bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microglial Depletion, a New Tool in Neuroinflammatory Disorders: Comparison of Pharmacological Inhibitors of the CSF‐1R
Authors: Guenoun David , Blaise Nathan , Sellam Alexandre , Roupret‐Serzec Julie , Jacquens Alice , Steenwinckel Juliette Van , Gressens Pierre , Bokobza Cindy 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA growing body of evidence highlights the importance of microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, and their pro‐inflammatory activation in the onset of many neurological diseases. Microglial proliferation, differentiation, and survival are highly dependent on the CSF‐1 signaling pathway, which can be pharmacologically modulated by inhibiting its receptor, CSF‐1R. Pharmacological inhibition of CSF‐1R leads to an almost complete microglial depletion whereas treatment arrest allows for subsequent repopulation. Microglial depletion has shown promising results in many animal models of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis) where transitory microglial depletion reduced neuroinflammation and improved behavioral test results. In this review, we will focus on the comparison of three different pharmacological CSF‐1R inhibitors (PLX3397, PLX5622, and GW2580) regarding microglial depletion. We will also highlight the promising results obtained by microglial depletion strategies in adult models of neurological disorders and argue they could also prove promising in neurodevelopmental diseases associated with microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Finally, we will discuss the lack of knowledge about the effects of these strategies on neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in adults and during neurodevelopment.
Health Expenditure, Governance Quality, and Health Outcomes in West African Countries
Authors: Kouadio Michael , Njong Mom Aloysius 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe study investigates the role of governance quality on the effect of health expenditure on health outcomes captured by life expectancy at birth, infant mortality, under‐five mortality, crude mortality and maternal mortality rates in West African Countries. Although these countries have made significant efforts to increase health expenditure over the years, health outcomes have only responded marginally in West African Countries, raising concerns about the importance of health expenditure in improving health outcomes. This study analyses the relationship between the role of governance and health expenditure and health outcomes using the feasible generalised least squares estimation techniques. The data for the study were sourced from the World Development Indicators and World Governance Indicators for the 15 West African countries from 1996 to 2022. The findings indicate that improving the governance composite index improves selected health outcomes in West African Countries. Furthermore, improving the interaction term between the composite index of governance and health expenditure improves health outcomes in West Africa. Therefore, the study recommends that governments make conscious efforts to allocate more resources to the health sector to improve health outcomes; and fully implement universal healthcare coverage (UHC) as the Côte d’Ivoire government in 2012 to alleviate high poverty levels and health expenses for people. Also, to improve public funds' efficiency and effectiveness and achieve better health outcomes, it is imperative to implement national policies on the institutional environment, and consistently improve governance issues plaguing the health sector. Increasing the salaries of public health workers could help to curb corruption and income inequality and improve their living and working conditions. Doing so will enable the West African countries to achieve health goals and agenda, as outlined in the SDGs.
The Isotopic Biases of Plant Stems Bulk Water From Different Water Sources by Cryogenic Vacuum Distillation Demonstrated Through Rehydration Experiments
Authors: Zhao Pei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRecent studies have suggested that cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD) may cause the deuterium depletion of plant stem water. To assess the prevalence of this phenomenon, the stem rehydration experiments using four different water sources were conducted. The results showed that deuterium in the CVD extracts from 12 plant species was significantly depleted compared to the reference water. In addition, the CVD system also caused δ18O bias of plant water. Z‐score analysis indicated that all isotopic values of plant samples extracted by CVD were questionable or unacceptable due to δ2H bias. The significant relationship between stem relative water content (SRWC) and δ2H bias was found across various water sources for plants. However, correcting the δ2H bias cannot be achieved using a fixed bias value and measurement of only SRWC considering the source water effect. The δ18O bias from CVD can be corrected by measuring RWC. Future studies should account for multiple factors when correcting the δ2H bias in plant xylem water extraction using CVD.
Conductive Microfibers Improve Stem Cell‐Derived Cardiac Spheroid Maturation
Authors: Gonzalez Gisselle , Molley Thomas G. , LaMontagne Erin , Balayan Alis , Holman Alyssa R. , Engler Adam J. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTConventional two‐dimensional (2D) cardiomyocyte differentiation protocols create cells with limited maturity, which impairs their predictive capacity and has driven interest in three‐dimensional (3D) engineered cardiac tissue models of varying maturity and scalability. Cardiac spheroids are attractive high‐throughput models that have demonstrated improved functional and transcriptional maturity over conventional 2D differentiations. However, these 3D models still tend to have limited contractile and electrical maturity compared to highly engineered cardiac tissues; hence, we incorporated a library of conductive polymer microfibers in cardiac spheroids to determine if fiber properties could accelerate maturation. Conductive microfibers improved contractility parameters of cardiac spheroids over time versus nonconductive fibers, specifically, when they were short, for example, 5 μm, and when there was moderate fiber mass per spheroid, for example, 20 μg. Spheroids with optimal conductive microfiber length and concentration developed a thicker ring‐like perimeter and a less compacted cavity, improving their contractile work compared to control cardiac spheroids. Functional improvements correlated with increased expression of contractility and calcium handling‐related cardiac proteins, as well as improved calcium handling abilities and drug response. Taken together, these data suggest that conductive microfibers can improve cardiac spheroid performance to improve cardiac disease modeling.
Investigation of Antibiotic‐Releasing Biodegradable Composite Bone Cements for Treating Experimental Chronic Maxillofacial Bone Infection
Authors: Mistry Surajit , Roy Subhasis , Bhowmick Debarati , Mistry Shuvojit , Chakraborty Jui , Roy Rajiv , Das Indrasri 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTChronic osteomyelitis of the maxillofacial bones (i.e., jaw bones) is a persistent infection that requires effective treatment. Because systemic antibiotics seldom reach necrotic areas to remove bone infection, local antibiotic carriers such as antibiotic‐loaded bone cement can be tried. It is critical to assess the biosafety and efficacy of two new antibiotic‐loaded biodegradable composite bone cements for treating chronic mandibular osteomyelitis, and their drug eluting efficiency and other relevant aspects prior to clinical trial. The physico‐mechanical properties, and drug release capacity of the cements were determined to be suitable for in vivo application. After inducing chronic osteomyelitis with Staphylococcal strains in 30 female rabbit mandibles, bioactive glass composite cement (0.5 g) and biphasic calcium phosphate composite cement (0.5 g) were implanted in 18 defects (nine/test group) for 84 days to compare the therapeutic efficacy with traditional therapy (control, debridement plus antibiotics in nine defects) using microscopic, micrographic, and radiological examination. Antibiotic concentrations in bone (vancomycin: 34.7–53.2 μg/g, tobramycin: 2.1–2.87 μg/g) after 21 days of installation for both cements were sufficient to eradicate pathogens without causing adverse events. In vivo tests suggest that cement groups outperformed (p < 0.05) traditional therapy in terms of infection clearance and osteoconduction. The gross histologic and micrographic scores of biphasic calcium phosphate composite cement (10.33 ± 0.58 and 8.33 ± 1.53, respectively) indicated that the cement barely surpassed (p > 0.05) the other composite cement (12.67 ± 1.53 and 10.0 ± 1.0, respectively). These findings emphasize the potential of antibiotic loaded composite cements as an effective treatment option for chronic maxillofacial osteomyelitis, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional therapy.
Role of amino acid substitutions on proteolytic stability of histatin 5 in the presence of secreted aspartyl proteases and salivary proteases
