bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving critical thinking skills of preservice chemistry teachers through integrated biochemistry course
Authors: Wahyudi Andi , Ariyani Yusinta Dwi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMany studies have reported various interventions to increase critical thinking, but very few studies have examined the impact of learning in classrooms and laboratories. This study aimed to find a learning pattern (practice to theory or theory to practice) in improving students' critical thinking skills (CTs). Pre and posttest nonequivalent group design was employed in this study. Eighty preservice chemistry teachers divided 40 students in experimental class 1 and 40 in experimental class 2. A test of enzyme‐CTs was developed to measure student CTs before and after the intervention. The result showed that integrated biochemistry courses could improve students' CTs. An independent sample t‐test was employed, and the result showed a significant difference N‐gain students' CTs between experimental classes 1 and 2 (p = 0.018). It indicates that the pattern of developing CTs from practice to theory is better than theory to practice. The research result can be taken into consideration for placing biochemistry theory and biochemistry practicum in the same semester for the chemistry or chemistry education curriculum. Students can find concepts independently in practical activities and develop them in theoretical activities. Further research should analyze the discriminant factors that differentiate between students in experimental classes 1 and 2.
Circular economy business models as progressive business models: Evidence from circular start‐ups
Authors: De Angelis Roberta 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe transition towards the circular economy—viewed as a holistic solution to meet the sustainable development goals—requires the crucial engagement of the corporate sector, and thereby, radically new business models. Whilst academic literature abounds of tools classifying and categorising circular business models, comparatively little is known in terms of how exactly they look like in the corporate context. Drawing on case studies of small, British circular start‐ups, this article illustrates the characteristics of circular business models and their fit with progressive business models, which are conceptualised as serving nature, future generations, and society, while maintaining financial profitability. This article also highlights how circular business models contribute to competitive advantage and the distinctive challenges met in implementation. As a result, this research contributes to the scant academic literature exploring circular business models implementation, particularly within the context of start‐ups and SMEs.
Gelsolin knockdown confers radiosensitivity to glioblastoma cells
Authors: Gao Dezhi , Jiang Tao , Liu Yanwei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveRadiotherapy (RT) is a cornerstone of the glioblastoma (GBM) treatment. However, the resistance of tumour cells to radiation results in early recurrence. The mechanisms underlying GBM radioresistance remain unclear. Screening for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to radiation might be a potential solution to this problem.MethodRT‐associated DEGs were screened based on the RNA sequencing of 15 paired primary and recurrent GBMs. The mRNA and protein expression of candidate genes were validated in RNA sequencing of The Chinese Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset and 18 cases of GBM samples. The relationship between the candidate gene and radiation was confirmed in irradiated GBM cells. The association of candidate gene with clinical characteristics and survival was investigated in the CGGA and TCGA dataset. Biological function and pathway analysis were explored by gene ontology analysis. The association of the candidate gene with radiosensitivity was verified using cell counting Kit‐8, comet, and colony formation assays in vitro and subcutaneous tumour xenograft experiments in vivo.ResultsGelsolin (GSN) was selected for further study. GSN expression was significant elevated in recurrent GBM and up‐regulated in irradiated GBM cell lines. High expression of GSN was enriched in malignant phenotype of glioma. Moreover, high expression of GSN was associated with poor prognosis. Further investigation demonstrated that GSN‐knockdown (GSN‐KD) combined with RT significantly inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced radiosensitivity in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, GSN‐KD could lead to more serious DNA damage and promotes apoptosis after RT.ConclusionRadiation induced up‐regulated of GSN. GSN‐KD could enhance the radiosensitivity of GBM.
