bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of refractory immune thrombocytopenia: a prospective, single arm, phase I trial
Authors: Chen Yunfei , Xu Yanmei , Chi Ying , Sun Ting , Gao Yuchen , Dou Xueqing , Han Zhibo , Xue Feng , Li Huiyuan , Liu Wei , Liu Xiaofan , Dong Huan , Fu Rongfeng , Ju Mankai , Dai Xinyue , Wang Wentian , Ma Yueshen , Song Zhen , Gu Jundong , Gong Wei , Yang Renchi , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2024

Patients with refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) frequently encounter substantial bleeding risks and demonstrate limited responsiveness to existing therapies. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) present a promising alternative, capitalizing on their low immunogenicity and potent immunomodulatory effects for treating diverse autoimmune disorders. This prospective phase I trial enrolled eighteen eligible patients to explore the safety and efficacy of UC-MSCs in treating refractory ITP. The research design included administering UC-MSCs at escalating doses of 0.5 × 106 cells/kg, 1.0 × 106 cells/kg, and 2.0 × 106 cells/kg weekly for four consecutive weeks across three cohorts during the dose-escalation phase, followed by a dose of 2.0 × 106 cells/kg weekly for the dose-expansion phase. Adverse events, platelet counts, and changes in peripheral blood immunity were monitored and recorded throughout the administration and follow-up period. Ultimately, 12 (with an addition of three patients in the 2.0 × 106 cells/kg group due to dose-limiting toxicity) and six patients were enrolled in the dose-escalation and dose-expansion phase, respectively. Thirteen patients (13/18, 72.2%) experienced one or more treatment emergent adverse events. Serious adverse events occurred in four patients (4/18, 22.2%), including gastrointestinal hemorrhage (2/4), profuse menstruation (1/4), and acute myocardial infarction (1/4). The response rates were 41.7% in the dose-escalation phase (5/12, two received 1.0 × 106 cells/kg per week, and three received 2.0 × 106 cells/kg per week) and 50.0% (3/6) in the dose-expansion phase. The overall response rate was 44.4% (8/18) among all enrolled patients. To sum up, UC-MSCs are effective and well tolerated in treating refractory ITP (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04014166).
Environmental barriers perceived by the Finnish population with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Saarimäki Sanna-Mari , Reiterä Paula , Täckman Anni , Arokoski Jari , Vainionpää Aki , Kallinen Mauri , Tallqvist Susanna , Koskinen Eerika , Hämäläinen Harri , Kauppila Anna-Maija , Anttila Heidi , Hiekkala Sinikka
Published: April 2024

Study design

Cross-sectional survey of the Finnish population with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objectives

To explore the frequencies of perceived environmental barriers (EB) that made participation harder for the Finnish population with SCI and to compare the occurrence of perceived EBs by gender, age, time since injury, and injury severity.

Setting

Participants were recruited from the registers of the three SCI outpatient clinics responsible for the lifelong care of people with SCI in Finland.

Methods

The self-administered Nottwil Environmental Factors Inventory Short Form (NEFI-SF) collected in the Finnish Spinal Cord Injury Study (FinSCI) (n = 1772) was used. Nonparametric tests and multinomial logistic regression models were utilized.

Results

880 individuals responded to the NEFI-SF items (response rate 50%). Climate was perceived as a barrier by 72% and a serious one by 44% of the respondents. The rates regarding public access were 59% and 24%, private home access 46% and 18%, and long-distance transport 45% and 20%. Four out of ten respondents reported that finances, lack of assistive devices for short-distance transport, and political decisions restricted their participation. The NEFI-SF total scores were higher (meaning more perceived restrictions by EBs) for those more severely injured.

Conclusions

Climate, access to public and private places, challenges with transport, finances, and political decisions were the EBs most frequently perceived to restrict participation by the Finnish population with SCI. Most EBs that were prominent causes of restrictions are modifiable. Greater accessibility to the built environment, equal services to all, and positive special treatment could reduce their effects.
Trauma-associated extracellular histones mediate inflammation via a MYD88-IRAK1-ERK signaling axis and induce lytic cell death in human adipocytes
Authors: Roos Julian , Zinngrebe Julia , Huber-Lang Markus , Lupu Ludmila , Schmidt Miriam A. , Strobel Hannah , Westhoff Mike-Andrew , Stifel Ulrich , Gebhard Florian , Wabitsch Martin , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Halbgebauer Rebecca , Fischer-Posovszky Pamela
Published: April 2024

Despite advances in the treatment and care of severe physical injuries, trauma remains one of the main reasons for disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Trauma patients often suffer from disturbances in energy utilization and metabolic dysfunction, including hyperglycemia and increased insulin resistance. White adipose tissue plays an essential role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and is frequently implicated in traumatic injury due to its ubiquitous body distribution but remains poorly studied. Initial triggers of the trauma response are mainly damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as histones. We hypothesized that DAMP-induced adipose tissue inflammation contributes to metabolic dysfunction in trauma patients. Therefore, we investigated whether histone release during traumatic injury affects adipose tissue. Making use of a murine polytrauma model with hemorrhagic shock, we found increased serum levels of histones accompanied by an inflammatory response in white adipose tissue. In vitro, extracellular histones induced an inflammatory response in human adipocytes. On the molecular level, this inflammatory response was mediated via a MYD88-IRAK1-ERK signaling axis as demonstrated by pharmacological and genetic inhibition. Histones also induced lytic cell death executed independently of caspases and RIPK1 activity. Importantly, we detected increased histone levels in the bloodstream of patients after polytrauma. Such patients might benefit from a therapy consisting of activated protein C and the FDA-approved ERK inhibitor trametinib, as this combination effectively prevented histone-mediated effects on both, inflammatory gene activation and cell death in adipocytes. Preventing adipose tissue inflammation and adipocyte death in patients with polytrauma could help minimize posttraumatic metabolic dysfunction.
The gut microbiome-prostate cancer crosstalk is modulated by dietary polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids
Authors: Lachance Gabriel , Robitaille Karine , Laaraj Jalal , Gevariya Nikunj , Varin Thibault V. , Feldiorean Andrei , Gaignier Fanny , Julien Isabelle Bourdeau , Xu Hui Wen , Hallal Tarek , Pelletier Jean-François , Bouslama Sidki , Boufaied Nadia , Derome Nicolas , Bergeron Alain , Ellis Leigh , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. , Raymond Frédéric , Fradet Yves , Labbé David P. , Marette André , Fradet Vincent
Published: April 2024

