bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Apple Peel‐Derived Selenium Nanoparticles for Anti‐Fungal Activity and Effects of MexA Gene Expression on Efflux Pumps in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ahmed Mais E. , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Hasoon Buthenia A. , Khan Riaz A. , Mohammed Hamdoon A. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTSelenium nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) were produced adopting an environmentally benign green synthetic approach from the waste biomaterial obtained from the apple peel extract (APE). The produced NPs were characterized through UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV–Visible spectra exhibited the absorption peak λmax at 295 nm, confirming the formation of Se‐NPs. The AFM examination revealed the roughness and distribution of the nanoparticles, and FT‐IR ascertained the surface‐contained functional groups presence. The XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the sample, and FE‐SEM validated the surface morphology and the size range of 52 to 84 nm. The TEM demonstrated the spherical shapes of the Se‐NPs with a face‐centered cubic crystal nature, whereas the size distribution analysis showed mean size of 70 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 500 μg mL−1 against Candida spp., namely, C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, and C. ciferrii, confirmed their anti‐fungal activity with the in control and minor statistical difference (p < 0.05) in the dissemination mean zones of inhibition for the Se‐NPs treatment against these fungi. The Se‐NPs effects on MexA gene expression demonstrated the efflux pump role in the anti‐fungal activity and gene's down regulation for the treated fungal strains. The Se‐NPs exhibited their anti‐fungal activity against the multi‐drug resistant microbes.
Longitudinal change in symptom severity in children with ASD: Results from the ELENA cohort
Authors: Dellapiazza Florine , Rattaz Cécile , Michelon Cécile , Peyre Hugo , Picot Marie‐Christine , Baghdadli Amaria 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition and understanding the changes in autism symptoms over time is crucial for tailoring support and interventions. This study therefore aimed to investigate the changes in symptom severity in a large cohort of children with ASD over a three‐year follow‐up period and identify factors that influence these changes. The study included 575 children diagnosed with ASD, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years, who were assessed at baseline and again 3 years later using the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule‐2 (ADOS‐2). ASD severity changes were investigated using the ADOS calibrated severity score (CSS) scores for total, social affect (SA) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB). Results highlight four distinct patterns: stable high, stable low, increased, and decreased severity. The ADOS CSS total score changed for half of the sample, reflecting an increase in ASD severity for 21.9% and a decrease for 29.1% of children. For the other half, the ADOS CSS score remained stable, either high (34.4%) or low (14.6%). While the majority of previous studies reported stability in ASD severity, our findings revealed significant variability with frequent improvements in SA symptoms whereas RRBs remained stable or worsened. Our findings also showed that an improvement in SA was associated with the youngest group and early diagnosis. However, no clinical or sociodemographic factors were linked to changes in RRB, emphasizing the necessity for RRB‐specific therapies. The third six‐year follow‐up point of the ongoing ELENA cohort study will map the long‐term trajectories of the severity of ASD symptoms and their potential risk factors.
Single‐Batch Expression of an Experimental Recombinant Snakebite Antivenom Based on an Oligoclonal Mixture of Human Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Adams Anna C. , Grav Lise M. , Ahmadi Shirin , Holst Dahl Camilla , Ljungars Anne , Laustsen Andreas H. , Nielsen Lars K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTOligoclonal antibodies, which are carefully defined mixtures of monoclonal antibodies, are valuable for the treatment of complex diseases, such as infectionss and cancer. In addition to these areas of medicine, they could be utilized for the treatment of snakebite envenoming, where recombinantly produced monoclonal human antibodies could overcome many of the drawbacks accompanying traditional antivenoms. However, producing multiple individual batches of monoclonal antibodies in an industrial setting is associated with significant costs. Therefore, it is attractive to produce oligoclonal antibodies by mixing multiple antibody‐producing cell lines in a single batch to have only one upstream and downstream process. In this study, we selected four antibodies that target different toxins found in the venoms of various elapid snake species, such as mambas and cobras, and generated stable antibody‐producing cell lines. Upon co‐cultivation, we found the cell line ratios to be stable over 7 days. The purified oligoclonal antibody cocktail contained the anticipated antibody concentrations and bound to the target toxins as expected. These results thus provide a proof of concept for the strategy of mixing multiple cell lines in a single batch to manufacture tailored antivenoms recombinantly, which could be utilized for the treatment of snakebite envenoming and in other fields where oligoclonal antibody mixtures could find utility.
