bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodistribution and Biotoxicity Assessment of Fluorescent Conjugated Polymer Dots
Authors: Ren Panting , Li Jingru , Xiong Liqin
Published: July 2024

Conjugated polymer dots (Pdots) have shown potential in the biomedical fields due to their optical properties and customizable design. However, the limited research on the biotoxicity of Pdots hinders their further application and translation. Lipophilic Pdots are prone to adsorbing specific proteins, leading to targeted tissue accumulation. Therefore, lipophilic fluorescent Pdots (Bare‐Pdots) are synthesized using the conjugated polymer poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)−1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV) to systematically evaluate their biodistribution and biotoxicity in stem cells, zebrafish embryos, and mice. It is observed that Bare‐Pdots are readily internalized by cells and adhered to the embryonic chorion. Additionally, Bare‐Pdots exhibit a distinct distribution in brown adipose tissue and heart, closely associated with phagocytosis of capillary endothelial cells involved in lipid metabolism. Notably, injection of Bare‐Pdots at 5 mg kg−1 results in dysfunction of brown adipose tissue and an increased risk of obesity 90 days post‐injection. Furthermore, hydrophilic COOH‐Pdots and NH2‐Pdots with reduced lipophilicity are synthesized using amphiphilic ligands. NH2‐Pdots show similar distribution but lower biotoxicity compared to Bare‐Pdots. Nevertheless, injection of COOH‐Pdots at 5 mg kg−1 causes a decrease in white blood cells and renal tubular damage. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing dosage to ensure the safe use of Pdots in preclinical applications.
High Performance Flexible Supercapacitor Based on Single Precursor Derived NiFe2O4 Spinel with Tailored Cationic Distribution and Oxygen Vacancies in Acidic Medium
Authors: Ajay  , Tanwar Vaishali , Gujare Aditi Ashok , Ingole Pravin Popinand
Published: July 2024

Spinel metal oxides are extensively studied for supercapacitors (SCs) in alkaline electrolytes, where charge storage capacity is limited by surface site availability due to surface reconstruction forming metal hydroxides/oxyhydroxides. The use of an acidic medium, which can boost the charge storage capacity of spinel oxides offering an additional channel of intercalation‐deintercalation of protons, is underexplored. Moreover, the impact of chemical compositions and the cationic distributions is crucial on the electrocatalysis performance of spinel oxides, however, such a correlation is first time reported for charge storage properties of spinel ferrite NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NFO NPs). Besides, a low‐cost and scalable synthesis of NFO NPs involving the thermal decomposition of Ni‐Fe glycolate, followed by controlled air‐calcination is reported. Thus crafted NFO NPs‐based device shows impressive specific capacitance (2112 F g−1 at 10 A g−1) in half‐cell configuration. A flexible all‐solid‐state asymmetric device (full‐cell) configuration depicts impressive energy density (20.7 Wh kg−1), power density (4000 W kg−1), gravimetric capacitance (140 F g−1 at 2 A g−1), and retention of its performance (≈75% after 10,000 charging/discharging cycles). The results depict a new insight toward the tuning of electronic and charge storage properties in NFO, which otherwise are predominately attributed to only the crystallite size and morphological effects.
Melatonin Ameliorates Depressive‐Like Behaviors in Ovariectomized Mice by Improving Tryptophan Metabolism via Inhibition of Gut Microbe Alistipes Inops
Authors: Zheng Kai‐Yu , Gao Bo , Wang Hua‐Jie , He Jin‐Gang , Chen Hong‐Sheng , Hu Zhuang‐Li , Long Li‐Hong , Chen Jian‐Guo , Wang Fang
Published: July 2024

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is reported to improve mood disorders in perimenopausal women and gut microbiome composition is altered during menopausal period. The possible role of microbiome in the treatment effect of melatonin on menopausal depression remains unknown. Here, it is shown that melatonin treatment reverses the gut microbiota dysbiosis and depressive‐like behaviors in ovariectomy (OVX) operated mice. This effect of melatonin is prevented by antibiotic cocktails (ABX) treatment. Transferring microbiota harvested from adolescent female mice to OVX‐operated mice is sufficient to ameliorate depressive‐like behaviors. Conversely, microbiota transplantation from OVX‐operated mice or melatonin‐treated OVX‐operated mice to naïve recipient mice exhibits similar phenotypes to donors. The colonization of Alistipes Inops, which is abundant in OVX‐operated mice, confers the recipient with depressive‐like behaviors. Further investigation indicates that the expansion of Alistipes Inops induced by OVX leads to the degradation of intestinal tryptophan, which destroys systemic tryptophan availability. Melatonin supplementation restores systemic tryptophan metabolic disorders by suppressing the growth of Alistipes Inops, which ameliorates depressive‐like behaviors. These results highlight the previously unrecognized role of Alistipes Inops in the modulation of OVX‐induced behavioral disorders and suggest that the application of melatonin to inhibit Alistipes Inops may serve as a potential strategy for preventing menopausal depressive symptoms.
Pushing Pressure Detection Sensitivity to New Limits by Modulus‐Tunable Mechanism
Authors: Yang Jing , Yuan Guojiang , Shen Yong , Guo Caili , Li Zhibin , Yan Fengling , Chen Xiaolong , Mei Lin , Wang Taihong
Published: July 2024