The gut microbiota modulates response to hormonal treatments in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, but whether it influences PCa progression remains unknown. Here, we show a reduction in fecal microbiota alpha-diversity correlating with increase tumour burden in two distinct groups of hormonotherapy naïve PCa patients and three murine PCa models. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from patients with high PCa volume is sufficient to stimulate the growth of mouse PCa revealing the existence of a gut microbiome-cancer crosstalk. Analysis of gut microbial-related pathways in mice with aggressive PCa identifies three enzymes responsible for the metabolism of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Supplementation with LCFA omega-3 MAG-EPA is sufficient to reduce PCa growth in mice and cancer up-grading in pre-prostatectomy PCa patients correlating with a reduction of gut Ruminococcaceae in both and fecal butyrate levels in PCa patients. This suggests that the beneficial effect of omega-3 rich diet is mediated in part by modulating the crosstalk between gut microbes and their metabolites in men with PCa.
Pathway-divergent coupling of 1,3-enynes with acrylates through cascade cobalt catalysis
Authors: Wang Heng , Jie Xiaofeng , Chong Qinglei , Meng Fanke
Published: April 2024

Catalytic cascade transformations of simple starting materials into highly functionalized molecules bearing a stereochemically defined multisubstituted alkene, which are important in medicinal chemistry, natural product synthesis, and material science, are in high demand for organic synthesis. The development of multiple reaction pathways accurately controlled by catalysts derived from different ligands is a critical goal in the field of catalysis. Here we report a cobalt-catalyzed strategy for the direct coupling of inexpensive 1,3-enynes with two molecules of acrylates to construct a high diversity of functionalized 1,3-dienes containing a trisubstituted or tetrasubstituted olefin. Such cascade reactions can proceed through three different pathways initiated by oxidative cyclization to achieve multiple bond formation in high chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity precisely controlled by ligands, providing a platform for the development of tandem carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions.
Effects of a rainwater harvesting system on the soil water, heat and growth of apricot in rain-fed orchards on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Feng Na , Huang Yan , Tian Jiao , Wang Yongliang , Ma Yi , Zhang Weijiang
Published: April 2024

Rainwater is the main water source in arid and semiarid areas of the Loess Plateau, where rainfall is generally insufficient, ineffective and underutilized during the growing season. Thus, improving rainwater utilization efficiency is essential for sustainable agricultural development. A new system composed of rainwater harvesting, an infiltrator bucket with multiple holes and mulching (RHM), was designed to maintain soil moisture at a proper level in rain-fed orchards in arid and semiarid areas of the Loess Region of China. However, there is a lack of clarity on the effectiveness of RHM. In this study, changes in the soil environment and the growth and physiology of apricot trees were monitored via two treatments: (1) Rain-harvesting irrigation system (RHM) treatment and (2) traditional orchard treatment (CK) as a baseline. The results showed that (1) RHM could effectively improve soil water storage at depths of 0–45 cm and at a horizontal distance of 40 cm from the trunk. For the 1.4 mm light rain event, the soil water content increased by 6.3–12%, and for the two moderate rains, the soil water content increased by 12–25%. The change in the soil relative water content predicted by the LSTM model is consistent with the overall trend of the measured value and gradually decreases, and the prediction accuracy is high, with an error of 0.65. (2) The average soil temperatures at 5 cm, 20 cm and 40 cm under RHM were 17.0% (2.4 °C), 13.6% (1.9 °C) and 7.5% (1 °C) greater than those under CK, respectively. (3) Compared with the control treatment, RHM improved the growth and WUEL of apricot trees. The results highlighted the efficiency of the RHM system in enhancing the soil environment and regulating the growth and physiology of apricot trees, which has greater popularization value in arid and semiarid areas.
Pulsatile nanofluid flow with variable pressure gradient and heat transfer in wavy channel
Authors: Dawood A. S. , Kroush Faisal A. , Abumandour Ramzy M. , Eldesoky Islam M.
Published: April 2024

