bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐responsive hydrogel‐grafted vessel‐on‐a‐chip: Exploring cold‐induced endothelial injury
Authors: Shen Chong , Li Jiajie , She Wenqi , Liu Aiping , Meng Qin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCold‐induced vasoconstriction is a significant contributor that leads to chilblains and hypothermia in humans. However, current animal models have limitations in replicating cold‐induced acral injury due to their low sensitivity to cold. Moreover, existing in vitro vascular chips composed of endothelial cells and perfusion systems lack temperature responsiveness, failing to simulate the vasoconstriction observed under cold stress. This study presents a novel approach where a microfluidic bioreactor of vessel‐on‐a‐chip was developed by grafting the inner microchannel surface of polydimethylsiloxane with a thermosensitive hydrogel skin composed of N‐isopropyl acrylamide and gelatin methacrylamide. With a lower critical solution temperature set at 30°C, the gel layer exhibited swelling at low temperatures, reducing the flow rate inside the channel by 10% when the temperature dropped from 37°C to 4°C. This well mimicked the blood stasis observed in capillary vessels in vivo. The vessel‐on‐a‐chip was further constructed by culturing endothelial cells on the surface of the thermosensitive hydrogel layer, and a perfused medium was introduced to the cells to provide a physiological shear stress. Notably, cold stimulation of the vessel‐on‐a‐chip led to cell necrosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) collapse, cytoskeleton disaggregation, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species. In contrast, the static culture of endothelial cells showed limited response to cold exposure. By faithfully replicating cold‐induced endothelial injury, this groundbreaking thermosensitive vessel‐on‐a‐chip technology offers promising advancements in the study of cold‐induced cardiovascular diseases, including pathogenesis and therapeutic drug screening.
Adipogenic differentiation effect of human periodontal ligament stem cell initial cell density on autologous cells and human bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Wang Jing , Gu Yingzhi , Sun Yaxi , Qiao Qingchen , Huang Xiaofeng , Yang Kai , Bai Yuxing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStem cells demonstrate differentiation and regulatory functions. In this discussion, we will explore the impacts of cell culture density on stem cell proliferation, adipogenesis, and regulatory abilities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the initial culture density of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) on the adipogenic differentiation of autologous cells. Our findings indicate that the proliferation rate of hPDLSCs increased with increasing initial cell density (0.5–8 × 104 cells/cm2). After adipogenic differentiation induced by different initial cell densities of hPDLSC, we found that the mean adipose concentration and the expression levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (CEBPα), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ) genes all increased with increasing cell density. To investigate the regulatory role of hPDLSCs in the adipogenic differentiation of other cells, we used secreted exocrine vesicles derived from hPDLSCs cultivated at different initial cell densities of 50 μg/mL to induce the adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells. We also found that the mean adipose concentration and expression of LPL, CEBPα, and PPARγ genes increased with increasing cell density, with an optimal culture density of 8 × 104 cells/cm2. This study provides a foundation for the application of adipogenic differentiation in stem cells.
TCF12 induces ferroptosis by suppressing OTUB1‐mediated SLC7A11 deubiquitination to promote cisplatin sensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yanchun , Bai Qin , Pang Nan , Xue Jun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractChemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to effective cancer treatment, and promotion of ferroptosis can suppress cisplatin resistance in tumor cells. TCF12 plays a suppressive role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but whether it participates in the regulation of cisplatin resistance by modulating ferroptosis remains unclear. Here, we found that TCF12 expression was decreased in OSCC cells compared with normal oral cells, and it was reduced in cisplatin (DDP)‐resistant OSCC cells compared with parental cells. Moreover, overexpression of TCF12 sensitized DDP‐resistant cells to DDP by promoting ferroptosis. Intriguingly, silencing TCF12 reversed the promotion effect of the ferroptosis activator RSL3 on ferroptosis and DDP sensitivity, and overexpressing TCF12 antagonized the effect of the ferroptosis inhibitor liproxstatin‐1 on ferroptosis and DDP resistance. Mechanically, TCF12 promoted ubiquitination of SLC7A11 and decreased SLC7A11 protein stability through transcriptional repression of OTUB1, thereby facilitating ferroptosis. Consistently, SLC7A11 overexpression neutralized the promotion effect of TCF12 on ferroptosis and DDP sensitivity. Additionally, upregulation of TCF12 hindered the growth of mouse OSCC xenografts and enhanced the DDP sensitivity of xenografts by inducing ferroptosis. In conclusion, TCF12 enhanced DDP sensitivity in OSCC cells by promoting ferroptosis, which was achieved through modulating SLC7A11 expression via transcriptional regulation of OTUB1.
