bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the therapeutic potential of puerarin on intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiang , Song Chao , Zhou Daqian , Mei Yongliang , Cai Weiye , Chen Rui , Lv Jiale , Shi Houyin , Liu Zongchao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) stands as a prevalent chronic orthopedic ailment, profoundly impacting patients' well‐being due to incapacitating low back pain. Studies have highlighted a close correlation between IVDD and the programmed cell death of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells orchestrated by interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and caspase‐3 (CASP3). Puerarin, renowned for its anti‐inflammatory attributes and its influence on IL‐1β and TNF‐α, emerges as a promising candidate for IVDD treatment. However, the precise mechanism by which it regulates apoptosis via these pathways remains ambiguous. This investigation utilizes bioinformatics to unveil the molecular intricacies of puerarin‐mediated apoptosis regulation in IVDD, substantiated by preliminary in vitro experiments. Analysis exposes aberrant expression of pivotal apoptosis‐associated proteins (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, CASP3, CASP8, and BCL2) in IVDD patients, with network pharmacology indicating puerarin's potential efficacy in IVDD treatment by modulating apoptosis and cellular senescence pathways. Further experiments elucidate puerarin's capacity to stimulate NP cell proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis, potentially contributing to IVDD mitigation. Western blot and PCR outcomes reveal escalated expression of apoptosis‐related proteins (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and CASP3) in lipopolysaccharide‐treated NPCs, ameliorated by puerarin intervention. Molecular docking simulations demonstrate favorable binding properties of puerarin with apoptotic proteins, while flow cytometry analysis indicates its ability to diminish NPC apoptosis. These discoveries imply that puerarin might alleviate NPC apoptosis by modulating key targets, thereby potentially ameliorating IVDD. In summary, this study unveils the intrinsic mechanism of puerarin in regulating NPC apoptosis to alleviate IVDD, underscoring its therapeutic promise.
Using High‐Speed Videoendoscopy to Analyze Laryngeal Closure Parameters During Normal Swallow
Authors: Howell Rebecca J. , Mira Amna S. , Llico Andres , McKenna Victoria S. 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis pilot study was designed to test the tolerability of a lower scope position and feasibility of custom‐designed MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) used to analyze playback review of laryngeal high‐speed videoendoscopy (laryngeal HSV) during healthy volitional dry swallows. We hypothesized this method would conceptually provide time resolution for glottic closure events compared with standard (30 frames per second, fps), and enable a means to measure timing, sequence, and duration of laryngeal movements during swallowing not otherwise visualized.MethodsA total of 14 healthy adults (4 male, 22–80 years) participated. We performed laryngeal HSV at 500fps. Measurements included: (i) feasibility and tolerability of the procedure; (ii) identification of a swallowing segment of interest (SOI) for the peak of the swallow; and (iii) description of laryngeal swallowing movements using a GUI.ResultsFourteen subjects tolerated the procedure without discomfort and swallow images were able to be analyzed in 12. Using our GUI, mean SOI was 260 ms, yielding 130 frames for analysis (compared with seven in standard laryngoscopy). Vocal fold adduction, vocal fold medialization, and anterior–posterior arytenoid compression to the epiglottis prior to whiteout could be identified and sequenced.ConclusionParticipants tolerated a low position of the endoscope during dry volitional swallows. The output of our GUI demonstrated a novel technique for identifying, describing, and sequencing a swallowing SOI. Future studies should investigate laryngeal closure and arytenoid positioning with a bolus and in a range of ages, genders, and etiologies in both healthy and abnormal populations to better understand swallowing physiology.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 2024
Synthesis of Block Copolymers Utilizing Alkoxycarbonylation or Aminocarbonylation of Growing Chain End in Pd‐Catalyzed Living Polymerization of Olefins
Authors: Takeuchi Daisuke , Ohta Kohsuke , Kimura Yuta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDiimine Pd catalysts have been known to promote the living polymerization of olefins. Treatment of the living polyolefin with carbon monoxide followed by the addition of alcohols or amines results in alkoxycarbonylation or aminocarbonylation of the living chain end. The alkoxycarbonylation or aminocarbonylation using polymers having hydroxy or amino terminal group leads to direct linking of the end‐functionalized polymer with the living polyolefins. The introduction of hydroxy, amino, and 2‐bromoisobutyrate functional groups on the terminal of the polyolefin is also possible by the alkoxycarbonylation or aminocarbonylation. The end‐functionalized polyolefin having 2‐bromoisobutyryl terminal group acts as a macroinitiator for living radical polymerization of styrene to give poly(olefin‐block‐styrene).