Development of HEMA‐Succinic Acid‐PEG Bio‐Based Monomers for High‐Performance Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Rayat Pisheh Hossein , Sabzevari Alireza , Ansari Mojtaba , Kabiri Kourosh 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn recent years, hydrogels have found a special place in regenerative medicine for tissue repair, rehabilitation, and drug delivery. To be used in regenerative medicine, hydrogels must have desirable physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this study, a new biomonomer based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐succinic acid‐polyethylene glycol 200 (HEMA‐Suc‐PEG) was synthesized and characterized. Then, using the synthesized monomers and different ratios of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as a crosslinker, biocompatible hydrogels were synthesized through thermal and UV curing methods. The mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties of the hydrogels and the behavior of endothelial cells, an essential component of the cardiovascular system, were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrogel synthesized with 0.2 g of PEGDA (UV curing) has desirable mechanical and physical properties. Biological tests showed that these hydrogels are not only nontoxic to cells but also enhance cell adhesion. Therefore, the hydrogel containing the synthesized monomer HEMA‐Suc‐PEG and 0.2 g of PEGDA has the potential to be used in the cardiovascular system.
A Jupyter Notebook for teaching mathematical modeling with experiments
Authors: González‐Sierra Jaime , Trujillo‐Franco Luis Gerardo , Abundis‐Fong Hugo Francisco 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMathematical modeling and numerical simulation have a considerable presence in the vast universe of engineering disciplines, given their usefulness in explaining, comprehending, and simulating phenomena and processes with which engineers are in contact in their daily creative and problem‐solving work. For this reason, engineering study programs have at least one course dedicated to dealing with the mathematical modeling of dynamic systems as an essential complement to subsequent courses such as automatic control, structural dynamics, and mechanical vibrations. Nowadays, many technological tools illustrate the applications of mathematical modeling interactively through experiments that offer an incomparable motivation to the students to corroborate with real‐world examples, the utility and veracity of the theory presented to them in the classroom and that in many occasions seems lacking utility and direct relation with the world in which they develop. Based on those mentioned above, this paper presents an example of applying the Laplace transform in modeling physical systems, using a second‐order circuit attached to an Arduino Due board in conjunction with the Jupyter Notebook environment. The numerical and experimental results can be obtained through three optional kernels: Python, Octave, or MATLAB®. For educational purposes, the resulting computer application was presented to undergraduate students of Mechatronics Engineering as an illustrative complement to two courses entitled Signals and Systems Analysis, part of the second semester, and Mathematical Modeling, part of the fifth semester.
Sensitization of Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin Using Ebselen by Disturbing Cellular Redox Status
Authors: Baskar Sugumar , Bharathiraja Pradhapsingh , Rajendra Prasad N. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMultidrug resistance (MDR) poses a significant problem in cancer treatment, often causing adverse effects during chemotherapy. Ebselen (Ebs), a synthetic organoselenium compound, affects cellular redox status in cancer cells. In the study, we observed that Ebs disrupted cellular redox balance and sensitized drug‐resistant cells to doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. The combination of Ebs and DOX led to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation while decreasing the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and cellular antioxidants in drug‐resistant cells. Furthermore, this combination treatment demonstrated notable chemosensitizing effects by reducing cell viability and proliferation in MDR cells compared to DOX treatment alone. Additionally, the combination of Ebs and DOX induced DNA fragmentation and exhibited G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed that the Ebs and DOX combination upregulated the expression of p53 and p21, which activated the mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic pathway. The combination treatment also enhanced the upregulation of proapoptotic markers such as Bax, Caspase‐3, ‐9, and cytochrome C, while downregulating the expression of the antiapoptotic marker Bcl‐2. Therefore, the current discoveries suggest that Ebs could be employed as a drug candidate for reversing MDR in cancer cells by regulating cellular redox homeostasis.
Selenium(II)‐Nitrogen Exchange (SeNEx) Chemistry: A Good Chemistry Suitable for Nanomole‐Scale Parallel Synthesis, DNA‐encoded Library Synthesis and Bioconjugation
Authors: Hou Wei , Hou Shaoneng , Gu Yuang , Zhang Shuning , Ma Peixiang , Hu Hai‐Yu , Xu Hongtao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe continuous development of click reactions with new connecting linkage is crucial for advancing the frontiers of click chemistry. Selenium‐nitrogen exchange (SeNEx) chemistry, a versatile chemistry in click chemistry, represents an all‐encompassing term for nucleophilic substitution events that replace nitrogen at an electrophilic selenium(II) center, enabling the flexible and efficient assembly of linkages around a Se(II) core. Several SeNEx chemistries have been developed inspired by the biochemical reaction between Ebselen and cysteine residue, and demonstrated significant potential in on‐plate nanomole‐scale parallel synthesis, selenium‐containing DNA‐encoded library (SeDEL) synthesis, as well as peptide and protein bioconjugation. This concept aims to present the origins, advancements, and applications of selenium(II)‐nitrogen exchange (SeNEx) chemistry while also outlining the potential directions for future research in this field.