Only microstructures are used to improve the sensitivity of iontronic pressure sensors. By modulating the compressive modulus, a breakthrough in the sensitivity of the iontronic pressure sensor is achieved. Furthermore, it allows for programmatic tailoring of sensor performance according to the requirements of different applications. Such a new strategy pushes the sensitivity up to a record‐high of 25 548.24 kPa−1 and expands the linear pressure range from 15 to 127 kPa. Additionally, the sensor demonstrates excellent mechanical stability over 10 000 compression‐release cycles. Based on this, a well‐controlled robotic hand that precisely tracks the pressure behavior inside a balloon to autonomously regulate the gripping angle is developed. This paves the way for the application of iontronic pressure sensors in precise sensing scenarios.
Lactylated Apolipoprotein C‐II Induces Immunotherapy Resistance by Promoting Extracellular Lipolysis
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhao Deping , Wang Yupeng , Liu Ming , Zhang Yuan , Feng Tingting , Xiao Chao , Song Huan , Miao Rui , Xu Li , Chen Hongwei , Qiu Xiaoying , Xu Yi , Xu Jingxuan , Cui Zelin , Wang Wei , Quan Yanchun , Zhu Yifeng , Huang Chen , Zheng Song Guo , Zhao Jian‐yuan , Zhu Ting , Sun Lianhui , Fan Guangjian
Published: July 2024

Mortality rates due to lung cancer are high worldwide. Although PD‐1 and PD‐L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors boost the survival of patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), resistance often arises. The Warburg Effect, which causes lactate build‐up and potential lysine‐lactylation (Kla), links immune dysfunction to tumor metabolism. The role of non‐histone Kla in tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy remains to be clarified. Here, global lactylome profiling and metabolomic analyses of samples from patients with NSCLC is conducted. By combining multi‐omics analysis with in vitro and in vivo validation, that intracellular lactate promotes extracellular lipolysis through lactyl‐APOC2 is revealed. Mechanistically, lactate enhances APOC2 lactylation at K70, stabilizing it and resulting in FFA release, regulatory T cell accumulation, immunotherapy resistance, and metastasis. Moreover, the anti‐APOC2K70‐lac antibody that sensitized anti‐PD‐1 therapy in vivo is developed. This findings highlight the potential of anti lactyl‐APOC2‐K70 approach as a new combination therapy for sensitizing immunotherapeutic responses.
Lossless Phonon Transition Through GaN‐Diamond and Si‐Diamond Interfaces
Authors: Malakoutian Mohamadali , Woo Kelly , Rich Dennis , Mandia Ramandeep , Zheng Xiang , Kasperovich Anna , Saraswat Devansh , Soman Rohith , Jo Youhwan , Pfeifer Thomas , Hwang Taesoon , Aller Henry , Kim Jeongkyu , Lyu Junrui , Mabrey Janelle Keionna , Rodriguez Thomas Andres , Pomeroy James , Hopkins Patrick E. , Graham Samuel , Smith David J. , Mitra Subhasish , Cho Kyeongjae , Kuball Martin , Chowdhury Srabanti
Published: July 2024

Advancing Silicon (Si) technology beyond Moore's law through 3D architectures requires highly efficient heat management methods compatible with foundry processes. While continued increases in transistor density can be achieved through 3D architectures, self‐heating in the upper tiers degrades the performance. Self‐heating is a critical problem for high‐power, high‐frequency, wide bandgap, and ultra‐wide bandgap devices as well. Diamond, known for its exceptional thermal conductivity, offers a viable solution in both these cases. Since thermal boundary resistance (between the channel/junction and diamond plays a crucial role in overall thermal resistance, this study investigates various dielectrics for interface engineering, such as Silicon dioxide (SiO2), amorphous‐ Silicon Carbide (a‐SiC), and Silicon Nitride (SiNx), to make a phonon bridge at gallium nitride (GaN)‐diamond and Si‐diamond interfaces. The a‐SiC interlayer reduces diamond/GaN (<5 m2K per GW) and diamond/Si (<2 m2K per GW) thermal boundary resistances by linking low‐ and high‐frequency phonons, boosting phonon transport through the interface. Engineered interfaces enhance heat spreading from the channel/junction and rule out premature failure.
Induction of out‐of‐season spawning in an intensively reared walleye (Sander vitreus) broodstock
Authors: Firkus Tyler J. , Branville Colton , Neibauer Jared , Hartleb Christopher , Holmes Kendall , Hauser Emma , Fischer Gregory
Published: July 2024

The commercial viability of walleye (Sander vitreus) as an aquaculture species requires that walleye gametes are available year‐round so that multiple cohorts of walleye can be brought to market throughout the year. This study aimed to apply photothermal manipulations to three groups of walleye broodstock to induce out‐of‐season spawning and obtain a year‐round supply of fertilized walleye eggs. We manipulated photothermal regimes for three groups of broodstock to induce spawning in February (early), April (in‐season), and July (late‐season). In autumn, water temperatures were chilled to 8°C in all treatments. The duration of the chill period varied for each treatment with the early, in‐season, and late treatments remaining chilled for 6, 18, and 30 weeks, respectively, before being warmed to induce spawning. Fecundity was significantly lower for late‐season broodstock. Egg size and gonadosomatic index were significantly smaller in the early‐season treatment. Fertilization success was similar for early and in‐season treatments but was 0% for eggs from the late‐season treatment. Larval survival was significantly lower for walleye from early‐season broodstock. Our results suggest that early out‐of‐season spawning for walleye is possible but comes with tradeoffs of smaller egg size and lower larval survival.
Chemoselective and Stereoselective Allylation of Bis(alkenyl)boronates
Authors: Tran Minh‐Khoa , Ready Joseph M.
Published: July 2024

