomic alterations that result in truncation of the gene, without evidence of an in-frame fusion partner. Gene expression analysis showed overexpression of the MYB(L1) genes, regardless of the presence of a productive fusion. In addition, QKI, a recognized fusion partner common in angiocentric glioma, was generally up-regulated in these 14 cases, compared to a cohort comprising >1000 CNS tumors of various types, regardless of whether a genomic alteration in QKI was present. Overall, the results show that truncations, in the absence of a productive fusion, of the MYB(L1) genes can likely drive the tumors and have implications for the analysis and diagnosis of Angiocentric glioma and Diffuse astrocytoma, MYB- or MYBL1-altered, especially for cases that are tested on panels designed to focus on fusion detection.