Canadian Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis Require Almost a Decade To Be Diagnosed Leading to Severe Functional Limitation. Results From the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS)
Authors: Rahman Proton , Garrido‐Cumbrera Marco , Rohekar Sherry , Mallinson Michael G. , Karam Elie , Jovaisas Algis V. , Haroon Nigil , Beach Jeff , de Brum‐Fernandes Artur J. , Cohen Martin , Chan Jonathan , Correa‐Fernández Jose , Leclerc Patrick , Inman Robert D. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics and disease‐related factors associated with diagnostic delay in Canadian patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).MethodsData from 542 Canadian patients who participated in the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis online survey were analysed. Diagnostic delay was calculated as the difference between age at diagnosis and age at onset of the first symptoms reported by participants. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate possible factors associated with diagnostic delay.ResultsThe mean age (± SD) of the surveyed participants was 44.3 ± 13.9 years and 63.1% were female. The average diagnostic delay was 9.0 ± 10.5 years (median, 5.0 years; interquartile range, 1.0–13.8). In the multivariate regression analysis, the three variables most strongly associated with longer diagnostic delay were use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (B = 2.991; 95% CI = 1.075–4.909), medium or high functional limitation (B = 1.541; 95%CI = 0.186–2.896), and number of HCPs seen before diagnosis (B = 1.524, 95%CI = 1.072–1.977).ConclusionDiagnostic delay continues to be a barrier to optimal care for Canadian axSpA patients. Significant diagnostic delay, associated with a high number of HCP visits prior to diagnosis, high use of NSAIDs, and marked functional limitation in daily life, illustrate the convoluted axSpA patient journey.
Truck‐Drone Pickup and Delivery Service Optimization With Availability Profiles
Authors: Yin Yunqiang , Li Dongwei , Wang Dujuan , Yu Yugang , Cheng T. C. E. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe absence of customers at the time of a pickup or delivery service not only results in additional costs associated with the failed service attempt but also decreases customer satisfaction. Thus, it is crucial to account for the possible convenient times of customers when designing the pickup and delivery service scheme. With the advantages of the drone in delivery speed and transport costs, we investigate the truck‐drone pickup and delivery problem with availability profiles, in which each node has an availability profile that consists of a set of service time windows, each of which has an availability probability such that the pickup or delivery service can be carried out at the node within the time window. The pickup and delivery services are collaboratively performed by a set of trucks and drones, in which each truck carries a drone. The truck can simultaneously perform the pickup and delivery services and act as an intermediate mobile warehouse, which must wait at the parking location for the return of the drone associated with it once it has dispatched the drone for performing services. The drone can independently provide the pickup and delivery services after taking off from the truck that carries it, and finally return to the truck after finishing the services. The goal is to find the optimal collaborative service scheme of the trucks and drones with the objective of minimizing the sum of the operational cost and expected service failure cost. To solve the problem, we devise an exact branch‐and‐price‐and‐cut (BPC) algorithm that incorporates a novel column‐and‐cut generation (CCG) scheme and a specialized bi‐directional labeling algorithm based on some structural properties for the intractable pricing problem, and introduce some improvement strategies to improve the performance of the solution algorithm. The numerical studies on random instances illustrate that the developed BPC algorithm performs significantly better than the CPLEX solver and two existing BPC algorithms, in which the service time window dominance rule in the developed structural properties and the improvement strategies significantly enhance the performance of the developed BPC algorithm, and the in‐out CCG scheme can efficiently overcome the degenerate behaviors of the classical column generation and cutting‐plane methods. The numerical studies on a case study of Cainiao intra‐city online‐to‐offline order delivery highlight the benefits of the truck‐drone collaborative pattern, which achieves about 10.32% cost savings and a 3.43% service failure rate decrease on average compared to the truck‐only pattern, and quantify the potential benefits of accounting for availability profiles, which can effectively make a trade‐off between the operational cost and service failure ratio.
