bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidized Melanoma Antigens Promote Activation and Proliferation of Cytotoxic T‐Cell Subpopulations
Authors: Clemen Ramona , Miebach Lea , Singer Debora , Freund Eric , von Woedtke Thomas , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Bekeschus Sander 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in regulating antitumor immune effects and immunosuppression. RONS modify biomolecules and induce oxidative post‐translational modifications (oxPTM) on proteins that can alarm phagocytes. However, it is unclear if and how protein oxidation by technical means could be a strategy to foster antitumor immunity and therapy. To this end, cold gas plasma technology producing various RONS simultaneously to oxidize the two melanoma‐associated antigens MART and PMEL is utilized. Cold plasma‐oxidized MART (oxMART) and PMEL (oxPMEL) are heavily decorated with oxPTMs as determined by mass spectrometry. Immunization with oxidized MART or PMEL vaccines prior to challenge with viable melanoma cells correlated with significant changes in cytokine secretion and altered T‐cell differentiation of tumor‐infiltrated leukocytes (TILs). oxMART promoted the activity of cytotoxic central memory T‐cells, while oxPMEL led to increased proliferation of cytotoxic effector T‐cells. Similar T‐cell results are observed after incubating splenocytes of tumor‐bearing mice with B16F10 melanoma cells. This study, for the first time, provides evidence of the importance of oxidative modifications of two melanoma‐associated antigens in eliciting anticancer immunity.
Mitigation of Humidity Interference by Graphene Derivatives for Efficient Temperature Sensors without Encapsulation
Authors: Šedajová Veronika , Štulík Jiří , Jakubec Petr , Otyepka Michal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTemperature monitoring and regulation are essential in various environments, including modern industry and living and storage spaces. The growing demand for temperature sensors calls for affordable, efficient, interference‐resistant, and eco‐friendly solutions. The challenge of humidity interference in constructing temperature sensors often leads to compromising on the dynamic sensor properties in particular due to the need for encapsulation. To this end, this study introduces a temperature sensor leveraging a carefully designed graphene derivative to mitigate the humidity interference. The material, synthesize through scalable fluorographene chemistry with benzylamine, is optimized in order to enhance its properties, which led to achieving peak efficiency with a minimal humidity impact. The sensor demonstrated full functionality across a temperature range from 10 to 90 °C, with a temperature coefficient of resistivity 8.63 × 10−3 K−1, which is more than twice as high as that of conventional platinum thermometers. Remarkably, the sensor exhibited only a 2% change in resistance when exposed to relative humidity in the range of 20 to 70%. Notably, the sensor continues to give a consistent performance even after six months, which proved its stability. The presented device holds promise for evolving into a fully printed, cost‐effective and reliable next‐generation temperature sensors.
Accounting for spatial variations during photopolymerization of 1,6‐hexane‐diol diacrylate in the presence of oxygen
Authors: El Halabi Alaa , Abdi Kaveh , Vo Anh‐Duong Dieu , Ebrahimzadeh Ardalan , van den Hoek Jasper F. , van der Velden Luuk , Willemse Robin X. E. , van der Linden Marjolein N. , Iedema Piet D. , McAuley Kimberley B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA dynamic model is proposed for photopolymerization of 1,6‐hexane‐diol diacrylate (HDDA) with bifunctional initiator bis‐acylphosphine oxide (BAPO) in the presence of oxygen. This partial‐differential‐equation model predicts time and spatially varying vinyl‐group conversion as well as concentrations of monomer, initiator, oxygen, and seven types of radicals. Experiments to obtain diffusivities of oxygen, BAPO and HDDA are reported. Oxygen‐related parameters are estimated using real‐time Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) conversion data. FTIR experiments were conducted using a range of film thicknesses (), BAPO levels () and light intensities (). The model predicts qualitative trends. Conversion predictions for runs with high intensities () and high BAPO () are accurate with a root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) of 0.04. Larger RMSE (0.13) for runs with lower intensities and BAPO indicates that improved parameter estimates are required. Parameter estimates will be updated in future using a model that accounts for shrinkage during polymerization.