Authors: Makambi Wright K. , Chiu Victoria L. , Kasper Lydia , Hube Bernhard , Karlsson Amy J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHistatin 5 (Hst5) is a 24‐amino‐acid peptide naturally present in human saliva that has been proposed as a potential antifungal therapeutic. However, Hst5 is susceptible to degradation by secreted aspartyl proteases (Saps) produced by Candida albicans, which could limit its efficacy as a therapeutic. To better understand the role of the lysine residues of Hst5 in proteolysis by C. albicans Saps (Sap1, Sap2, Sap3, Sap5, Sap6, Sap9, and Sap10), we studied variants of Hst5 with substitutions to leucine or arginine at the lysine residues (K5, K11, K13, and K17). Sap5, Sap6, and Sap10 did not degrade Hst5 or the variants. However, we observed degradation of the peptides by Sap1, Sap2, Sap3, and Sap9, and the degradation depended on the site of substitution and the substituent residue. Some modifications, such as K11L and K13L, were particularly susceptible to proteolysis by Sap1, Sap2, Sap3, and Sap9. In contrast, the K17L modification substantially increased the stability and antifungal activity of Hst5 in the presence of Saps. We used mass spectrometry to characterize the proteolysis products, which allowed us to identify fragments likely to have maintained or lost antifungal activity. We also evaluated the proteolytic stability of the Hst5 variants in saliva. Both K17L and K5R showed improved stability; however, the enhancements were modest, suggesting that further engineering is required to achieve significant improvements. Our approach demonstrates the potential of simple, rational substitutions to enhance peptide efficacy and proteolytic stability, providing a promising strategy for improving the properties of antifungal peptides.
Exploring Anticancer Potential of Furopyrano[3,4‐b]Indole via Graphene Oxide‐Catalyzed Aqueous Synthesis
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Zahid , Myrsing Efficiency , Mouli H. M. Chandra , Dey Krishnandu , Khajuria Salil , Paul Amit Kumar , Sahu Abhishek , Jana Anupam 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA novel graphene oxide‐catalyzed two‐component cascade reaction in an aqueous medium has been developed to synthesize indole‐fused furopyran derivatives, overcoming significant challenges in aqueous organic reactions to advance eco‐friendly chemical processes. Density functional theory (DFT) studies were conducted to clarify the mechanism and to understand the role of temperature in forming our desired kinetic controlled product (KCP). Using a pharmacophore hybrid approach, a series of indole‐fused furopyran derivatives were designed and molecular docking was performed to assess their binding affinities toward target proteins in liver and breast cancer. The derivatives exhibited strong affinities, particularly towards the 4FA6 and 1U72 proteins, driven by hydrogen bonding interactions with specific amino acid residues. Ten best derivatives which showed strong binding affinities and favorable docking scores, were synthesized using the two‐component cascade reaction in an aqueous medium and tested for in vitro activity against liver and breast cancer cells. These derivatives showed notable antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines, with promising IC50 values against breast and hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting its potential as an anticancer drug candidate. The most potent compounds, 4d and 4f, demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 and MCF7 cell lines, with IC50 values of 42.36 µM and 35.69 µM, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the anti‐cancer activity of indole‐fused furopyran derivatives is being investigated for the first time for potential therapeutic development in combating these challenging diseases.
Recent Advances in Selective Chemical Etching of Nanomaterials for High‐Performance Electrodes in Electrocatalysis and Energy Storage
Authors: Campbell Eric , Brown Alex , Nguyen Huynh Tam Minh , He Kelin , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Zhong Yu Lin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTo move beyond an energy economy dominated by fossil fuel utilization, high‐performance electrochemical cells must be designed for energy storage and conversion. Selective etching is a promising, cost‐effective solution‐processing method for the large‐scale top‐down production of nanomaterials for high‐performance electrodes. This review outlines general methodologies and mechanisms by which selective etching can be applied to create nanomaterials, including various template‐assisted, facet‐selective, and electrochemical methods, as well as in‐depth case studies of state‐of‐the‐art research involving selectively etched nanomaterials for electrocatalytic and energy storage applications. In addition, the standard design strategies by which the electrochemical performance of selectively etched nanomaterials is enhanced, including increased surface area, morphology, diffusion channels, heterojunction interfaces, and facet reactivity, are discussed. This review provides a foundation of knowledge for researchers seeking the rational design of nanomaterials for electrode application through selective etching.
Graphene Mitigates Nanoscale Tribochemical Wear of Silica Glass in Water
Authors: Sahoo Sourav , Khan Zuhaa , Mannan Sajid , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Gosvami Nitya Nand 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDespite the ubiquitous use of glasses, their simultaneous susceptibility toward scratch‐induced defects and atmospheric hydration deteriorates their mechanical and chemical durability. Here, it is demonstrated that the deposition of a few‐layer graphene provides unprecedented wear resistance to silica glass in aqueous conditions. To this extent, nanoscale scratch tests are carried out on graphene‐glass surfaces via contact‐mode atomic force microscopy with chemically inert and reactive tips. It is observed that the graphene‐glass exhibits up to ≈98% friction reduction and no discernable damage or material loss. This observation is in stark contrast to the behavior of bare silica glass which suffers severe tribochemical wear at equivalent contact conditions with even milder stresses. Further, through reactive molecular simulations, it is demonstrated that parallel mechanisms of lubrication and chemical passivity contribute to the enhanced damage resistance of graphene‐glass surfaces against any countersurface chemistry. Altogether, the present study provides an impetus toward physically and chemically durable glass coatings exploiting the functionalities of two‐dimensional materials.
Dual-layer dual-energy CT characterization of thrombus composition in acute pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Gertz Roman Johannes , Lennartz Simon , Kaya Kenan , Wawer Matos Reimer Robert Peter , Pennig Lenhard , Kottlors Jonathan , Kröger Jan Robert , Gietzen Carsten Herbert , Große Hokamp Nils , Rosenkranz Stephan , Fintelmann Florian Johannes , Pienn Michael , Bunck Alexander Christian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
To evaluate dual-layer dual-energy computed tomography (dlDECT)-based characterization of thrombus composition for differentiation of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This retrospective single center cohort study included 49 patients with acute PE and 33 patients with CTEPH who underwent CT pulmonary angiography on a dlDECT from 06/2016 to 06/2022. Conventional images), material specific images (virtual non-contrast [VNC], iodine density overlay [IDO], electron density [ED]), and virtual monoenergetic images (VMI50KeV) were analyzed. Regions-of-interest (ROIs) were manually placed in pulmonary artery thrombi, and morphological imaging characteristics for acute and chronic PE were assessed. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of ROI measurements, morphological imaging features, and their combination in distinguishing between acute PE and CTEPH were evaluated. Compared to PE, thrombi in patients with CTEPH had lower attenuation on conventional images (Median [inter-quartile range]: 40 [35–47] HU vs 64 [52–83] HU) and VMI50keV reconstructions (59 [46–72] HU vs 101 [80–123] HU) as well as decreased iodine uptake (IDO: 0.5 [0.2–1.0] vs 1.2 [0.5–1.8]; p for all < 0.001). Conventional images and VMI50keV reconstructions were the most accurate for differentiating between acute and chronic thrombi (conventional: AUC 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.98; VMI50keV: AUC 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97). Main pulmonary artery (MPA) diameter combined with thrombus attenuation significantly increased the AUC compared to MPA diameter alone (p = 0.002 respectively). Thrombi in patients with CTEPH exhibit lower attenuation and reduced contrast enhancement. Analyzing attenuation in pulmonary thrombi may add diagnostic information to established morphological parameters in differentiating acute PE from CTEPH.
Supporting the Development of Executive Function Skills Through Structured Play: A Qualitative Study of South African Preschool Teachers
Authors: Etokabeka Elsa 
Published: December 2024

