bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RECQL4 Inhibits Radiation‐Induced Tumor Immune Awakening via Suppressing the cGAS‐STING Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hong Weifeng , Zhang Yang , Wang Siwei , Li Zongjuan , Zheng Danxue , Hsu Shujung , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Chen Zhesheng , Xia Xiaojun , Zeng Zhaochong , Gao Qiang , Yu Min , Du Shisuo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMany patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond poorly to radiotherapy despite remarkable advances in treatment. A deeper insight into the mechanism of sensitivity of HCC to this therapy is urgently required. It is demonstrated that RECQL4 is upregulated in the malignant cells of patients with HCC. Elevated RECQL4 levels reduce the sensitivity of HCC to radiotherapy by repairing radiation‐induced double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragments. Mechanistically, the inhibitory effect of RECQL4 on radiotherapy is due to the reduced recruitment of dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RECQL4 disrupts the radiation‐induced transformation of the TME into a tumoricidal niche by inhibiting the cGAS‐STING pathway in dendritic cells. Knocking out STING in dendritic cells can block the impact of RECQL4 on HCC radiosensitivity. Notably, high RECQL4 expressions in HCC is significantly associated with poor prognosis in multiple independent cohorts. In conclusion, this study highlights how HCC‐derived RECQL4 disrupts cGAS‐STING pathway activation in dendritic cells through DNA repair, thus reducing the radiosensitivity of HCC. These findings provide new perspectives on the clinical treatment of HCC.
Advances in Atherosclerosis Theranostics Harnessing Iron Oxide‐Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Shi , He Hongliang , Mao Yu , Zhang Yu , Gu Ning 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAtherosclerosis, a multifaceted chronic inflammatory disease, has a profound impact on cardiovascular health. However, the critical limitations of atherosclerosis management include the delayed detection of advanced stages, the intricate assessment of plaque stability, and the absence of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Nanotheranostic based on nanotechnology offers a novel paradigm for addressing these challenges by amalgamating advanced imaging capabilities with targeted therapeutic interventions. Meanwhile, iron oxide nanoparticles have emerged as compelling candidates for theranostic applications in atherosclerosis due to their magnetic resonance imaging capability and biosafety. This review delineates the current state and prospects of iron oxide nanoparticle‐based nanotheranostics in the realm of atherosclerosis, including pivotal aspects of atherosclerosis development, the pertinent targeting strategies involved in disease pathogenesis, and the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of iron oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of theranostic nanomedicine approaches employing iron oxide nanoparticles, encompassing chemical therapy, physical stimulation therapy, and biological therapy. Finally, this review proposes and discusses the challenges and prospects associated with translating these innovative strategies into clinically viable anti‐atherosclerosis interventions. In conclusion, this review offers new insights into the future of atherosclerosis theranostic, showcasing the remarkable potential of iron oxide‐based nanoparticles as versatile tools in the battle against atherosclerosis.
Development and Application of the CRISPR‐dcas13d‐eIF4G Translational Regulatory System to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Calcium Oxalate Crystal‐Induced Kidney Injury
Authors: He Ziqi , Song Chao , Li Sheng , Dong Caitao , Liao Wenbiao , Xiong Yunhe , Yang Sixing , Liu Yuchen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe CRISPR‐Cas system, initially for DNA‐level gene editing and transcription regulation, has expanded to RNA targeting with the Cas13d family, notably the RfxCas13d. This advancement allows for mRNA targeting with high specificity, particularly after catalytic inactivation, broadening the exploration of translation regulation. This study introduces a CRISPR‐dCas13d‐eIF4G fusion module, combining dCas13d with the eIF4G translation regulatory element, enhancing target mRNA translation levels. This module, using specially designed sgRNAs, selectively boosts protein translation in targeted tissue cells without altering transcription, leading to notable protein expression upregulation. This system is applied to a kidney stone disease model, focusing on ferroptosis‐linked GPX4 gene regulation. By targeting GPX4 with sgRNAs, its protein expression is upregulated in human renal cells and mouse kidney tissue, countering ferroptosis and resisting calcium oxalate‐induced cell damage, hence mitigating stone formation. This study evidences the CRISPR‐dCas13d‐eIF4G system's efficacy in eukaryotic cells, presenting a novel protein translation research approach and potential kidney stone disease treatment advancements.
