Southern Adventist University

Tumour‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are critical mediators within the tumour microenvironment (TME) and are known to regulate various metabolic pathways. In metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mass spectrometry protein analysis of HCC‐derived sEV (HCC‐sEV) identified an upregulation of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), a key enzyme in maintaining cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels. Our study demonstrates that sEV‐NAMPT enhances glycolysis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis in HCC. Specifically, sEV‐NAMPT activates the NF‐κB transcription factor through toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to elevated SLC27A4 expression. SLC27A4 functions primarily as a long‐chain fatty acid transporter and acyl‐CoA synthetase. Lipidomic and metabolomic analyses revealed a positive correlation between SLC27A4 and intracellular levels of triacylglycerol (TG) and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP). Increased TG levels enhance lipolysis via hepatic lipase and facilitate the conversion of glycerol‐3‐P to DHAP, an intermediate that bridges lipid metabolism and glycolysis. This study uncovers a novel regulatory axis involving sEV‐NAMPT and SLC27A4 in glycolysis, independent of traditional fatty acid metabolism pathways. Clinically, targeting sEV‐NAMPT with the inhibitor FK866 significantly inhibited tumour growth in various HCC in vivo models, highlighting the potential of sEV‐NAMPT as both a biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.

Aims Microglia, as resident macrophages in the brain, play an important role in depression. Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), as a chaperone protein, plays a role in cell stress. However, the role of microglial HSP60 in depression remains unclear. Methods CX3CR1‐CreER was used to generate microglial‐specific HSP60 knockout (HSP60 cKO) mice. Behavioral tests, western blotting, Golgi staining, biochemical assays, and proteomics were employed to assess depression‐like symptoms, microglial activation, and synaptic changes. Results HSP60 cKO male mice exhibited depressive‐like behaviors, without anxiety‐like behavior, including increased immobility in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests, reduced sucrose preference, and elevated corticosterone (CORT) levels, indicating HPA axis activation. Microglial activation was confirmed by the increased expression levels of CD68 and CD86, the elevated transcription of the cybb gene, and reduced branch complexity. Enhanced phagocytosis of excitatory synapses, reduced dendritic spine density, and decreased glutamate levels were observed, with downregulation of synaptic proteins (AMPAR2, Synapsin‐1, PSD95), indicating dysregulated synaptic pruning. Moreover, GO analysis showed 20 significant differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) from proteomics are associated with the presynaptic endosome, which plays a crucial role in maintaining synaptic function. Treatment with PLX3397, a CSF1R inhibitor, alleviated depressive‐like behaviors and restored synaptic density in HSP60 cKO male mice. Conclusions HSP60 deletion in microglia leads to overactivation of microglia, impaired synaptic function, and depression‐like behaviors, highlighting the importance of microglial homeostasis in mood regulation and the potential therapeutic role of microglial modulation.

With the advancement of Materials Genome Initiative, there is an urgent need for nondestructive, rapid characterization methods for obtaining electrical transport properties and phonon information of materials. In this article, we develop a method using the dielectric resonant spectroscopies of materials to derive critical parameters such as conduction electron frequency, quantum relaxation time, and phonon frequency for metals and semiconductors. As a typical example, based on the new approaches, we realized simultaneous extraction of carrier concentration n and electron‐phonon relaxation time τe−p ${\tau }_{e-p}$, and establish a new relationship of τe−p=C∗·T−1·n−1/3 ${\tau }_{e-p}={C}^{\ast }\mathit{\cdot }{T}^{-1}\mathit{\cdot }{n}^{-1/3}$ for n‐type doped silicon, where the true electron‐phonon coupling constant C∗ ${C}^{\ast }$ is proposed for the first time. This innovative methodology offers significant potential for high‐throughput screening of materials, expediting the development of next‐generation electronic devices.