AbstractExecutive function encompasses various cognitive skills that govern our thoughts and actions when completing a task. The skills include self-regulation, memorisation, and cognitive flexibility to ultimately foster autonomy, planning, and problem solving skills. Various interventions have been used to develop executive function skills; however, the use of structured play has not been adequately assessed. Therefore, this qualitative study explored how the development of executive function skills can be supported in preschool settings using structured play. Since acquiring new knowledge and skills is particularly effective during social interaction, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was the conceptual framework. A qualitative approach was deemed the most suitable choice as it relied on direct observation of the phenomenon. Eight South African preschool teachers were selected from four preschools with different curricula (National Curriculum Framework, Independent School Association of South Africa curriculum, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia). Research data was obtained using semi-structured interviews and lesson observations. The data was then analysed and coded to arrive at six themes. The themes include: (1) guiding, (2) modelling, (3) instructing, (4) repeating, (5) incorporating child-led activities, and (6) considering children’s interests. Overall, the data supported active engagement through social experiences as a route to develop executive function skills. Given the psychosocial benefits of acquiring executive function skills at an early age, the contribution of this study suggests that play-based strategies are effective in enhancing executive function skills. These strategies are applicable in different learning environments.
Magnetoresistive and magnetocaloric properties of polycrystalline Sm0.50Sr0.50MnO3 compound with short range magnetic ordering
Authors: Karikar Amanulla , Das Kalipada , Das I. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this study, the magnetic and magneto-transport properties of polycrystalline

