bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strengthening of structures with UHPC – experiments and experience from application
Authors: Vítek Jan L. , Vráblík Lukáš , Coufal Robert 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUHPC has been developed in the Czech republic for about 15 years. The paper shows some of the new footbridges with the deck made of UHPC and then focuses on repair and strengthening of existing structures. Extensive experimental work was carried out as a basis for applications. Different loading situations were examined so that the structural performance in serviceability and in ultimate limit states was investigated. Experience from the construction of structures made of UHPC, from extensive experimental campaign, and from literature resulted in development of the Technical conditions for production of UHPC, design and execution and for reconstruction of structures with UHPC, which were approved by the Ministry of Transport in 2024. The document provides a possibility to apply UHPC also in structures of the transport infrastructure. Finally, example of application of UHPC in repair of a heavily loaded road bridge is introduced. Now, the fourth stage of the repair is under construction. Experience from earlier stages led to minor modifications of the original technology.
Polyethylene Glycol‐Based Refolding Kinetic Modulation of CRABP I Protein
Authors: Subadini Suchismita , Bera Krishnendu , Behera Devi Prasanna , Hritz Jozef , Sahoo Harekrushna 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCrowding environment has a significant impact on the folding and stability of protein in biological systems. In this work, we have used four different sizes of a molecular crowder, polyethylene glycol (PEG), to analyze the unfolding and refolding kinetics of an iLBP protein, CRABP I, using urea as chemical denaturant. In general, the stability of the native state of the protein is boosted by the presence of crowding agents in the solution. However, our findings show that not only the type of crowder but also the crowder size played a key role in the effects of excluded volume. In case of lower molecular weight of PEG (M.W. 400), even at 200 g/L concentration, only the viscosity effect is observed, whereas for higher molecular weight of PEG (M.W. 1000), both the viscosity effect and excluded volume effect are noticed, and even at a higher concentration (200 g/L) of PEG 1000, the excluded volume predominates over the viscosity effect. Using the transition state theory, we were also able to determine the free energies of activation for the unfolding and refolding studies from their respective rate constants. Additionally, MD simulation studies provide strong support for our experimental observation. Analysis of secondary structure propensity (SSP) reveals a marked decline in the presence of structural elements (β‐sheet, β‐bridge, turn, and α‐helix) from 81% to 43% over the 1 μs time scale unfolding MD simulation under 8 M urea conditions. Conversely, in a 200 ns refolding simulation, the rate of refolding notably increases at a concentration of 200 g/L PEG 1000.
Characterization of the Ubiquitin‐Modified Proteome of Recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells in Response to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Selvaprakash Karuppuchamy , Sideri Christiana‐Kondylo , Henry Michael , Efeoglu Esen , Ryan David , Meleady Paula 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTChinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells remain the most widely used host cell line for biotherapeutics production. Despite their widespread use, understanding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions in recombinant protein production remains limited, often creating bottlenecks preventing improved production titers and product quality. Ubiquitination not only targets substrates (e.g., misfolded proteins) for proteasome degradation but also has important regulatory control functions including cell cycle regulation, translation, apoptosis, autophagy, etc. and hence is likely to be central to understanding and controlling the productivity of recombinant biotherapeutics. This study aimed to uncover differentially expressed ubiquitinated proteins following artificial induction of ER‐stress in recombinant CHO cells. CHO cells were treated with the stress inducer tunicamycin and the proteasome inhibitor MG132, followed by LC‐MS/MS proteomic analysis. We identified >4000 ubiquitinated peptides from CHO‐DP12 cells under ER stress conditions and proteasome inhibition. Moreover, data analysis showed altered abundance levels of >900 ubiquitinated proteins under the combination of ER stress and proteasome inhibition compared to untreated controls. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of these ubiquitinated proteins resulted in a significant enrichment of key pathways involving the proteasome, protein processing in the ER, N‐glycan biosynthesis, and ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis. ER stress response proteins such as GRP78, HSP90B1, ATF6, HERPUD1, and PDIA4 were found to be highly ubiquitinated and exhibited a significant increase in abundance following induction of ER‐stress conditions. This study broadens our comprehension of the roles played by protein ubiquitination in CHO cell stress responses, potentially revealing targets for tailored cell line engineering aimed at enhancing stress tolerance and production efficiency.