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable energy sources (RESs) requires more granular analysis for accurate carbon footprint tracing. Traditional tracing methodologies primarily utilized deterministic steady‐state analyses, which inadequately addressed the significant uncertainties inherent in RESs. To address this gap, this study introduces two stochastic carbon footprint‐tracing approaches that incorporate RES uncertainties into load‐side carbon footprint assessments. The first method embeds a probabilistic analysis within the carbon emissions flow (CEF) framework, providing a comprehensive reference for the spatial distribution of carbon intensity across power system components. Recognizing that the CEF network complexity increases with higher DER penetration, the second method extends the initial approach to enhance computational efficiency while maintaining accuracy, thus ensuring scalability for large‐scale power system topologies. The proposed models were validated and benchmarked using a synthetic 1004‐bus test system in a case study, demonstrating their enhanced performance and advancements over conventional deterministic methods. The results underscore the effectiveness of the stochastic approaches in delivering more precise and reliable carbon footprint tracing, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of decarbonized power systems.

High‐molecular‐weight (high‐MW) polymer semiconductors are pivotal in advancing all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs), known for their excellent device stability and mechanical resilience. However, the development of high‐MW polymer donors (PDs) faces challenges due to the scarcity of suitable polymer backbones that ensure both high MW and optimal solubility, along with well‐controlled miscibility with polymer acceptors (PAs). Herein, a series of bithiophene imide (BTI)‐based PDs with high number‐average molecular weights ranging from 120.3 to 145.5 kDa are developed, offering improved molecular aggregation property and optimized PD:PA miscibility. Notably, polymer PBTI‐OD, featuring a 2‐octadecyldodecyl side chain on the BTI moiety, exhibited superior blending character and optimal morphology with PAs, outperforming its 2‐hexyldecyl and 2‐decyltetradecyl analogues (PBTI‐HD and PBTI‐DT). As a result, PBTI‐OD achieved impressive power conversion efficiencies of 18.47% and 19.20% in binary and ternary devices, respectively. Furthermore, a progressive enhancement in device stability and mechanical robustness is realized from PBTI‐HD to PBTI‐OD and to PBTI‐DT, enabled by the longer alkyl chain and higher polymer MW. These results underscore the great potential of BTI‐based molecular backbones to construct high‐MW PDs for highly efficient and durable all‐PSCs, paving the way for next‐generation solar energy technologies.

Premature senescent fibroblasts (PSFs) play an important role in regulating the fibrotic process after myocardial infarction (MI), but their effect on cardiac fibrosis remains unknown. Here, the investigation is aimed to determine whether PSFs contribute to cardiac fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms involved. It is observed that premature senescence of fibroblasts is strongly activated in the injured myocardium at 7 days after MI and identified that Kdm4a is located in PSFs by the analysis of scRNA‐seq data and immunostaining staining. Moreover, fibroblast specific gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays showed that Kdm4a promoted the premature senescence of fibroblasts and cardiac interstitial fibrosis, contributing to cardiac remodeling in the advanced stage after MI, without influencing early cardiac rupture. ChIP‐seq and ChIP‐PCR revealed that Kdm4a deficiency promoted autophagy in PSFs by reducing Trim44 expression through increased levels of the H3K9me3 modification in the Trim44 promoter region. Furthermore, a coculture system revealed that Kdm4a overexpression increased the accumulation of PSFs and the secretion of senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, subsequently inducing cardiac fibrosis, which could be reversed by Trim44 interference. Kdm4a induces the premature senescence of fibroblasts through Trim44‐mediated autophagy and then facilitates interstitial fibrosis after MI, ultimately resulting in cardiac remodeling, but not affecting ventricular rupture.

Plain Language Summary Tropical cyclone (TC)‐induced floods constitute a significant cause of life loss and property damage worldwide. Despite the proliferation of literature on flood dynamics, TC impacts on regional flooding in the Lancang‒Mekong River Basin remain poorly quantified. To address this knowledge gap, we applied the widely used Variable Infiltration Capacity hydrological model to simulate daily discharge both with and without TC precipitation inputs in the active TC landfalling region. Our results demonstrate that TCs generate significantly higher discharge in downstream areas compared to upstream areas, contributing more than 30% of annual flood peaks at most stations from 1967 to 2015. TCs are the primary driver of high‐magnitude floods with long return periods. Furthermore, the spatiotemporal changes in TC‐induced discharge closely correspond to changes in TC characteristics. This study underscores the critical influence of TC activity on flood dynamics and demonstrates the growing importance of TCs in extreme floods.