$$\hbox {Sm}_{0.50}\hbox {Sr}_{0.50}\hbox {MnO}_3$$

Sm

0.50

Sr

0.50

MnO
3

have been investigated. The presence of short-range magnetic order plays a crucial role in influencing electron transport, making it a promising pathway for tuning magnetoresistive properties for specific applications. This research focuses on the effects of magnetic nanoclusters on spin-dependent scattering and their impact on magneto-transport and magnetocaloric properties in polycrystalline

$$\hbox {Sm}_{0.50}\hbox {Sr}_{0.50}\hbox {MnO}_3$$

Sm

0.50

Sr

0.50

MnO
3

. Experimental results reveal a significant magnetocaloric effect and notable magnetoresistance within the liquid nitrogen temperature range. At 100 K, the magnetoresistance reaches approximately 70% under an external magnetic field of 20 kOe. The magnetocaloric entropy change is calculated to be 3.5 J/kg-K for a 70 kOe magnetic field, with the entropy change curve exhibiting a broadened peak, leading to a substantial Relative Cooling Power (RCP). These findings enhance our understanding of the material’s behavior and highlight its potential for various technological applications.
Influence of in situ heating and laser remelting on martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel fabricated by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Ali Majed , Almotari Abdalmageed , Qattawi Ala 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe introduction of in situ heat-assisted fabrication and laser remelting as novel techniques within laser-based additive manufacturing aims to mitigate porosity and reduce surface roughness. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of in situ heating and laser remelting on mechanical properties and microstructure is still lacking, particularly for precipitate-hardenable metals like 15-5PH and 17-4 PH stainless steel, which can yield mechanical properties comparable to conventionally fabricated materials. This study presents experimental findings that demonstrate the efficacy of in situ heating during laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) in significantly reducing porosity and enhancing the material’s ductility. The performed XRD analyses indicate that the retained austenite phase increased in samples fabricated with heat-assisted LPBF. There is a reduction in the experimentally measured ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness in the precipitate-hardenable stainless steel samples that were fabricated by the introduced method using a heated plate. The experimental results reveal a 25% increase in ductility for heat-assisted LPBF fabrication compared to without heated substrate. In addition, SEM fractography analysis indicates a significant reduction in crack size and porosity in samples produced by heat-assisted LPBF.