Self‐Assembly of Heterogeneous Ferritin Nanocages for Tumor Uptake and Penetration
Authors: Liu Qiqi , Wang Chunyu , Zhu Mingsheng , Liu Jinming , Duan Qiannan , Midgley Adam C. , Liu Ruming , Jiang Bing , Kong Deling , Chen Quan , Zhuang Jie , Huang Xinglu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWell‐defined nanostructures are crucial for precisely understanding nano‐bio interactions. However, nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated through conventional synthesis approaches often lack poor controllability and reproducibility. Herein, a synthetic biology‐based strategy is introduced to fabricate uniformly reproducible protein‐based NPs, achieving precise control over heterogeneous components of the NPs. Specifically, a ferritin assembly toolbox system is developed that enables intracellular assembly of ferritin subunits/variants in Escherichia coli. Using this strategy, a proof‐of‐concept study is provided to explore the interplay between ligand density of NPs and their tumor targets/penetration. Various ferritin hybrid nanocages (FHn) containing human ferritin heavy chains (FH) and light chains are accurately assembled, leveraging their intrinsic binding with tumor cells and prolonged circulation time in blood, respectively. Further studies reveal that tumor cell uptake is FH density‐dependent through active binding with transferrin receptor 1, whereas in vivo tumor accumulation and tissue penetration are found to be correlated to heterogeneous assembly of FHn and vascular permeability of tumors. Densities of 3.7 FH/100 nm2 on the nanoparticle surface exhibit the highest degree of tumor accumulation and penetration, particularly in tumors with high permeability compared to those with low permeability. This study underscores the significance of nanoparticle heterogeneity in determining particle fate in biological systems.
Electrocatalytic C−N Couplings at Cathode and Anode
Authors: Chen Dawei , Liu Jiani , Shen Jingjun , Zhang Yiqiong , Shao Huaiyu , Chen Chen , Wang Shuangyin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElectrocatalytic C−N couplings are promising alternatives to construct C−N bonds and to synthesize vital chemicals, including amine, amide, amino acid, oxime, imine, and nitrile, under ambient conditions. In recent years, the electrocatalytic C−N coupling has attracted a wide range of research interest and has achieved considerable developments. Here, the electrocatalytic C−N coupling is systematically reviewed aiming at reductive cathode and oxidative anode. In the cathodic part, the electrocatalytic coupling reaction systems, the corresponding design principles of electrocatalysts for different reaction systems, the mechanism studies from experimental and theoretical aspects, and the application‐oriented electrocatalytic devices for electrocatalytic C−N couplings are summarized. Anodic C−N coupling offers a potential approach to replace the conventional energy‐demand synthesis protocols, and is an indispensable part of the green and controllable construction of unsaturated C = N and C≡N bonds. According to the principle that electron transfer is the crucial point in anodic C−N coupling, the anodic coupling reactions are sorted out based on the direct and the indirect C−N coupling paths, respectively. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in this field are proposed. Electrocatalytic C−N coupling is an appealing research topic in electrochemistry and possesses infinite possibilities in the future.
