bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of flocculated and softened particles on UV254 inactivation of indigenous spores
Authors: Straathof Judith , Bohrerova Zuzana , Hull Natalie M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUS regulatory ultraviolet (UV) disinfection credit is typically granted when turbidity is ≤1 NTU. However, studies show turbidity does not always correlate well with UV dose responses. This study examined the impact of worst‐case high turbidity scenarios at drinking water treatment plants on UV254 inactivation of indigenous spores from unfiltered source water and unsettled flocculation and softening steps. Flocculated water (turbidity = 6.49–164 NTU) had the lowest dose response with a significantly lower Geeraerd‐tail maximum inactivation rate (kmax = 0.021 cm2/mJ) and higher residual population density (Nres = 7.081 SFU/mL). Raw source water (kmax = 0.027 cm2/mJ, Nres = 1.168 SFU/mL, turbidity = 0.978–215 NTU) and softened water (kmax = 0.030 cm2/mJ, Nres = 0.216 SFU/mL, turbidity = 318–495 NTU) had similar dose responses despite significantly different water quality. Particle size and the degree of particle‐associated spores best explained the differences in dose responses. Almost all spores were associated with flocculated particles instead of free‐floating, which increased tailing and negatively impacted UV inactivation. Based on regulatory reduction equivalent dose bias factors and UV sensitivities of spiked Bacillus subtilis spores, Cryptosporidium would be 4‐log inactivated in these raw, flocculated, or softened waters if UV transmission were ≥65%, 90%, or 80%, respectively, even though turbidity was grossly >1 NTU. Depending on particle characteristics, partial inactivation credit when turbidity is >1 NTU should be considered to avoid high‐tier violations while still protecting public health.
Electrodeposition‐Potential Tuning Rejuvenates the Concurrent Preparation from α‐Co(OH)2 with Larger Interlayer‐Spacings to β‐Co(OH)2
Authors: Wu Xiangyu , Liu Meiqi , Jiang Zhou , Li Jingjuan , Song Kexin , Wei Aofei , Meng Detian , Dong Taowen , Gao Zhenhai , Zhang Wei , Zheng Weitao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractElectrodeposition is a popular method for preparing α‐Co(OH)2 as an electrode material for electrochemical energy storage. However, the preparation of technically important β‐Co(OH)2 through electrodeposition remains lacking thus far. Herein, we successfully prepared Co(OH)2 in two phases, α‐ and β‐Co(OH)2, by simply adjusting the electrodeposition potentials, as evidenced by a package of microcopy and spectroscopy analysis. Benefited from a delicate embedding and sectioning technique that may inhibit the loss of interlayer water in microscopy analysis, we find the presence of Co tetrahedron in the interlayer of α‐Co(OH)2 results in a large interlayer spacing of 7.2 Å for the crystal plane (003) compared to β‐Co(OH)2, as well as a higher chemical valence of cobalt in electrodeposited β‐Co(OH)2. The large interlayer spacing creates wider ion channels and more active storage sites for effective energy storage. Consequently, the α‐Co(OH)2 electrode exhibits more competitive electrochemical performance compared to its β counterpart.
Engineering Current Collector with 2D TiO2 Nanosheets for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Park Jun Seo , Nasir Mohammad , Kim Donghyoung , Jeong Hyung Mo , Park Hee Jung 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe formation of lithium dendrites, driven by the non‐uniform deposition of lithium, remains a critical challenge for the performance and safety of lithium metal batteries. To address this issue, we engineer the surface of copper current collectors by depositing ultra‐thin 2D TiO2 nanosheets with varying thicknesses (0–1200 nm) as a protective layer. Half‐cells without the 2D TiO2 coating exhibit a significant decline in Coulombic efficiency after only 65 charge‐discharge cycles. In contrast, the modified current collector with the smoothest surface achieves remarkable cycling stability, maintaining ~97.6 % Coulombic efficiency after 200 cycles. Full cells incorporating these nanosheets demonstrate a good discharge capacity of ~134 mAh/g after 150 cycles at a 1 C rate. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the high lithium affinity and reduced surface roughness of the current collector facilitated by the 2D TiO2 buffer layer. These findings emphasize the crucial role of 2D TiO2 nanosheets in regulating Li‐ion deposition, thereby significantly improving the cycling stability and performance of lithium metal batteries.
