bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate blends compatibilized with polypropylene double‐grafted maleic anhydride and epoxy resin
Authors: Xu Mengxia , Liao Jingshun , Luo Zhu , He Ruhui , Yang Shenglong , Li Hai , Yang Yehan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPolypropylene double‐grafted maleic anhydride and bisphenol A epoxy resin (PP‐g‐M‐E) was successfully prepared by a single‐step method and characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, it was employed as a compatibilizer to fabricate polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blends via melt extrusion. The content of the PET dispersed phase in the composite varied from 0 to 30 phr. The microstructure and morphology of the composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The addition of PP‐g‐M‐E increased the interfacial interaction between the two phases and improved the compatibility and thermal stability of the system. In the presence of the compatibilizer, the crystallinity of the matrix phase (PP) increased, while that of the dispersed phase (PET) decreased owing to the heterogeneous nucleation effect of uniformly distributed PET. Double grafting of the PP‐g‐M‐E compatibilizer considerably enhanced the mechanical performance of the PP/PET blend system. The elongation at break of the modified sample exceeded that of the PP/PET blends by 117.55%, and the flexural and impact properties also showed considerable improvement.
Effects of high temperature on the growth performance and midgut autophagy of thermotolerant and thermosensitive silkworm strains
Authors: Guo Huiduo , Ling Mingfa , Yang Runhuan , Gui Tao , Li Gang , Zhao Guodong , Wang Wenbin , Qian Heying 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHigh temperature stress has long‐term negative effects on the growth and development of silkworm (Bombyx mori). Different silkworm varieties show the different tolerance to high temperature. The induction of autophagy is linked to increased thermotolerance in diverse ectothermic organisms. However, the function of autophagy in the thermotolerant and thermosensitive silkworm strains under high‐temperature conditions remains unclear. The thermotolerant Liangguang NO.2 and thermosensitive Jingsong × Haoyue strains were used to explore the role of autophagy in thermotolerance. Here, we first found that the larval body weight gain was increased in the thermosensitive Jingsong × Haoyue strain, but there was no difference in the thermotolerant Liangguang NO.2 strain under high temperature conditions. High temperature stress had a negative influence on the cocoon performance in both the Liangguang NO.2 and Jingsong × Haoyue strains. Additionally, the autophagy‐related gene Atg5 mRNA expression in the Liangguang NO.2 strain was upregulated by high temperature, while the expression of Atg12 mRNA was reduced in the Jingsong × Haoyue strain. Titers of 20‐Hydroxyecdysone and the ultraspiracle 1 mRNA expression in the Liangguang NO.2 strain were upregulated by high temperature, which might be associated with the induction of autophagy. These results demonstrate the potentially regulatory mechanism of autophagy in silkworms' tolerance to high temperature, providing a theoretical basis for exploring the physiological mechanism of thermotolerance in insects.
