bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of the ZcVgR Gene Alters the Expression of Genes Related to Reproduction and Lifespan in Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) Under Extreme Heat Conditions
Authors: Lian Yuyang , Zhang Mengjie , Yang Shuyan , Peng Sihua , Wang Aqiang , Jia Jingjing , Feng Xuejie , Wu Qianxing , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhou Shihao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTZeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) is an important migratory vegetable pest. Previous research has demonstrated that short‐term high temperatures induce differential expression of the vitellogenin receptor (ZcVgR) gene, reducing the number of eggs laid and the lifespan of female Z. cucurbitae. In this paper, we used Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) quantitative proteomics and Illumina high‐throughput sequencing to determine the proteomic and transcriptomic information of female Z. cucurbitae after siRNA‐mediated silencing of the target gene (ZcVgR) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism of this gene in the regulation of reproduction and lifespan. The findings demonstrated that following the target gene's silencing, the ZcVgR gene's transcriptional expression was significantly downregulated, and there was no significant difference in protein level. The transcriptome and proteome had a low correlation; when the ZcVgR gene was silenced, vitellogenin‐1 (ZcVg1), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), troponin C (TnC), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and other related genes were downregulated at the transcriptional level. By silencing the ZcVgR gene, transcriptionally level immune‐related pathways were activated and energy metabolism‐related pathways were inhibited; protein‐level glycometabolism and phagosome pathways were activated, while phototransduction‐fly and autophagy‐animal pathways were inhibited. The findings of this study might offer a theoretical foundation for integrated management of Z. cucurbitae in the summertime.
Genetic Architecture of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies From Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Zhu Catherine , Han Younghun , Byun Jinyoung , Xiao Xiangjun , Rothwell Simon , Miller Frederick W. , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Gregersen Peter K. , Vencovsky Jiri , Shaw Vikram R. , McHugh Neil , Limaye Vidya , Selva‐O'Callaghan Albert , Hanna Michael G. , Machado Pedro M. , Pachman Lauren M. , Reed Ann M. , Rider Lisa G. , Molberg Øyvind , Benveniste Olivier , Radstake Timothy , Doria Andrea , De Bleecker Jan L. , De Paepe Boel , Maurer Britta , Ollier William E. , Padyukov Leonid , Wedderburn Lucy R. , Chinoy Hector , Lamb Janine A. , Amos Christopher I. ,   for the Myositis Genetics Consortium
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveIdiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs, myositis) are rare systemic autoimmune disorders that lead to muscle inflammation, weakness, and extramuscular manifestations, with a strong genetic component influencing disease development and progression. Previous genome‐wide association studies identified loci associated with IIMs. In this study, we imputed data from two prior genome‐wide myositis studies and analyzed the largest myositis data set to date to identify novel risk loci and susceptibility genes associated with IIMs and its clinical subtypes.MethodsWe performed association analyses on 14,903 individuals (3,206 patients and 11,697 controls) with genotypes and imputed data from the Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine reference panel. Fine‐mapping and expression quantitative trait locus colocalization analyses in myositis‐relevant tissues indicated potential causal variants. Functional annotation and network analyses using the random walk with restart (RWR) algorithm explored underlying genetic networks and drug repurposing opportunities.ResultsOur analyses identified novel risk loci and susceptibility genes, such as FCRLA, NFKB1, IRF4, DCAKD, and ATXN2 in overall IIMs; NEMP2 in polymyositis; ACBC11 in dermatomyositis; and PSD3 in myositis with anti–histidyl–transfer RNA synthetase autoantibodies (anti–Jo‐1). We also characterized effects of HLA region variants and the role of C4. Colocalization analyses suggested putative causal variants in DCAKD in skin and muscle, HCP5 in lung, and IRF4 in Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐transformed lymphocytes, lung, and whole blood. RWR further prioritized additional candidate genes, including APP, CD74, CIITA, NR1H4, and TXNIP, for future investigation.ConclusionOur study uncovers novel genetic regions contributing to IIMs, advancing our understanding of myositis pathogenesis and offering new insights for future research.