This research contributes to the comprehension of nanofluid behaviour through a wavy channel, emphasizing the significance of considering diverse influences in the modelling process. The study explores the collective influence of pressure gradient variation, magnetic field, porosity, channel waviness, nanoparticle concentration, and heat transfer on nano-blood flow in a two-dimensional wavy channel. In contrast to prior research assuming a constant pulsatile pressure gradient during channel waviness, this innovative study introduces a variable pressure gradient, significantly influencing several associated parameters. The mathematical model characterizing nano-blood flow in a horizontally wavy channel is solved using the perturbation technique. Analytical solutions for fundamental variables such as stream function, velocity, wall shear stress, pressure gradient, and temperature are visually depicted across different physical parameters values. The findings obtained for differing parameter values in the given problem demonstrate a significant influence of the amplitude ratio parameter of channel waviness, Hartmann number of the magnetic field, permeability parameter of the porous medium, volume fraction of nanoparticles, radiation parameter, Prandtl number, and the suction/injection parameter on the flow dynamics. The simulations provide valuable insights into the decrease in velocity with increasing magnetic field and its increase with higher permeability. Additionally, the temperature is observed to escalate with a rising nanoparticle volume fraction and radiation parameter, while it declines with increasing Prandtl number.
Assessment of new hydrogen peroxide activators in water and comparison of their active species toward contaminants of emerging concern
Authors: Farinelli Giulio , Rebilly Jean-Noël , Banse Frédéric , Cretin Marc , Quemener Damien
Published: April 2024

Advanced oxidation processes are the most efficient tool to thwart the overaccumulation of harmful organic compounds in the environment. In this direction bioinspired metal complexes may be a viable solution for oxidative degradations in water. However, their synthesis is often elaborated and their scalability consequently low. This study presents alternative easy-to-synthesize bioinspired metal complexes to promote degradations in water. The metals employed were iron and manganese ions, hence cheap and highly accessible ions. The complexes were tested toward Phenol, Estrone, Triclosan, Oxybenzone, Diclofenac, Carbamazepine, Erythromycin, Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Anisole and 2,4-Dinitrotoluene. The reaction favoured electron-rich compounds reaching a removal efficiency of over 90%. The central ion plays a crucial role. Specifically, Mn(II) induces a non-radical pathway while iron ions a predominant radical one (⋅OH is predominant). The iron systems resulted more versatile toward contaminants, while the manganese ones showed a higher turn-over number, hence higher catalytic behaviour.
Quantum scattering of icosahedron fullerene C60 with noble-gas atoms
Authors: Kłos Jacek , Tiesinga Eite , Kotochigova Svetlana
Published: April 2024

There exist multiple ways to cool neutral molecules. A front runner is the technique of buffer gas cooling, where momentum-changing collisions with abundant cold noble-gas atoms cool the molecules. This approach can, in principle, produce the most diverse samples of cold molecules. We present quantum mechanical and semiclassical calculations of the elastic scattering differential cross sections and rate coefficients of the C60 fullerene with He and Ar noble-gas atoms in order to quantify the effectiveness of buffer gas cooling for this molecule. We also develop new three-dimensional potential energy surfaces for this purpose using dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) with counterpoise correction. The icosahedral anisotropy of the molecular system is reproduced by expanding the potential in terms of symmetry-allowed spherical harmonics. Long-range dispersion coefficients have been computed from frequency dependent polarizabilities of C60 and the noble-gas atoms. We find that the potential of the fullerene with He is about five times shallower than that with Ar. Anisotropic corrections are very weak for both systems and omitted in the quantum scattering calculations giving us a nearly quantitative estimate of elastic scattering observables. Finally, we have computed differential cross sections at the collision energies used in experiments by Han et al. (Chem Phys Lett 235:211, 1995), corrected for the sensitivity of their apparatus, and we find satisfactory agreement for C60 scattering with Ar.
Effect of smoking status on clinical outcomes after reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Irie Fumi , Matsuo Ryu , Mezuki Satomi , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Kamouchi Masahiro , Kitazono Takanari , Ago Tetsuro ,   the Fukuoka Stroke Registry Investigators, Ishitsuka Takao , Ibayashi Setsuro , Kusuda Kenji , Fujii Kenichiro , Nagao Tetsuhiko , Okada Yasushi , Yasaka Masahiro , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Kitazono Takanari , Irie Katsumi , Omae Tsuyoshi , Toyoda Kazunori , Nakane Hiroshi , Kamouchi Masahiro , Sugimori Hiroshi , Arakawa Shuji , Fukuda Kenji , Ago Tetsuro , Kitayama Jiro , Fujimoto Shigeru , Arihiro Shoji , Kuroda Junya , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Matsuo Ryu , Irie Fumi , Nakamura Kuniyuki , Kiyohara Takuya
Published: April 2024

Smoking has detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system; however, some studies have reported better clinical outcomes after thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in smokers than in nonsmokers, a phenomenon known as the smoking paradox. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the smoking paradox in patients with ischemic stroke receiving reperfusion therapy. Data were collected from a multicenter hospital-based acute stroke registry in Fukuoka, Japan. The 1148 study patients were categorized into current and noncurrent smokers. The association between smoking and clinical outcomes, including neurological improvement (≥ 4-point decrease in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale during hospitalization or 0 points at discharge) and good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at 3 months, was evaluated using logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched analysis. Among the participants, 231 (20.1%) were current smokers. The odds ratios (ORs) of favorable outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders were not significantly increased in current smokers (OR 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–1.22 for neurological improvement; OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.65–1.38 for good functional outcome). No significant association was found in the propensity score-matched cohorts. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended since current smoking was not associated with better outcomes after reperfusion therapy.
Derivation and long-term maintenance of porcine skeletal muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Dan-Jumbo Susan O. , Riley Susanna E. , Cortes-Araya Yennifer , Ho William , Lee Seungmee , Thrower Thomas , Esteves Cristina L. , Donadeu F. Xavier
Published: April 2024