Bis(alkenyl)boronates react with optically active Ir(π‐allyl) species in a process that involves allylation of the more substituted olefin and 1,2‐metalate shift of the less substituted olefin. The method constructs valuable enantioenriched tertiary allylic boronic esters with high chemoselectivity, enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. Allylic functionalization reactions transform the 1,3‐stereodiad to 1,5‐ and 1,6‐stereochemical relationships.
Exploring Nanozymes for Organic Substrates: Building Nano‐organelles
Authors: Liu Xi , Gao Meng , Qin Yunlong , Xiong Zhiqiang , Zheng Huizhen , Willner Itamar , Cai Xiaoming , Li Ruibin
Published: July 2024

Since the discovery of the first peroxidase nanozyme (Fe3O4), numerous nanomaterials have been reported to exhibit intrinsic enzyme‐like activity toward inorganic oxygen species, such as H2O2, oxygen, and O2−. However, the exploration of nanozymes targeting organic compounds holds transformative potential in the realm of industrial synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse types of nanozymes that catalyze reactions involving organic substrates and discusses their catalytic mechanisms, structure‐activity relationships, and methodological paradigms for discovering new nanozymes. Additionally, we propose a forward‐looking perspective on designing nanozyme formulations to mimic subcellular organelles, such as chloroplasts, termed “nano‐organelles”. Finally, we analyze the challenges encountered in nanozyme synthesis, characterization, nano‐organelle construction and applications while suggesting directions to overcome these obstacles and enhance nanozyme research in the future. Through this review, our goal is to inspire further research efforts and catalyze advancements in the field of nanozymes, fostering new insights and opportunities in chemical synthesis.
Dual‐Catalytic Structural Isomerisation as a Route to α‐Arylated Ketones
Authors: Lunic Danijela , Vystavkin Nikita , Qin Jingyang , Teskey Christopher J.
Published: July 2024

Isomerisation reactions provide streamlined routes to organic compounds which are otherwise hard to directly synthesise. The most common forms are positional, geometrical or stereochemical isomerisations which involve the relocation of a double bond or a change in relative location of groups in space. In contrast, far fewer examples of structural (or constitutional) isomerisation exist where the connectivity between atoms is altered. The development of platforms capable of such rearrangement poses a unique set of challenges because chemical bonds must be selectively cleaved, and new ones formed without overall addition or removal of atoms. Here, we show that a dual catalytic system can enable the structural isomerisation of readily available allylic alcohols into more challenging‐to‐synthesise α‐arylated ketones via a H‐atom transfer initiated semi‐pinacol rearrangement. Key to our strategy is the combination of a cobalt catalyst and photocatalyst under reductive, protic conditions which allows intermediates to propagate catalytic turnover. By providing an unusual disconnection to structural motifs which are difficult to access through direct arylation, we anticipate inspiring other advanced catalytic isomerisation strategies that will further retrosynthetic logic for complex molecule synthesis.
Near Ultraviolet‐Excitable Cyan‐Emissive Hybrid Copper(I) Halides Nonlinear Optical Crystals with Near‐Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield and High‐Efficiency X‐ray Scintillation
Authors: Qi Jing‐Li , Guo Yue , Wu Jiajing , Huang Qiao‐Feng , Xu Jun‐Jie , Yan Shu‐Fang , Liu Wenlong , Guo Sheng‐Ping
Published: July 2024

Designing and synthesizing multifunctional hybrid copper halides with near ultraviolet (NUV) light‐excited high‐energy emission (<500 nm) remains challenging. Here, a pair of broadband‐excited high‐energy emitting isomers, namely, α‐/β‐(MePh3P)2CuI3 (MePh3P=methyltriphenylphosphonium), were synthesized. α‐(MePh3P)2CuI3 with blue emission peaking at 475 nm is firstly discovered wherein its structure contains regular [CuI3]2− triangles and crystallizes in centrosymmetric space group P21/c. While β‐(MePh3P)2CuI3 featuring distorted [CuI3]2− planar triangles shows inversion symmetry breaking and crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group P21, which exhibits cyan emission peaking at 495 nm with prominent near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield and the excitation band ranging from 200 to 450 nm. Intriguingly, β‐(MePh3P)2CuI3 exhibits phase‐matchable second‐harmonic generation response of 0.54×KDP and a suitable birefringence of 0.06@1064 nm. Furthermore, β‐(MePh3P)2CuI3 also can be excited by X‐ray radioluminescence with a high scintillation light yield of 16193 photon/MeV and an ultra‐low detection limit of 47.97 nGy/s, which is only 0.87 % of the standard medical diagnosis (5.5 μGy/s). This work not only promotes the development of solid‐state lighting, laser frequency conversion and X‐ray imaging, but also provides a reference for constructing multifunctional hybrid metal halides.
In‐situ construction of Bi2O2CO3/MIL‐101(Cr) nanosheet catalyst for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dye molecules from water
Authors: Zhang Qiuyun , Xie Feiran , Wang Jialu , Wang Tianqing , Lei Jiao , Li Weihua , Cheng Jingsong , Zhang Yutao
Published: July 2024