Osteoking prevents bone loss and enhances osteoblastic bone formation by modulating the AGEs/IGF‐1/β‐catenin/OPG pathway in type 2 diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Yang Yi , Li Rong , Wang Peijin , Zhao Yulan , Li Jintao , Jiao Jianlin , Zheng Hong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractType 2 diabetic osteoporosis (T2DOP) is a skeletal metabolic syndrome characterized by impaired bone remodeling due to type 2 diabetes mellitus, and there are drawbacks in the present treatment. Osteoking (OK) is widely used for treating fractures and femoral head necrosis. However, OK is seldom reported in the field of T2DOP, and its role and mechanism of action need to be elucidated. Consequently, this study investigated whether OK improves bone remodeling and the mechanisms of diabetes‐induced injury. We used db/db mice as a T2DOP model and stimulated MC3T3‐E1 cells (osteoblast cell line) with high glucose (HG, 50 mM) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs, 100 µg/mL), respectively. The effect of OK on T2DOP was assessed using a combined 3‐point mechanical bending test, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of OK on enhancing MC3T3‐E1 cell differentiation and mineralization under HG and AGEs conditions was assessed by an alkaline phosphatase activity assay and alizarin red S staining. The AGEs/insulin‐like growth factor‐1(IGF‐1)/β‐catenin/osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway‐associated protein levels were assayed by western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. We found that OK reduced hyperglycemia, attenuated bone damage, repaired bone remodeling, increased tibial and femoral IGF‐1, β‐catenin, and OPG expression, and decreased receptor activator of nuclear kappa B ligand and receptor activator of nuclear kappa B expression in db/db mice. Moreover, OK promoted the differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 cells under HG and AGEs conditions, respectively, and regulated the levels of AGEs/IGF‐1/β‐catenin/OPG pathway‐associated proteins. In conclusion, our results suggest that OK may lower blood glucose, alleviate bone damage, and attenuate T2DOP, in part through activation of the AGEs/IGF‐1/β‐catenin/OPG pathway.
Favipiravir‐induced bradycardia: A case report
Authors: Kashefizadeh Alireza , Ohadi Laya , Amiri Farbod , Abdolmaleki Maryam , Eslami Vahid , Jafari Fesharaki Mehrdad 
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical MessageThe purpose of this case report is to reveal one of the cardiovascular side effects of favipiravir, sinus bradycardia.AbstractFavipiravir has emerged as a potential treatment for COVID‐19, with its antiviral properties showing promise in inhibiting viral replication. However, concerns regarding its safety profile, particularly its cardiac adverse effects, remain a subject of debate. We present the case of a 58‐year‐old man with a history of diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who developed bradycardia following treatment with favipiravir for COVID‐19 pneumonia. Despite being asymptomatic, the patient exhibited sinus bradycardia, which resolved upon discontinuation of favipiravir. Favipiravir has been associated with QT prolongation and sinus bradycardia, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Our case adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential cardiac complications of favipiravir therapy in COVID‐19 patients. Further research is warranted to clarify the underlying mechanisms and optimize patient management strategies. Clinicians should be cautious for cardiac adverse events when prescribing favipiravir for COVID‐19 treatment, especially in patients with preexisting cardiac conditions. Continued research is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of favipiravir in the management of COVID‐19.
An Overview of Carbon Dioxide Photo/Electrocatalyzed by Titanium Dioxide Catalyst
Authors: Wang Jiaman , Xiong Jing , Guo Hao , Wei Yuechang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in photocatalytic and electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction using titanium dioxide catalysts. The basic concepts of light absorption, electron transport, and reduction processes are introduced in this paper, which also delves into the specifics of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. The paper highlights the key applications and benefits of titanium dioxide, including its strong stability, outstanding light absorption capacity, and good electron transport performance, in the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it examines the impact of various surface modification techniques on catalytic performance, as well as the effects of various titanium dioxide catalyst forms on catalytic activity and selectivity in carbon dioxide reduction. The in‐depth analysis exhibit promising catalytic properties and hold significant potential for future advancements. However, some obstacles still need to be overcome, such as increasing catalytic activity and selectivity while minimizing energy dissipation. In order to improve catalytic performance and efficiency, future research should prioritize the optimization of structural design and surface modification techniques for catalysts. Additionally, the paper provides a scientific foundation for accomplishing sustainable carbon conversion, it also calls for additional experimental and theoretical research into the mechanism of action for titanium dioxide catalyst.
