bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endotoxin‐Capturing Nitric Oxide‐Releasing Nanoproducers Synergistically Integrated with Photodynamic Therapy for Bacterial Biofilm Infections
Authors: Wang Kezhen , Li Haohuan , Hu Yi , Lin Juchun , Shu Gang , Zhang Wei , Fu Hualin , Liang Xiaoxia , Cheng Anchun , Zhou Shaobing , Xu Funeng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe challenge of multispecies bacterial biofilms involves secondary infections from biofilm dispersion while failing to clear resident‐bacteria, along with health risks from endotoxins. Although photodynamic therapy simultaneously eliminates biofilms and resident‐bacteria, its effectiveness is limited by the short half‐life of reactive oxygen species (ROS). And the slightly acidic properties of biofilms offer opportunities to mitigate anionic endotoxin hazards. Consequently, a nanoproducer is developed that releases nitric oxide by leveraging its prolonged half‐life and interaction with superoxide anions to extend the range of ROS oxidation. Meanwhile, the nanoproducer can respond to the biofilm's pH, gaining a strong positive charge to effectively capture released endotoxin during treatment. This research indicates that nanoproducers effectively disperse biofilms and improve their penetration into polymeric substances, leading to efficient reduction of bacterial burden in mice harboring biofilm and abscess models. Additionally, nanoproducers effectively reduce inflammatory cytokine levels and immune cell infiltration caused by endotoxin. The nanoplatform, therefore, demonstrates remarkable promise in combating bacterial biofilm infections and alleviating the risks associated with endotoxins.
A Hybrid Miniaturized Modular Probe for Minimally Invasive Neural Intervention
Authors: Zhao Xiaotong , Deng Maosen , Guo Shuang , Liu Jiarui , Liu Na , Li Zhe 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBrain's unique anatomical structure and physiological environment make it difficult to deliver therapeutic agents such as drug or light to a focal volume in brain for disease treatment. Physically targeting a fine structure in brain with a micro‐neural probe is an effective solution. Here, we present a hybrid miniaturized neural probe designed with micro‐fluidic channel(s) for drug delivery, micro‐electrode(s) for neural sensing and an optical fiber for optical‐related treatment. These functional components are integrated in a micro‐cannula (diameter <300 µm) with modular design and fabrication properties which can be conveniently adjusted for diverse applications. In vitro and in vivo tests confirm that this probe can precisely deliver drug to a focal volume in brain bypassing the blood brain barrier, and on‐site neural sensing can be achieved with the integrated neural electrode. Leveraging near infrared light’s scattering properties in brain, we demonstrate in vivo with rat glioblastoma model that this hybrid neural probe can be a platform for photothermal treatment of brain tumor. With these merits, the hybrid miniaturized neural probe will be an effective tool with great translational potentials for minimally invasive neural intervention such as drug delivery or combination treatment of brain diseases.
Amorphous GaOx Thin Films Grown by MOCVD for Broadband Ultraviolet Absorption Application
Authors: Zhang Chuang , Qi Song , Xue Jierui , Cao Jiahe , Xie Zhigao , Liao Yimin , Wang Yan , Song Hanzhao , Qu Andeng , Hu Guofeng , Mei Zengxia , Tang Weihua , Tan Chee‐keong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGallium oxide (Ga₂O₃), with its wide bandgap of 4.3–5.4 eV and tunable properties, holds great potential for applications in power electronics, solar‐blind photodetectors (PDs), and transparent conductive oxides, particularly effective in the 230–280 nm range for solar‐blind detectors. In contrast, amorphous gallium oxide (a‐GaOx) is gaining attention for UV PDs and flexible X‐ray detectors due to its straightforward synthesis. However, its effective utilization requires a deeper understanding of its chemical, structural, and optical properties. In this study, a‐GaOx is synthesized using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at a reduced oxygen flow rate. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that Ga₂O can constitute over 30% of the thin film at high trimethylgallium (TMGa) flux, coexisting with Ga₂O₃ and exhibiting an optical bandgap ≈3.3 eV. Notably, a metal‐semiconductor‐metal photodetector fabricated from this a‐GaOx thin film demonstrated potential as a novel broadband ultraviolet (BUV) absorption material, effectively covering the 254 to 360 nm range.