Culture of muscle cells from livestock species has typically involved laborious enzyme-based approaches that yield heterogeneous populations with limited proliferative and myogenic differentiation capacity, thus limiting their use in physiologically-meaningful studies. This study reports the use of a simple explant culture technique to derive progenitor cell populations from porcine muscle that could be maintained and differentiated long-term in culture. Fragments of semitendinosus muscle from 4 to 8 week-old piglets (n = 4) were seeded on matrigel coated culture dishes to stimulate migration of muscle-derived progenitor cells (MDPCs). Cell outgrowths appeared within a few days and were serially passaged and characterised using RT-qPCR, immunostaining and flow cytometry. MDPCs had an initial mean doubling time of 1.4 days which increased to 2.5 days by passage 14. MDPC populations displayed steady levels of the lineage-specific markers, PAX7 and MYOD, up until at least passage 2 (positive immunostaining in about 40% cells for each gene), after which the expression of myogenic markers decreased gradually. Remarkably, MDPCs were able to readily generate myotubes in culture up until passage 8. Moreover, a decrease in myogenic capacity during serial passaging was concomitant with a gradual increase in the expression of the pre-adipocyte markers, CD105 and PDGFRA, and an increase in the ability of MDPCs to differentiate into adipocytes. In conclusion, explant culture provided a simple and efficient method to harvest enriched myogenic progenitors from pig skeletal muscle which could be maintained long-term and differentiated in vitro, thus providing a suitable system for studies on porcine muscle biology and applications in the expanding field of cultured meat.
Intrinsic mechanisms of right ventricular autoregulation
Authors: Meinert-Krause Jan-Pit , Mechelinck Mare , Hein Marc , Habigt Moriz A.
Published: April 2024

To elucidate the adaptation of the right ventricle to acute and intermittently sustained afterload elevation, targeted preload reductions and afterload increases were implemented in a porcine model involving 12 pigs. Preload reduction was achieved via balloon occlusion of the inferior vena cava before, immediately and 5 min after acute afterload elevation induced by pulmonary artery occlusion or thromboxane A2 analog (U46619) infusion. Ventricular response was monitored by registration of pressure–volume (PV) loops using a conductance catheter. The end-systolic pressure–volume relationship (ESPVR) during pure preload reduction was adequately described by linear regression (mean and SEM slope of ESPVR (Ees) 0.414 ± 0.064 mmHg/ml), reflecting the classical Frank-Starling mechanism (FSM). The ESPVR during acute afterload elevation exhibited a biphasic trajectory with significantly distinct slopes (mean and SEM Ees bilin1: 1.256 ± 0.066 mmHg ml; Ees bilin2: 0.733 ± 0.063 mmHg ml, p < 0.001). The higher slope during the first phase in the absence of ventricular dilation could be explained by a reduced amount of shortening deactivation (SDA). The changes in PV-loops during the second phase were similar to those observed with a preload intervention. The persistent increase in afterload resulted in an increase in the slopes of ESPVR and preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) with a slight decrease in filling state, indicating a relevant Anrep effect. This effect became more pronounced after 5 min or TXA infusion. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the relevance of intrinsic mechanisms of cardiac autoregulation in the right ventricle during the adaptation to load. The SDA, FSM, and Anrep effect could be differentiated and occurred successively, potentially with some overlap. Notably, the Anrep effect serves to prevent ventricular dilation.
Basic magnesium sulfate@TiO2 composite for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of 4-dodecylmorpholine in brine
Authors: Song Zhongmei , Zhang Huifang , Ma Liang , Lu Miao , Wu Chengyou , Liu Qingqing , Yu Xuefeng , Liu Haining , Ye Xiushen , Ma Zhen , Wu Zhijian
Published: April 2024

More than 70% of the potash fertilizer globally is produced by the froth flotation process, in which 4-dodecylmorpholine (DMP) serves as a reverse flotation agent. As the potash fertilizer production rapidly rises, the increased DMP levels in discharged brine pose a threat to the production of high-value chemicals. In this paper, composite particles of basic magnesium sulfate@TiO2 (BMS@TiO2) were prepared using a simple and mild loading method. These particles were utilized for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of DMP in brine. Compared with normal powdered materials, the granular BMS@TiO2 in this study can be easily separated from liquid, and the degradation intermediates will not enter the brine without causing secondary pollution. BMS@TiO2 consists of 5·1·7 phase (5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7H2O) whisker clusters embedding 2.3% TiO2. The adsorption equilibrium of DMP on BMS@TiO2 particles was achieved through hydrogen bonding and pore interception with the adsorption capacity of approximately 5 mg g−1 after 6 h. The photodegradation efficiency of DMP adsorbed on BMS@TiO2 reached about 92% within 16 h, which is compared with that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. Additionally, excellent stability and recyclability of BMS@TiO2 were also observed in five cycle tests of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of DMP, and the possible photocatalytic degradation pathways and mechanism of DMP are proposed following molecular electrostatic potential analysis. This work provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for eliminating organic micropollutants from water environments.
Transient pain and discomfort when wearing high-heeled shoes
Authors: Almadhaani Hour Matar Abdulla , Goonetilleke Ravindra S. , Wijeweera Albert , Jayaraman Raja , Ameersing Luximon , Khandoker Ahsan H. , Tamrin S. B. Mohd.
Published: April 2024