Nerve enlargement in patients with Noonan syndrome: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Draaisma Fieke , Leenders Erika K. S. M. , Erasmus Corrie E. , Braakman Hilde M. H. , Burgers Melanie C. J. , Coppens Catelijne H. , Rinne Tuula , Zenker Martin , Tartaglia Marco , Reintjes Wesley , Voermans Nicol C. , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , van Alfen Nens , Draaisma Jos M. T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNoonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by facial dysmorphism, congenital heart disease, development delay, growth retardation and lymphatic disease. It is caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes encoding proteins in the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Nerve enlargement is not generally considered as a feature of NS, although some cases have been reported. High‐resolution nerve ultrasound enables detailed anatomical assessment of peripheral nerves and can show enlarged nerves. This retrospective cohort study aims to describe the sonographic findings of patients with NS performed during a 1‐year time period. Data on the degree of enlargement, the relation to increasing age, pain in extremities, genotype on the gene level and clinical features were collected. Twenty‐nine of 93 patients visiting the NS Center of Expertise of the Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen underwent high‐resolution ultrasound. In 24 patients (83%) nerve enlargement was found. Most of them experienced pain. We observed a weak correlation with increasing age and the degree of nerve enlargement but no association with pain, genotype at the gene level or clinical features. This study shows that patients with NS have a high predisposition for sonographic nerve enlargement and that the majority experience pain.
Surface Carbon Formation and its Impact on Methane Dry Reforming Kinetics on Rhodium‐Based Catalysts by Operando Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Colombo Riccardo , Moroni Gianluca , Negri Chiara , Delen Guusje , Monai Matteo , Donazzi Alessandro , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Maestri Matteo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA mechanism for carbon deposition and its impact on the reaction kinetics of Methane Dry Reforming (MDR) using Rhodium‐based catalysts is presented. By integrating Raman spectroscopy with kinetic analysis in an operando‐annular chemical reactor under strict chemical conditions, we discovered that carbon deposition on a Rh/α‐Al2O3 catalyst follows a nucleation‐growth mechanism. The dynamics of carbon aggregates at the surface is found to be ruled by the CO2/CH4 ratio and the inlet CH4 concentration. The findings elucidate the spatiotemporal development of carbon aggregates on the catalyst surface and their effects on catalytic performance. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism for carbon formation shows that the influence of CO2 on MDR kinetics is an indirect result of carbon accumulation over time frames exceeding the turnover frequency, thus reconciling conflicting reports in the literature regarding CO2′s kinetic role in MDR.
The application of poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/starch composites
Authors: Yan Xin , Zhou Yuying , Liu Chen , Chen Yujian , Wu Hao , Wang Hu , Zhang He‐xin , Yang Jian‐ming , Yoon Keun‐Byoung 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAntimicrobial degradable materials are pivotal in enhancing food safety, mitigating plastic pollution, and advancing sustainable development. In this study, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) was initially anchored to the starch surface (PMS) and utilized as a filler. Subsequently, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/PMS composites with antimicrobial properties were successfully prepared by melt blending. The results showed that the introduction of PMS filler can improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of PBAT. Compared with pure PBAT, the tensile strength and modulus of PBAT/10PMS composites were enhanced by 25% and 29%, respectively. In addition, the prepared PBAT/PMS composites exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli when the PMS filler content reached 10 wt% or even higher. Therefore, an antimicrobial biodegradable composite was successfully prepared using a facile blending method in this study.