Ultra‐Sensitive and Broad‐Range Iontronic Pressure Sensor Based on ZnO‐Reinforced Sodium Alginate With CaCl2
Authors: Chang Baoquan , Zhu Lida , Xu Peihua 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFlexible pressure sensors are unprecedentedly developed on monitoring human physical activities and human–computer interaction. Simultaneously, improving the sensitivity and pressure range of flexible pressure sensors is a great challenge. Despite the introduction of microstructures on the dielectric layer, the deformability is still limited due to the size constraints of the microstructures, and the sensitivity of iontronic capacitive pressure sensor (ICPS) is still difficult to significantly improve. Here, an innovative strategy of combining nano‐ZnO and sodium alginate (SA) ionogels with two‐stage enhancement (TSE) structures, which can significantly enhance the toughness and sensitivity of ICPS for ultrasensitive pressure range, is proposed. Compared with other previously reported pressure sensors, the sensor developed in this work exhibits an ultra‐high sensitivity (Smax>17000 kPa−1, Smin>360 kPa−1) in a broad sensing range of more than 900 kPa and maintains stable long‐term working durability for 4000 cycles. The sensor demonstrates its versatility potential in practical applications in physical activity monitoring and human–computer interaction. This work provides a general strategy to achieve an ICPS with broader pressure‐response range and higher sensitivity, offering a stable and effective way for a low‐cost, scalable pressure sensor.
3D Printing of Polyester Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Advancements and Challenges
Authors: Salehabadi Mojtaba , Mirzadeh Hamid 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPolyesters have garnered significant attention in bone tissue engineering (BTE) due to their tunable degradation rates, biocompatibility, and convenient processing. This review focuses on recent advancements and challenges in the 3D printing of polyester‐based scaffolds for BTE. Various 3D printing techniques, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), vat photopolymerization (VP), and Wet‐spun additive manufacturing, are explored, emphasizing their ability to construct scaffolds with precise architectural control. The main challenges in 3D printed polyester scaffolds are their limited mechanical properties, lack of inherent bioactivity, and the release of acidic byproducts during biodegradation. Strategies to enhance scaffold performance, such as incorporating bioactive ceramics and growth factors, are discussed, focusing on improving osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, and mechanical strength. Recent studies on integrating these components into polyester scaffolds and techniques to optimize scaffold porosity and biodegradability are presented. Finally, the review addresses ongoing issues, such as the difficulty of incorporating some biomolecules and bioceramics during 3D printing and improved clinical translation. This comprehensive overview aims to provide insight into the future directions and potential solutions for overcoming the limitations of 3D‐printed polyester‐based scaffolds in BTE.
Regioselective Palladaelectro‐Catalyzed Chlorination of Arenes in an Undivided Cell
Authors: Ponra Sudipta , Sitdikov Ruzal , Calis Alyssio , Verho Oscar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChloroarenes constitute fundamental building blocks in organic synthesis and are widely applied in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, fine chemicals, materials, natural products and pharmaceuticals. Electrochemical chlorination has been recognized as a promising synthetic method for accessing chloroarenes, but it has proved challenging to achieve in practice as shown by the limited number of existing protocols. Herein, we report on a highly general electrocatalytic strategy for the regioselective chlorination of various substituted heteroaryl scaffolds in an undivided cell setup, using ethyl chloroformate as the chlorine source. This strategy offers several practical advantages over existing methodologies, including an operationally simple experimental setup, exceptional functional group tolerance, and the possibility to form either the mono‐ or bis‐chlorinated products in high selectivity depending on the choice of catalyst loading, electric current and ethyl chloroformate equivalents. The practicality and selectivity of the protocol were demonstrated by the successful chlorination of an array of densely‐substituted arene frameworks as well as by the synthesis of chlorinated bioactive molecules.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging for Quantification of Targeted Drug Delivery in Varying Tumor Microenvironments