This study explores pan-sharpening techniques to enhance the spatial resolution of Landsat 8-9 optical imagery and dual-polarized (VV/VH) SAR data for improved urban land cover classification. Mediumto low-resolution satellite images often pose challenges in accurately delineating specific urban features. Sentinel-1 SAR data provides critical surface parameters such as moisture and conductivity through backscatter analysis, while optical imagery captures spectral reflectance essential for land cover discrimination. By integrating SAR and optical datasets, the fused imagery benefits from both spectral richness and enhanced spatial detail. This research evaluates the performance of Gram-Schmidt (GS) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) fusion methods in combining Sentinel-1 SAR and Landsat 8-9 imagery for urban land cover mapping in Ho Chi Minh City (2024). The Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and bias analysis confirm that the fusion process effectively retains spectral integrity while enhancing spatial resolution to 10m, thereby improving the identification of surface features in urban environments.

Over the past decade, a new class of ferroelectric materials with atomic-level thickness, particularly monolayer materials, has been predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally. These two-dimensional ferroelectric materials, especially those exhibiting finite out-of-plane (OOP) polarizations, have garnered significant attention in both condensed matter physics and materials science. On one hand, they offer promising avenues for the miniaturization of ferroelectric devices. On the other hand, they reveal novel physical mechanisms that go beyond those found in conventional bulk ferroelectrics, enabling the emergence of OOP polarization under depolarization fields. Recent studies have identified various mechanisms capable of generating OOP polarization in monolayers, a phenomenon previously considered unlikely in traditional bulk materials like ferroelectric perovskites. This review article highlights the recent advancements in understanding two-dimensional ferroelectricity in monolayer candidates. We focus primarily on the exploration of these unique mechanisms, as investigated and rationalized in recent years. Furthermore, we discuss the promising prospects in this emerging field of ferroelectricity and the bright future of two-dimensional monolayer materials.

Optimizing the thermodynamics of electrode reactions is a valid strategy for achieving superior electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). However, as the catalyst downsizes to the nanoscale, the influence of mass transfer kinetics is pronounced in improving electrocatalytic activity. Herein, an ordered hetero‐nanowire (NW) regulator that couples the virtues of kinetics and thermodynamics is reported. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the periodic arrangement of hetero‐NWs could construct a uniform electric field, promoting the precise mass transfer of reactant molecules and accelerating the electrode reaction kinetics for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). In addition, the microscopic electronic structure effect of the well‐defined catalyst weakens the bonding interaction toward toxic carbonaceous intermediates, which meanwhile strengthens the adsorption of hydroxyl species, critically contributing to enhanced MOR durability. The wide generality of this regulator has been confirmed by a series of as‐prepared ordered hetero‐NW catalysts, which show prominent electrocatalytic performance, including relatively high mass activity, superior CO resistance, and long‐term stability. Therefore, this work reveals the importance of the tandem effect of kinetics and thermodynamics in electrocatalysis, which provides valuable insights for developing customized and highly efficient catalysts for extensive applications.

Morphology engineering plays a critical role in enhancing ionic diffusion kinetics and activating oxygen redox activity in cobalt‐free lithium‐rich layered oxides (LROs), addressing their intrinsic limitations for high‐energy‐density batteries. Herein, a morphology‐engineering strategy is proposed to synthesize cobalt‐free LRO cathodes with radially arranged primary grains (LRO‐RA) and short rod‐like grains (LRO‐SR). The radial architecture of LRO‐RA establishes fast Li⁺ diffusion pathways, as evidenced by its near‐identical Li⁺ diffusion coefficient to LRO‐SR despite dominating oxygen redox contributions. This accelerated ion transport facilitates reversible anionic redox, yielding a 79 mAh g⁻¹ higher initial discharge capacity (0.1C) and a 50.6 mV lower O oxidation potential compared to LRO‐SR. Advanced spectroscopic and diffraction analyses confirm that the radial morphology stabilizes anionic redox, minimizes MnO6 distortion, and mitigates strain accumulation. Consequently, LRO‐RA achieves a 94.8% capacity retention after 400 cycles (1C), far exceeding LRO‐SR (75.6%), with mitigated voltage decay. Post‐cycling analysis confirms that the dense radial grains resist electrolyte infiltration and phase transformation, preserving structural integrity. This work elucidates how morphology‐driven ion transport optimization amplifies oxygen redox reversibility, offering a universal design principle for high‐capacity Li‐rich cathodes.