A viscoelastic‐healing suspension sealing material with a double‐network gel structure for improving borehole‐sealing performance
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Zhai Cheng , Zheng Yangfeng , Wu Xizhuo , Xu Jizhao , Tang Wei , Zhu Xinyu , Chen Aikun , Xu Hexiang , Wang Yu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDeveloping a high‐performance sealing material to improve the sealing quality of extraction boreholes is of great significance for achieving efficient coalbed methane (CBM) extraction and safety mining. In this work, a viscoelastic‐healing suspension sealing material (VEHS) with a double‐networked gel structure was developed, consisting of a latex emulsion (LE) and polymeric superabsorbent (PSA) with the addition of fly ash (FA) and sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT). X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and rheometer tests were conducted to characterize the variation in the microstructural characteristics and rheological behaviors of VEHS, respectively. Besides, response surface methodology was utilized to model the relationships between the composition of VEHS and its viscosity and fluidity. The results show that the VEHS's structure is uniformly dense. The viscosity of VEHS, a pseudoplastic fluid, decreases progressively with an increasing shear rate while rising and stabilizing over time. Within the stress range of 10–30 Pa, VEHS exhibits relatively balanced viscoelasticity. VEHS shows excellent fluidity and can form a viscoelastic‐healing coagulated layer that is firmly adhered to the coal wall, leading to a strong sealing ability. The research has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of CBM extraction and brings the advantages in terms of safety, economy, and society.
Discovery and optimization of 3‐(indolin‐5‐yloxy)pyridin‐2‐amine derivatives as potent necroptosis inhibitors
Authors: Lan Yaohan , Ji Yinchun , Peng Xia , Duan Wenhu , Geng Meiyu , Ai Jing , Zhang Hefeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNecroptosis is a form of regulated necrotic cell death and has been confirmed to play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis. The development of necroptosis inhibitors may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these autoimmune diseases. Herein, starting from the in‐house hit compound 1, we systematically performed structural optimization to discover potent necroptosis inhibitors with good pharmacokinetic profiles. The resulting compound 33 was a potent necroptosis inhibitor for both human I2.1 cells (IC50 < 0.2 nM) and murine Hepa1‐6 cells (IC50 < 5 nM). Further target identification revealed that compound 33 was an inhibitor of receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) with favorable selectivity. In addition, compound 33 also exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic profiles (T1/2 = 1.32 h, AUC = 1157 ng·h/mL) in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that compound 33 could bind to RIPK1 with high affinity. In silico ADMET analysis demonstrated that compound 33 possesses good drug‐likeness profiles. Collectively, compound 33 is a promising candidate for antinecroptotic drug discovery.
Development of an eco‐friendly fluorescent probe for mefenamic acid sensing in pharmaceuticals and biofluids
Authors: El Azab Noha F. , Alqirsh Sherin M. , Magdy Nancy , Abdel‐Ghany Maha F. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMefenamic acid, renowned for its analgesic properties, stands as a reliable choice for alleviating mild to moderate pain. However, its versatility extends beyond pain relief, with ongoing research unveiling its promising therapeutic potential across diverse domains. A straightforward, environmentally friendly, and sensitive spectrofluorometric technique has been developed for the precise quantification of the analgesic medication, mefenamic acid. This method relies on the immediate reduction of fluorescence emitted by a probe upon interaction with varying concentrations of the drug. The fluorescent probe utilized, N‐phenyl‐1‐naphthylamine (NPNA), was synthesized in a single step, and the fluorescence intensities were measured at 480 nm using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy with a wavelength difference of 200 nm. Temperature variations and lifetime studies indicated that the quenching process was static. The calibration curve exhibited linearity within the concentration range of 0.50–9.00 μg/mL, with a detection limit of 60.00 ng/mL. Various experimental parameters affecting the quenching process were meticulously examined and optimized. The proposed technique was successfully applied to determine mefenamic acid in pharmaceutical formulations, plasma, and urine, yielding excellent recoveries ranging from 98% to 100.5%. The greenness of the developed method was evaluated using three metrics: the Analytical Eco‐scale, AGREE, and the Green Analytical Procedure Index.