Ultrashort Peptide Hydrogels Biomaterials with Potent Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Pramanik Bapan , Mukherjee Payel , Ahmed Sahnawaz 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFor the past few decades, ultrashort peptide hydrogels have been at the forefront of biomaterials due to their unique properties like biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and potent antibacterial activity. These ultrashort peptides self‐assemble into a hydrogel matrix with nanofibrous networks. In this minireview, we have explored the design and self‐assembly of these ultrashort peptide hydrogels by focusing on their antibacterial properties. Cationic and hydrophobic residues are incorporated to engineer the peptides, facilitating interaction with bacterial membranes and leading to membrane disruption and cell death. The hydrogels exhibit broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Overall, this minireview highlights the potential of ultrashort peptide hydrogels as versatile and practical antibacterial biomaterials, providing a novel approach to combating bacterial infections and addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Accretion Onto Weakly Magnetized Neutron Stars: Polarization Theory and Its Application to X‐Ray Burster GX 13+1
Authors: Bobrikova Anna , Forsblom Sofia V. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObservations show that the x‐ray emission of the accreting weakly magnetized neutron stars (WMNSs) is polarized. In this article, we summarize the analytical models for the polarized emission of various components of the WMNSs. We introduce a missing theoretical model, where we assume the emission comes from the spreading layer, the extension of the boundary layer between the accretion disk and the neutron star. We show how these models and the results of the simulations provide new insights into the x‐ray polarization from weakly magnetized neutron stars observed with the imaging x‐ray polarimetry explorer (IXPE). We specifically focus on the most peculiar case of the X‐ray burster GX 13+1.
Toward improved understanding and treatment of self‐injurious behaviors in autistic individuals with profound intellectual disability
Authors: Ferguson Emily F. , Russell Kaylin M. , Licona Sarely J. , Cai Ru Ying , Frazier Thomas W. , Vivanti Giacomo , Gengoux Grace W. , Hardan Antonio Y. , Uljarević Mirko 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSelf‐injurious behaviors (SIB) commonly occur in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and span diverse topographies of self‐inflicted behaviors ranging from head banging to hitting oneself against hard objects. Despite the high rates of SIB in autistic individuals, relatively little research has focused on psychological factors associated with the development and maintenance of SIB in individuals with autism and moderate‐profound intellectual disability (ID). This commentary synthesizes existing literature on SIB and highlights the need for more research focused on psychological correlates and mechanisms in autistic individuals with moderate‐profound ID. We highlight the key role of difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) and co‐occurring internalizing symptoms in the manifestation of self‐harm behaviors in clinical samples and autism. Furthermore, this commentary proposes a framework for understanding the interplay between poor ER and internalizing symptoms in the development and maintenance of SIB in autistic individuals with moderate‐profound ID. Specifically, we explore the emergence of SIB in the context of precipitating cues that trigger strong emotions, ER processes and strategy deployment, and co‐occurring internalizing symptoms. Future directions and implications for longitudinal research, measurement development, and clinical treatments are discussed.
Perspective on Death: A Gateway to a New Biology
Authors: Noble Peter A. , Pozhitkov Alexander 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTOrganismal death has long been considered the irreversible ending of an organism's integrated functioning as a whole. However, the persistence of functionality in organs, tissues, and cells postmortem, as seen in organ donation, raises questions about the mechanisms underlying this resilience. Recent research reveals that various factors, such as environmental conditions, metabolic activity, and inherent survival mechanisms, influence postmortem cellular functionality and transformation. These findings challenge our understanding of life and death, highlighting the potential for certain cells to grow and form new multicellular entities. This opens new avenues in biology and medicine, expanding our comprehension of life's complexity.
MnCo2O4 Nanostructure Anchored on Functionalized Carbon Black for the Enhanced Bifunctional Electrocatalytic Performance of OER and HER
Authors: Chandrasekaran Sharmila , Vignesh Shanmugam , Al‐Sadoon Mohammad Khalid , Mythili Raja , Alagumalai Krishnapandi , Arumugam Elangovan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe electrocatalytic oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER) are key processes used in energy storage and conversion. We have developed a highly efficient MnCo2O4 nanostructure anchored with functionalized carbon black (MnCo2O4/f‐CB), which has been characterized by XRD, FT‐IR, Raman spectra, FE‐SEM, and HR‐TEM analyses as robust bifunctional electrocatalysts for both HER and OER. At a characteristic 10 mA cm−2 current density, the MnCo2O4/f‐CB composite ECs exhibit low overpotentials of 330 mV for OER and 360 mV for HER, respectively. Furthermore, the MnCo2O4/f‐CB composite ECs exhibit superior current density, the shortest Tafel slope, and admirable durable stability in OER and HER together. Due to the supported f‐CB, the MnCo2O4 composite catalyst has more active sites, effective charge transfer, and longer durability. A high‐efficiency dual electrocatalyst can be developed from these highly efficient and dual ECs, which are comparable to standard noble metal–based catalysts. The synergetic coupling effects of high‐activity f‐CB and MnCo2O4 composites with appropriate morphologies are critical factors for the enhanced catalytic performances of the MnCo2O4/f‐CB composite.