dl‐Limonene as an Alternative Sustainable Solvent to Xylenes for the Industrial Preparation of Release Formulations
Authors: D'Orazio Giuseppe , Ragone Rosa , Rizzuti Antonino , Abatematteo Francesca Serena , Ciampa Alessandra , Ghisa Giuseppe , Casini Michela , Latronico Mario , Gallo Vito , Mastrorilli Piero , Musio Biagia 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMany industrial processes use aromatic hydrocarbons as solvents, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). However, their use is discouraged due to their toxicological profile. Research is ongoing to find alternative more sustainable solvents. This work explores the adoption of dl‐limonene as an alternative to BTEX for the industrial preparation of release formulations containing carnauba wax to be employed in the peelable foils industry. A preliminary chemical‐physical characterization of carnauba wax was carried out using spectroscopic (ATR‐FTIR, NMR) and thermal analyses (DSC). Based on the chemical composition found for the carnauba wax used in the present study, different solvent mixtures and different concentrations of carnauba wax were tested to obtain a clear and stable solution. The most promising formulations were subjected to a coating test on a solid substrate (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) on a laboratory scale, followed by a peeling test to assess the resulting peeling strength. The dl‐limonene/ethyl acetate mixture in the 9 : 1 ratio has been identified as the most suitable to completely solubilize carnauba wax (0.38 wt/vol %) and obtain an adequate release performance. The results of these experiments were then used to set up and successfully perform an industrial‐scale coating test.
In‐situ reduction method to build Chitosan@silver nanoparticles and its application for bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate‐based polyurethane composite films with excellent antibacterial and mechanical properties
Authors: Li Qunyang , He Hui , Liang Xutong , Shen Yue , Zhang Cheng , Kang Fan , Zhai Hongyu , Zhang Qianqian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHerein, an efficient and rapid one‐step approach to construct CS@Ag nanohybrids through in‐situ reduction of AgNO3 with L‐ascorbic acid using chitosan (CS) as carrier only at room temperature was presented. Novel polyurethane/CS@Ag composite films with remarkable properties were fabricated via the reaction of CS@Ag nanohybrid as an antibacterial and reinforcing agent with bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET)‐based polyurethane. With the increase of CS@Ag content, the antibacterial rate for polyurethane against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli increases. The antibacterial rate of polyurethane with 20 phr CS@Ag against S. aureus is 85.5%, and that containing 30 phr CS@Ag against E. coli is 94.9%. Thereby, the synergistic effect of CS and Ag can effectively improve the antibacterial rate of polyurethane. Meanwhile, the bond strength and tensile strength of polyurethane containing 20 phr CS@Ag are up to 8.72 MPa (improved by 74.3%) and 20.1 MPa (enhanced by 130.5%), respectively. Indeed, this work may unlock new possibilities for developing antibacterial and enhanced polyurethanes, which are expected to applied in the medical devices, food packaging, and automotive industries.Highlights
CS@Ag was efficiently fabricated by in‐situ reduction via a one‐step approach.
BHET is used as a novel chain extender for PU.
CS@Ag is able to fully exert the synergistic effect of CS and Ag.