Metabolic engineering combined with site‐directed saturated mutations of α‐keto acid decarboxylase for efficient production of 6‐aminocaproic acid and 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Ye Pan , Xu Xue , Lu Mengqing , Zhang Xinyu , Li Naiqiang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract6‐Aminocaproic acid (6ACA) and 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) are key precursors for nylon synthesis, and both are produced using petroleum‐based chemical processes. However, the utilization of bio‐based raw materials for biological production of monomers is crucial for nylon industry. In this study, we demonstrated that metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli and selected mutations of α‐keto acid decarboxylase successfully synthesized 6ACA and HMDA. An artificial iterative cycle from l‐lysine to chain‐extended α‐ketoacids was introduced into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Then, the extended α‐ketoacids were decarboxylated and oxidized for 6ACA production. Overexpression of catalase (KatE) combined with the site‐directed mutations of α‐isopropylmalate synthase (LeuA) contributed synergistic enhancement effect on synthesis of 6ACA, resulting in a 1.3‐fold increase in 6ACA titer. Selected mutations in α‐keto acid decarboxylase (KivD) improved its specificity and 170.00 ± 5.57 mg/L of 6ACA with a yield of 0.13 mol/mol (6ACA/l‐lysine hydrochloride) was achieved by shake flask cultivation of the engineered strain with the KivD# (F381Y/V461I). Meanwhile, the engineered E. coli could accumulate 84.67 ± 4.04 mg/L of HMDA with a yield of 0.08 mol/mol (HMDA/l‐lysine hydrochloride) by replacing aldehyde dehydrogenase with bi‐aminotransferases. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the biological synthesis of 6‐carbon compounds, since the biosynthetic pathways of HMDA are rarely identified.
An efficient cre‐based workflow for genomic integration and expression of large biosynthetic pathways in Eubacterium limosum
Authors: Sanford Patrick A. , Blaby Ian , Yoshikuni Yasuo , Woolston Benjamin M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAcetogenic Clostridia are obligate anaerobes that have emerged as promising microbes for the renewable production of biochemicals owing to their ability to efficiently metabolize sustainable single‐carbon feedstocks. Additionally, Clostridia are increasingly recognized for their biosynthetic potential, with recent discoveries of diverse secondary metabolites ranging from antibiotics to pigments to modulators of the human gut microbiota. Lack of efficient methods for genomic integration and expression of large heterologous DNA constructs remains a major challenge in studying biosynthesis in Clostridia and using them for metabolic engineering applications. To overcome this problem, we harnessed chassis‐independent recombinase‐assisted genome engineering (CRAGE) to develop a workflow for facile integration of large gene clusters (>10 kb) into the human gut acetogen Eubacterium limosum. We then integrated a non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase gene cluster from the gut anaerobe Clostridium leptum, which previously produced no detectable product in traditional heterologous hosts. Chromosomal expression in E. limosum without further optimization led to production of phevalin at 2.4 mg/L. These results further expand the molecular toolkit for a highly tractable member of the Clostridia, paving the way for sophisticated pathway engineering efforts, and highlighting the potential of E. limosum as a Clostridial chassis for exploration of anaerobic natural product biosynthesis.
Pregnant women exhibit decreased trigeminal sensitivity
Authors: Sabiniewicz Agnieszka , Pieniak Michał , Hummel Thomas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionChemosensory function in pregnant women is far from being fully understood due to the lack of data and inconsistencies between the results of self‐reports and objective studies.MethodsIn the present study in pregnant and non‐pregnant women (npregnant = 14, nnon‐pregnant = 13), we measured EEG‐derived electrophysiological response measures supported by psychophysical olfactory and trigeminal tests.ResultsResults indicate that the olfactory event‐related potential amplitudes or latencies of the P1, N1, and P2 components remain unchanged in pregnant women. In accordance with these findings, no difference was observed between pregnant and non‐pregnant women in psychophysical olfactory tests. However, pregnant women displayed a lower degree of sensitivity to trigeminal stimuli compared to non‐pregnant controls, which was also reflected in the electrophysiological responses to trigeminal stimuli.ConclusionCounterintuitive as they may seem, our findings demonstrate a “flattening” of chemosomatosensory responses. Psychological processes occurring during pregnancy, such as changes in socioemotional perception of odors resulting from the diminished stress response, may provide a background to these results. Overall, the present results indicate the absence of major differences between non‐pregnant and pregnant women in terms of measured olfactory function though chemosomatosensory function of the pregnant women appears to be decreased.