Authors: Verma Amit , Pandey Vikas , Sherry Catherine , Humphrey Taylor , James Christopher , Matteson Kailie , Smith Jason T. , Rudkouskaya Alena , Intes Xavier , Barroso Margarida 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTrastuzumab (TZM) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and is clinically used for the treatment of HER2‐positive breast tumors. However, the tumor microenvironment can limit the access of TZM to the HER2 targets across the whole tumor and thereby compromising TZM's therapeutic efficacy. An imaging methodology that can non‐invasively quantify the binding of TZM‐HER2, which is required for therapeutic action, and distribution within tumors with varying tumor microenvironments is much needed. Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence lifetime (FLI) Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is performed to measure TZM‐HER2 binding, using in vitro microscopy and in vivo widefield macroscopy, in HER2 overexpressing breast and ovarian cancer cells and tumor xenografts, respectively. Immunohistochemistry is used to validate in vivo imaging results. NIR FLI FRET in vitro microscopy data show variations in intracellular distribution of bound TZM in HER2‐positive breast AU565 and AU565 tumor‐passaged XTM cell lines in comparison to SKOV‐3 ovarian cancer cells. Macroscopy FLI (MFLI) FRET in vivo imaging data show that SKOV‐3 tumors display reduced TZM binding compared to AU565 and XTM tumors, as validated by ex vivo immunohistochemistry. Moreover, AU565/XTM and SKOV‐3 tumor xenografts display different amounts and distributions of TME components, such as collagen and vascularity. Therefore, these results suggest that SKOV‐3 tumors are refractory to TZM delivery due to their disrupted vasculature and increased collagen content. The study demonstrates that FLI is a powerful analytical tool to monitor the delivery of antibodydrugs both in cell cultures and in vivo live systems. Especially, MFLI FRET is a unique imaging modality that can directly quantify target engagement with the potential to elucidate the role of the TME in drug delivery efficacy in intact live tumor xenografts.
Targeting the NOTCH2/ADAM10/TCF7L2 Axis‐Mediated Transcriptional Regulation of Wnt Pathway Suppresses Tumor Growth and Enhances Chemosensitivity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xiang Zhen , Wang Yiwei , Ma Xiao , Song Shuzheng , He Yuanqiao , Zhou Jiamin , Feng Longhai , Yang Su , Wu Yibin , Yu Bingran , Xia Guangkai , Xu Weiqi , Zhao Yiming , Wang Lu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWnt/β‐catenin/transcription factor (TCF) transcriptional activity plays an integral role in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. However, to date, no drugs targeting this pathway are used in clinical practice owing to the undesirable and serious side effects. In this study, it is found that the transcriptional regulation of Wnt pathway is activated and associated with liver metastasis in CRC. Through high‐throughput screening of 24 inhibitors on 12 CRC and three colorectal organoids in this organoid living biobank, adavivint is found to exhibit anti‐tumor activity and low toxicity in colorectal organoids, independent of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Mechanistically, ADAM10 is screened as a target of adavivint to specifically regulate the protein expression of NOTCH2, which mediates the transcriptional regulation of the Wnt pathway. NOTCH2 not directly interact with TCF7‐like 2 (TCF7L2), a key downstream transcriptional factor of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, but directly activated the transcription of TCF7L2 and Wnt target genes, such as MYC, JUN and CCND1/2. Furthermore, use of adavivint or blockage of ADAM10/NOTCH2/TCF7L2 signaling enhances the chemosensitivity of CRC cells. Overall, this study provides a promising candidate for the development of small‐molecule inhibitors and reveals a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Vector‐Free Deep Tissue Targeting of DNA/RNA Therapeutics via Single Capacitive Discharge Conductivity‐Clamped Gene Electrotransfer
Authors: Pinyon Jeremy L. , von Jonquieres Georg , Mow Stephen L. , Abed Amr Al , Lai Keng‐Yin , Manoharan Mathumathi , Crawford Edward N. , Xue Stanley H. , Smith‐Moore Sarah , Caproni Lisa J. , Milsom Sarah , Klugmann Matthias , Lovell Nigel H. , Housley Gary D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractViral vector and lipid nanoparticle based gene delivery have limitations around spatiotemporal control, transgene packaging size, and vector immune reactivity, compromising translation of nucleic acid (NA) therapeutics. In the emerging field of DNA and particularly RNA‐based gene therapies, vector‐free delivery platforms are identified as a key unmet need. Here, this work addresses these challenges through gene electrotransfer (GET) of “naked” polyanionic DNA/mRNA using a single needle form‐factor which supports “electro‐lens” based compression of the local electric field, and local control of tissue conductivity, enabling single capacitive discharge minimal charge gene delivery. Proof‐of‐concept studies for “single capacitive discharge conductivity‐clamped gene electrotransfer” (SCD‐CC‐GET) deep tissue delivery of naked DNA and mRNA in the mouse hindlimb skeletal muscle achieve stable (>18 month) expression of luciferase reporter synthetic DNA, and mRNA encoding the reporter yield rapid onset (<3 h) high transient expression for several weeks. Delivery of DNAs encoding secreted alkaline phosphatase and Cal/09 influenza virus hemagglutinin antigen generate high systemic circulating recombinant protein levels and antibody titres. The findings support adoption of SCD‐CC‐GET for vaccines and immunotherapies, and extend the utility of this technology to meet the demand for efficient vector‐free, precision, deep tissue delivery of NA therapeutics.