For nearly a century, the excessive discharge of organic contaminants has gradually polluted water and endangered people's health, and photocatalysis has been prominently employed to remove persistent recalcitrant organic. Here, MIL‐101(Cr) was firstly employed to introduce thin‐layered Bi2O2CO3 for the formation of Bi2O2CO3/MIL‐101(Cr) nanosheet composite, by a simple and low‐temperature in‐situ growth approach. The phase, morphology, optical, and surface characteristics of the fabricated composite were characterized through XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDS, N2 adsorption–desorption, UV–Vis DRS, PL, TG, and XPS techniques, and the ability in the photocatalytic breakdown of rhodamine B (RhB) molecule under visible light was also studied. The results of characterization analysis and optical analysis exhibited that Bi2O2CO3/MIL‐101(Cr) has large pore size, good visible light response‐ability, and the heterojunction created by intercalating Bi2O2CO3 on MIL‐101(Cr). Photocatalytic studies revealed that Bi2O2CO3/MIL‐101(Cr) had superior RhB degradation activity than pure MIL‐101(Cr) and Bi2O2CO3, which achieved 97.1% with visible light irradiation for 20 mg/l RhB. Meanwhile, the Bi2O2CO3/MIL‐101(Cr) composite displayed good recyclability after three cycles as revealed by XRD and FTIR analysis proving their excellent stability. This study provides feasible insight into developing novel and efficient MIL‐101‐based heterojunction catalysts for environmental remediation in the future.
Thiosemicarbazones and derived tin complexes: Synthesis, structural analysis and in vitro evaluation against bacterial and cancer cells
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed B. M. , Mayer Peter , Abbas Safaa M.
Published: July 2024

Two complexes of Sn (IV), Sn (IV)‐TSC 1 and Sn (IV)‐TSC 2, with the ligands 4‐(2,4‐dimethylphenyl)‐1‐([pyridin‐2‐yl]methylene)thiosemicarbazide (TSC 1) and 4‐(2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐([pyridin‐2‐yl]methylene)thiosemicarbazide (TSC 2) were synthesized. X‐ray crystallographic investigation of Sn (IV)‐TSC 2 afforded valuable information on its octahedral geometry, monoclinic lattice and C 1 2/c 1 space group. The ligands are monoanionic tridentate via a deprotonated thiol sulfur atom and two nitrogen atoms of pyridine and azomethine moieties. These atoms coordinate tin alongside three independent chlorine atoms making the tin atoms in the complexes tetravalent, despite of incorporating tin (II) chloride in the reactions. Solutions of the ligands TSC 1 and TSC 2 (20 mg/ml in dimethyl sulfoxide) induced growth inhibitions only to Staphylococcus aureus (14 and 10 mm) and Escherichia coli (15 and 10 mm) bacteria. But the complexes displayed activities against four bacterial species, that is, S. aureus, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (complex Sn (IV)‐TSC 1, complex Sn (IV)‐TSC 2 and ampicillin showed inhibition diameters with 12–14, 13–14 and 21–26 mm). All TSC ligands and coordination compounds induced cytotoxicity in MCF‐7 cancer and BHK normal cells. The compounds TSC 1, TSC 2, Sn (IV)‐TSC 1, Sn (IV)‐TSC 2 and doxorubicin inhibited the MCF‐7 (BHK) cells with IC50 values of 68.9 (126.6), 145.4 (110.6), 22.6 (16.7), 34.2 (16.1) and 9.66 (36.42) μM, respectively.
Substituted indeno[2,1‐c]fluorene‐5,8‐diones as a platform for synthesis of polyaromatic hydrocarbons possessing extended π‐conjugated systems with butterfly‐like frameworks
Authors: Feriancová Lucia , Kiss Anita , Cadart Timothée , Gyepes Robert , Císařová Ivana , Kotora Martin
Published: July 2024

Synthetic options for conversion of indeno[2,1‐c]fluorene‐5,8‐diones into larger polyaromatic compounds with extended π‐conjugated systems were explored. The crucial two‐fold transformation of the five‐membered ketone moieties of indeno[2,1‐c]fluorene‐5,8‐diones was based either on a one‐carbon homologation or on a ring‐expansion reaction which eventually enabled syntheses of compounds possessing substituted tribenzo[a,e,l]indeno[1,2,3‐hi]acephenanthrylenes and [5]helicenes scaffolds. The former was prepared by using a reaction sequence based on Ramirez olefination, intramolecular Heck reaction, and intermolecular Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling, whereas the latter utilized a sequence comprising Büchner−Curtius−Schlotterbeck reaction and intermolecular Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling. Scholl reaction of selected [5]helicenes yielded planarized polyaromatic compounds with the tribenzo[a,e,l]indeno[1,2,3‐hi]acephenanthrylene scaffold. Where possible, structures of products were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analyses. Photophysical properties were determined as well.
High‐Speed and Long‐Distance Spin‐Wave Propagation in Spinel γ‐Fe2O3 Epitaxial Thin Films
Authors: Tang Siyi , Yao Lihao , Sarker Md Shamim , Liao Zhiqiang , Ma Kaijie , Yamahara Hiroyasu , Tabata Hitoshi , Seki Munetoshi
Published: July 2024