CS@Ag endows PU with high strength and excellent antimicrobial properties.
cDNA Display Selection of Interacting Peptide Ligands of the Guanylate Cyclase C Receptor
Authors: Ochiai Eri , Takahashi Yuki , Inokuchi Shota , Sumiya Akie , Hasegawa Makoto 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTGuanylate cyclase C (GC‐C), a receptor expressed on the apical membrane of intestinal mucosal cells, is activated by heat‐stable enterotoxin (STa) produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, as well as the endogenous ligands guanylin and uroguanylin. In this study, novel peptides that interact with GC‐C were generated using the cDNA display method, and their binding affinity and biological activity were evaluated. While the linear peptide library did not yield peptides with sufficient affinity for GC‐C, three cyclic peptides (GCC‐P1, GCC‐P2, and GCC‐P3), each containing two cysteine residues within a 15‐residue sequence, were obtained from a cyclic peptide library containing nine‐residue random sequences. GC‐P2 exhibited significant binding affinity in Biacore assays, although the affinity was lower than those reported for known ligands. Notably, GCC‐P2 and GCC‐P3 demonstrated enhanced cGMP activity when used in combination with linaclotide. However, the agonist activity of these peptides was minimal, indicating that further modifications may be necessary to develop them for clinical applications. This study successfully extracted consensus sequences of peptide motifs that bind to GC‐C from a highly diverse nine‐residue random sequence library, which provides fundamental insights for the discovery and optimization of novel GC‐C ligands.
Interface Engineering of Thin‐Film Lithium Phosphorus Oxynitride Electrolyte by Appropriate Oxygen Plasma Treatment for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Jian , Ma Yao , Liu Jun , Zhu Liyan , Li Zhen , Li Ji , Huang Xiaodong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe interfacial incompatibility between lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) and anode greatly deteriorates the performance of thin‐film all‐solid‐state supercapacitors (ASSSCs). This article investigates oxygen plasma treatment to improve the interface. Through appropriate plasma treatment, a Li2O/Li3PO4 composite layer is formed by replacing nitrogen with oxygen at the LiPON surface owing to strong reactivity of oxygen plasma. This composite layer inherits the merits of both Li2O (including good mechanical strength and ultralow electrical conductivity) and Li3PO4 (including good chemical stability and relatively high ionic conductivity), and thus is quite desirable for service as a LiPON/anode buffer layer with excellent chemical and mechanical stability, high ionic conductivity and low electrical conductivity. Consequently, the corresponding plasma‐treated ASSSC displays much better electrochemical performance than the no‐treated one in terms of its higher specific capacitance (≈15.4 mF cm−2 at 0.5 µA cm−2), better cycling stability (≈95.1% of the retained capacity after 15 000 cycles) and lower self‐discharge rate (66.4% of the retained voltage after 20 h). The plasma‐treated one also shows both excellent flexible and electrochromic characteristics and demonstrates the ability of self‐adaptive temperature adjustment for smart window applications.
Integrating artificial intelligence in surgical sperm retrieval techniques: A narrative review
Authors: Kandil Hussein 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a serious form of male infertility with therapeutic options limited to trials of endocrine manipulations and repertoire of surgical interventions, also known as surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) procedures. Despite its invasive nature, SSR remains crucial in the management of NOA, offering infertile males the opportunity of fathering their biological children using assisted reproductive technologies. Success rates of SSR are variably governed by several factors including the genetic background, preoperative endocrine optimization, testicular histopathology, surgeon's microsurgical expertise, and laboratory technological and technical team's capability. This paper explores the significant role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the process of sperm retrieval among NOA patients. The role of AI has evolved from basic predictive models used for outcome assessment and patient counseling, to advanced image processing capabilities for assessing sperm parameters, and now to cutting‐edge applications in identifying the rare sperm present in the azoospermic microdissection testicular sperm extraction tissue samples.
Surgical treatment of dysphagia due to salivary mucocele (sialocele) in a cat
Authors: Zadeh Abedin Shaban , Snead Elisabeth 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis case report describes a 10‐year‐old, male, neutered, indoor–outdoor, domestic shorthair cat presented for hyporexia and dysphagia of 1‐month duration tentatively attributed to a recent diet modification. The cat was ultimately referred for a second opinion. Examination under sedation confirmed a small, soft, fluctuating mass in the ventral intermandibular space. A fine‐needle aspirate of the mass revealed its contents to be of the salivary gland origin. The sublingual–mandibular salivary gland on the left side was surgically resected, and the left sublingual mucocele (ranula) was marsupialised. Histopathology confirmed a sublingual sialocele of the resected gland. The cat recovered completely, and there has been no recurrence with an 18‐month follow‐up. A sublingual sialocoele is uncommonly seen in cats, but it should be on the differential diagnosis list for dysphagia in cats, especially when a sublingual mass is present.