In the dynamic world of fashion, high-heeled footwear is revered as a symbol of style, luxury and sophistication. Yet, beneath the facade of elegance of classy footwear lies the harsh reality of discomfort and pain. Thus, this study aims to investigate the influence of wearing high-heeled shoes on the sensation of pain across different body regions over a period of 6 h. It involved fifty female participants, all habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes, aged between 20 and 30 years. Each participant kept a record of their perceptions of pain and discomfort every hour for a total of 6 h using a 0–10 pain scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. The findings reveal a progressive rise in pain throughout wear, with the most intense pain reported in the back, calcaneus, and metatarsals. The analysis shows that after approximately 3.5 h, participants experience significant increases in pain levels. However, the relationship between heel height and pain is not linear. It appears that a heel height of 7.5 cm is the threshold where overall body pain becomes significant. The study suggests that a duration of 3.5 h of wear and a heel height of 7.5 cm serve as critical points to decrease overall body pain. Moreover, beyond this heel height, knee pain diminishes compared to other body areas possibly due to the shift towards a more neutral posture. The study findings, coupled with the recommendations, can assist footwear designers in crafting not only stylish but also comfortable shoes.
XPO1 blockade with KPT-330 promotes apoptosis in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by activating the p53–p21 and p27 pathways
Authors: Chakravarti Nitin , Boles Amy , Burzinski Rachel , Sindaco Paola , Isabelle Colleen , McConnell Kathleen , Mishra Anjali , Porcu Pierluigi
Published: April 2024

Dysregulated nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking has been shown to play a role in oncogenesis in several types of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Exportin 1 (XPO1) is responsible for the nuclear export of several proteins and RNA species, mainly tumor suppressors. KPT-330, a small molecule inhibitor of XPO1, is approved for treating relapsed multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma with an adverse prognosis and limited treatment options in advanced stages. The effect of therapeutically targeting XPO1 with KPT-330 in CTCL has not been established. We report that XPO1 expression is upregulated in CTCL cells. KPT-330 reduces cell proliferation, induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA-sequencing was used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Genes associated with the cell cycle and the p53 pathway were significantly enriched with KPT-330 treatment. KPT-330 suppressed XPO1 expression, upregulated p53, p21WAF1/Cip1, and p27Kip1 and their nuclear localization, and downregulated anti-apoptotic protein (Survivin). The in vivo efficacy of KPT-330 was investigated using a bioluminescent xenograft mouse model of CTCL. KPT-330 blocked tumor growth and prolonged survival (p < 0.0002) compared to controls. These findings support investigating the use of KPT-330 and next-generation XPO1 inhibitors in CTCL.
Development of stochastically reconstructed 3D porous media micromodels using additive manufacturing: numerical and experimental validation
Authors: Lee Dongwon , Ruf Matthias , Karadimitriou Nikolaos , Steeb Holger , Manousidaki Mary , Varouchakis Emmanouil A. , Tzortzakis Stelios , Yiotis Andreas
Published: April 2024

We propose an integrated methodology for the design and fabrication of 3D micromodels that are suitable for the pore-scale study of transport processes in macroporous materials. The micromodels, that bear the pore-scale characteristics of sandstone, such as porosity, mean pore size, etc, are designed following a stochastic reconstruction algorithm that allows for fine-tuning the porosity and the correlation length of the spatial distribution of the solid material. We then construct a series of 3D micromodels at very fine resolution (i.e. $$16\,\upmu $$

16

μ

m) using a state-of-the-art 3D printing infrastructure, specifically a ProJet MJP3600 3D printer, that utilizes the Material Jetting technology. Within the technical constraints of the 3D printer resolution, the fabricated micromodels represent scaled-up replicas of natural sandstones, that are suitable for the study of the scaling between the permeability, the porosity and the mean pore size. The REV- and pore-scale characteristics of the resulting physical micromodels are recovered using a combination of X-ray micro-CT and microfluidic studies. The experimental results are then compared with single-phase flow simulations at pore-scale and geostatistic models in order to determine the effects of the design parameters on the intrinsic permeability and the spatial correlation of the velocity profile. Our numerical and experimental measurements reveal an excellent match between the properties of the designed and fabricated 3D domains, thus demonstrating the robustness of the proposed methodology for the construction of 3D micromodels with fine-tuned and well-controlled pore-scale characteristics. Furthermore, a pore-scale numerical study over a wider range of 3D digital domain realizations reveals a very good match of the measured permeabilities with the predictions of the Kozeny–Carman formulation based on a single control parameter, $$k_0$$

k
0

, that is found to have a practically constant value for porosities $$\phi \ge 0.2$$

ϕ
≥
0.2

. This, in turn, enables us to customize the sample size to meet REV constraints, including enlarging pore morphology while considering the Reynolds number. It is also found that at lower porosities there is a significant increase in the fraction of the non-percolating pores, thus leading to different $$k_0$$

k
0

, as the porosity approaches a numerically determined critical porosity value, $$\phi _c$$

ϕ
c

, where the domain is no longer percolating.
Intelligent berberine-loaded erythrocytes attenuated inflammatory cytokine productions in macrophages
Authors: Aghili Zahra Sadat , Magnani Mauro , Ghatrehsamani Mehdi , Nourian Dehkordi Azar , Mirzaei Seyed Abbas , Banitalebi Dehkordi Mehdi
Published: April 2024