In spin wave (SW) devices, the modulation of SWs for computational units is necessary, imposing extremely high demands on material systems. In this study, high‐quality epitaxial‐grown spinel γ‐Fe2O3 thin films on conductive Nb‐doped SrTiO3 substrates, achieving fast‐speed, high‐frequency, and long‐distance SW propagation in this ferrimagnetic material, are developed. A novel two‐step film growth technique using pulsed laser deposition is proposed and optimized, and the damping constant, exchange stiffness, and anisotropies of γ‐Fe2O3 are determined. Compared to reported semiconductor magnetic materials, these epitaxial‐grown γ‐Fe2O3 thin films exhibit a significantly lower damping constant of 10−2, representing a substantial advancement. Using finite‐difference calculations, SW propagation is simulated, and vital information on transmission distance and dispersion curves is obtained. Experimental results show excellent agreement with these simulations. By applying a voltage to both sides of the conducting substrate, current across the film and SW device, resulting in the frequency shift of the SWs, is generated. These results demonstrate that high‐quality γ‐Fe2O3 films developed through the two‐step growth method can efficiently propagate SWs, offering possibilities for various modulation methods in SW‐based computing devices. This study positions spinel γ‐Fe2O3 as a promising ferrimagnetic candidate for future applications in efficient SW modulation within computational systems.
The effect of used cooking oil composition on the specific CO2e emissions embodied in HEFA‐SPK production
Authors: Mannion Liam A. , Redington Conor , Kelly Mark , Bell Aron , Dooley Stephen
Published: July 2024

In this study, the correlation between the composition, hydrogen/carbon (H/C) ratio, and hydrogen/oxygen (H/O) ratio of a used cooking oil (UCO) and the specific emissions embodied in the derived hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene (HEFA‐SPK) is investigated. It is shown that HEFA‐SPK produced from UCOs with low concentrations of C18:1, high concentrations of C18:2, and low H/C ratios utilize less energy and more hydrogen during Fuel Production. Hence, HEFA‐SPK produced from such UCOs will embody higher gCO2e for fossil hydrogen utilization scenarios, and lower gCO2e for green hydrogen utilization scenarios compared with other UCOs. Conversely, it is shown that HEFA‐SPK produced from UCOs with high concentrations of C18:1, low concentrations of C18:2 and high H/C ratios utilize more energy and less hydrogen during Fuel Production. Hence, HEFA‐SPK derived from such UCOs will embody lower gCO2e for fossil hydrogen utilization scenarios, and higher gCO2e for green hydrogen utilization scenarios compared with other UCOs. Monte Carlo simulation gives the emissions embodied in Fuel Production a 95% confidence interval for all UCO‐derived HEFA‐SPK, showing a similar uncertainty for all compositions. A maximum of +1.1 gCO2e/MJSAF and −1.0 gCO2e/MJSAF is obtained for the upper and lower bounds respectively for the emissions embodied during HEFA‐SPK production from UCO. The application of the correlations founded in this study allows for the prediction of the specific emissions embodied in the feedstock‐to‐fuel conversion of any UCO, providing the C18:1 concentration, C18:2 concentration, H/C ratio and H/O ratio of the UCO is known.
Investigating the detection of the novel doping‐relevant peptide kisspeptin‐10 in urine using liquid chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Colpaert Thibo , Risseeuw Martijn , Deventer Koen , Van Eenoo Peter
Published: July 2024

Kisspeptin‐10 is a peptide hormone capable of increasing circulating follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels in humans. Clinically, these effects suggest its use as a treatment for infertility. However, its testosterone‐increasing effect indicates potential misuse in sports. As such, it is included in the 2024 World Anti‐Doping Agency Prohibited List. This work describes the successful validation of an initial testing procedure (screening) and a confirmation procedure for kisspeptin‐10 in urine using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Additionally, kisspeptin‐10 was incubated in human serum to mimic endogenous metabolism to improve method sensitivity, as previous research had demonstrated a rapid elimination time of only 30 min after injection (in rats). Four metabolites, corresponding to peptide fragments y9, y8, y7 and y5, were found and added to the ITP in full scan mode. A degradation product discovered during early experimentation was found to probably be caused by oxidation of the tryptophan residue into a kynurenine residue. Further research should elucidate the kinetic parameters of the reaction to improve product stability. Using the validated confirmation procedure, a black‐market vial of kisspeptin‐10 was analysed. The product contained no unexpected impurities, although it appeared to have undergone more degradation than the purchased reference standard.
Design and Characterization of Neutral Linker‐Based Bis‐Intercalator via Computer Simulations: Balancing DNA Binding and Cellular Uptake
Authors: Pant Pradeep
Published: July 2024

Bis‐intercalators refer to a class of chemical compounds known for their unique ability to simultaneously intercalate, or insert, into DNA at two distinct sites. These molecules typically feature two intercalating moieties connected by a linker, allowing them to engage with DNA base pairs at multiple locations. The bis‐intercalation phenomenon plays a significant role in altering the DNA structure, affecting its stability, and potentially influencing various cellular processes. These compounds have gained considerable attention in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry due to their potential applications in cancer therapy, where they may interfere with DNA replication and transcription, leading to anticancer effects. Traditionally, these molecules often possess a high positive charge to enhance their affinity for the negatively charged DNA. However, due to a high positive charge, their cellular uptake is compromised, along with their enhanced potential off‐target effects. In this study, we utilized bis‐intercalator TOTO and replaced the charged linker segment (propane‐1,3‐diammonium) with a neutral peroxodisulphuric acid linker. Using molecular modeling and computer simulations (500 ns, 3 replicas), we investigated the potential of the designed molecule as a bis‐intercalator and compared the properties with the control bis‐intercalator bound to DNA. We observed that the designed bis‐intercalator exhibited improved DNA binding (as assessed through MM‐PBSA and Delphi methods) and membrane translocation permeability. With an overall reduced charge, significantly less off‐target binding of the designed molecule is also anticipated. Consequently, bis‐intercalators based on peroxodisulphuric linkers can potentially target DNA effectively, and their role in the future design of bis‐intercalators is foreseen.
M6A modification and T cells in adipose tissue inflammation
Authors: Yang Xiaoting , Tang Haojun , Sun Xuan , Gui Qingjun
Published: July 2024