Ru‐Based Catalysts Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition for Non‐Alkaline Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Ohayon Amit , Girshevitz Olga , Ejgenberg Michal , Radovsky Gal , Noked Malachi , Kapaev Roman R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZAB) are a promising energy storage solution due to their low cost, low toxicity and high theoretical energy density. However, conventional alkaline ZABs face challenges such as CO₂ absorption, zinc corrosion, and poor cycle stability. To address these issues, non‐alkaline near‐neutral electrolytes offer potential benefits, but they also present slower kinetics, especially during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the cell charge. This study investigates the use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) to introduce Ru‐based Nano‐sites onto carbon cathodes to enhance catalytic activity in non‐alkaline ZABs. The catalytic performance of these ALD‐treated materials was evaluated in ZABs with 1 M Zn(OAc)₂ and 1 M ZnSO₄ electrolytes. ALD‐treated Ru catalysts significantly lower the OER overpotentials, improving charging capacity and stability of the battery compared to pristine carbon and benchmark RuO2/C samples with a similar content of ruthenium. We also find that with the Ru‐based catalyst, OER proceeds exclusively through the four‐electron pathway, in contrast to a mixture of two‐ and four‐electron mechanisms observed for the pristine carbon. Our findings show, using a model catalytical system, that non‐alkaline based ZABs can be realized through cathode engineering, and that the reaction mechanism on the cathode is highly dependent on its catalytic properties.
Lactobacillus reuteri Assists Engineered Bacteria That Target Tumors to Release PD‐L1nb to Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Breast Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Yue Lijun , Geng Feng , Jin Jiayi , Li Wenzhen , Liu Ben , Du Maoru , Gao Xue , Lü Junhong , Pan Xiaohong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTProgrammed death protein‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors demonstrate significant antitumor efficacy by modulating T‐cell activity and inhibiting the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway, thus enhancing immune responses. Despite their robust effects, systemic administration of these inhibitors is linked to severe immune toxicity. To address this issue, we engineered a strain, REP, which releases PD‐L1 nanoantibodies (PD‐L1nb) to treat breast cancer and attenuate immunotherapy‐related side effects. REP selectively targets tumors and periodically releases PD‐L1nb within tumors via a quorum‐sensing lysis system. Administration of 108 colony‐forming units (CFU) of REP led to a substantial 52% reduction in tumor growth, achieved through the sustained release of PD‐L1nb. Importantly, there were no detectable lesions in other organs, with the exception of mild intestinal damage. Further, we explored the potential of a combined treatment using Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) and REP to alleviate intestinal inflammation. LR modulates the expression of inflammatory markers IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 through the JNK pathway, reducing intestinal inflammation without compromising REP's antitumor efficacy. Consequently, we formulated a dual strategy employing an engineered strain and probiotics to reduce the adverse effects of immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
Causal Relationship Between the Abuse of Cholesterol‐Lowering Medication, Blood Pressure Medication, Insulin, and Exogenous Hormones and Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Liu Jing , Lv Dongsheng , Li Shiduo , An Zhansen , He Zefeng , Liu Yingzi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCholesterol‐lowering medications, blood pressure medication, insulin, and exogenous hormones (including hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, and minipills) are commonly utilized in clinical practice. Recent studies indicate that the use of these medications may significantly influence the occurrence and progression of cerebral infarction. This study aims to investigate the relationship between these medications and cerebral infarction using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, with the goal of offering valuable insights for the clinical management of cerebral infarction.Methods:To explore the correlation between cholesterol‐lowering medication, blood pressure medication, insulin, exogenous hormones, and cerebral infarction, relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted from the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) database. Methods for univariate MR analysis include inverse