Insulin and Metformin are Associated With Reduced Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Lehrer Steven , Rheinstein Peter H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes (T2D), but not type 1, protected against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In T2D serum insulin is normal or elevated in the early stages. Type 1 diabetes, characterized by a total lack of insulin, is associated with an increased risk of ALS. The antidiabetic metformin also protects against ALS. Connexin 43 (Cx43), an astrocyte protein, operates as an open channel via which toxic substances from astrocytes reach motor neurons to cause ALS.MethodsIn the current study we analyzed FDA MedWatch data to determine whether insulin or metformin could reduce the risk of ALS. We performed in silico molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulation with Cx43 to determine if insulin or metformin dock within the Cx43 channel and can block it effectively, again reducing risk of ALS.ResultsIn MedWatch, Insulin use is associated with a significantly reduced risk of ALS (Proportional Reporting Ratio 0.401). Metformin use is associated with a significantly reduced risk of ALS (PRR 0.567). The Human insulin heterodimer docked within center of the Cx43 channel, effectively blocking it. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the block is highly stable and may be responsible for the protective effect of T2D on ALS. Metformin docks within the Cx43 channel, but the relatively small size of the metformin molecule may not allow it to obstruct the passage of toxic substances from astrocytes to motor neurons.ConclusionMedWatch data indicate that both insulin and metformin reduce risk of ALS. The results of our in silico docking study and molecular dynamics simulation corroborate our previous findings with Cx31. Insulin docks within the open hemichannel of hexameric Cx43, potentially blocking it. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the block is stable and may be responsible for the protective effect of T2D and insulin on ALS.
2D‐MXene composite systems for effective photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds
Authors: Gholap Vishwanath , Subash Alsha , Joseph Tharikha , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe escalating incidence of chronic diseases and infections has driven an increase in the use of antibiotics, raising concerns regarding their disposal and presence in water sources. Antibiotic‐resistant genes (ARGs) can arise in bacteria and other microorganisms when antibiotics are present in the water. Human, plant, and animal physiological processes may be negatively impacted by extended exposure to these substances. Since MXenes are effective photocatalysts and adsorption agents, they have garnered a lot of attention in the wastewater treatment industry. While employing MXene alone typically yields inadequate results, it is advantageous to combine MXene with other materials to generate derivatives or composites. This comprehensive review meticulously examines MXene composites with various materials to enhance their photocatalytic prowess, unveiling composite systems capable of achieving an exceptional degradation efficiency of up to 99%, as exemplified by the UiO‐66/MXene composite and g‐C3N4/Ti3C2 MXene/black phosphorus heterojunction. Additionally, this paper provides critical insights into the intrinsic characteristics, synthesis methodologies, and performance efficiencies for these composites, thereby serving as an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field.
Design, analysis, and implementation of DC‐DC boost converter with new active snubber cell
Authors: Gecmez Hilal Sebnem , Ting Naim Suleyman , Sahin Yakup 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a new active snubber cell for DC‐DC boost converters is introduced for the purpose of soft switching. The introduced snubber cell ensures lossless turning‐on by zero‐voltage transition (ZVT) and turning‐off by zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) of the main switch. Besides, it enables turning‐on by ZVS and turning‐off by zero current switching (ZCS) of the main diode. None of the semiconductor power devices are subjected to extra voltage stress, and all of them operate by soft switching (SS). The converter can successfully maintain the SS even under light loads. Furthermore, the proposed converter structure is advantageous in terms of simplicity and low cost. The operating modes and theoretical analysis of the introduced converter are presented and it is validated using a prototype with a 500 W output power and at the 100 kHz switching frequency. Owing to the proposed active snubber cell, the converter efficiency is achieved as 97.2%.
REDD+ organisational arrangements and potential for sectoral integration: Evidence from Cameroon
Authors: Gakou‐Kakeu Josiane , Di Gregorio Monica , Paavola Jouni , Sonwa Denis Jean 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe organisational arrangements of the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) mechanism have been scrutinised for their capacity to support emissions reduction and promote local stakeholder participation. Yet, whether they facilitate REDD+ integration into land use sectors driving deforestation has received little attention. We assess the potential of the organisational arrangements of the Cameroonian REDD+ scheme to support sectoral integration. We draw on analysis of documentary material and conceptual literature on organisational structures for environmental integration, which distinguishes horizontal and vertical integration mechanisms with distinct features and potentials to foster integration. Our analysis reveals that the Cameroonian REDD+ scheme chaired by the environmental department and featuring a multisectoral steering committee aligns with horizontal integration. Such arrangements would infuse the REDD+ mechanism with the technical expertise of the leading department, but expose REDD+ integration to sectoral resistance and funding challenges because of the limited institutional leverage of the environmental department. The organisational reforms proposed by the national REDD+ strategy featuring the Prime Minister's leadership of the REDD+ process might enhance political support for REDD+ integration, but could expose REDD+ development to the vagaries of political shifts. We propose a hybrid organisational arrangement combining horizontal and vertical integration mechanisms, with the potential to minimise their respective weaknesses, maximise their strengths, and enhance REDD+ integration into land‐use sectors. We recommend further feasibility analyses into the applicability of the proposed arrangement to other settings.