The Polysaccharides from Pinellia ternata and Their Derivatives: Preparation, Structure Characteristics, and Activities in Vitro
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐liang , Guo Zheng‐lei , Qi Kai‐li , Zhou Qing‐song , Liu Yan‐mei , Xiong Li‐xia , Zhang Jing , Zhang Ji , Zhang Wei‐jie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThree polysaccharides, PTC, PTH, and PTB, were extracted from Pinellia ternata using three different extraction conditions: room temperature water, hot water, and 2 % Na2CO3 solution. PTC and PTH were composed of rhamnose, glucose, galactose, mannose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and arabinose, which combine to form complex structures. PTB was composed solely of glucose and rhamnose. Further analysis indicated that PTC and PTB exhibited triple‐helix structures. PTC showed the highest scavenging capacity against DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals, with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1004.1, 1584.1, and 1584.1 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, PTC, PTH, and PTB were subjected to sulfation, phosphorylation, and selenization, resulting in the production of nine derivates. The distinctive absorptive bands of these derivates were determined through infrared spectroscopy. Selenized and sulfated derivates have shown significant antitumor and immunoenhancing properties. Our findings revealed that at 400 μg/mL, the inhibition rate of selenated PTB on HeLa cells was 54.2 % and that on HepG2 cells was 43.1 %. Additionally, selenized PTC displayed significant immunoenhancing activity, with a proliferation rate of 63.7 % at 400 μg/mL in RAW264.7 cells. These results provide valuable evidence supporting the consideration of polysaccharides from Pinellia ternata as a potential candidate for the development of antineoplastic drugs.
IKZF2 Degradation: It′s Time to Take into Account it When Designing Cereblon‐Based PROTACs
Authors: Li Minglei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractProteolysis‐targeting chimera (PROTAC) has become a very important means of protein degradation and a new way of disease treatment. In particular, PROTACs constructed with ligands for E3 ligase cereblon account for more than 90 % of the PROTACs currently in clinical research. Notably, CRBN ligands themselves are a class of molecular glue compounds capable of degrading neo‐substrate proteins. Compared to the target proteins degradation, the degradation of neo‐substrates, especially IKZF2, has not received enough attention. Therefore, this review summarizes the currently published IKZF2 degraders derived from articles and patents, which are conducive to the design of PROTACs with desired IKZF2 degradation from the perspective of medicinal chemistry.
Effect of variety, growing location and year on composition, certain antinutritional factors, and functionality of faba beans (Vicia faba) grown in Canada
Authors: Fenn Dora , Wang Ning , Maximiuk Lisa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFaba bean is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It serves as a staple food in Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean region. Faba bean production in Canada has recently increased due to the interest in sustainable plant‐based proteins. Identifying faba bean varieties that can grow across different environments and provide good quality, nutrition, and functionality is important. This study aimed to determine the effect of variety, growing location, and year on the composition, certain anti‐nutrients, and functionality of the faba bean varieties grown in Canada.FindingsVariety, growing location, and year had significant effects on the protein content, crude fat, ash, phytic acid, stachyose, verbascose, trypsin inhibitor activity, and functional properties of faba beans, including oil emulsion and water holding capacity. Starch content, total dietary fiber, and least gelling concentration were significantly affected by variety and growing location, whereas raffinose, oil absorption capacity, foaming capacity, and stability were significantly affected by variety and growing year. Significant interactions of variety, growing location, and year were observed for most characteristics. Environment played a greater role in affecting faba bean characteristics than variety except for starch content, total dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, and foaming stability.ConclusionsIt was found that varietal and environmental factors affected each trait differently. Selecting suitable varieties and growing conditions would improve the quality of faba bean.Significance and NoveltyInformation from this study will be useful to breeders, growers, and food manufacturers to improve the production and utilization of faba beans.