Hospital Quality and Racial Differences in Outcomes After Genitourinary Cancer Surgery
Authors: Dall Christopher P. , Liu Xiu , Faraj Kassem S. , Srivastava Arnav , Kaufman Samuel R. , Hartman Nicholas , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroduction and ObjectivesPrior work has demonstrated racial disparities in surgical outcomes for solid organ cancers. We sought to assess the relationship between hospital quality and racial disparities in achievement of textbook outcomes among patients undergoing surgery for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer.MethodsWe used 100% national Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files from 2017 to 2020 to assess textbook outcomes in Patients undergoing bladder (i.e., radical cystectomy), kidney (i.e., radical or partial nephrectomy), and prostate (i.e., radical prostatectomy) surgery for genitourinary malignancies. Our exposure was hospital‐level quality, assessed by the predicted to expected ratio of achievement of textbook outcomes, agnostic to social and economic determinants of health. Our main outcome was achievement of textbook outcomes in White and Black patients. We defined the textbook outcome as the absence of in‐hospital mortality, mortality within 30 days of surgery, readmission within 30 days of discharge, a postoperative complication, and prolonged length of stay. The secondary outcome was percentage of Black and White patients treated at the highest quality hospitals.ResultsAs hospital quality increased, disparities in the receipt of textbook outcome for White and Black patients narrowed. For every 0.1 increment increase in the predicted to expected ratio of hospital quality, Black‐White disparities in the odds of achieving textbook outcomes decreased by 5.7% (interaction OR: 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.11 p = 0.026). Black patients were less likely to be treated at the highest quality hospitals compared to White patients (45.2% vs. 49.5% p = < 0.001%).ConclusionsCompared to White patients, Black patients had lower odds of textbook outcomes after surgery for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer. The racial differences in achieving textbook outcomes were narrowed as hospital quality increased. Black patients were less likely than White patients to be treated at the highest‐quality hospitals. Our findings underscore the importance of improved access to high quality care among Black patients.
Mass Spectrometry‐Based Molecular Networks Applied to Study the Molecular Interaction Between Two Endophytic Fungi Isolated From Tibouchina granulosa (Vell.) Cogn (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Fruet Thomas Kehrwald , Polonio Julio Cesar , Golias Halison Correia , Gomes Ramos Anderson Valdiney , Zawoski Gomes Ellen Carolina , Baldoqui Debora Cristina , Vicentini Veronica Elisa Pimenta , Pamphile João Alencar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTEstablishing a microorganism as an endophyte involves complex molecular interactions with its host plant and a broader microbial community. Precise detection methods and comprehensive metabolite annotation are essential to study these interactions. This study focused on characterizing the chemical composition of metabolites produced by two endophytic fungi, Colletotrichum siamense and Xylaria berteroi, isolated from Tibouchina granulosa leaves in axenic conditions and coculture. We examined the fungal metabolites using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HR‐MS/MS) and analysis tools like Cytoscape and Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking. Co‐cultivation revealed unique compounds not produced in isolation, including N‐acetyltryptamine. A total of 32 compounds were identified, many with biotechnological potential due to their bioactivities. The untargeted metabolomics approach demonstrated that interactions among these T. granulosa endophytes can activate inactive metabolic pathways under axenic conditions, potentially producing novel bioactive molecules. This study is the first study of the chemical profile and interaction between endophytes isolated from T. granulosa.
Optimizing lab methods for consistent rice milling analysis
Authors: Olaoni Samuel O. , Regonda Bindu , Luthra Kaushik , Atungulu Griffiths G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMilling is one of the most important postharvest processes in rice production. Traditionally, the McGill #2 mill has been used for lab milling to assess rice milling performance as per the recommendation of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). However, as the FGIS is phasing out the use of the McGill #2 mill, there is a need to recalibrate milling assessments for standardized milling evaluation across various labs. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the milling performance of three laboratory mills (McGill #2, Satake, and Zaccaria mills) on the head rice yield (HRY), milled rice yield (MRY), and whiteness index (WI) of rice.FindingsMRY was greater than 60%, while HRY varied between 28% and 60% over all treatments. The Satake mill demonstrated a higher MRY and is significantly different from the McGill #2 and Zaccaria mills. Similarly, the Satake mill produced the highest HRY, followed by the Zaccaria mill and the McGill #2. On the contrary, the Satake mill exhibited the lowest WI, about 0.6 and 0.9 percentage points (pp) lower than McGill #2 and the Zaccaria mill, respectively.ConclusionsRice cultivars and mill types had the most significant impact on the aforementioned explored variables. Among the mills, the Satake mill displayed the highest MRY and HRY but had the lowest WI. We recommend that the 0.4 SLC value associated with well‐milled rice be reviewed, which could perhaps lead to more HRY and impact the economic value of rice for growers.Significance and NoveltyThis study offers insights into the milling capabilities of the evaluated mills. However, further research is necessary to understand and optimize other modern laboratory mills.