variance weighting (IVW), the weighted median method, and the MR‐Egger method, with IVW being the predominant approach. Subsequently, multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was conducted on the positive results obtained from the IVW analysis to verify the independent effect of each positive exposure, with IVW still predominating. The causal relationship between this class of drugs and cerebral infarction was evaluated using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). MR‐PRESSO was used to test for pleiotropy. The robustness of the findings was assessed through leave‐one‐out analysis, Cochran's Q test, and funnel plot.Results:Univariate MR results indicated that the use of blood pressure medication, insulin, and cholesterol‐lowering medication was significantly associated with the occurrence of cerebral infarction (all p < 0.05). However, due to the stringent inclusion criteria for SNPs, the number of available SNPs is insufficient to elucidate the association between exogenous hormone drugs, contraceptives, and cerebral infarction. Furthermore, the MVMR analysis, which builds upon univariate MR, only identified significant causal associations between blood pressure medication, insulin, and cerebral infarction (p < 0.05). The association between cholesterol‐lowering medication and cerebral infarction was confounded by other positive exposures and did not demonstrate a significant causal relationship when only its independent effects were considered. After integrating the findings from both univariate and MVMR and controlling for confounding variables to the greatest extent possible, the available evidence supports only a potential causal relationship between blood pressure medication, insulin, and cerebral infarction.Conclusion:This study suggests that the misuse of blood pressure medications and insulin is a risk factor for the occurrence and progression of cerebral infarction.
Relationship of Neutrophil Percentage‐to‐Albumin Ratio With Stroke: Evidence From NHANES 1999–2020
Authors: Xu Shuying , Sun Yiyan , Zhang Siyao , Peng Yongjun , Dai Dechun , Zhao Leiyong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe objective of this research is to examine the association between neutrophil percentage‐to‐albumin ratio (NPAR) and stroke, providing a reference for the prevention and prognosis of clinical stroke.MethodThe study included 56,566 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the association between NPAR and stroke using logistic regression and restricted cubic splines. Upon identifying the nonlinear relationship, inflection points were calculated using recursive algorithms and two‐stage linear regression models. Stratified analyses and interaction tests examined variations across population groups.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, NPAR was positively associated with stroke (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05–1.12). Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a nonlinear trend. Beyond the inflection point, the increasing trend of stroke incidence with higher NPAR levels began to slow down. This relationship remained nonlinear in males but was linear in females.ConclusionThis study revealed a nonlinear positive association between NPAR and stroke, with higher NPAR increasing the risk of stroke.
Comparative Efficacy of Neurofeedback Interventions for Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Gang , He Qiang , Li Da , Zhang Zhang , Miao Jinli , Shu Yanping 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to synthesize and encapsulate findings from recent research (May 1, 2018 to August 1, 2023) on neurofeedback interventions for children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across major databases and platforms, including randomized controlled trials s focusing on children aged 5–11 years with ADHD. The inclusion was broad, not restricted by ADHD subtype, gender, IQ, socioeconomic status, or coexisting conditions.ResultsFrom the study screening process, 13 studies were included in the network meta‐analysis, involving 1370 children. Most neurofeedback therapies surpassed placebo in ADHD symptoms. In the acceptability outcome, five neurofeedback therapies (HEG, SCP training, TBR training, SMR training, and active control) outperformed the inactive control, physical activity, and EMG therapies.ConclusionsThe potential efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions in ADHD management among children is illuminated. The findings advocate for a holistic, child‐centered approach, emphasizing the need for further in‐depth research to understand and refine these interventions.
Tracing the Reverse Relationship Among Environmental Benefits, Business Model Innovation, and Eco‐Innovation: Does Cooperation Matter?