Near‐Isotropic, Extreme‐Stiffness, Continuous 3D Mechanical Metamaterial Sequences Using Implicit Neural Representation
Authors: Zhao Yunkai , Wang Lili , Zhai Xiaoya , Han Jiacheng , Ma Winston Wai Shing , Ding Junhao , Gu Yonggang , Fu Xiao‐Ming 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMechanical metamaterials represent a distinct category of engineered materials characterized by their tailored density distributions to have unique properties. It is challenging to create continuous density distributions to design a smooth mechanical metamaterial sequence in which each metamaterial possesses stiffness close to the theoretical limit in all directions. This study proposes three near‐isotropic, extreme‐stiffness, and continuous 3D mechanical metamaterial sequences by combining topology optimization and data‐driven design. Through innovative structural design, the sequences achieve over 98% of the Hashin–Shtrikman upper bounds in the most unfavorable direction. This performance spans a relative density range of 0.2–1, surpassing previous designs, which fall short at medium and higher densities. Moreover, the metamaterial sequence is innovatively represented by the implicit neural function; thus, it is resolution‐free to exhibit continuously varying densities. Experimental validation demonstrates the manufacturability and high stiffness of the three sequences.
Surface Modifications of Layered Perovskite Oxysulfide Photocatalyst Y2Ti2O5S2 to Enhance Visible‐Light‐Driven Water Splitting
Authors: Liang Xizhuang , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Lin Lihua , Tao Xiaoping , Zhu Qiulian , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Lu Daling , Yoshida Hiroaki , Yamakata Akira , Hisatomi Takashi , Takata Tsuyoshi , Domen Kazunari 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIncreasing the efficiency of visible‐light‐driven water splitting systems will require improvements in the charge separation characteristics and redox reaction kinetics associated with narrow‐bandgap photocatalysts. Although the traditional approach of loading a single cocatalyst on selective facets provides reaction sites and reduces the reaction overpotential, pronounced surface charge carrier recombination still results in limited efficiency increases. The present study demonstrates a significant improvement in the hydrogen evolution activity of the layered single‐crystal photocatalyst Y2Ti2O5S2. Increased performance is obtained through sequential loading of Pt cocatalysts using a two‐step process followed by photodeposition of Cr2O3 nanolayers. The stepwise deposition of Pt involved an impregnation‐reduction pretreatment with subsequent photodeposition and produced numerous hydrogen production sites while promoting electron capture. The Cr2O3 shells formed on Pt nanoparticles further promoted electron transfer from the Pt to the water and inhibited surface carrier recombination. Importantly, it is also possible to construct a Z‐scheme overall water splitting system using the optimized Y2Ti2O5S2 in combination with surface‐modified BiVO4 in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−, yielding a solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion efficiency of 0.19%. This work provides insights into precise surface modifications of narrow‐bandgap photocatalysts as a means of improving the solar water splitting process.