Delayed metastatic endometrial carcinoma mimicking primary colon adenocarcinoma: A surprise histopathological finding
Authors: Foong Hui Yuan , Blundell Jian , Law Cameron , Warner Ross 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageColorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide, with an increasing incidence. Colonic metastasis is a rare occurrence; thus, misdiagnosis is common. Immunohistochemistry facilitates accurate diagnosis and subsequent management.AbstractMost cancers in the colon are primary colorectal cancers, however metastasis from another primary is possible, albeit rare. Endometrial cancer metastasis to the colon is a rare occurrence and is only described in a handful of cases. We describe a rare case of metastatic endometrial cancer in the colon presenting 5 years post radical hysterectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy in a 62‐year‐old female. She presented with a 1‐week history of right upper quadrant pain, with no other associated symptoms. She was presumed to have a primary colorectal cancer based on her colonoscopy and CT findings; later proven otherwise by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Endometrial cancer metastasis to the colon is rare, thus misdiagnosis can easily occur. Currently, there are 6 similar cases reported in the literature, all occurring in the absence of colorectal endometriosis. This case illustrates the relative importance of considering colon as a potential site for metastasis of endometrial cancer and the utility of IHC in aiding diagnosis and guiding further management.
Duodenal stricture secondary to IgG4‐related chronic sclerosing duodenitis—A case report with review of the literature
Authors: Anns Khizer Masroor , Salar Musa , Salar Hashim , Khan Faheemullah , Memon Wasim Ahmed , Aman Muhammad , Zafar Uffan , Minhas Khurram , Zafar Hasnain , Shahid Jehanzeb 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageThis case highlights the importance of a definite diagnosis of an IgG4‐related chronic sclerosing duodenitis based on histological and radiological findings to rule out any malignancy in the mass. While dealing with patients having concentric duodenal thickening resulting in stricture formation, one should think of inflammatory etiology as well. IgG4‐related disease is one of these inflammatory disorders where we see soft tissue thickening without a large mass or any associated lymphadenopathy as in our case.AbstractImmunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is distinguished as an infiltration of IgG‐4‐positive plasmacytes involving inflammatory lesions across multiple organs which is accompanied by raised IgG4 levels in the serum. Several inflammatory disorders are recognized as part of the IgG4‐RD family based on shared histopathological features, which include Mikulicz's disease, chronic sclerosing sialadenitis, or Riedel's thyroiditis. Our case highlights a distinctive presentation of IgG4‐related diseases; a 58‐year‐old man presenting with duodenal stricture highly suspicious of a duodenal mass/ampullary mass later found to be due to IgG4‐related sclerosing duodenitis with negative malignancy on biopsy. We present the diagnostic challenges faced and relevant findings noted.
An uncommon presentation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS‐1)—A case report
Authors: Alrufaidi Ali M. , Alnashery Mohammed Mosa , Alghanimi Ageel Ahmad , Elmansor Rash Elamin Ahmed , Ghazy Ramy Mohamed 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageAutoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS‐1) is a rare disorder defined by the presence of at least two of the following conditions: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), chronic hypoparathyroidism, and Addison's syndrome. Despite the lack of CMC and autoimmune history, APS‐1 can be diagnosed using genetic testing.We present the case of a 28‐year‐old female patient with a history of hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism since the age of 2 years. She presented to the endocrine clinic with hypogonadism, primary amenorrhea, and primary ovarian insufficiency. Addison's disease was eventually diagnosed, despite a negative Synacthen test. The adrenal crisis required intravenous hydrocortisone therapy. No CMC was documented, and there was no family history of such conditions. The diagnosis of APS‐1 was confirmed by genetic testing, revealing homozygous pathogenic variants of the autoimmune regulator gene. Management included oral calcium and calcitriol and oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone for Addison's disease. Hormonal induction of secondary sexual characteristics was initiated. The patient received combined oral estrogen and progesterone pills. This case highlights the critical significance of early recognition, thorough evaluation, and tailored treatment for patients with APS‐1 to enhance their quality of life and mitigate potentially life‐threatening complications. This underscores the importance of screening for associated minor autoimmune diseases as part of a holistic approach to care.