Beyond marginalisation: The changing dynamics of communication post‐COVID‐19 among the female sex workers of Kolkata
Authors: Bhattacharyya Biswadeep 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe lives of sex workers feature varying issues of marginalisation. Regardless of the geographical location and surrounding culture, sex work and sex workers face a huge amount of stigma throughout the world. Over time, this prevailing stigma creates stereotypes that mainstream society reinforces through their attitude and daily discourse. Moreover, the inception of the COVID‐19 pandemic has deepened the inequalities and marginalisation experienced by this population group. This ethnographic research explores the changing dynamics of communication post‐COVID‐19 among female sex workers in the Kalighat red light district of Kolkata. To conclude, the researcher engages in audio‐recorded in‐depth interviews with 15 female sex workers chosen with the help of the snowball sampling technique. The findings of this research add to the almost non‐existent literature concerning sex work and communication and are also helpful to bureaucrats and other policymakers formulating policies for the vulnerable and marginalised. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Multiple system atrophy—cerebellar type: Diagnostic challenge in resource‐limited settings case report
Authors: Azibte Gebeyehu Tessema , Molla Bereket Abraha , Mulate Sebhatleab Teju , Melkamu Selam Kifelew , Ayalew Zekarias Seifu 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageThis case report highlights the challenges of diagnosing MSA‐C in resource‐limited settings. MRI findings like the “hot cross bun” sign can be supportive, but the unavailability of advanced tools like seed amplification assay may delay diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial for proper symptom management.AbstractMultiple system atrophy is a rare neurodegenerative disorder affecting the pyramidal, autonomic, nigrostriatal, and cerebellar tracts. Multisystem atrophy should be considered in adults with progressive motor or autonomic dysfunctions. Clinical manifestations vary depending on the system, including bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, cerebellar ataxia, and autonomic failure. Depending on the initial predominant manifestation, multisystem atrophy is classified as Parkinsonian (MSA‐P) and cerebellar (MSA‐C). Our patient presented with progressive loss of balance, rigidity, slurred speech, choking episodes, and loss of morning tumescence for 4 years, suggesting autonomic and cerebellar involvement. He was diagnosed with MSA after 4 years of initial presentation with combinations of magnetic resonant imaging findings and clinical manifestations. Diagnosing multiple system atrophy in such resource‐limited areas is challenging. The unavailability of seed application tests and biomarkers significantly affected the delayed diagnosis.
An unusual case of ventral spontaneous thoracic epidural hematoma
Authors: Zhou Junge 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageSpontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) rarely occurs. Without early diagnosis, SSEH can lead to the acute onset of neurologic deficits. We report the case of a 65‐year‐old male with diabetes mellitus who was admitted to our emergency department with a chief complaint of sharp and severe pain in the left scapula and behind the sternum. He was misdiagnosed with cardiovascular disease until the onset of progressive bilateral paraplegia and lower limb numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a ventral thoracic SSEH. Surgical treatment to remove epidural hematoma and laminectomy for decompression were performed. Except for urine retention, bilateral lower limb paraplegia and numbness were alleviated postoperatively. Due to the high risk of poor neurological outcomes without treatment or with delayed intervention, timely surgical evacuation of the hematoma and hemostasis are recommended to ensure favorable neurological outcomes.
A case report of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related myositis and cholangitis induced by pembrolizumab
Authors: Yamano Takafumi , Hamakawa Masamitsu , Akaike Yoko , Ishida Tadashi 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageRare but severe, immune‐related adverse events such as myositis and sclerosing cholangitis can occur with immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer treatment. This case report highlights their co‐occurrence after pembrolizumab treatment, indicating the need for vigilance and management strategies in immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy.AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are used in advanced treatment of lung cancer but can lead to immune‐related adverse events. ICI‐related myositis and cholangitis are rare, and their combination has not been previously reported. Here, we report the first case of ICI‐related myositis and sclerosing cholangitis. A patient with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma who received one cycle of pembrolizumab with cisplatin and pemetrexed developed myositis. Treatment with prednisolone improved the myositis, but the patient subsequently developed cholangitis. The patient did not respond to a regimen of prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine, and eventually died due to worsening lung cancer. An autopsy confirmed the presence of ICI‐related myositis and sclerosing cholangitis.