Small Molecule‐Assisted Thermal Radiation Synthesis of Super‐Sb Toward Ultrafast and Ultrastable Sodium Storage
Authors: Dou Shuming , Guo Jinjie , Xu Jie , Zhang Jingchao , Tian Huijie , Gan Wei , Liu Wei‐Di , Fan Longlong , Zhou Yexin , Chen Yanan , Yuan Qunhui 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNanostructure engineering of alloying‐type anodes is a key approach to achieving high electrochemical performance in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Despite intensive efforts in traditional calcination methods, synthesizing high‐quality nanomaterials while maintaining ultrafine and homogeneous nanostructure under high temperature remains a key challenge. Herein, a one‐step small molecule‐assisted thermal radiation (MTR) method that fabricates ultrafine Sb nanoparticles with uniform dispersion across heteroatom‐doped carbon supports (Super‐Sb) is reported. This MTR method features the nonequilibrium synthetic conditions induced by ultrafast heating/cooling rate. Additionally, in situ, high‐temperature synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (SXRD) characterization of the MTR synthetic process demonstrates that the formation and stabilization of ultrasmall Sb nanoparticles can be ascribed to the simultaneous thermolysis of small‐molecule additives into defect‐rich carbon nanosheets. The as‐obtained Super‐Sb nanocomposite exhibits superior sodium‐ion storage performance in terms of ultralong cycling stability of 15 000 cycles at 20.0 A g−1 and ultrahigh rate capability of 152.8 mAh g−1 at 50.0 A g−1. Furthermore, in situ laboratory XRD and finite element analysis (FEA) demonstrate the structural advantages of the ultrafine nanoparticles in stress‐buffering effect. This study provides an effective strategy to manufacture high‐performance and high‐quality energy‐storage nanomaterials for advanced SIBs.
Novel body component score predicts long‐term survival in patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer following radical resection
Authors: Aida Takashi , Kamada Teppei , Hata Taigo , Takahashi Junji , Ito Eisaku , Furukawa Kenei , Yoshida Masashi , Ohdaira Hironori , Ikegami Toru , Suzuki Yutaka 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn gastrointestinal cancer, the relationship among skeletal muscle, subcutaneous and visceral fat mass, and prognosis is gaining attention. Herein, we developed a body component score (BCS) to comprehensively evaluate total body composition in patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer (CRC) and examined its relationship with long‐term prognosis.MethodsThis retrospective study included 300 patients with CRC who underwent curative colorectal resection in 2010–2019. The BCS included skeletal muscle index (SMI), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral fat area (VFA), fatty liver, and pancreatic fatty replacement, measured by preoperative computed tomography. The BCS was calculated as the sum of each score from 0 to 5; patients were grouped into low (score 0–1), medium (score 2–3), and high (score 4–5) BCS. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models assessed disease‐free (DFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in these patients.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that T3 or T4 tumors (p = 0.038), pathological stage III (p < 0.001), and low BCS [p = 0.016; hazard ratio (HR), 1.95; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–3.35] were independently associated with DFS, whereas pathological stage III (p < 0.001) and low BCS (p = 0.001; HR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.57–6.27) were independent prognostic factors for CSS. Patients with a low BCS had significantly worse DFS (p < 0.001) and CSS (p < 0.001), according to the log‐rank test for trends.ConclusionsThe BCS may effectively predict prognosis in patients with CRC.
Copper‐Catalyzed Regioselective and Enantioselective Hydropyridylation of Dienes for the Synthesis of Chiral Diaryl Compounds via Concerted Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution
Authors: Seo Minjeong , Seo Sanghyup , Jung Joonho , Kim Hyunwoo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of chiral 1,1‐diaryl compounds, particularly those containing a pyridine moiety, is of significant interest due to their pharmaceutical applications. Here, we report the development of a copper‐catalyzed enantioselective 1,4‐hydropyridylation of conjugated dienes. Utilizing 2‐fluoropyridine as the electrophile, CuOAc, and the chiral ligand Tol‐BINAP, we optimized reaction conditions to achieve the desired chiral 1,1‐diaryl products containing both a pyridine and a cis‐crotyl group. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations revealed that the 1,2‐hydrocupration step is enantio‐determining, and the concerted nucleophilic aromatic substitution proceeds via six‐membered cyclic transition states.