Cover Picture: Astron. Nachr. 7/2024
Authors: Strassmeier Klaus G. , Ilyin Ilya , Woche Manfred , Dionies Frank , Weber Michael , Järvinen Arto , Denker Carsten , Dineva Ekaterina , Verma Meetu , Granzer Thomas , Bittner Wilbert , Bauer Svend‐Marian , Paschke Jens , Önel Hakan 
Published: August 2024

First‐light spectra of the Sun as a star taken by SDI‐POL, the Solar Disk Integration POLarimeter feeding the PEPSI night‐time spectrograph at the LBT. The top panel shows the full wavelength range (383 ‐ 907 nm) covered by SDI‐POL. The color of the Stokes I spectra indicates the individual cross dispersers; dark blue (=CD 1) to dark red (=CD 6). The line at the bottom represents the normalized Stokes V Q & U signal on the same intensity scale as Stokes I. The bottom panel is a zoom into the spectral region around the sodium D lines. The top spectrum is again Stokes I (plotted are dots per CCD pixel connected by a line), the bottom spectra are Stokes V Q U shifted by ‐0.10 in intensity and expanded by a factor 200 in scale with respect to Stokes I. The I Q U spectrum was taken on UT May 20, 2022, the V‐spectrum on UT June 22, 2023. The first‐light application detects a clear Stokes V/I profile indicative of a tiny but significant solar disk‐averaged line‐of‐sight net magnetic field of +0.37±0.02 Gauß on Oct. 13, 2023, as reported in the article by Strassmeier et al., this issue, e240033.image
Immunogenic cell death–related genes predict prognosis and response to immunotherapy in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Guoping , Chen Kai , Dong Shunli , Wei Xiang , Zhou Lingyan , Wang Bin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is a malignancy with limited therapeutic options. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) has the potential to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy by triggering immune responses. We aimed to explore the potential of ICD‐based classification in predicting prognosis and response to immunotherapy for LUSC. RNA‐seq information and clinical data of LUSC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. ICD‐related gene expressions in LUSC samples were analyzed by consensus clustering. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different ICD‐related subsets were analyzed. Tumor mutation burden, immune cell infiltration, and survival analyses were conducted between different ICD subsets. Finally, an ICD‐related risk signature was constructed and evaluated in LUSC patients, and the immunotherapy responses based on the gene expressions were also forecasted. ICD‐high and ICD‐low groups were defined, and 1466 DEGs were identified between the two subtypes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in collagen‐containing extracellular matrix, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction. Furthermore, the ICD‐low group exhibited a favorable prognosis, enhanced TTN and MUC16 mutation frequencies, increased infiltrating immune cells, and downregulated immune checkpoint expressions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that an ICD‐related model (based on CD4, NLRP3, NT5E, and TLR4 genes) could forecast the prognosis of LUSC, and ICD risk scores were lower in the responder group. In summary, the predicted values of ICD‐related genes (CD4, NLRP3, NT5E, and TLR4) for the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in LUSC were verified in the study, which benefits immunotherapy‐based interventions for LUSC patients.
Inhibitory effects of Gracilaria edulis and Gracilaria salicornia against the MGMT and VEGFA biomarkers involved in the onset and advancement of glioblastoma using in silico and in vitro approaches
Authors: Vasudevan Miji Thandaserry , Rangaraj Kaviyaprabha , Ramesh Ragupathi , Muthusami Sridhar , Govindasamy Chandramohan , Khan Muhammad Ibrar , Arulselvan Palanisamy , Muruganantham Bharathi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive primary brain tumor originating from glial cells, poses significant treatment challenges due to its rapid growth and invasiveness. The exact mechanisms of GBM's brain damage remain unclear. This study examines primary molecular markers commonly assessed in GBM patients, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA), O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) using computational approaches. The study revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in PDGFRA, EGFR, and VEGFA expression rates, which are particularly interesting. Additionally, MGMT and VEGFA showed higher hazard ratios. Expression levels of MGMT and VEGFA were visualized in immune and malignant cells using single‐cell RNA datasets GSE103224 and GSE148842. From a total of 48 compounds in Gracilaria edulis and 86 in Gracilaria salicornia, we identified 15 compounds capable of crossing the blood‐brain barrier. Notably, 2‐tridecanone (binding affinity [BA] = −4.2 kcal/mol; root mean square deviation [RMSD] = 1.479 Å) and decanoic acid, ethyl ester (BA = −4.2 kcal/mol; RMSD = 1.702 Å) from G. edulis interacted with MGMT via hydrogen bonds. The compound alpha‐terpineol interacted with MGMT (BA = −5.7 kcal/mol; RMSD = 0.501 Å) and VEGFA (BA = −4.7 kcal/mol; RMSD = 2.483 Å). Ethanolic and methanolic extracts from G. edulis and G. salicornia demonstrated mild anti‐cell proliferation properties in the GBM LN‐229 cell line, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. This study highlights the significance of molecular markers and natural compounds in understanding and potentially treating GBM.