A regional dust storm was observed in the northern spring of Martian Year 35, characterized by a relatively cold and clear atmosphere. Satellite observations and general circulation model simulations show that the atmospheric temperature response to this early regional dust storm is significant, both in the dust lifting region and in remote areas. Atmospheric heating in the dust‐lifting region was primarily driven by shortwave radiative heating of dust particles. Anomalous cooling in the northern mesosphere and heating responses in the southern troposphere were associated with dust‐modulated gravity waves and planetary waves, respectively. Inhomogeneous heating from dust distribution during the storm generated anomalous atmospheric waves, significantly enhancing southward meridional circulation and lifting water vapor in the lower tropical troposphere. This dust storm substantially increased meridional water transport from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere, with pronounced longitudinal asymmetry underscoring the influence of tropical topographic features on water vapor transport.

Near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) based on aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) have attracted significant attention due to their multimodal imaging capabilities as well as the combined photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic effects in cancer therapy. Reported herein is the rational designed AIE molecule (BPT), via incorporating phenothiazine units with strong electron‐donating and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities into the classical AIE scaffold tetraphenylethylene, further coupled with a strong electron‐acceptor named benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c']bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole. The BPT NPs exhibited maximum NIR‐II fluorescence emission at 1083 nm, a fluorescence quantum yield of 1.53%, photothermal conversion efficiency of 63%, and photoacoustic imaging capabilities, alongside considerable type I ROS generation ability. Additionally, when a kind of nitric oxide (NO) donor named O2‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl) 1‐[(4‐ethoxycarbonyl) piperazin‐1‐yl]diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate (JSK) was incorporated, the corresponding JSK‐BPT NPs could generate O2⁻, NO, and peroxynitrite to induce phototoxicity. By applying it to the 4T1 breast tumor model, JSK‐BPT NPs achieved high‐quality multimodal imaging of the vasculature and tumor regions in mice. Under the multimodal imaging guidance, the 4T1 tumor could be ablated completely after a single dose of JSK‐BPT NPs and under the irradiation of an 808 nm laser.

Purpose Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common procedures performed by general surgeons worldwide, but postoperative and chronic pain remain significant challenges. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block in managing postoperative pain after unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science for studies published up to November 2024. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics. Statistical analysis was performed with R Software version 4.4.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Results Four randomized controlled trials were included, encompassing 181 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair. Of these, 91 (50.3%) were allocated to receive anesthesia with an erector spinae plane (ESP) block, while 90 (49.7%) were assigned to the control group. Compared to conventional anesthesia, the ESP block group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores at 6 h (MD -1.5; 95% CI [-2.5, -0.4]; p < 0.01; I²=85%) and 12 h (MD -0.8; 95% CI [-1.4, -0.2]; p < 0.01; I²=48%). Additionally, ESP block was associated with reduced rates of nausea and vomiting (RR 0.36; 95% CI [0.15, 0.88]; p = 0.025; I²=0%). No significant differences were observed between the groups in pain scores at 2 and 24 h or in analgesic requirements. Conclusion Inguinal hernia repair with an ESP block lowered postoperative pain scores and reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Background After an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), mounting evidence suggests that open kinetic chain (OKC) strengthening is safe, reduces the risk of anterior knee pain, and significantly improves the quadriceps strength. However, clinicians are reluctant to use OKC knee strengthening exercises mainly due to the strong beliefs that they might increase graft laxity. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the key criteria employed in the scientific literature for the safe introduction of OKC quadriceps strengthening following ACLR. Methods A scoping review of the literature was conducted on the online databases MEDLINE (PubMed), ScienceDirect, Embase and CINAHL Library online. Data regarding time-based criteria and/or clinical based criteria allowing OKC exercises introduction following ACLR were searched for. Only studies involving patients who performed quadriceps strengthening using any type of OKC exercises were included, regardless of the type, resistance location, load magnitude, type of muscle contraction, knee range of motion, or duration of the strengthening protocol. Results Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-one employed time-based criteria for the introduction of OKC exercise. The median time from when OKC was permitted was 15 postoperative days (range 1–270 days), while the mean time was 31.6 ± 56.7 postoperative days. In 30.7% of the studies additional clinical examination components were used. These components included range of motion (0-100°), numeric pain scale score < 2 or 3, absence of joint effusion (assess by the stroke test), full knee active extension (assess by the straight leg raise), and walking without crutches for the decision-making regarding OKC exercise introduction. Conclusion Less than one study in 3 reported clinical criteria for the introduction of OKC exercise. This highlights the absence of consensus among surgeons and physiotherapists, thereby hindering their ability to make informed decisions based on scientific evidence. Although the use of OKC exercise appears to be safe, precautions to maintain the integrity of the surgical repair need to be implemented. The establishment of valid criteria is crucial to support evidence-based decision-making.