Adipose tissue in the obese state can lead to low‐grade chronic inflammation while inducing or exacerbating obesity‐related metabolic diseases and impairing overall health.T cells, which are essential immune cells similar to macrophages, are widely distributed in adipose tissue and perform their immunomodulatory function; they also cross‐talk with other cells in the vascular stromal fraction. Based on a large number of studies, it has been found that N6 methyl adenine (m6A) is one of the most representative of epigenetic modifications, which affects the crosstalk between T cells, as well as other immune cells, in several ways and plays an important role in the development of adipose tissue inflammation and related metabolic diseases. In this review, we first provide an overview of the widespread presence of T cells in adipose tissue and summarize the key role of T cells in adipose tissue inflammation. Next, we explored the effects of m6A modifications on T cells in adipose tissue from the perspective of adipose tissue inflammation. Finally, we discuss the impact of m6a‐regulated crosstalk between T cells and immune cells on the prospects for improving adipose tissue inflammation research, providing additional new ideas for the treatment of obesity.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles display antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects on gamma irradiation‐induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Saif‐Elnasr Mostafa , Samy Esraa M. , Abdel‐Khalek Assmaa Fathi
Published: July 2024

Throughout radiotherapy, radiation of the hepatic tissue leads to damage of the hepatocytes. We designed the current study to examine how cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) modulate gamma irradiation‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals received CONPs (15 mg/kg body weight [BW], ip) single daily dose for 14 days, and they were exposed on the seventh day to a single dose of gamma radiation (6 Gy). Results showed that irradiation increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. Furthermore, it elevated oxidative stress biomarker; malondialdehyde (MDA) and inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) in hepatic tissues homogenate. Additionally, hepatic apoptotic markers; caspase‐3 (Casp‐3) and Casp‐9 were elevated and the B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) gene level was decreased in rats exposed to radiation dose. We observed that CONPs can modulate these changes, where CONPs reduced liver enzyme activities, MDA, and apoptotic markers levels, in addition, it elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and Bcl‐2 gene levels, as well as improved histopathological changes in the irradiated animals. So our results concluded that CONPs had the ability to act as radioprotector defense against hepatotoxicity resulted during radiotherapy.
Primary pancreatic hydatid cyst: A rare case report and diagnostic challenges
Authors: Zahir Shokouh Taghipour , Rafiee Amirhossein , Kargar Saeed
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

In cystic lesions of the pancreas, hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnoses and its presence should be ruled out before any invasive interventions. Serological tests along with imaging studies related to hydatid cyst diagnostic indicators should be performed in people who live in Echinococcus granulosus endemic areas and suffer from cystic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Primary pancreatic hydatid cysts, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, represent a rare occurrence often challenging to diagnose due to their similarity to other pancreatic conditions. This case report outlines a 67‐year‐old male presenting with jaundice and cholestasis but lacking typical symptoms associated with pancreatic hydatid cysts. Laboratory findings revealed elevated bilirubin levels, liver enzyme abnormalities, and tumor markers, prompting imaging studies that indicated a cystic mass near the pancreatic head. Misdiagnosed initially as a mucinous cystic neoplasm, the patient underwent Whipple surgery, unveiling a large cystic lesion upon examination.
Axially Chiral N‐Oxide Catalysts for the Allylation and Crotylation of Aromatic Aldehydes: Exploiting Nonlinear Effects
Authors: Romero‐Arenas Antonio , Ramírez‐López Pedro , Iglesias‐Sigüenza Javier , Fernández Rosario , Ros Abel , Lassaletta José M.
Published: July 2024

A new family of IAN‐type amine N‐oxides is presented as catalysts for the allylation and crotylation of aromatic aldehydes with allyltrichlorosilanes. These reaction exhibit a remarkably positive nonlinear effect which enables utilization of the catalysts in subenantiopure form. As enantiopure catalysts are not required under this regime, the synthesis of these N‐oxides is straightforward through catalytic asymmetric synthesis, avoiding lenghty synthesis from the chiral pool or resolution of diastereoisomers. Studies of the corresponding crotylation with Z‐ and E‐crotylsilanes suggest that the reaction proceeds through a chair‐like transition state.
Evaluation of meadow fescue grass cultivars seeded with alfalfa in New York state
Authors: Tacoma‐Fogal Rink , Cherney Jerome H. , Cherney Debbie J. R.
Published: July 2024