Altered gyrification in chemotherapy‐treated older long‐term breast cancer survivors
Authors: Daniel Ebenezer , Deng Frank , Patel Sunita K. , Sedrak Mina S. , Kim Heeyoung , Razavi Marianne , Sun Can‐Lan , Root James C. , Ahles Tim A. , Dale William , Chen Bihong T. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this prospective longitudinal study was to evaluate the changes in brain surface gyrification in older long‐term breast cancer survivors 5–15 years after chemotherapy treatment.MethodsOlder breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 65 years treated with chemotherapy (C+) or without chemotherapy (C‐) 5–15 years prior and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited (time point 1 (TP1)) and followed up for 2 years (time point 2 (TP2)). Study assessments for both time points included neuropsychological (NP) testing with the NIH Toolbox cognition battery and cortical gyrification analysis based on brain MRI.ResultsThe study cohort with data for both TP1 and TP2 consisted of the following: 10 participants for the C+ group, 12 participants for the C‐ group, and 13 participants for the HC group. The C+ group had increased gyrification in six local gyral regions including the right fusiform, paracentral, precuneus, superior, middle temporal gyri and left pars opercularis gyrus, and it had decreased gyrification in two local gyral regions from TP1 to TP2 (p < .05, Bonferroni corrected). The C‐ and HC groups showed decreased gyrification only (p < .05, Bonferroni corrected). In the C+ group, changes in right paracentral gyrification and crystalized composite scores were negatively correlated (R = –0.76, p = .01).ConclusionsAltered gyrification could be the neural correlate of cognitive changes in older chemotherapy‐treated long‐term breast cancer survivors.
Markers of too little effort or too much alertness during neuropsychological assessment: Demonstration with perioperative changes
Authors: Baron‐Shahaf Dana , Shahaf Goded 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveCognitive assessment is based on performance in different tests. However, this performance might be hindered by lack of effective effort on the one hand, and by too much stress on the other hand. Despite their known impact, there are currently no effective tools for measuring cognitive effort or stress effect during cognitive assessment. We developed real‐time electrophysiological markers for cognitive effort and for stress effect, which could be used during cognitive assessment.MethodsWe assessed these markers during the use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) before and after cardiac surgery, which is known to involve cognitive decline in up to 30%–50% of elderly patients.ResultsThe major findings of the study, for the largest group of patients, with preoperative MoCA in the intermediate range, were that the decline is significantly associated (1) with higher preoperative cognitive effort and (2) with higher postoperative stress effect during the test.ConclusionsThese findings, as well as preliminary additional ones, suggest a potential importance for monitoring cognitive effort and stress effect during assessment in general, and specifically during perioperative assessment.SignificanceEasy‐to‐use markers could improve the efficacy of cognitive assessment and direct treatment generally, and specifically for perioperative decline.
Small Molecule Induces Time‐Dependent Inhibition of Stat3 Dimerization and DNA‐Binding Activity and Regresses Human Breast Tumor Xenografts
Authors: Yue Peibin , Chen Yue , Ogese Monday O. , Sun Shan , Zhang Xiaolei , Esan Taiwo , Buolamwini John K. , Turkson James 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAberrantly‐active signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)3 has a causal role in many human cancers and represents a validated anticancer drug target, though it has posed significant challenge to drug development. A new small molecule, JKB887, was identified through library screening and is predicted to interact with Lys591, Arg609 and Pro63 in the phospho‐tyrosine (pTyr)‐binding pocket of the Stat3 SH2 domain. JKB887 inhibited Stat3 DNA‐binding activity in vitro in a time‐dependent manner, with IC50 of 2.2–4.5 μM at 30–60‐min incubation. It directly disrupted both the Stat3 binding to the cognate, high‐affinity pTyr (pY) peptide, GpYLPQTV‐NH2 in fluorescent polarization assay with IC50 of 3.5–5.5 μM at 60–90‐min incubation, and to the IL‐6 receptor/gp130 or Src in treated malignant cells. Treatment with JKB887 selectively blocked constitutive Stat3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity, and Stat3‐regulated gene expression, and decreased viable cell numbers, cell growth, colony formation, migration, and survival in human or mouse tumor cells. By contrast, JKB887 had minimal effects on Stat1, pErk1/2MAPK, pShc, pJAK2, or pSrc induction, or on cells that do not harbor aberrantly‐active Stat3. Additionally, JKB887 inhibited growth of human breast cancer xenografts in mice. JKB887 is a Stat3‐selective inhibitor with demonstrable antitumor effects against Stat3‐dependent human cancers.