LncRNA Snhg12/IGFBP3 axis is involved in liver fibrosis by promoting the proliferation and activation of mouse hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Liao Jingmao , Yuan Qi , Luo Lidan , Hu Xiaoxuan , Li Zhengzheng , Zhang Zheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a persistent damage repair response triggered by various injury factors, which leads to an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix within liver tissue samples. The current clinical treatment of liver fibrosis is currently ineffective; therefore, elucidating the mechanism of liver fibrogenesis is of significant importance. Herein, the function and related mechanisms of lncRNA Snhg12 within hepatic fibrosis were investigated. Snhg12 expression was shown to be increased in mouse hepatic fibrotic tissue samples, and Snhg12 knockdown suppressed hepatic pathological injury and down‐regulated the expression levels of fibrosis‐associated proteins. Mechanistically, Snhg12 played a role in the early activation of mouse hepatic stellate cells (mHSCs) based on bioinformatics analysis, and Snhg12 was positively correlated with Igfbp3 expression. Further experimental results demonstrated that Snhg12 knockdown impeded mHSCs proliferation and activation and also downregulated the protein expression of Igfbp3. Snhg12 could interact with IGFBP3 and boost its protein stability, and overexpression of Igfbp3 partially reversed the inhibition of mHSCsproliferation and activation by the knockdown of Snhg12. In conclusion, LncRNA Snhg12 mediates liver fibrosis by targeting IGFBP3 and promoting its protein stability, thereby promoting mHSC proliferation and activation. Snhg12 has been identified as an underlying target for treating liver fibrosis.
Research Progress on Energy Storage and Anode Protection of Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Liu Shaoyang , Li Shuaijie , Li Yu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith the advantages of high energy density, abundant resources and environmental friendliness, Aqueous Zinc‐ion Batteries (AZIBs) are considered as one of the promising new energy systems. However, its practical application is limited by the problems of irregular dendrite growth and interfacial side reaction in zinc anode. In view of the above problems, relevant researchers have given solutions such as the construction of artificial protective layer and the regulation of substrate structure. This paper summarizes the relevant literatures in order to help the future research of zinc‐ion batteries.
Research progress on electronic and active site engineering of cobalt‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: He Chuansheng , Yang Linlin , Wang Jia , Wang Tingting , Ju Jian , Lu Yizhong , Chen Wei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractElectrocatalytic water splitting has been identified as a potential candidate for producing clean hydrogen energy with zero carbon emission. However, the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction on the anode side of the water‐splitting device significantly hinders its practical applications. Generally, the efficiency of oxygen evolution processes depends greatly on the availability of cost‐effective catalysts with high activity and selectivity. In recent years, extensive theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that cobalt (Co)‐based nanomaterials, especially low‐dimensional Co‐based nanomaterials with a huge specific surface area and abundant unsaturated active sites, have emerged as versatile electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions, and thus, great progress has been made in the rational design and synthesis of Co‐based nanomaterials for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions. Considering the remarkable progress in this area, in this timely review, we highlight the most recent developments in Co‐based nanomaterials relating to their dimensional control, defect regulation (conductivity), electronic structure regulation, and so forth. Furthermore, a brief conclusion about recent progress achieved in oxygen evolution on Co‐based nanomaterials, as well as an outlook on future research challenges, is given.
Joint cationic and anionic redox chemistry in a vanadium oxide cathode for zinc batteries achieving high energy density
Authors: Wang Wenfeng , Zhang Lu , Duan Zeang , Li Ruyue , Zhao Jiajin , Tang Longteng , Sui Yiming , Qi Yadi , Han Shumin , Fang Chong , Wang Desong , Ji Xiulei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc batteries are promising for large‐scale energy storage due to their low cost and high safety; however, their energy density has reached the ceiling based on conventional cathodes with a single cationic redox reaction mechanism. Herein, a highly reversible cathode of typical layered vanadium oxide is reported, which operates on both the cationic redox couple of V5+/V3+ accompanied by the Zn2+ storage and the anionic O–/O2– redox couple by anion hosting in an aqueous deep eutectic solvent electrolyte. The reversible oxygen redox delivers an additional capacity of ∼100 mAh g–1 at an operating voltage of ∼1.80 V, which increases the energy density of the cathode by ∼36%, endowing the cathode system a record high energy density of ∼506 Wh kg–1. The findings highlight new opportunities for the design of high‐energy zinc batteries with both Zn2+ and anions as charge carriers.
Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene for Sequestration of Aquatic Pollutants
Authors: Madhu Swedha , MacKenzie Jayden , Grewal Kuljeet Singh , Farooque Aitazaz A. , Koleilat Ghada I. , Selopal Gurpreet Singh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe rapid expansion of industrialization has resulted in the release of multiple ecological contaminants in gaseous, liquid, and solid forms, which pose significant environmental risks to many different ecosystems. The efficient and cost‐effective removal of these environmental pollutants has attracted global attention. This growing concern has prompted the synthesis and optimization of nanomaterials and their application as potential pollutant removal. In this context, MXene is considered an outstanding photocatalytic candidate due to its unique physicochemical and mechanical properties, which include high specific surface area, physiological compatibility, and robust electrodynamics. This review highlights recent advances in shaping titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXenes, emphasizing the importance of termination groups to boost photoactivity and product selectivity, with a primary focus on engineering aspects. First, a broad overview of Ti3C2Tx MXene is provided, delving into its catalytic properties and the formation of surface termination groups to establish a comprehensive understanding of its fundamental catalytic structure. Subsequently, the effects of engineering the morphology of Ti3C2Tx MXene into different structures, such as two‐dimensional (2D) accordion‐like forms, monolayers, hierarchies, quantum dots, and nanotubes. Finally, a concise overview of the removal of different environmental pollutants is presented, and the forthcoming challenges, along with their prospective outlooks, are delineated.
Enhanced Fill Factor and Efficiency of Ternary Organic Solar Cells by a New Asymmetric Non‐Fullerene Small Molecule Acceptor
Authors: Wang Kun , Gao Jingshun , Wang Huiyan , Guo Qing , Zhang Jianqi , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAsymmetric non‐fullerene small molecules acceptor (as‐NF‐SMAs) exhibit greater vitality in photovoltaic materials compared to their symmetric counterparts due to their larger dipole moments and stronger intermolecular interactions, which facilitate exciton dissociation and charge transmission in organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, we introduced a new as‐NF‐SMAs, named IDT‐TNIC, as the third component in ternary organic solar cells (TOSCs). The asymmetric IDT‐TNIC used indacenodithiophene (IDT) as the central core, alkylthio‐thiophene as a unilateral π‐bridge and extended end groups as electron‐withdrawing. Due to the non‐covalent conformational lock (NCL) established between O⋅⋅⋅S and S⋅⋅⋅S, the IDT‐TNIC molecule preserves its coplanar structure effectively. Furthermore, IDT‐TNIC exhibits complementary absorption and excellent compatibility with donor and acceptor materials, as well as optimized ladder energy level arrangement, resulting in a higher and more balanced μh/μe value, more homogeneous and suitable phase separation morphology in TOSCs. Thus, the PCE of the TOSCs reached 17 % when the weight ratio of PM6 : Y6 : IDT‐TNIC was 1 : 1.1 : 0.1, and it is noteworthy that when the device area was increased to 1 cm2, the PCE could still be maintained at over 14 %. Detailed studies and analysis indicate that IDT‐TNIC has great potential as a third component in OSCs and for large‐scale printing in the future.
Catalysis for Carbon‐Circularity: Emerging Concepts and Role of Inorganic Chemistry
Authors: Centi Gabriele , Liu Yuefeng , Perathoner Siglinda 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCarbon circularity is crucial for achieving a circular economy but has wider implications and impacts with respect to the circularity of materials. It has an in‐depth transformative effect on the economy. CO2 recycling is a critical component for this objective, with catalysis and inorganic chemistry playing a determining role in achieving this challenge. This concept paper presents some examples, as food for thought, of unconventional aspects in developing thermal and electro/photocatalysts for recycling CO2. The aspects discussed regard designing novel materials for CO2 thermo‐ or electro‐conversion and developing novel nanostructured electrodes.