Erythrocytes are impressive tools for drug delivery, especially to macrophages. Therefore, berberine was loaded into erythrocytes using both hypotonic pre-swelling and endocytosis methods to target macrophages. Physicochemical and kinetic parameters of the resulting carrier cells, such as drug loading/release kinetics, osmotic fragility, and hematological indices, were determined. Drug loading was optimized for the study using Taguchi experimental design and lab experiments. Loaded erythrocytes were targeted to macrophages using ZnCl2 and bis-sulfosuccinimidyl-suberate, and targeting was evaluated using flow cytometry and Wright–Giemsa staining. Differentiated macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, and the inflammatory profiles of macrophages were evaluated using ELISA, western blotting, and real-time PCR. Findings indicated that the endocytosis method is preferred due to its low impact on the erythrocyte’s structural integrity. Maximum loading achieved (1386.68 ± 22.43 μg/ml) at 1500 μg/ml berberine treatment at 37 °C for 2 h. Berberine successfully inhibited NF-κB translation in macrophages, and inflammatory response markers such as IL-1β, IL-8, IL-23, and TNF-α were decreased by approximately ninefold, sixfold, twofold, eightfold, and twofold, respectively, compared to the LPS-treated macrophages. It was concluded that berberine-loaded erythrocytes can effectively target macrophages and modulate the inflammatory response.
Research on the mechanism of coal wall fragmentation and dust production characteristics in the perspective of differentiated discrete elements
Authors: Li Zhen , Jing Deji , Ge Shaocheng , Meng Xiangxi , Yang Di , Ren Shuaishuai
Published: April 2024

In order to efficiently and accurately control coal dust pollution in coal mining faces, this study addresses the insufficient research on the dust generation mechanism during cutting. Firstly, a similar experimental platform for simulating coal wall cutting with a drum cutter was used to investigate the changes in coal wall fragmentation and dust generation at drum speeds of 35 r/min, 50 r/min, 65 r/min, and 80 r/min. The experimental results revealed that the degree of coal wall fragmentation and dust generation increased with the increase in rotational speed, leading to a wider range of particle size distribution and an increase in the generation of fine dust particles. A 1:1 scale discrete element simulation of coal wall cutting with a drum cutter was conducted based on the experiments. The results indicated that, under the four rotational speeds, the cracks generated during coal wall fracture were predominantly tensile cracks, accounting for over 76% of the total crack count. The total number of cracks increased from 10,600 to 11,200, the number of free single particles increased from 2555 to 2728, and the fragmentation volume increased from 0.021607 to 0.023024 m3. The range and degree of coal wall fragmentation increased with the increase in drum speed.
YY1 binding is a gene-intrinsic barrier to Xist-mediated gene silencing
Authors: Bowness Joseph S , Almeida Mafalda , Nesterova Tatyana B , Brockdorff Neil
Published: April 2024

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in mammals is mediated by Xist RNA which functions in cis to silence genes on a single X chromosome in XX female cells, thereby equalising levels of X-linked gene expression relative to XY males. XCI progresses over a period of several days, with some X-linked genes silencing faster than others. The chromosomal location of a gene is an important determinant of silencing rate, but uncharacterised gene-intrinsic features also mediate resistance or susceptibility to silencing. In this study, we examine mouse embryonic stem cell lines with an inducible Xist allele (iXist-ChrX mESCs) and integrate allele-specific data of gene silencing and decreasing inactive X (Xi) chromatin accessibility over time courses of Xist induction with cellular differentiation. Our analysis reveals that motifs bound by the transcription factor YY1 are associated with persistently accessible regulatory elements, including many promoters and enhancers of slow-silencing genes. We further show that YY1 is evicted relatively slowly from target sites on Xi, and that silencing of X-linked genes is increased upon YY1 degradation. Together our results suggest that YY1 acts as a barrier to Xist-mediated silencing until the late stages of the XCI process.
Probing the adsorption configuration of methanol at a charged air/aqueous interface using nonlinear spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Caihe , Qin Xujin , Yu Changhui , Guo Yuan , Zhang Zhen
Published: April 2024

The adsorption of methanol is more inclined towards the negatively charged interface and stands more upright at the positively charged interface, allowing for experimental observation of changes in its configuration prior to oxidative decomposition.
From quarry to carbon sink: process-based LCA modelling of lime-based construction materials for net-zero and carbon-negative transformation
Authors: Laveglia Agustin , Ukrainczyk Neven , De Belie Nele , Koenders Eddie
Published: April 2024

Materials science, process engineering and environmental science were combined to demonstrate carbon negative scenarios over the life-cycle of a lime-based plaster.
Formation of H-bonding networks in the solid state structure of a trinuclear cobalt(iii/ii/iii) complex with N2O2 donor Schiff base ligand and glutaric acid as bridging co-ligand: synthesis, structure and DFT study
Authors: Maity Sovana , Bhunia Sudip , Drew Michael G. B. , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: April 2024

Formation of hydrogen bonding network in a trinuclear linear mixed-valence centrosymmetric cobalt(iii)–cobalt(ii)–cobalt(iii) complex has been analyzed using DFT calculations.
Experimental investigation of mass transfer and pressure drop in NH3 SCR over self-supporting Cu-ZSM-5 foam
Authors: Raju Risha , K. Prabhakaran , Joseph Kuruvilla , Salih A.
Published: April 2024

A self supporting Cu-ZSM-5 foam catalyst is developed for NH3 selective-catalytic reduction of NOx with high mechanical strength using an emulsion freeze casting method.
Vanadium disulfide-incorporated polymer nanocomposites for flexible piezoelectric energy generators and road safety sensors
Authors: Verma Ankur , Hari M. Arjun , Karumuthil Subash Cherumannil
Published: April 2024

Piezoelectric materials have attracted considerable attention in the field of flexible electronics owing to their ability to convert mechanical strain into electrical energy.
Recent advances in micro/nanomotors for antibacterial applications
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Luo Hangyu , Wang Han
Published: April 2024

