Hoe-285 (Hoe 285 / Brainorm / Albex 285)

Processing of watermelon seed shells nanocellulose with electron beam irradiation and esterification modification: Consequences on fundamental characteristics, molecular structure, physicochemical properties, functional performance, and associated mechanisms.

Guan Hanlin H, Niu Li L, Lin Qian Q, Ren Xiangrui X et al.

This study developed an electron beam irradiation (EBI)-assisted esterification strategy to convert underutilized watermelon seed shells into amphiphilic esterified nanocellulose (ENC). The multiscale structural evolution associated with EBI-enhanced esterification, as well as its feasibility for emulsion stabilization, was investigated. Native nanocellulose (NNC) was subjected to EBI (50, 100, 150 kGy) followed by lauric acid esterification. The degree of substitution of irradiated ENC was 0.28-0.77, which was 40-285% higher than unirradiated ENC (0.20). The decrease in hydrophilic-lipophilic balance indicated improved interfacial compatibility in nonpolar solvents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful lauric acid grafting. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that esterification induced nanocellulose to change from strip-like structures into aggregated particles (21.52-33.72 nm). Pickering emulsions prepared with ENC exhibited droplets (3.29-3.79 μm) and outstanding oxidative stability, underscoring ENC'S interfacial stabilization capability. This work integrates EBI-induced structural activation with lauric acid esterification, providing a new way to produce high-performance nanocellulose from agro-waste.

Dihydrobenzofuro[3,2-b]benzofuran: a light-driven molecular switch with fluorescence switching, bistability, and intrinsic chirality.

Hassan Fathy F, Velmurugan Nivedha N, Tan Jingyun J, Yi Yuan-Qiu-Qiang YQ et al.

Designing photochromic materials with thermally stable bistability, fluorescence switching, and structural responsiveness remains a key challenge in responsive materials. In this study, we introduce photochromic behavior in 4b,9b-dihydrobenzofuro[3,2-b]benzofuran derivatives (DHBs). Guided by bond dissociation energies, we demonstrate that DHB derivatives undergo a reversible, light-induced regioselective ring-opening reaction accompanied by significant changes in structural, electronic, and photophysical properties. Upon UV illumination at 285 nm, the non-conjugated, weakly emissive closed-ring DHB undergoes a regioselective ring-opening to yield a conjugated, hydroxy-functionalized isomer that exhibits strong fluorescence. The reverse ring-closure occurs under 325 nm light, with no observable thermal back reaction, establishing a thermally stable, bistable molecular switch. The rigid, fused structure of DHB possesses intrinsic chirality, as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealing racemic twin crystals with nearly equal enantiopure domains. Enantiomeric separation by chiral HPLC enables the study of its stereochemical and chiroptical properties. Spectroscopic analyses, in both solution and thin films, together with DFT calculations, elucidate photoinduced fluorescence switching behavior, distinct HOMO-LUMO energy levels, and structural transformations between the two isomers. Notably, asymmetric substitution directs the site of bond cleavage, providing a handle to control photochemical reaction pathways. These results highlight the potential of DHB derivatives as a multifunctional photochromic scaffold and open new opportunities for the design of responsive materials with tunable optical and electronic properties.

Superiority of long-term outcomes of EUS-guided gastroenterostomy over endoscopic stenting for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction: A prospective cohort study.

Kuo Yu-Ting YT, Chang Sheng-Jie SJ, Lin Hung-Yao HY, Lin Tung-Yen TY et al.

Limited prospective data exist comparing long-term outcomes of endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (ES) and EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO). This large-scale study aimed to prospectively compare these 2 procedures with long-term follow-up. This single-center, prospective study enrolled 152 consecutive patients with unresectable mGOO who underwent ES (n = 76) or EUS-GE (n = 76) between August 2021 and January 2024, with follow-up until death or administrative censoring on January 31, 2025. The primary outcome was the reintervention rate, while secondary outcomes included technical and clinical success, changes in the gastric outlet obstruction score (GOOS), adverse events (AEs), and survival. A Cox regression model identified factors associated with reintervention and survival. Both groups had comparable technical and clinical success rates and AEs. After a median follow-up of 121 days (interquartile range, 55-285), the EUS-GE group had a significantly lower reintervention (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.22, P < 0.001), longer stent patency (median, 566 days vs. 195 days; P < 0.001), and greater GOOS improvement (median, 3 vs. 2; P < 0.001) compared with the ES group. Poor performance status, the presence of ascites, and lack of chemotherapy were independent mortality risk factors. Compared with ES, EUS-GE provides longer stent patency, fewer reinterventions, and better relief of GOO symptoms while maintaining a similar safety profile. In an expert setting, EUS-GE should be considered the optimal approach for managing unresectable mGOO, as it offers superior short- and long-term outcomes.

Corrigendum to "Heparan sulfate from porcine mucosa promotes amyloid-beta clearance in APP/PS1 mice and alleviates Alzheimer's pathology" [Carbohydrate Polymers 285 (2022) 119205].

Wu Lidan L, Jiang Wenjie W, Zhao Na N, Wang Fengshan F