Pushing boundaries in slurry microtunneling: Innovations in microtunnel boring machine design for hard rock conditions
Authors: Lehmann Gabriel 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFor microtunneling in hard rock, as it is encountered very often in alpine tunneling, the continuous further development of technologies plays a key role to overcome the limitations in drive length and to improve performance. During the last decades, the application range of slurry microtunneling has been considerably extended and more demanding projects have been designed for underground utilities installations worldwide, including many sewage tunnels and hydropower plants. The prevailing ground conditions still play a key role and determine the limits for alignment design and the possible use of trenchless construction methods. In hard rock conditions with high rock strength and/or abrasivity, the applicability of slurry microtunneling has been especially limited in the non‐accessible diameter range in the past. With the new AVN 800 HR for hard rock microtunneling, Herrenknecht has developed a machine concept, enabling drives of up to 200 m, with precise steering of the MTBM. Longer drives, even through hard rock, make microtunneling a more economic, flexible, and more environmentally friendly construction method. New opportunities for clients and consultants in the planning of tunnel routes in alpine environments for different infrastructure installations can be considered, making trenchless installations even more cost‐effective, while improving public acceptance.
Biobased recyclable epoxy composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes for electromagnetic interference shielding and Joule heating
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Li , Li Yi‐Dong , Zeng Jian‐Bing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCurrent epoxy thermosets are facing various challenges such as resource scarcity, environmental concern, and limited functionalities. Here, we present a novel solvent free approach to fabricate multifunctional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced biobased and recyclable epoxy thermoset composites through precuring in an internal mixer followed by curing in an oven. The epoxy matrix, a covalent adaptable network (CAN) based on dynamic imine bonds, was synthesized from entirely biobased feedstocks, including glycerol triglycidyl ether, vanillin, and 1,10‐diaminodecane. The shear force during precuring facilitated dispersion of CNTs in CAN matrix, allowing for high CNTs loading (up to 20 wt%). The well‐dispersed CNTs not only reinforced mechanical properties of CAN but also introduced new functionalities like electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capacity, and Joule heating performance. The composite with 20% CNTs exhibited a tensile strength and Young's modulus of 78.1 MPa and 3.07 GPa, respectively, marking a 34.2% and 63.6% improvement over pristine CAN. It also demonstrated a high electrical conductivity of 35.3 S/m, resulting in a remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (22.8 dB) and excellent Joule heating performance (reaching 131.7°C at 27 V input). Furthermore, these composites are thermally and chemically recyclable due to dynamic imine bonds, promoting sustainability and circular economy.
Microbial Degradation of Polyester Microfibers Using Indigenously Isolated Bacterial Strain Exiguobacterium Sp.
Authors: Mishra Sunanda , Dash Debasis , Das Alok Prasad 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTSynthetic microfibers are emerging environmental microplastic pollutants released from different industrial and domestic sources. The present investigation describes the isolation of potential bacterial strains from microplastic‐contaminated sites of Bhubaneswar city of Odisha, India. Four morphologically distinct bacterial strains were isolated using 2% polyethylene glycol (PEG) supplemented nutrient agar (NA) medium and were screened for their polymer tolerance ability by growing them on 2%–8% PEG. A single microorganism capable of growing on 8% PEG was selected for biodegradation experiment. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, the selected bacterial strain was identified as Exiguobacterium sp. with gene bank accession number ON318396. The microbial strain's microfiber biodegradation ability was assessed in a laboratory setting over a period of 28 ± 2 days, utilizing optimized conditions with an initial pH of 7, 2 mL inoculum volume, an incubation temperature of 30°C ± 2°C, and 150 rpm, using 2 g of polyester microfiber. In optimum conditions, the weight loss of the treated sample with the selected microbial strain was 19.2%. The polyester degradation was confirmed through scanning electron microscopic images viewing the degradation of the polyester microfiber surfaces. Variation in functional groups confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Detection of carbonyl (C═O) group stretching band at 1711 cm−1 through ATR‐FTIR analysis in the treated sample confirmed the polymer biodegradation. The potential isolate can efficiently degrade polyester and, in the future, can be employed as a promising solution for the sustainable treatment of synthetic microfiber pollution.