Currently, the rapid spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria derived from the indiscriminate use of traditional antibiotics poses a significant threat to public health worldwide.
Molecularly imprinted polymer-based SERS sensing of transferrin in human serum
Authors: Wang Xin-yi , Liu An-ran , Liu Song-qin
Published: April 2024

An antibody-free SERS immunoassay for TRF detection based on magnetic MIP nanoparticles was designed to achieve highly sensitive and selective detection of TRF in human serum.
Developing NIR xanthene-chalcone fluorophores with large Stokes shifts for fluorescence imaging
Authors: Wang Chao , Yuan Rongrong , Ma Siyue , Miao Qing , Zhao Xufang , Liu Yuxia , Bi Siwei , Chen Guang
Published: April 2024

A series of NIR xanthene-chalcone fluorophores with large Stokes shifts (>100 nm) were developed for constructing fluorescent probes with a substituted hydroxyl group.
Design and optimization of an octuple-electrode array for micro-particle chain rotation via electrorotation integrated with machine vision technology
Authors: Huan Zhijie , Chen Zexiang , Zheng Xiongbiao , Zhang Yiwei , Zhang Jingjie , Ma Weicheng
Published: April 2024

An OEA structure was proposed for generating controllable electric field. Our results underscore its effectiveness in achieving the synchronized rotation of ordered microparticles when subjected to an appropriate input signal.
Shadow electrochemiluminescence imaging of giant liposomes opening at polarized electrodes
Authors: Ben Trad Fatma , Delacotte Jérôme , Lemaître Frédéric , Guille-Collignon Manon , Arbault Stéphane , Sojic Neso , Labbé Eric , Buriez Olivier
Published: April 2024

In this work, the release of giant liposome (∼100 μm in diameter) content was imaged by shadow electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy.
Monolithic stationary phases prepared via cyclic anhydride ring-opening polymerization as tunable platforms for chromatographic applications
Authors: Aqel Ahmad , Ghfar Ayman A. , Badjah-Hadj-Ahmed Ahmed-Yacine , ALOthman Zeid A.
Published: April 2024

Polymer monolithic stationary phases were prepared based on a cyclic anhydride as a reactive and tunable platform via ring-opening post-polymerization using primary amines, octadecylamine and benzylamine.
A MOF nanoparticle@carbon aerogel integrated photothermal catalytic microreactor for CO2 utilization
Authors: Chen Junyi , Shao Lei , Zhang Bing , Tian Weiliang , Fu Yu , Zhang Liying
Published: April 2024

A MOF nanoparticle@carbon aerogel as a photothermal catalytic microreactor for CO2 utilization.
Two structurally new Lindqvist hexaniobate-templated silver thiolate clusters
Authors: Zhao Zichen , Zhao Mengyun , Deng Lan , Li Qing , Zhang Jing , Su Haifeng , Lv Hongjin , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: April 2024

Two structurally new hexaniobate-templated silver thiolate clusters are prepared using a solvothermal approach, which can form a 2D Ag45 and 1D Ag41 packing structures with intriguing photothermal conversion and temperature-dependent emission properties.
Rhodium-catalyzed three-component C(sp3)/C(sp2)–H activation enabled by a two-fold directing group strategy
Authors: Hou Fu-Cheng , Zhang Jia-Le , Wang Zi-Rui , Li Zhong-Yuan
Published: April 2024

Rh-catalyzed three-component C(sp3)/C(sp2)–H activation has been achieved through a two-directing group strategy, providing a convenient and efficient pathway for the construction of diverse 8-alkyl quinoline derivatives in one-pot.
Metal- and solvent-free domino reaction of 2-isocyanophenol esters to benzoxazines: long-range 1,5-acyl migration on 1,4-diazabutatriene
Authors: Akbari Alireza , Khosravi Hormoz , Bauer Felix , Rominger Frank , Breit Bernhard , Balalaie Saeed
Published: April 2024

The first example of intramolecular nucleophilic addition of 1,4-diazabutatriene to esters is disclosed. This approach provides a facile and versatile synthesis for functionalized 2H-1,4-benzoxazines through metal-, reagent-, and solvent-free conditions.
Iron-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of silyl ethers to carboxylic acids
Authors: Lin Zuizhi , Ma Shengming
Published: April 2024

Direct aerobic oxidation of silyl ethers to carboxylic acids using a series of mild reaction conditions has been developed.
Recent progress and perspectives on metal–organic frameworks as solid-state electrolytes for lithium batteries
Authors: Wang Xin , Jin Sheng , Liu Zhiliang
Published: April 2024

The different design principles of MOF-based SSEs and the influences of these SSEs combined with MOFs on the electrochemical performance of the batteries.
Mechanistic variances in NO release: ortho vs. meta isomers of nitrophenol and nitroaniline
Authors: Chowdhury Prahlad Roy , Kawade Monali , Patwari G. Naresh
Published: April 2024

A switch in the NO release mechanism is influenced by the hydrogen bonding ability of the substituent.
Effects of V and Gd doping on novel positive colossal electroresistance and quantum transport in PbPdO2 thin films with (002) preferred orientation
Authors: Jia Hai , Zeng Liqiang , Guo Wenti , Lin Zhiya , Zhang Jian-Min , Huang Xiaohui , Huang Zhigao , Ying Shaoming
Published: April 2024