Authors: Prokop Viktor , Carraresi Laura , Karman Agnieszka , Rehman Fazal Ur , Ibl Martin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the direct and reverse relationships among environmental benefits, eco‐innovation, and business model innovation (BMI), emphasizing the role of national and foreign cooperation among firms. We employed a structural equation model using data from the 2014 European Community Innovation Survey (CIS), the most recent survey to include questions on firms' environmental activities and eco‐innovations. We studied 6827 firms from the Czech Republic (2363), Germany (3264), and Greece (1200). Findings confirm reverse relationships between eco‐innovation and BMI and between eco‐innovation and environmental benefits. This study challenges the notion that (foreign) cooperation positively impacts eco‐innovation, highlighting a paradox that warrants further investigation. Additionally, we emphasize the reliance of companies on cooperative partners for BMI. Our results underscore the need for a holistic approach to eco‐innovation in light of increasing global environmental challenges. Practical implications include heightened environmental awareness, adjustments to corporate business models, and enhanced cooperation within the analyzed countries.
The Development of Legal Rights for Intersex Persons: Part I: The Diversity of Intersex Conditions
Authors: Felthous Alan R. , Kahlon Chanchal 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAs the nature of transgender condition becomes better understood and the legal rights of transgender individuals are defined through court decisions and legislation, intersexuality ought not be overlooked. Potential commonalities as well as differences between intersexual and transgender individuals, clinically and psychosexually, may be mutually informing and relevant to their legal rights in ways that could implicate mental health services. In this review, the concepts of intersexuality and Disorders of Sexual Development are defined followed by a brief synopsis of the evolution of ancient conception of hermaphroditism into the vastly heterogenous biological conditions of today referred to as DSDs. A growing corpus of scholarly literature today argues that intersex persons should be regarded as having diverse sexual characteristics and as not disordered. Nonetheless, various conditions require understanding if the intersex person is to make informed decisions and if health providers are to recognize those conditions that constitute medical emergencies. This review and analysis compares intersex with transgender persons and provides current clinical and scientific knowledge as essential background for Part II, our following article on the advancement of legal rights of intersex persons.
Mechanism of Ligusticum wallichii—Borneol in the Treatment of Cerebral Ischemic Stroke in Rats Based On Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Verification
Authors: He Pengfen , Wang Zhifeng , Yang Jiao , Pan Pan , Shi Ting , Xu Shuangfeng , Lan Junfeng , Hao Zhihui , Yang Aiming , Chen Liang , Xi Yujiang , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe pharmacodynamics, molecular biology, network pharmacology, and molecular docking mechanisms of the Ligusticum wallichii and borneol medication pair (CXBP) were investigated for ischemic stroke treatment. Effective chemical components and targets of CXBP were identified using TCMSP, ETCM, and SymMap databases, whereas ischemic stroke targets were sourced from OMIM, GeneCards, TTD, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were generated using the STRING database, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted using Metascape. A “disease–pathway–target–component–drug” network was created in Cytoscape, and molecular docking was confirmed with PyMOL and AutoDock tools. Rat models of MCAO were established to evaluate neurological scores, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and Nissl staining. Key components were validated through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemistry. Thirty‐three active ingredients and 419 potential targets for CXBP, with key compounds including Z‐6,8′,7,3′‐diligustilide, cedrene, (+)‐alpha‐funebrene, POL, dipterocarpol, oleanolic acid, 1‐acetyl‐beta‐carboline, and erythrodiol. Critical targets included ESR1, PRKCA, and PTPN6. KEGG pathway analysis revealed 179 signaling pathways, primarily neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, whereas GO enrichment analysis identified 2911 biological processes, 398 molecular activities, and 203 cellular components. The neurological function scores and TTC staining of the infarcted brain regions were significantly improved following CXBP intervention compared to the MCAO group. These findings were supported by Nissl staining, which demonstrated better preserved cellular morphology and a significantly higher number of Nissl vesicles in the CXBP group. ELISA analysis revealed substantial modulation in gene expression: levels of