A Low‐Cost, Fluorine‐Free Localized Highly Concentrated Electrolyte Toward Ultra‐High Loading Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Hai Feng , Yi Yikun , Xiao Zichun , Guo Jingyu , Gao Xin , Chen Wenting , Xue Weicheng , Hua Weibo , Tang Wei , Li Mingtao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLocalized highly concentrated electrolytes have revitalized the advancement of secondary batteries. However, fluorinated diluents typically have the drawbacks of high toxicity, serious environmental pollution, challenging synthesis, and high cost. This work develops a low‐cost, eco‐friendly localized highly concentrated electrolyte by utilizing benzene as a diluent, simultaneously achieving highly reversible lithium‐metal anodes and long‐term stable cycling of single crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (SC811) cathode. The unique conjugated structure and absence of electron‐withdrawing groups provide benzene the decent redox stability and inertness, which enables it to modulate the highly concentrated solvation structure. The PhH‐LHCE supports SC811‐Li cells with a cathode loading of 9 mg cm−2 achieving 87.3% capacity retention after 450 cycles. Cells consisting of ultra‐high loading Ni83 cathode (≈31 mg cm−2) and ultra‐thin Li (50 µm) anode achieve stable 70 cycles with a lean electrolyte condition. This work can be generalized to promising electrochemical energy storage systems such as sodium and potassium metal batteries to solve the cost and environmental pollution problems in the large‐scale production process.
Ostwald Ripening of Ag2Te Precipitates in Thermoelectric PbTe: Effects of Crystallography, Dislocations, and Interatomic Bonding
Authors: Yu Yuan , Sheskin Ariel , Wang Zhenyu , Uzhansky Aleksandra , Natanzon Yuriy , Dawod Muhamed , Abdellaoui Lamya , Schwarz Torsten , Scheu Christina , Wuttig Matthias , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Amouyal Yaron , Zhang Siyuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNanostructuring is important for designing thermoelectrics. Yet, nanoprecipitates are thermodynamically unstable and coarsen through Ostwald ripening. Here, the Ostwald ripening of Ag2Te in PbTe and its resulting impact on thermoelectric performance is investigated. Numerous Guinier‐Preston zones and platelet Ag2Te precipitates in the sample quenched from a single‐phase region is observed. Upon annealing, these platelet precipitates grow into big lath‐shaped second phases by consuming small Ag‐rich clusters. The crystallographic orientation relationships between Ag2Te and PbTe are unraveled by scanning transmission electron microscopy and modeled by first‐principles calculations. The interfaces with low lattice mismatch determine the morphology of Ag2Te in PbTe. Atom probe tomography reveals different chemical bonding mechanisms for PbTe and Ag2Te, which are metavalent and iono‐covalent, respectively. This leads to an acoustic phonon mismatch at the precipitate‐matrix interface. Yet, the electrons are also scattered by these interfaces, resulting in poor electrical properties in the as‐quenched sample. In contrast, the annealed sample contains abundant Ag‐decorated dislocations by activating the Bardeen‐Herring source. These dislocations strongly scatter phonons while maintaining a good electron transmission, contributing to a higher thermoelectric performance. This work demonstrates the complex role of microstructure morphologies, compositions, and bonding mechanisms in thermoelectric response, providing insights into structural design for thermoelectrics.
Development and evaluation of a novel knowledge assessment tool for pediatric emergency medicine clerkships
Authors: Zhao Xian , Khilnani Aneka , Weiner Debra L. , Donnelly Katie A. , Lindgren Christina E. , Chapman Jennifer , Zaveri Pavan , Prince William Benjamin , Thomas‐Mohtat Rosemary 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study seeks to determine validity evidence for a newly developed multiple‐choice examination (MCE) tool to assess retention and application of medical knowledge of students enrolled in a pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) clerkship.MethodsA team of PEM physicians created a 110‐item MCE covering the range of clinical topics in PEM relevant for medical students. The researchers determined examination content using the report of Clerkship Directors in Emergency Medicine and PEM Interest Group of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM). The authors administered the MCE to fourth‐year medical students at the end of their PEM rotation from May 2020 to April 2023 at four institutions and then analyzed the examination using four of Messick's five sources of validity evidence: content, response process, internal structure, and relation to other variables.ResultsA total of 158 students took the test. In academic year (AY)20–21, 47 students took the test and scored, on average, 81%. After revision of poor and indeterminate questions, the 111 medical students who took the revised version of the test in AY21–AY23 scored on average 77.3% with a standard deviation of 5.7% with a normal distribution in scores. The revised questions were rated as excellent (10.0%), good (26.4%), fair (34.5%), poor (24.5%), or indeterminate (4.5%) based on test item discrimination. There was a positive correlation between MCE scores and students' clinical evaluations but no correlation between MCE scores and scores that students received on their clinical notes or patient presentations during case conference.ConclusionsThis novel PEM clerkship examination is a reliable test of medical knowledge. Future directions involve evaluating consequences of the MCE and offering the test to medical students in a dedicated PEM rotation at the national level.