Photoinduced Decarboxylative Thioacylation of N‐Hydroxyphthalimide Esters with Tetraalkylthiuram Disulfides
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Cheng‐Lin , Li Yan‐Fei , Zhou Yu‐Jing , Cui Fei‐Hu , Jiang Jing‐Chen , Pan Ying‐Ming , Duan Wen‐Gui , Tang Hai‐Tao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDithiocarbamate is a key structural sequence in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, and its synthesis is crucial in organic chemistry. Although significant progress has been made in related synthesis research, developing a practical and universal synthesis method remains fascinating. Herein, we report a new visible‐light‐induced decarboxylation coupling reaction between N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters and tetraalkylthiuram disulfides, which uses Ir(ppy)3 as a photocatalyst to promote the generation of corresponding decarboxylation thioacylation product‐dithiocarbamates in high yields. This redox‐neutral protocol uses inexpensive and readily available starting material under mild reaction conditions, exhibiting broad substrate scope and wide functional group compatibility. This method can be further used for post modification of complex natural products and bioactive drugs.
Rational Design of Co(II)‐Pyridine‐Decorated Reduced Phosphomolybdate Photocatalysts for Efficient Aniline Oxidation under Mild Conditions
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Li Hui , Xu Na , Guo Yanyan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Xiuli 
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive SummaryThe conversion of aniline to nitrosobenzene (NSB), a key step in the synthesis of important chemicals, demands the development of environmentally friendly photocatalysts that operate under mild conditions. This process is driven by the need for sustainable methods, given toxic nature of aniline and its central role in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. This study reports on the synthesis of three reduced phosphomolybdate compounds with Co(II) centers and polypyridine ligands, which show great potential as photocatalysts for the mild oxidation of aniline to NSB. The synthesis uses 30% H2O2 as the oxidant and the compounds as the sole catalysts, achieving high conversion rates and selectivity without additional additives or photosensitizers. The integration of multidentate ligands with {P4Mo6} clusters significantly reduces the band gap, facilitating visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis. The adsorption interaction between coordinated water molecules and Co ions and H2O2 is found to enhance the conversion rate of aniline, a finding supported by DFT analyses.
Stereoselective Synthesis of C‐Vinyl Glycosides via Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Electrophile Couplings of 1,2‐Glycosyl Orthoesters and Vinyl Halides
Authors: Wang Xin , Chen Anrong , Zhao Shiyin , Tao Qiang , Yang Bo , Zhang Xing , Zhu Feng 
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive SummaryA highly stereoselective nickel‐catalyzed cross‐electrophile coupling of readily accessible, novel, stable oxygen‐based glycosyl radical precursors, specifically 1,2‐glycosyl orthoesters, is developed. This approach offers an effective pathway to synthesize diverse C‐vinyl glycosides, characterized by good yields, excellent stereoselectivity, mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and versatile transformations of the resulting products.