PRKCA, PTPN6, ESR1, and TNF‐α changed significantly, whereas IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were notably downregulated compared to the MCAO group. PCR results corroborated these findings, showing a significant decrease in PRKCA expression and marked downregulation of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, whereas ESR1 and PTPN6 levels increased significantly. Immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed these results, with the CXBP and nimodipine groups exhibiting higher ESR1 and PTPN6 expression and lower PRKCA expression compared to the MCAO group. To improve cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, CXBP improves ischemic stroke outcomes through key active ingredients (e.g., Z‐6,8′,7,3′‐diligustilide, cedrene, and oleanolic acid) and targets ESR1, PRKCA, and PTPN6, modulating multiple signaling pathways to alleviate cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Two New α‐Glucosidase Inhibitors from Haplophyllum tuberculatum: Inhibition Kinetics and Mechanistic Insights Through in Vitro and in Silico Approaches
Authors: Shah Muddaser , Ullah Saeed , Halim Sobia Ahsan , Khan Ajmal , Gibbons Simon , Csuk René , Murad Waheed , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDiabetes is a multifactorial global health disorder marked by unusually high plasma glucose levels, which can lead to serious consequences including diabetic neuropathy, kidney damage, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. One effective therapy approach for reducing hyperglycemia associated with type 2 diabetes is to target α‐glucosidase, enzymes that catalyze starch breakdown in the intestine. In the current study, two new (1, 2) and nine known (3–11) compounds were isolated from the rutaceous plant Haplophyllum tuberculatum and characterized by extensive nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques and high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. After structural elucidation, nine compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit α‐glucosidase, a target for the treatment of type‐2 diabetes. Among them, three compounds (7, 5, and 2) exhibited notable inhibition with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 3.42 ± 0.12, 5.79 ± 0.28, and 6.75 ± 1.18 µM, respectively, while the remaining six compounds (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9) had a moderate activity with IC50 values ranging from 12.14 ± 0.35 to 24.60 ± 0.57 µM, compared to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 875.75 ± 1.24 µM). A kinetic study of compounds 5 and 7 exhibited the competitive type of inhibition with Ki values of 4.82 ± 0.0036 and 3.92 ± 0.0062 µM, respectively. Furthermore, a structure‐based prediction of the compounds’ binding mode suggested that these inhibitors fitted exceptionally well within the active site of the target enzyme, α‐glucosidase, forming multiple hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions with its active site residues. In conclusion, compounds with potent α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity are abundant in nature and can be explored and further developed for treating diabetes mellitus.
Phytochemical Characterization, Prooxidant, Antiproliferative and Anti‐Inflammatory Potential of Meyna spinosa Roxb. Ex Link Ripe Fruit
Authors: Boruah Jyoti Lakshmi Hati , Gogoi Moloya , Famhawite Vanlalhruaii , Barman Dipankar , Das Deep Jyoti , Puro K Nusalu , Biswas Anupam , Mridha Prosenjit , Gogoi Parishmita , Gajbhiye Rahul , Baishya Rinku 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study highlights the prooxidant, antiproliferative and anti‐inflammatory potential of ripe Meyna spinosa Roxb. Ex Link fruit extracts. Chemical analysis by high‐resolution mass spectrometry and AAS identified compounds like ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, lupeol, betulin, scopoletin, phloroglucinol and secoxyloganin and micro‐elements like iron, copper, zinc and manganese. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, metal chelation, reaction oxygen species) revealed that the M. spinosa ethyl acetate extract (MSEA) had higher phenolic (37.83 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (60.22 mg QE/g DW) content, showing strong antioxidant activity (IC50 of 7.5 µg/mL), while the M. spinosa methanolic extract (MSM) exhibited higher FRAP activity (39.666 µg AAE/g DW). Prooxidant activity was demonstrated through Trolox and NADH oxidation. Both extracts exhibited antiproliferative effects in A549 and MCF7 cancer cells with an increase in concentration and time. Anti‐inflammatory effects were observed by reductions in nitric oxide, COX‐2, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels in lipopolysaccharides‐stimulated RAW 264.7 and THP‐1 cells. Nitrite levels reduced from 23.778 to 5.222 µM, COX‐2 levels from 51.136 to 9.581 µg/mL, IL‐6 levels from 62.728 ng/mL to 13.463 pg/mL and TNF‐α level from 474.890 to 143.115 pg/mL. In vivo, MSEA reduced carrageenan‐induced paw oedema by 23.45%.