Convenient Access to a N,N’‐bis(2,6‐terphenyl) Substituted N‐Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Twycross Daniel , Tan Justin , Davey Christopher J. , Leverett Anthony R. , Cole Marcus L. , McKay Alasdair I. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe efficient synthesis of a N,N’‐bis(2,6‐terphenyl) substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) is reported. The gain in efficiency and total yield, compared to traditional synthesis, is the result of a high yielding and scalable double Suzuki coupling step, affording a 2,6‐terphenyl aniline, catalyzed by a Pd β‐diketiminate complex. A stereoelectronic study revealed the new NHC to be very similar to the only other N,N’‐bis(2,6‐terphenyl) substituted NHC. Application to the stabilization of Group 13 trihydrides gives acceptable outcomes but inferior to those observed when the bulky IPr* NHC is deployed.
Reconstructive Approach to the Regiospecific Synthesis of N9‐Alkylated Purines
Authors: Savateev Konstantin V. , Gazizov Denis A. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Ulomsky Evgeniy N. , Rusinov Vladimir L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA regiospecific synthesis of N9‐alkylated purines as novel acyclic nucleosides was developed. This approach is based on reconstructive methodology involving the construction of a target heterocyclic scaffold on a readily available 5‐aminotetrazole moiety, which is subsequently cleaved under reductive conditions due to azido‐tetrazole tautomerism. It appeared that the rate of reduction for the azide fragment in 6‐nitro‐7‐alkylaminotetrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines is much greater than the rate of nitro group reduction. Treatment of these heterocycles with hydrogen over a palladium catalyst resulted in the formation of triaminopyrimidines in excellent yields through the reduction of both the azide and nitro group. Triaminopyrimidines were transformed into the desired N9‐alkylated purines, and an analog of the marketed drug penciclovir was synthesized by the developed method.
Chronic fatigue in the general population: Prevalence, natural course and associations with chronic pain (the HUNT pain study)
Authors: Glette Mari , Stiles Tore Charles , Woodhouse Astrid , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Landmark Tormod 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundFatigue and pain are both prevalent and frequently co‐occur. No standard measure of fatigue exists, but most definitions include a continuum between high levels of energy and fatigue. There is limited knowledge about the course of fatigue in the general population and its association with functioning and other health outcomes. Our main aim was to identify trajectories of energy and fatigue in the general population and to investigate whether chronic pain is related to a negative prognosis of chronic fatigue.MethodsLongitudinal latent class analysis was performed to classify 4771 individuals into trajectory groups based on five quarterly repeated measures.ResultsA five‐cluster solution was identified: ‘much energy’ (n = 1471, [31%]), ‘varying energy’ (n = 1445, [30%]), ‘some energy’ (n = 921, [19%]), ‘low energy’ [chronic moderate fatigue] (n = 852, [18%]) and ‘no energy’ [chronic severe fatigue] (n = 82, [2%]). Individuals with chronic moderate fatigue who reported chronic pain had reduced probability of improvement over the following 3 years (OR = 0.67, 95% CI [0.52, 0.88]).ConclusionsChronic fatigue is highly prevalent in the general population and a small proportion have chronic severe fatigue. When chronic pain co‐occurs with chronic fatigue, improvement of chronic fatigue is less likely, indicating that these symptoms may perpetuate each other.Significance StatementUnderstanding the close relationship between chronic pain and chronic fatigue is important as they both contribute to suffering and loss of functioning, may be related to the same underlying diseases, or in the absence of disease, may share common mechanisms. This study highlights the important role of chronic pain in relation to chronic fatigue, both by showing a strong association between the prevalence of the two conditions, and by showing that chronic pain is associated with a negative prognosis of chronic fatigue.
An external focus promotes motor learning of an aiming task in individuals with hearing impairments
Authors: Samadi Zahra , Abedanzadeh Rasool , Norouzi Ebrahim , Abdollahipour Reza 
Published: June 2024

AbstractResearch has shown that external relative to internal focus (IF) instructions may improve motor performance as well as cognitive function (e.g., attentional stability and task‐focus). The aim of the study was to examine the influence of attentional focus instructions on skill acquisition and learning of an aiming task in individuals with hearing impairments. The participants (N = 39, Mage = 17.87 ± 1.88 years) performed a bowling task with their dominant hand to knock down as many pins as possible. On day 1, they were randomly divided into three attentional focus groups; IF (focus on your throwing hand), external focus (EF) (focus on the pins), and control (no‐focus) instructions. Each participant performed 36 trials, divided into 3 blocks of 12 trials. Attentional focus instructions were given before each block, with a brief reminder provided after each 3 trials. On day 2, retention and transfer (further distance) tests were performed. Results showed that while there were no significant differences between groups in the pre‐test, the EF group outperformed both IF and control groups in retention and transfer tests. No significant difference was found between the control and IF. The findings suggest that the advantages of the external relative to the IF and no‐focus instructions may generalize to individuals with hearing impairments.