Spectral Invariants
Authors: van Suijlekom Walter D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn the previous chapter we have identified the gauge group canonically associated to any spectral triple and have derived the generalized gauge fields that carry an action of that gauge group. In this chapter we take the next step and search for gauge invariants of these gauge fields, to wit, the spectral action, the topological spectral action and the fermionic action. We derive (asymptotic) expansions of the spectral action.
Introduction
Authors: Zhao Xinyan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe concept of development has evolved to address a wide range of human needs, including poverty eradication, human rights protection, and environmental conservation. Following WWII, the UN and scientific progress shaped the concept of sustainable development, culminating in the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals. However, the implementation of the 17 UN SDGs is currently hindered by the non-binding nature of international law and the lack of an international judicial system for enforcement. Although the WTO’s role in influencing domestic legislation could potentially advance SDGs, current WTO rules and practices are inadequate for ensuring comprehensive SDG implementation. Efforts to integrate sustainability standards into WTO law, such as the US proposal for actionable subsidies, have not gained widespread support. While WTO provisions like GATT Article XX provide some flexibility for sustainable practices, the overall framework needs reform. This monograph argues for applying a ‘sustainability test’ by WTO panels to align trade practices with the SDGs and examines potential reforms to integrate these changes into WTO rules through a sustainable development club.
The Lack of Trade-Related Sustainable Development Commitments in WTO Law
Authors: Zhao Xinyan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMost of the 17 SDGs outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are intricately linked to trade. To achieve these goals, WTO members must ensure sustainability in international trade. Some international trade rules provide the legal norms for sustainable development, forming trade-related sustainable development commitments (TSDCs) that encompass economic development, social rights, and environmental protection. These TSDCs are crucial for achieving the UN SDGs. Trade can significantly contribute to sustainable development by spurring economic growth, reducing poverty and hunger, and facilitating the exchange of goods, commodities, and technologies essential for sustainable development. Economic prosperity also enables countries to invest more resources in protecting the environment and upholding social rights. However, while international trade can drive economic prosperity, it may also harm social rights and the environment. TSDCs are vital in mitigating these negative externalities. What exactly are TSDCs? What are their implications for sustainable development? Which TSDCs are included in the WTO Agreements, and are they sufficient to ensure that WTO members implement trade-related SDGs? This Chapter explores these questions in detail.
The Constitutionalisation of the WTO: An Ideal Methodology
Authors: Zhao Xinyan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWTO members must incorporate TSDCs and new analytical frameworks into WTO rules to enable panels to apply sustainability tests. Constitutionalising the WTO appears to be a promising approach for integrating these necessary elements into its legal framework. However, while desirable, the constitutionalisation of the WTO faces significant challenges associated with global constitutional theories. Given this, several doubts arise regarding the constitutionalisation of the WTO. The first doubt concerns its utility and whether the WTO should possess constitutional features, particularly in terms of its structure. The second doubt pertains to the institutional structure of global governance and the relationship among international governmental organisations. Can there be a hierarchical or fragmented global constitutional system that allows international organisations to govern global affairs? For the WTO, this raises the question of whether the current global governance system permits it to address non-trade issues and, if so, how. The third doubt involves the harmony of WTO constitutional norms, specifically whether WTO rules can reconcile economic freedoms with human rights. The final doubt relates to the ideology of economic constitutionalism. Constitutionalism can be used to defend various liberal ideologies and protect different legal values. What legal values should the constitutionalisation of the WTO aim to protect? In this Chapter, I will discuss the role of constitutionalisation in integrating the UN SDGs into WTO law and address these critical issues associated with this global constitutional theory.