Efficacy of Social Norm Interventions on Addictive Behaviours—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Lemmel Frederike Katharina , Morina Nexhmedin 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMental health‐related behaviours including addictive behaviours contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Social norm interventions appear to be a cost‐effective means of reducing addictive behaviour. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of social norm interventions for addictive behaviours. We searched the databases Medline and PsycInfo from inception to April 2024 as well as reference lists of eligible studies and related systematic reviews for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of social norm interventions for addictive behaviours to control conditions. Out of the 11,515 potentially eligible RCTs, 52 trials with a total of 31,764 adult participants met inclusion criteria, with 45 trials targeting alcohol consumption, three trials targeting Marijuana use, two trials targeting other substance abuse and two trials targeting gambling. Overall, 37 trials were included in the random‐effects meta‐analysis. The comparison of social norm interventions to control conditions at posttreatment showed a small but statistically significant effect (g = −0.12; 95% CI = −0.22 to −0.02; p < 0.01). Risk of bias was rated low in 37 RCTs, 14 RCTs were rated as having some risk of bias concerns and one RCT was rated as having high risk of bias. Social norm interventions can be an effective intervention method for reducing substance abuse and gambling. Yet, data is largely derived from studies targeting alcohol consumption and current trials suffer from methodological and practical limitations. The small effect sizes need to be appraised in the context of cost‐effectiveness of these interventions.
Tropisetron attenuates high glucose‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in ARPE‐19 cells in vitro via regulating SIRT1/ROCK1 signaling
Authors: Tang Mingxia , Liu Wei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of acquired blindness in diabetic patients. Tropisetron (TRO) exerts potent therapeutic effects against diabetic tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of TRO on retinal injury under diabetic condition. Human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE‐19 was treated with high glucose (HG) for 48 h to mimic hyperglycemia‐induced retinal damage and subsequently treated with multiple concentrations of TRO for therapeutic intervention. Cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were detected to assess cell damage. The production of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress‐related factors was evaluated by corresponding commercial kits. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. The expression of inflammation‐, apoptosis‐, and SIRT1/ROCK1‐related proteins was examined using western blot analysis. Additionally, ARPE‐19 cells were transfected with over‐express ROCK1 (Ov‐ROCK1) or pretreatment with SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 to perform the rescue experiments. TRO alleviated cell damage in HG‐induced ARPE‐19 cells through elevating cell viability and reducing LDH release. HG‐caused excessive production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6, ROS, malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase activity were partly inhibited by TRO treatment. HG‐induced cell apoptosis, accompanied with the upregulation of proapoptotic proteins and the downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins, was hindered by TRO treatment. HG led to the loss of SIRT1 and an elevation of ROCK1 in ARPE‐19 cells, which was reversed following TRO treatment. Furthermore, pretreatment with EX527 or transfected with Ov‐ROCK1 partially abolished the protective role of TRO against inflammation, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in HG‐challenged ARPE‐19 cells. TRO exerted a protective role against HG‐caused ARPE‐19 cells inflammation, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis by regulating SIRT1/ROCK1 axis, suggesting that TRO might be therapeutic agent for alleviating retinal pigment epithelial cell damage in DR.
All‐in‐one sphincterotome with high rotation performance and freely bendable blade for endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with surgically altered anatomy (a case series with video)
Authors: Kunogi Yasuhito , Irisawa Atsushi , Yamamiya Akira , Ishikawa Manabu , Sakamoto Tomoya , Inaba Yasunori , Kashima Ken , Sakuma Fumi , Fukushi Koh , Maki Takumi , Nagashima Kazunori , Abe Yoko , Kitada Shuichi , Yamabe Akane , Tominaga Keiichi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA new type of sphincterotome released to the market recently has high rotation performance and a freely bendable blade. It is devised to be singly capable of accommodating not only normal anatomy but also cases with surgically altered anatomy. This study was undertaken for clinical evaluation of the usefulness of this new sphincterotome. Eight cases in a reconstructed intestine for which cannulation or endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) had been performed were extracted from 32 cases for which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐related procedures were performed using the sphincterotome developed during November 2023 through February 2024. The cases were investigated retrospectively. Among these, EST was applied to six cases. Cannulation was performed using the developed sphincterotome in the native papilla in four cases. The primary endpoints were the success rate of cannulation in surgically altered anatomy and the success rate of EST. Secondary endpoints were complications and usability for operators. Usability for operators was evaluated by questionnaire for several items on a 5‐point scale. EST was conducted successfully in all six cases subjected to EST. Mild hemorrhage was observed in one case (17%) as an adverse event after EST. Deep cannulation to the native papilla with the developed sphincterotome was conducted successfully in three cases (75.0%). Evaluation results by operators were 4.4 ± 0.55 for rotation performance, 4.00 ± 0.63 for incision performance, 4.29 ± 0.49 for deep cannulation performance, and 4.07 ± 0.19 for overall evaluation. In conclusion, this developed sphincterotome might be very useful for EST and cannulation in cases with surgically altered anatomy.