Tailoring Gelatin Films: Functionality, Stability, and Beyond Biodegradability
Authors: Bhardwaj Nikita , Ashraf Mohd. Tashfeen , Maitra Jaya 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the enhancement of biodegradable gelatin films through the incorporation of glycerol as a plasticizer, and citric acid and zinc oxide as cross‐linkers. The results showed notable improvements in various properties, including solubility, swelling behavior, thickness, pH, biodegradability, and both mechanical and thermal characteristics. The films demonstrated complete water solubility and UV–visible light absorbance in the 280–480 nm range. Soil burial tests indicated gradual weight loss over 15 days, leading to complete degradation. Structural and thermal analyses via FTIR and TGA confirmed the films' integrity and stability. Additionally, the study highlighted the effectiveness of these modified films in adsorbing copper (II) ions from acidic solutions, showcasing their potential for environmental applications like heavy metal remediation. These findings emphasize the potential of tailored additive combinations to produce biodegradable films with enhanced properties and functionality.
An Additive‐Fabricated Biphasic Scaffold for Procedurally Promoting Bone Regeneration via Antioxidant and Osteogenesis
Authors: Han Chunyu , Wu Zhenxu , Gao Yuqi , Yang Shuang , Wang Yu , Guo Min , Li Yueyue , Yin Wanzhong , Liu Ling , Song Wenzhi , Zhang Peibiao , Wang Liqiang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe repair process of bone tissue includes the early inflammatory response period and the late tissue repair period. It has been widely approved to be beneficial to the repair of bone injury by procedurally inhibiting the inflammatory response in the early stage and promoting bone regeneration in the late stage. In this study, the nano‐hydroxyapatite/Poly(glycolide‐co‐caprolactone) (n‐HA/PGCL) scaffold loaded with icariin was fabricated by fused deposition modeling technique, and the quercetin‐loaded GelMA was further filled into the scaffold pores via light‐curing methods to form a biphasic scaffold loaded with dual molecules (PHI + GQ scaffold). The releases of icariin and quercetin were sequential due to different degradation rates of GelMA and PGCL. In vitro, the scaffold not only scavenged reactive oxygen species production, but also promoted osteogenic differentiation of the MC‐3T3‐E1 cells. Furthermore, in vivo bone reconstruction of PHI + GQ scaffold was better than other groups by assessment of micro‐CT data. In addition, the immunofluorescence staining of Arg‐1 and iNOS indicated that PHI + GQ scaffold created an immune microenvironment conducive to bone repair due to the release of quercetin in the early stage, and HE and Masson staining suggested that PHI + GQ scaffold induced more new bone formation. These results demonstrated that the biphasic scaffold loaded with icariin and quercetin had both antioxidants in the early stage and osteogenesis properties in the late stage, obtaining satisfactory bone repair outcomes. Thus, the biphasic scaffold loaded with icariin and quercetin for sequential release could provide a promising solution for the restoration of bone defects and represent a potential strategy for bone regeneration.
Identification of Barriers and Driving Forces for Circular Economy (CE) Implementation in Water and Wastewater Companies
Authors: Smol Marzena , Szołdrowska Dominika , Duda Joanna 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWater and wastewater management sector is one of the basic areas of implementing a circular economy (CE). Enterprises operating in this sector are mainly wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) managed by municipalities or private companies. They encounter various barriers and facilitators to implement CE, in the area of technology development and management. However, a limited number of works in the available literature focus on nontechnological aspects of implementing CE in WWTPs. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of challenges (including driving forces and barriers) for WWTPs in the process of implementing CE policy goals. The PESTEL strategic analysis method was used, taking into account the identification of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. It was confirmed that there are more incentives than barriers to actively implementing CE model in analyzed enterprises. The most important driving forces include: (i) favorable European CE policy, as recommendations and law regulations in the area of water, raw materials, and energy recovery; (ii) society's pressure on resource protection; (iii) possible revenues from the sale of recovered water, energy or CE‐fertilizers; (iv) financial support for CE solutions. Among defined barriers that could slow down the circular transformation, the most important are: (i) lack of clearly stated regulations regarding water, energy, and raw materials recovery, as well as transparency and regulatory risk; (ii) limited own financial resources of WWTPs operators; (iii) high cost of investments and maintaining recovery/recycling technologies. Those results may be of key importance to practitioners in strategic decision making for the improved application of circularity in the operating process. Because the implementation of CE solutions should have an integrated approach throughout the enterprise, it is recommended to develop circular business models for these companies, that would take into account both the core business (water and wastewater management) as well as possibilities of further CE implementation, such as recovery of water, energy, and raw materials. In the coming years, such solutions could be financially supported by the national and European sources, which may have a positive impact on the acceleration to the CE model.