Synergistic Catalysis by MgO Induced Acid‐Base Bifunctional Sites for Cross Condensation of HCHO and Acetaldehyde
Authors: Wang Mingwei , Shi Zhen , Yu Zhiquan , Li Shushuang , Zhang Zhixin , Wang Feng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAcid‐base synergistic catalysis greatly enhances the performance of MgO‐based catalysts in the Aldol condensation. In this paper, the effect of acid‐base strength/concentration/proportion and the synergistic catalysis on the performance of cross condensation between HCHO and acetaldehyde were studied. The NH3/CO2‐TPD results indicated that the weak acidic sites combined with the medium basic sites were beneficial for the cross condensation of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The loading of MgO nanocrystals on SiO2 induced the generation of new acidic sites (Mg‐O‐Si). Combined with the inherent basic sites (Mg‐O‐Mg) and Mg‐O‐Si, the acid‐base bifunctions sites could catalyze the cross condensation of HCHO and acetaldehyde synergistically. The appropriate proportion of acidic/basic sites (10/1) was critical for the cross condensation in the presence of vast water in formalin. The effect of reaction parameters, including molar ratio of substrates, reaction temperature, linear velocity and weight hourly space velocity, were investigated for the cross condensation. The results showed that 10 wt% MgO/SiO2 catalysts exhibited the highest catalytic activity (57.9% conversion of acetaldehyde and 84.3% selectivity of acrolein) under the optimal reaction parameters among the investigated catalysts. The catalytic performance of MgO/SiO2 could be recovered after in situ regeneration in air to remove the carbon deposition.
Nitride Zeolites from Ammonothermal Synthesis
Authors: Engelsberger Florian M. , Schnick Wolfgang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOxide zeolites are synthesized from aqueous solutions in an established way employing hydrothermal synthesis. Transferring this approach to nitride zeolites requires a solvent providing nitrogen for which ammonia has proven to be particularly suitable. We present the successful ammonothermal synthesis of the (oxo)nitridosilicate compounds Ce3[Si6N11], Li2RE4[Si4N8]O3 (RE=La, Ce) and K1.25Ce7.75[Si11N21O2]O0.75. Within this procedure, the usage of supercritical ammonia as a solvent as well as the utilization of the mineralizers NaN3, Li3N and KN3, respectively, allowed the targeted synthesis of large single crystals. Formation of these (oxo)nitridosilicates depends mainly on the employed mineralizer despite their similar degree of condensation. The three compounds were structurally characterized using X‐ray diffraction and their crystal structures contain a wide range of different ring sizes within their tetrahedra networks. The zeolite(‐like) crystal structures are elucidated and compared to known nitridosilicate representatives of the respective structure types. Their elemental composition was investigated using energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy and incorporation of the O rather than N−H functionality was confirmed by Fourier‐Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as by charge distribution (CHARDI) and bond valence sum (BVS) calculations. The presented examples demonstrate that ammonothermal synthesis provides a one‐step access from elemental starting materials towards nitride zeolites.
Self‐assembled supramolecular materials for photocatalytic reactions
Authors: Tan Xin‐Gang , Jeyakkumar Ponmani , Zhang Yi‐Xuan , Chu Lin‐Wang , Hao Yu‐Ru , Li Sheng‐Ke , Wang Kai‐Ya , Hu Xiao‐Yu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe modern lifestyle necessitates significant energy consumption, which continues to increase as human development progresses. Solar energy presents an attractive alternative resource that can meet the global demand for energy in light of the limited availability of fossil fuels. In nature, photosynthetic organelles utilize solar energy to convert inorganic matter into organic matter through photosynthesis. Solar energy can be converted into chemical energy through a natural process, and humans can replicate this technology through artificial photosynthesis. Artificial photosynthesis is an emerging discipline that imitates the mechanism of photosynthesis found in living organisms. Significant advancements have been made in this field, and this review specifically focuses on the self‐assembly process of supramolecular nanomaterials through non‐covalent bonding. The self‐assembly process of photosensitizer molecules combined with catalysts and substrates for photocatalytic reactions is of particular interest. This review presents three categories of photocatalytic reactions, followed by a brief discussion of the prospects and challenges within this field.
Fathers' Experience of Their Child's Paediatric Brain Tumour
Authors: Labrell Florence , Hassler Christine , Dufour Christelle , Grill Jacques , Câmara‐Costa Hugo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis exploratory study explores the impact of paediatric brain cancer on the experiences of the fathers from the time of diagnosis, while most studies have focused on the mothers.MethodsThe content of interviews conducted with six fathers of children who had brain tumours at the age of approximately 10 years was analysed using a qualitative methodology, following the COREQ guidelines.ResultsThe fathers first talked about their feelings about the way the brain tumour affected their child and how he/she coped with the illness and treatments, and they also described the difficulties encountered. These French fathers likewise talked about their rights, their need to be listened to, and their wish to remain close to their child during treatment.ConclusionImproving communication with fathers during care and medical visits could help promote more balanced support for both parents in the vulnerable period of serious paediatric illnesses such as brain tumours.