Alfalfa–grass mixtures sown in the northeastern United States provide high‐quality dairy forage, and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) may improve the quality of these mixtures. Our objectives were to evaluate competitiveness and nutritive value of nine meadow fescue (MF) cultivars in New York State at spring harvest. Three farms, two in central New York State and one in northern New York state, were used. Conventional alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was sown (15 lb acre−1) to nine MF cultivars (three tetraploid and six diploid) and one tall fescue Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) ‘Darbysh’ cultivar in a randomized complete block design with four field replicates at each field site at three seeding rates (1, 2, and 3 lb acre−1). Grass proportion in mixtures was estimated visually. Grass samples were collected shortly before first harvest and analyzed for neutral detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), acid detergent fiber, in vitro digestibility, and crude protein. Most meadow fescue cultivars maintained a grass proportion between 20%–45% across farms and growing seasons when seeded at 1lb acre−1. Seeding rates above 1lb acre−1 resulted in grass proportions above the recommended 20–30% grass proportion rate. Drought in early 2022 resulted in an average drop in grass percentage of 16.9% units for meadow fescue in mixtures, compared to 2021. Nutritive value of cultivars varied among farms and over growing seasons. Meadow fescue cultivars averaged 2.7% units higher NDFD than tall fescue, and cultivars with consistently high NDFD were Hidden Valley, SW Revansch, SW Minto, and Schwetra. Tetraploid cultivars averaged 4.0% units lower NDF compared to diploid cultivars, which is very advantageous for grass in alfalfa–grass mixtures.
Changes in root and nutrient uptake of chickpea affected by organic fertilizers and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium
Authors: Malekian Babak , Parsa Mehdi , Fallah Mohammad Hassan , Vessal Saeedreza , Khorassani Reza
Published: July 2024

Although humans have studied biological nitrogen (N) fixation for nearly two centuries, our understanding of how legumes–microbiome interactions impact agroecosystem function is still evolving. To understand the effects of organic fertilizers and dual inoculation with Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on root activity, N fixation and nutrient uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), a two‐year greenhouse study was conducted in 2020–2021 at the research station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment design was a randomized complete blocks in the factorial arrangement with three replications. The first factor consisted of two seedbeds including S1 (field soil) and S2 (soil + humic acid + 40 ton ha−1 cattle manure). The second factor included inoculation with Rhizobium alone, mycorrhiza alone, both Rhizobium and mycorrhiza and non‐inoculated treatment. The results showed that the application of organic fertilizers increased the number of nodules, nodule weight, AMF colonization, leaf N content, leaf P content, root volume, root biomass and N uptake of chickpea, significantly. Also, the effect of seed inoculation was significant on all studied parameters where the highest root biomass (2 g), root volume (3.6 cm3) and leaf phosphorus (0.54%) were obtained in co‐inoculated treatments. There was no significant difference between the effect of single inoculation of Rhizobium and dual inoculation of mycorrhiza and Rhizobium on nodule number, nodule weight, leaf N and N uptake of chickpea. Generally, rhizobia and AMF can benefit nutrient uptake and root activity of chickpea, potentially leading to higher crop production.
Copper(I) Induced Phase Transition and 1D Growth in Cesium Lead Bromide Cubic Nanocrystals
Authors: Sunny Fency , Mane Pratap , Chakraborty Brahmananda , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Kurukkal Balakrishnan Subila
Published: July 2024

Lead halide perovskites have been explored ardently in the past decade owing to their excellent photophysical properties. High‐temperature cation exchange reactions have been employed to improve the stability and performance in perovskite lattice, but lacks control over size, shape, and stoichiometry. Herein, the solution phase interaction of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) nanocrystals with monovalent and bivalent copper ions, under ambient conditions is systematically investigated. The introduction of Cu1+ explicitly initiates a one‐dimensional growth with a distinct phase transition, that is from cubic to orthorhombic, while Cu2+ induces a partial exchange with Pb2+ with no phase change. DFT calculations suggest that Cu1+ induces structural distortion via Cs1+ substitution, altering the Goldschmidt tolerance factor and perovskite octahedral tilting, leading to the phase transition. Additionally, the oleic acid/amine ligands used to stabilize the nanocrystals, are preferentially etched away to form complexes with Cu1+, initializing an oriented growth of the nanocubes to nanorods. A mechanistic investigation of the evolution of the nanorods gave insights on tuning the tolerance factor via room temperature modifications and cation exchanges in perovskites for anisotropy and morphology tuning. This effortlessly obtained perovskite nanorods with Cu1+ could find effective applications in optoelectronics, and as novel photocatalysts.
Interval many‐objective dynamic charging planning in wireless rechargeable sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhao Tianhao , Wu Linjie , Cui Zhihua
Published: July 2024

Charging path planning in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) refers to designing an efficient charging path for sensor nodes in the network. However, most charging schemes mainly consider the planning of charging paths and pay little attention to the impact of uncertainties, such as road conditions and environment on the planning of charging paths, as well as ignoring the charging problem of new nodes in need of charging. Road conditions and the environment directly affect the energy consumption of wireless charging vehicles (WCVs) during traveling. To address the aforementioned challenges, this article proposes an interval many‐objective charging path scheme model, the WCV consumption is an uncertain value, it will change according to the environment, and road conditions, so we represent it as an interval parameter with upper and lower bounds. An interval high‐dimensional multi‐objective model with target energy consumption, path distance, number of dead nodes, and communication delay is constructed. Second, to implement this model, an interval SPEA2 algorithm (I‐SPEA2) that introduces an environmental response mechanism is proposed. I‐SPEA2 treats individual target interval values as ranges of values on a two‐dimensional coordinate axis, forming a quadrilateral, calculates individual size probabilities based on the area to determine the dominant relationship, and combines fixed distance and interval overlap to eliminate redundant individuals. The simulation results show that the interval dynamic model is effective in prolonging the lifecycle of WSN as well as the proposed algorithm reduces the mortality rate of the nodes by 15%, 28%, 13%, 16%, and 21% compared with other algorithms.
Interfacial Engineering of Ag/C Catalysts for Practical Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to CO
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Gong , Gao Hui , Du Xiaowei , Wang Chujun , Wang Tuo , Zhang Peng , Gong Jinlong
Published: July 2024