Effect of Obesity on the Use of Antiarrhythmics in Adults With Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Shaikh Fahad , Wynne Rochelle , Castelino Ronald L. , Davidson Patricia M. , Inglis Sally C. , Ferguson Caleb 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity coexist in approximately 37.6 million and 650 million people globally, respectively. The anatomical and physiological changes in individuals with obesity may influence the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs.AimThis review aimed to describe the evidence of the effect of obesity on the pharmacokinetics of antiarrhythmics in people with AF.MethodsThree databases were searched from inception to June 2023. Original studies that addressed the use of antiarrhythmics in adults with AF and concomitant obesity were included.ResultsA total of 4549 de‐duplicated articles were screened, and 114 articles underwent full‐text review. Ten studies were included in this narrative synthesis: seven cohort studies, two pharmacokinetic studies, and a single case report. Samples ranged from 1 to 371 participants, predominately males (41%–85%), aged 59–75 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 23–66 kg/m2. The two most frequently investigated antiarrhythmics were amiodarone and dofetilide. Other drugs investigated included diltiazem, flecainide, disopyramide, propafenone, dronedarone, sotalol, vernakalant, and ibutilide. Findings indicate that obesity may affect the pharmacokinetics of amiodarone and sodium channel blockers (e.g., flecainide, disopyramide, and propafenone). Factors such as drug lipophilicity may also influence the pharmacokinetics of the drug and the need for dose modification.DiscussionAntiarrhythmics are not uniformly affected by obesity. This observation is based on heterogeneous studies of participants with an average BMI and poorly controlled confounding factors such as multimorbidity, concomitant medications, varying routes of administration, and assessment of obesity. Controlled trials with stratification at the time of recruitment for obesity are necessary to determine the significance of these findings.
The blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving searchable attribute‐based encryption scheme for federated learning model in IoMT
Authors: Zhou Ziyu , Wang Na , Liu Jianwei , Fu Junsong , Deng Lunzhi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFederated learning enables training healthcare diagnostic models across multiple decentralized devices containing local private health data samples, without transferring data to a central server, providing privacy‐preserving services for healthcare professionals. However, for a model of a specific field, some medical data from non‐target participants may be included in model training, compromising model accuracy. Moreover, diagnostic queries for healthcare models stored in cloud servers may result in the leakage of the privacy of healthcare participants and the parameters of models. Furthermore, the records of model searching and usage could be tracked causing privacy disclosure risk. To address these issues, we propose a blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving searchable attribute‐based encryption scheme for the diagnostic model federated learning in the Internet of Medical Things (BSAEM‐FL). We first adopt fine‐grained model trainer participation policies for federated learning, using the attribute‐based encryption (ABE) mechanism, to realize model accuracy and local data privacy. Then, We employ searchable encryption technology for model training and usage to protect the security of models stored in the cloud server. Blockchain is utilized to implement distributed healthcare models' keyword‐based search and model users' attribute‐based authentication. Lastly, we transfer most of the computational overhead of user terminals in model searching and decryption to edge nodes, achieving lightweight computation of IoMT terminals. The security analysis proves the security of the proposed healthcare scheme. The performance evaluation indicates our scheme is of better feasibility, efficiency, and decentralization.
Increased Netrin downstream of overactive Hedgehog signaling disrupts optic fissure formation
Authors: Lusk Sarah , LaPotin Sarah , Presnell Jason S. , Kwan Kristen M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundUveal coloboma, a developmental eye defect, is caused by failed development of the optic fissure, a ventral structure in the optic stalk and cup where axons exit the eye and vasculature enters. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway regulates optic fissure development: loss‐of‐function mutations in the Hh receptor ptch2 produce overactive Hh signaling and can result in coloboma. We previously proposed a model where overactive Hh signaling disrupts optic fissure formation by upregulating transcriptional targets acting both cell‐ and non‐cell‐autonomously. Here, we examine the Netrin family of secreted ligands as candidate Hh target genes.ResultsWe find multiple Netrin ligands upregulated in the zebrafish ptch2 mutant during optic fissure development. Using a gain‐of‐function approach to overexpress Netrin in a spatiotemporally specific manner, we find that netrin1a or netrin1b overexpression is sufficient to cause coloboma and disrupt wild‐type optic fissure formation. We used loss‐of‐function alleles, CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, and morpholino knockdown to test if loss of Netrin can rescue coloboma in the ptch2 mutant: loss of netrin genes does not rescue the ptch2 mutant phenotype.ConclusionThese results suggest that Netrin is sufficient but not required to disrupt optic fissure formation downstream of overactive Hh signaling in the ptch2 mutant.