In this work, PbPd0.9V0.1O2 and PbPd0.9Gd0.1O2 films with (002) preferred orientation were prepared using a pulsed laser deposition technique. The positive CER effect were found in V and Gd doped films, and its physical mechanism was investigated.
What triggers the coupling of proton transfer and electron transfer at the active site of nitrogenase?
Authors: Dance Ian
Published: April 2024

In nitrogenase electron transfer triggers proton transfer to the active site by increasing the negative charge on S atoms.
Constructing a novel super-crosslinked triazine COF through molecular expansion for enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light
Authors: Shao Yuxuan , You Dan , Wan Yuqi , Pan Zhiquan , Cheng Qingrong
Published: April 2024

A novel hypercrosslinked triazine COF photocatalyst (HCTF-2) with excellent photocatalytic performance was constructed by molecular expansion. HCTF-2 has a larger specific surface area and exhibits excellent molecular oxygen activation ability.
Permutation symmetry in spin-adapted many-body wave functions
Authors: Song Maru , Alavi Ali , Li Manni Giovanni
Published: April 2024

We explore ways to reduce the factorial scaling of the site permutation space in polynuclear transition metal clusters, by combining permutation and point group symmetry arguments, and using commutation relations between the cumulative partial spin and the Hamiltonian operators.
Heuristic process prediction model for screening optimal green entrainers based on TAC and LCA impacts utilizing PSE concepts
Authors: Xu Qinggang , Wang Yangyang , Yin Kexin , Xu Hongwei , Qi Jianguang , Cui Peizhe , Zhu Zhaoyou , Wang Yinglong , Zhong Limei , Ma Yixin
Published: April 2024

The key to extractive distillation separation lies in screening a suitable entrainer.
Alternative materials for interfacial polymerization: recent approaches for greener membranes
Authors: Ben-Zvi Adi , Taqui Syed Usman , Ramon Guy Z. , Nunes Suzana
Published: April 2024

A critical overview is provided, on use of green monomers and solvents for fabrication of selective thin-films via interfacial polymerization used inseparation processes.
Fuel from waste: electrosynthesizing ammonia directly from agricultural digestate through ligand isomerization
Authors: Mendhe Rahul Mahadeo , Mondal Ritwik , Raja Kottaichamy Alagar , Haridas Akshay , Kotresh Harish Makri Nimbegondi , Vinod Chathakudath Prabhakaran , Thimmappa Ravikumar , Ottakam Thotiyl Musthafa
Published: April 2024

Ligand isomerization driven ammonia electrosynthesis from agricultural waste water.
Chiral mixed matrix membranes with the (S,S)-Whelk-O®1 selector supported on polyethersulfone/MCM-41
Authors: Vedovello Priscila , Fernandes Carla , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Paranhos Caio Marcio
Published: April 2024

This research work aims to develop low-cost hybrid polymeric membranes with high chiral resolution capacity.
Ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid-mediated green method for synthesis of 1,3-diphenylpyrazole-based spirooxindolopyrrolizidines, their anti-tubercular activity, molecular docking study and ADME predictions
Authors: Baddepuri Sravanthi , Gamidi Rama Krishna , Kumari Jyothi , Sriram Dharmarajan , Basavoju Srinivas
Published: April 2024

The study aims to develop and synthesis of a novel series of 1,3-diphenylpyrazole-based spirooxindolopyrrolizidine derivatives as potent anti-TB agents via an efficient green approach by using an ionic liquid ([Bmim]BF4) under ultrasonication.
Self-sacrificial templated-directed synthesis of an ultrathin 0D/2D FeNi3-NC/NiFeOx Schottky junction as a hydrogen evolution reaction electrode for alkaline seawater electrolysis
Authors: Xu Zili , Bao Yuankang , Xu Xun , Li Ping , Zhang Hao , Li Deliang , Duo Shuwang
Published: April 2024

The formation of the FeNi3-NC/NiFeOx Schottky heterostructure leads to the redistribution of interfacial charges between FeNi3-NC and NiFeOx.
Prussian blue analogue-derived materials for photocatalysis
Authors: Han Xu , He Wen-Wen , Zhou Tao , Ma Shengqian
Published: April 2024

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been widely studied in the field of photocatalysis. This review is focused on PBA-derived photocatalysts in terms of hydrogen evolution, water oxidation, and CO2 reduction. The challenges and prospects for PBA-derived materials for photocatalysis are presented.
Recent advances in key components of proton exchange membrane water electrolysers
Authors: Li Xia , Yao Yuchen , Tian Yunrui , Jia Jingjing , Ma Weibing , Yan Xiao , Liang Ji
Published: April 2024

This review highlights the latest advances in components of proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers.
Bishydrazone ligand and its Zn-complex: synthesis, characterization and estimation of scalability inhibition mitigation effectiveness for API 5L X70 carbon steel in 3.5% NaCl solutions
Authors: El-Gammal Ola. A. , Saad Dina A. , El-Nahass Marwa N. , Shalabi Kamal , Abdallah Yasser M.
Published: April 2024

Zn-complex: characterization and estimation of scalability inhibition mitigation effectiveness for API 5L X70 carbon steel in 3.5% NaCl solutions.
Dispersive micro solid phase extraction of glibenclamide from plasma, urine, and wastewater using a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer followed by its determination by a high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector
Authors: Sabbaghi Najmeh , Dadfarnia Shayessteh , Haji Shabani Ali Mohammad , Farsadrooh Majid
Published: April 2024

The present study describes the development of a simple and selective analytical method for dispersive micro solid phase extraction and determination of glibenclamide (GLB) using magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) as a sorbent.