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to value‐added chemicals by renewable energy sources is a promising way to implement the artificial carbon cycle. During the reaction, especially at high current densities for practical applications, the complex interaction between the key intermediates and the active sites would affect the selectivity, while the reconfiguration of electrocatalysts could restrict the stability. This paper describes the fabrication of Ag/C catalysts with a well‐engineered interfacial structure, in which Ag nanoparticles are partially encapsulated by C supports. The obtained electrocatalyst exhibits CO Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) of over 90 % at current densities even as high as 1.1 A/cm2. The strong interfacial interaction between Ag and C leads to highly localized electron density that promotes the rate‐determining electron transfer step by enhancing the adsorption and the stabilization of the key *COO− intermediate. In addition, the partially encapsulated structure prevents the reconfiguration of Ag during the reaction. Stable performance for over 600 h at 500 mA/cm2 is achieved with CO FE maintaining over 95 %, which is among the best stability with such a high selectivity and current density. This work provides a novel catalyst design showing the potential for the practical application of electrochemical reduction of CO2.
Responses of non‐native and native plant species to fluctuations of water availability in a greenhouse experiment
Authors: Qin Wenchao , Sun Yan , Müller‐Schärer Heinz , Huang Wei
Published: July 2024

Water availability strongly influences the survival, growth, and reproduction of most terrestrial plant species. Experimental evidence has well documented the effect of changes in total amount of water availability on non‐native vs. native plants. However, little is known about how fluctuations in water availability affect these two groups, although more extreme fluctuations in water availability increasingly occur with prolonged drought and extreme precipitation events. Here, we grew seven non‐native and seven native plant species individually in the greenhouse. Then, we exposed them to four watering treatments, each treatment with the same total amount of water, but with different divisions: W1 (added water 16 times with 125 mL per time), W2 (8 times, 250 mL per time), W3 (4 times, 500 mL per time), and W4 (2 times, 1000 mL per time). We found that both non‐native and native plants produced the most biomass under medium frequency/magnitude watering treatments (W2 and W3). Interestingly, non‐native plants produced 34% more biomass with the infrequent, substantial watering treatment (W4) than with frequent, minor watering treatment (W1), whereas native plants showed opposite patterns, producing 26% more biomass with W1 than with W4. Differences in the ratio of root to shoot under few/large and many/small watering treatments of non‐native vs. native species probably contributed to their different responses in biomass production. Our results advance the current understanding of the effect of water availability on non‐native plants, which are affected not only by changes in amount of water availability but also by fluctuations in water availability. Furthermore, our results indicate that an increased few/large precipitation pattern expected under climate change conditions might further promote non‐native plant invasions. Future field experiments with multiple phylogenetically controlled pairs of non‐native and native species will be required to enhance our understanding of how water availability fluctuations impact on non‐native invasions.
Integration of citizen science and eDNA reveals novel ecological insights for marine fish conservation
Authors: Kvalheim Lone , Stensrud Eivind , Knutsen Halvor , Hyvärinen Olli , Eiler Alexander
Published: July 2024

In the face of climate change, the accelerating nature crisis, and other anthropogenic impacts, conserving biodiversity demands effective monitoring. While innovative approaches have emerged to enhance biodiversity assessment, significant data gaps persist, particularly within marine ecosystems. In this study, we assess the utility of combining citizen (community) science with environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for characterizing and quantifying marine fish biodiversity. Over the summer of 2022, 32 volunteers conducted extensive water sampling in a large Norwegian fjord, yielding 96 samples. Contrasting eDNA findings with conventional observational surveys (such as a national species registration database and beach seine surveys) unveiled a substantial overlap in recorded species inventories. The eDNA citizen science initiative identified previously undocumented species and rediscovered others emphasizing an increase in warm‐water species within the study area. Additionally, eDNA data unveiled reduced diversity within the inner fjord relative to the outer fjord. To conclude, our study demonstrates the successful integration of eDNA within a citizen science framework, facilitating comprehensive biodiversity tracking across coastal marine regions. These findings hold promise for advancing marine conservation efforts by providing valuable data to inform critical decision‐making processes.
Superior Anodic Lithium Storage in Core–Shell Heterostructures Composed of Carbon Nanotubes and Schiff‐Base Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Jiang Nan , Qi Mengpei , Jiang Yalong , Fan Yin , Jin Shiwei , Yang Yingkui
Published: July 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) after undergoing the superlithiation process promise high‐capacity anodes while suffering from sluggish reaction kinetics and low electrochemical utilization of redox‐active sites. Herein, integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with imine‐linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) was rationally executed by in‐situ Schiff‐base condensation between 1,1′‐biphenyl]‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetracarbaldehyde and 1,4‐diaminobenzene in the presence of CNTs to produce core–shell heterostructured composites (CNT@COF). Accordingly, the redox‐active shell of COF nanoparticles around one‐dimensional conductive CNTs synergistically creates robust three‐dimensional hybrid architectures with high specific surface area, thus promoting electron transport and affording abundant active functional groups accessible for electrochemical utilization throughout the whole electrode. Remarkably, upon the full activation with a superlithiation process, the as‐fabricated CNT@COF anode achieves a specific capacity of 2324 mAh g−1, which is the highest specific capacity among organic electrode materials reported so far. Meanwhile, the superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability are also obtained. The redox reaction mechanisms for the COF moiety were further revealed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, involving the reversible redox reactions between lithium ions and C=N groups and gradual electrochemical activation of the unsaturated C=C bonds within COFs.