The article is devoted to the description of the artificial intelligence model developed by a group of scientists from the Southern Federal Univer sity, which allows improving the stage of preparation of civil cases for trial. The model is trained on the basis of selected judicial practice and identifies the necessary requirement for a certain category of cases, a list of persons in volved in the case, and the necessary evidence. The model is capable of not only facilitating the work of the judge and participants in the process, but also ensuring an increase in the quality of preparation at a new substantive level.

Wide‐bandgap perovskites based on mixed formamidinium−cesium cation and iodide−bromide halide are promising materials in the top cells that are well‐matched with crystalline silicon bottom cells to construct efficient tandem photovoltaics. Nevertheless, mixed cation−halide perovskite films with submicron film thickness suffer from poor crystallinity with inhomogeneous and undesirable phases, owing to the presence of multiple pathways of crystal nucleation and phase transition. Herein, we propose a synergistic solvent and composition engineering (SSCE) strategy to regulate the solvated phases and manipulate the transition pathways simultaneously. The resultant mixed cation−halide perovskite film shows optimizing crystallization and desired phase structure with suppressed nonradiative recombination and improved phase stability under aging stresses. Consequently, the SSCE strategy enables the tandem cells based on industrially ultrathin silicon wafers (120 µm) to achieve a certified stabilized power conversion efficiency of 31.0%. Those encapsulated devices maintain 90% of their initial performance after 1200 h continuous operation.

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously referred to as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is recognized as a highly heterogeneous condition. The elusive mechanisms driving its progression contribute to the lack of reliable diagnostic markers and effective treatments. In this study, we first identified 52 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MASLD stage by analyzing two public datasets, GSE126848 and GSE135251, using the DESeq2 and edgeR packages. Subsequently, these DEGs were subjected to protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, revealing the top 10 hub genes. By intersecting the top 10 hub genes with another public dataset GSE260222, we observed that CDKN1A was the sole gene consistently upregulated in the livers of MASLD patients across all analyses. The elevated protein expression of CDKN1A was further validated in the livers of MASLD patients compared to control subjects. Consistently, compared to their respective control groups, both CDKN1A mRNA and protein levels were dramatically increased in the livers of MASLD animal models, including high‐fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice, leptin‐deficient obese (ob/ob) mice and leptin receptor‐deficient (db/db) mice, and in mouse primary hepatocytes treated with free fatty acids (FFA), respectively. Interestingly, we found that CDKN1A transcript levels were progressively and significantly increased with the severity of MASLD in four out of five datasets and positively correlated with both the NAFLD activity score (NAS) and fibrosis stage, two important clinicopathological features of MASLD. Collectively, our results illustrated that CDKN1A may serve as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for MASLD; however, its role in the disease's pathology warrants further investigation.