Development of entrustable professional activities for emergency medicine medical education fellowships: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Villa Stephen , Caretta‐Weyer Holly , Yarris Lalena M. , Clarke Samuel O. , Coates Wendy C. , Sokol Kimberly A. , Jurvis Amanda , Papanagnou Dimitrios , Ahn James , Hillman Emily , Camejo Melanie , Deiorio Nicole , Fischer Kathryn M. , Wolff Meg , Estes Molly , Dimeo Sara , Jordan Jaime 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt is essential that medical education (MedEd) fellows achieve desired outcomes prior to graduation. Despite the increase in postgraduate MedEd fellowships in emergency medicine (EM), there is no consistently applied competency framework. We sought to develop entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for EM MedEd fellows.MethodsFrom 2021 to 2022, we used a modified Delphi method to achieve consensus for EPAs. EM education experts generated an initial list of 173 EPAs after literature review. In each Delphi round, panelists were asked to make a binary choice of whether to include the EPA. We determined an inclusion threshold of 70% agreement a priori. After the first round, given the large number of EPAs meeting inclusion threshold, panelists were instructed to vote whether each EPA should be included in the “20 most important” EPAs for a MedEd fellowship. Modifications were made between rounds based on expert feedback. We calculated descriptive statistics.ResultsSeventeen experts completed four Delphi rounds each with 100% response. After Round 1, 87 EPAs were eliminated and two were combined. Following Round 2, 46 EPAs were eliminated, seven were combined, and three were included in the final list. After the third round, one EPA was eliminated and 13 were included. After the fourth round, 11 EPAs were eliminated. The final list consisted of 16 EPAs in domains of career development, education theory and methods, research and scholarship, and educational program administration.ConclusionsWe developed a list of 16 EPAs for EM MedEd fellowships, the first step in implementing competency‐based MedEd.
Linkages among stem xylem transport, biomechanics, and storage in lianas and trees across three contrasting environments
Authors: Zhang Ke‐Yan , Yang Da , Zhang Yun‐Bing , Ai Xun‐Ru , Yao Lan , Deng Zhi‐Jun , Zhang Jiao‐Lin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPremiseStem xylem transports water and nutrients, mechanically supports aboveground tissues, and stores water and nonstructural carbohydrates. These three functions are associated with three types of cells—vessel, fiber, and parenchyma, respectively.MethodsWe measured stem theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kt), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tissue water content, starch, soluble sugars, cellulose, and xylem anatomical traits in 15 liana and 16 tree species across three contrasting sites in Southwest China.ResultsLianas had higher hydraulic efficiency and tissue water content, but lower MOE and cellulose than trees. Storage traits (starch and soluble sugars) did not significantly differ between lianas and trees, and trait variation was explained mainly by site, highlighting how environment shapes plant storage strategies. Kt was significantly positively correlated with vessel diameter and vessel area fraction in lianas and all species combined. The MOE was significantly positively correlated with fiber area fraction, wood density, and cellulose in lianas and across all species. The tissue water content was significantly associated with parenchyma area fraction in lianas. Support function was strongly linked with transport and storage functions in lianas. In trees, transport and support functions were not correlated, while storage function was tightly linked with transport and support functions.ConclusionsThese findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between stem xylem structure and function in lianas and trees, providing valuable insights into how plants adapt to environmental changes and the distinct ecological strategies employed by lianas and by trees to balance the demands of hydraulic transport, mechanical support, and storage.