Cryopreservation of Human Adult Ventricular Tissue for the Preparation of Viable Myocardial Slices
Authors: Lodrini Alessandra M. , Groeneveld Esmee J. , Palmen Meindert , Hjortnaes Jesper , Smits Anke M. , Goumans Marie‐José 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLiving myocardial slices (LMS) are ultrathin sections of adult myocardium that can be maintained in culture. These slices provide a unique platform for studying interactions between cardiomyocytes (CMs), other cardiac cell types, and the extracellular matrix while maintaining the cytoarchitecture and electrical phenotype of CMs over extended periods. Despite their advantages over other cardiac models, LMS have limitations, particularly their reliance on slice quality. The primary factor influencing the quality of the slices is the method used to process the cardiac tissue block. Current methods typically require immediate slice preparation following the excision of the tissue block, which restricts the timing of experiments. To address this limitation, we developed a simple procedure for cryopreserving human adult myocardium, allowing the preparation of LMS at a later stage. The protocol provides a list of required equipment and reagents, as well as a detailed description of the methodology for processing the myocardium and slice preparation. We present typical results demonstrating that cryopreserved human cardiac tissue retains biomass and structural integrity comparable to freshly obtained myocardium. Furthermore, we assessed the LMS derived from both fresh and cryopreserved samples. Histological analysis confirmed the preservation of viability, normal cytomorphology, and gap junctions between CMs in all LMS after 24 h and up to 5 days of culture in the absence of electrical stimulation. Cryopreservation extends the interval between tissue collection and LMS preparation, facilitating longer‐term and more complex experiments. Further research into the impact of cryopreservation on various cardiac cell types will promote better donor organ management and efficient banking of cardiac samples from a multitude of donors and disease states. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Preparation and preservation of human adult myocardiumBasic Protocol 2: Preparation of adult living myocardial slices from cryopreserved blocks
The role of the interplay between macrophage glycolytic reprogramming and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Luo Lan , Zhuang Xiaoli , Fu Lin , Dong Ziyuan , Yi Shuyuan , Wang Kan , Jiang Yu , Zhao Ju , Yang Xiaofang , Hei Feilong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe respiratory condition associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Understanding their complex pathophysiological mechanisms is crucial for developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies. Recent studies highlight the significant role of inflammation involved in ALI/ARDS, particularly the hyperactivation of the NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain‐associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages. This activation drives pulmonary inflammation by releasing inflammatory signalling molecules and is linked to metabolic reprogramming, marked by increased glycolysis and reduced oxidative phosphorylation. However, the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage glycolytic reprogramming in ALI/ARDS, as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes, remain elusive. This review provides a detailed description of the interactions and potential mechanisms linking NLRP3 inflammasome activation with macrophage glycolytic reprogramming, proposing that glycolytic reprogramming may represent a promising therapeutic target for mitigating inflammatory responses in ALI/ARDS.Key points
NLRP3 inflammasome activation is pivotal in mediating the excessive inflammatory response in ALI/ARDS.
Glycolytic reprogramming regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Therapeutic potential of targeting glycolytic reprogramming to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in ALI/ARDS.
Role of the Lymphocyte Profile in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes in the Differential Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis and Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Patients Undergoing EBUS‐TBNA
Authors: Mi Song , Cui Na , Wang Jing , Zhang Liming , Huang Kewu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe value of lymphocyte profiling (LP) in mediastinal lymph nodes for the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis has not been extensively studied, and existing literature presents mixed results.MethodsThis was a prospective study of patients with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy who underwent endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA). LP in lymph node puncture fluid (LNPF) was evaluated using flow cytometry. The results of LP in sarcoidosis patients were compared with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLA) patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut‐offs of the statistically significant parameters for screening for sarcoidosis. Based on the optimal cut‐offs and the final diagnosis of sarcoidosis and TBLA, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of every statistically significant parameter and different combinations of the above three parameters were calculated for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.ResultsForty‐five cases of sarcoidosis and 33 cases of TBLA were enrolled in this study. Compared with the LP in TBLA patients, in sarcoidosis patients, the proportion of CD4 T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio increased, and the proportion of CD8 T cells and natural killer (NK) cells decreased. Among all single parameters, the CD4/CD8 ratio had high diagnostic sensitivity (84.4%), specificity (81.8%), and accuracy (83.3%) for sarcoidosis. Among all the combinations of three parameters, the combination of CD4, CD8, and NKT/NK ratio had high diagnostic sensitivity (91.1%), specificity (84.8%), and accuracy (87.2%) for sarcoidosis.ConclusionsAssessment of LP in LNPF may improve the differential diagnostic accuracy of sarcoidosis from TBLA and further strengthen the importance of LP in LNPF in the diagnostic workup of sarcoidosis.