Bawei Chenxiang Powder Protects Cardiomyocytes From Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the PI3K–AKT Pathway
Authors: Gong Baihui , Zhang Xingfang , Yue Dongfang , Ma Chunxiu , Kou Yiying , Li Yongfang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIschemia–reperfusion damage to cardiomyocytes is one of the main directions of cardiovascular disease research, and Bawei Chenxiang powder (BWCX) is a traditional ethnomedicinal compound preparation mainly used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. On the basis of serum pharmacology, the present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of BWCX against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion damage to cardiomyocytes. We prepared BWCX‐serum containing. Using serum pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches, we explored its protective effects on H9C2 cells in a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model. Additionally, we investigated the underlying mechanisms. BWCX‐containing serum can increase the survival rate of H9C2 cells and reduce oxidative stress levels in an H/R model. Specifically, it decreases the release of malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while increasing the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX), and Complex I. Additionally, it downregulates the expression of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha sub‐Complex 10 (NDUFA‐10), thioredoxin (Trx), heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), and kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), and it upregulates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2). These effects are potentially mediated through the PI3K–AKT pathway. In the present study, we found that BWCX powder exhibited significant ameliorative and reparative effects on H/R‐induced cardiomyocyte injury by alleviating the level of oxidative stress during H/R and acting on the PI3K–AKT pathway.
Evaluating the Antimalarial Potential of d‐α‐Tocopherol Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate and α‐Tocopherol, In Vivo Studies in Plasmodium berghei‐Infected Mice and Molecular Docking Insights
Authors: dos Santos Guimarães Mariana , Varela Everton Luiz Pompeu , Quadros Gomes Antônio Rafael , de Carvalho Eliete Pereira , Ferreira Oberdan Oliveira , Horchani Mabrouk , Edziri Hayet , Andrade Eloisa Helena de Aguiar , de Oliveira Mozaniel Santana , Percário Sandro 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTOxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of malaria, contributing to the development of conditions such as anemia, respiratory complications, and cerebral malaria. To counteract oxidative damage, we evaluated the effects of vitamin E (α‐TOH) and d‐α‐tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) supplementation on parasitemia progression, mortality rate, and blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability in Plasmodium berghei ANKA‐infected mice. The mice were divided into four groups: a control group (untreated and uninfected), an infected group (Pb), a TPGS + Pb group, and an α‐TOH + Pb group. The results demonstrated that TPGS was more effective than α‐TOH, exhibiting a lower parasitemia (9.59%) and mortality (40%) by Day 12 and superior BBB protection in advanced infection stages. These findings suggest that TPGS may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of malaria. Molecular docking analysis indicated that TPGS exhibited the highest binding affinity with plasmepsin 2 (−7.3 kcal/mol), whereas vitamin E demonstrated the strongest binding with plasmepsin 1 (−7.2 kcal/mol).
Detecting the Undetectable: Advances in Methods for Identifying Small Tau Aggregates in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Böken Dorothea , Wu Yunzhao , Zhang Ziwei , Klenerman David 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTau, a microtubule‐associated protein, plays a critical role in maintaining neuronal structure and function. However, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, tau misfolds and aggregates into oligomers and fibrils, leading to neuronal damage. Tau oligomers are increasingly recognised as the most neurotoxic species, inducing synaptic dysfunction and contributing to disease progression. Detecting these early‐stage aggregates is challenging due to their low concentration and high heterogeneity in biological samples. Traditional methods such as immunostaining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) lack the sensitivity and specificity to reliably detect small tau aggregates. Advanced single‐molecule approaches, including single‐molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) and single‐molecule pull‐down (SiMPull), offer improved sensitivity for studying tau aggregation at the molecular level. These emerging tools provide critical insights into tau pathology, enabling earlier detection and characterisation of disease‐relevant aggregates, thereby offering potential for the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic approaches for tauopathies.
Vanadium Complexes for Mitochondria‐Targeted Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Raza Md Kausar , Kumar Arun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMetal‐based drugs have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic efficacy by exhibiting key properties such as appropriate charge, thermodynamic stability, hydrolytic stability, oral bioavailability, and dual functional capability. These properties are critical for effective intracellular uptake, as drugs or prodrugs must cross cellular membranes to target specific organelles like mitochondria, essential for maximizing therapeutic impact. Bio‐essential metal ions such as copper, zinc, and iron are transported through specialized active channels, whereas others depend on passive diffusion to enter cells. Vanadium has gained significant attention in research because of its remarkable coordination flexibility, lipid‐lowering characteristics, and potential anticancer effects. The coordination flexibility of vanadium has led to its investigation in pharmaceuticals, given its demonstrated insulin‐mimetic effects, lipid‐lowering properties, and promising antitumor activities. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a targeted cancer treatment approach through light‐activated compounds that selectively generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce cell death. Among metal‐based photosensitizers, vanadium complexes are emerging as effective agents due to their unique redox properties and known biological activity. This minireview explores mitochondria‐targeting vanadium complexes within PDT. Mitochondria serve as an ideal ROS generation site, triggering apoptosis while minimizing damage to healthy cells. We examine key strategies in designing vanadium complexes that enhance mitochondrial localization, photodynamic efficiency, and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. This review highlights the challenges like photostability and selective targeting, and future directions for advancing vanadium‐based photosensitizers as next‐generation PDT cancer therapies.