“Baihui” (DU20)‐penetrating “Qubin” (GB7) acupuncture on blood–brain barrier integrity in rat intracerebral hemorrhage models via the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ce , Zheng Jia , Yu Xueping , Kuang Binglin , Dai Xiaohong , Zheng Lei , Yu Weiwei , Teng Wei , Cao Hongtao , Li Mingyue , Yao Jiayong , Liu Xiaoying , Zou Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundBlocking the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 (Ras homolog gene family member A/Rho kinase II/myosin light chain 2) signaling pathway can initiate neuroprotective mechanisms against neurological diseases such as stroke, cerebral ischemia, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether and how disrupting the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway changes the pathogenic processes of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The present investigation included the injection of rat caudal vein blood into the basal ganglia area to replicate the pathophysiological conditions caused by ICH.MethodsScalp acupuncture (SA) therapy was performed on rats with ICH at the acupuncture point “Baihui”‐penetrating “Qubin,” and the ROCK selective inhibitor fasudil was used as a positive control to evaluate the inhibitory effect of acupuncture on the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway. Post‐assessments included neurological deficits, brain edema, Evans blue extravasation, Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and transmission electron microscope imaging.ResultsWe found that ROCK II acts as a promoter of the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway, and its expression increased at 6 h after ICH, peaked at 3 days, and then decreased at 7 days after ICH, but was still higher than the pre‐intervention level. According to some experimental results, although 3 days is the peak, 7 days is the best time point for acupuncture treatment. Starting from 6 h after ICH, the neurovascular structure and endothelial cell morphology around the hematoma began to change. Based on the changes in the promoter ROCK II, a 7‐day time point was selected as the breakthrough point for treating ICH model rats in the main experiment. The results of this experiment showed that both SA at “Baihui”‐penetrating “Qubin” and treatment with fasudil could improve the expression of endothelial‐related proteins by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway and reduce neurological dysfunction, brain edema, and BBB permeability in rats.ConclusionThis study found that these experimental data indicated that SA at “Baihui”‐penetrating “Qubin” could preserve BBB integrity and neurological function recovery after ICH by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway activation and by regulating endothelial cell–related proteins.
Linear sensing actuators of polypyrrole nanofiber scaffolds
Authors: Kiefer Rudolf , Harjo Madis , Otero Toribio F. , Nguyen Ngoc Tuan , Le Quoc Bao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the search for renewable materials for linear actuators, polypyrrole (PPy) glucose‐glycerin nanofiber scaffolds were used here to provide the actuator with a basic fibrillary structure, mimicking natural muscles. Each nanofiber was coated with a chemically synthesized PPy film, getting conductive nanofiber scaffolds (CNS), used then as electrodes to attain a second polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzensulfonate (PPyDBS) coat forming PPyDBS‐CNS material structure. PPyDBS bulk films obtained by electropolymerization on stainless steel under the same condition were used to compare the linear actuation properties of both materials. Cyclic voltammetry, square potential waves, and square potential currents, in combination with linear actuation measurements, studied the samples. Three different potential ranges (PRs) were selected for those methodologies: 1.0 to −0.55 V (PR1), 0.8 to −0.4 V (PR2), and 0.65 to −0.55 V (PR3), revealing that PPyDBS‐CNS has anion‐driven actuation independent of the applied PR1–3, while in comparison PPyDBS films had in PR3 mixed ion actuation. The best strain from PPyDBS, 24.6%, was attained at PR1, and from PPyDBS‐CSN, 17.5% strain in the same PR. Further characterizations are conducted, such as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and element determination using energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy.