bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ewing sarcoma among children 5 years of age or younger: Is it a different disease?
Authors: Nagpal Chitrakshi , Ganguly Shuvadeep , Sasi Archana , Kumar Vivek , Biswas Bivas , Pushpam Deepam , Kumar Akash , Agarwala Sandeep , Jain Vishesh , Dhua Anjan , Yadav Devender Kumar , Khan Shah Alam , Barwad Adarsh , Mirdha Asit Ranjan , Biswas Ahitagni , Thulkar Sanjay , Bakhshi Sameer 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionChildren ≤5 years of age with Ewing's sarcoma (ES) possibly have a distinct disease biology, data on which are scarce. We evaluated clinical features, outcomes, and prognostic factors of ES among children with age ≤5 years.MethodsChildren with ES registered between 2003 and 2019 were included. Baseline clinical and treatment details were retrieved from medical records. Prognostic factors were identified using multivariable Cox regression. Clinical features and outcomes of children ≤5 years were compared with those greater than 5 years by chi‐square and log‐rank tests. Propensity score‐matched (PSM) analysis was done to evaluate the impact of age on survival in the metastatic and localized subgroups.ResultsOut of the 859 patients, 86 (10%) were ≤5 years of age (median age 4 years, 60 males [69.8%]). The most common location was the extremities (37.2%), followed by thorax (27.9%) and head and neck (H&N) (22.1%); baseline metastases were seen in 25 patients (29.8%). The median event‐free‐survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 25.6 and 68.7 months, respectively. Metastatic disease predicted inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.54, p = .018) and EFS (HR = 2.47, p = .007], symptom duration ≤3 months predicted an inferior OS (HR = 2.17, p = .048). Compared to age greater than 5 years, younger children had more H&N and less pelvic primaries (p < .001) and lesser baseline metastases (p = .037). PSM analysis did not reveal any significant impact of age on OS in the metastatic (HR = 1.59, p = .29) or localized cohort (HR = 1.77, p = .09).ConclusionsChildren with ES ≤5 years of age have a distinct favorable clinical presentation. However, age is not an independent prognostic factor for survival outcomes when adjusted for confounders.
Improvement of interfacial adhesion of aramid fiber/polycarbonate composites by surface modification with graphene oxide modified sizing agents
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhu Liangbo , Song Jiyin , Ma Yufang , Kong Haijuan , Yu Muhuo , Chen Chaofeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVarious sizing agents were prepared to enhance the interfacial properties between aramid fiber (AF) and polycarbonate (PC), as well as to enhance the mechanical properties of AF/PC composites. It was found that PC sizing agent, P‐GO sizing agent, and PSi‐GO sizing agent effectively coated the surface of AF from the FTIR and XPS and SEM results. The IFSS and mechanical properties of composites reinforced with fibers treated by the sizing agents exhibited significant improvement, as well as their single fiber tensile strength also improved. Specifically, when AF was treated with PSi‐GO sizing agent, the interfacial shear properties between AF and PC increased by a remarkable 78.69%, reaching 22.89 MPa compared to the original AF/PC composite, the tensile strength of the single‐filament exhibited an increment of 12.4% to 26.4 cN/dtex. Moreover, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength of the composite increased by 5.43%, 77.74%, and 54.71%, respectively. These improvement can be attributed to the GO with a higher concentration of chemical groups and excellent dispersion with modified with the silane agent. These findings suggest that coating the AF with sizing agents can effectively enhance its interfacial adhesion with the matrix, which is useful for its application as the reinforcement in the composites.Highlights
Adding GO to the sizing agent to change the Aramid fabric surface properties.
Silane coupling agent was used to improve the dispersion of GO on the fiber surface.
GO modified sizing agent can improve the flexural strength, tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength of the composites.
Comparative study of oil palm and nettle fibers reinforced chemically functionalized high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Gupta Hariome Sharan , Palsule Sanjay 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe demand of natural fiber reinforced composites has grown enormously in polymer industries owing to their renewability and sustainability and maintaining their performance and properties. In this investigation, two natural fibers have been considered as a reinforcer to develop chemically functionalized high‐density polyethylene (CF‐HDPE)‐based composites. The total holocellulose content of ~85% and ~65% for nettle fiber (NTF) and oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (OPF) make them significant for this study. OPF/CF‐HDPE and NTF/CF‐HDPE composites have been developed and characterized to measure their desirable properties. The structural confirmation suggests reinforcement/matrix adhesion through ester and hydrogen bonds between them. NTF/CF‐HDPE and OPF/CF‐HDPE are thermally stable upto 240°C and 250°C, respectively. A significant increment of ~40% and ~64% in tensile strength were observed in addition of OPF and NTF reinforcer in pristine matrix. A similar observation has been shown in flexural strength with improvement of ~58% and ~83% with OPF and NTF as reinforcer. Among all these composite compositions, the 30/70 NTF/CF‐HDPE composite demonstrated the highest tensile and flexural properties values due to higher holocellulose of NTF. This study demonstrates the potential of OPF and NTF reinforcer to develop natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, which helps respective industries to manufactured tailored made products with desirable properties.Highlights
OPF/CF‐HDPE and NTF/CF‐HDPE composites are sustainable and low cost.
The composite compositions have been developed by extrusion and injection molding.
The composite's mechanical (tensile and flexural) properties have been demonstrated.
SEM and FTIR characterized the composites for the fiber/matrix adhesion.
The composite's thermal stability has been affected by fibers and matrix.
Bayesian Predictive Probability Based on a Bivariate Index Vector for Single‐Arm Phase II Study With Binary Efficacy and Safety Endpoints
Authors: Yoshimoto Takuya , Shinoda Satoru , Yamamoto Kouji , Tahata Kouji 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIn oncology, Phase II studies are crucial for clinical development plans as such studies identify potent agents with sufficient activity to continue development in the subsequent Phase III trials. Traditionally, Phase II studies are single‐arm studies, with the primary endpoint being short‐term treatment efficacy. However, drug safety is also an important consideration. In the context of such multiple‐outcome designs, predictive probability‐based Bayesian monitoring strategies have been developed to assess whether a clinical trial will provide enough evidence to continue with a Phase III study at the scheduled end of the trial. Therefore, we propose a new simple index vector to summarize the results that cannot be captured by existing strategies. Specifically, we define the worst and most promising situations for the potential effect of a treatment, then use the proposed index vector to measure the deviation between the two situations. Finally, simulation studies are performed to evaluate the operating characteristics of the design. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed method makes appropriate interim go/no‐go decisions.
Blueberry extract for the treatment of ischaemic stroke through regulating the gut microbiota and kynurenine metabolism
Authors: Wang Raoqiong , Huang Guoxin , Li Shuangyang , Huang Hanlin , Zhu Guoyuan , Wang Liang , Yang Jinrui , Yang Sijin , Jiang Zhihong , Zhang Wei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough the gut microbiota and kynurenine (KYN) metabolism have significant protective effects against ischaemic stroke (IS), the exact mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Combined serum metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to reveal the differences between the gut microbiota and metabolites in rats treated with or without blueberry extract. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was employed to validate the protective role of the gut microbiota in IS. Furthermore, the interaction between Prevotella and IS was also confirmed in patients. Rats with IS experienced neurological impairments accompanied by an impaired intestinal barrier and disturbed intestinal flora, which further contributed to heightened inflammatory responses. Furthermore, Prevotella played a critical role in IS pathophysiology, and a positive correlation between Prevotella and KYN was detected. The role of KYN metabolism in IS was further demonstrated by the finding that IDO was significantly upregulated and that the use of the IDO inhibitor, attenuated KYN metabolic pathway activity and ameliorated neurological damage in rats with IS. Prevotella intervention also significantly improved stroke symptoms and decreasing KYN levels in rats with IS. FMT showed that the beneficial effects of blueberry extract on IS involve gut bacteria, especially Prevotella, which were confirmed by microbiological analyses conducted on IS patients. Moreover, blueberry extract led to significant changes in kynurenic acid levels and tryptophan and IDO levels through interactions with Prevotella. Our study demonstrates for the first time that blueberry extract could modulate “intestinal microecology‐KYN metabolism” to improve IS.
Dynamic gain adaptive control for uncertain nonlinear systems with actuator and sensor faults
Authors: Hua Changchun , Li Wenwen , Li Hao , Ning Pengju 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article focuses on the adaptive output feedback control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems under unknown actuator and sensor faults. In contrast to existing works, we consider unknown time‐varying discontinues faults and loosen their conservative conditions on nonlinear functions. First, since there is just inaccurate output information is available, an observer based on dynamic gain is conceived to reconstruct state variables that cannot be measured. Second, the dynamic gain is introduced into the design of virtual controller by coordinate transformation, and is employed to construct Lyapunov function to handle unknown parameters. On the other hand, a new global output feedback control algorithm is proposed by utilizing dynamic gain which improves the flexibility of parameters selection on the premise of ensuring stability. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the resulting closed‐loop system is proved strictly all signals are global bounded. Finally, a simulation example is presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed control algorithm.
Social ties and food insecurity in woman‐headed households
Authors: Silva Andres , Sactic Maria Isabel , Monteza‐Quiroz Diego , Schmidt Rivera Ximena 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFood insecurity is a global concern, as set in the Sustainable Development Goal 2. Previous research has focused on the demographics and socioeconomic determinants of food insecurity, while little attention has been paid to the role of social ties. Using a national representative survey of Chile, that includes a questionnaire to measure prevalence of food insecurity and 11 social ties, we estimate the prevalence of four groups using a sample of 70,677 households. Then, we focus on the sub‐sample of 29,203 woman‐headed households, who experience the largest food insecurity prevalence. We use a descriptive analysis, followed by a principal component analysis to aggregate 11 social ties in fewer components to assess the associations between social ties and food insecurity and to identify the ties with stronger impact. The results show that woman‐headed households, without a partner, have a prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity of 32.8%, 30.9%, 24.7%, after none, one and two social ties, respectively. This decreasing trend is also observed in woman‐headed households with partners. We also found that the 11 social ties studied are highly correlated among them; they can be explained by two indexes—economic and education components. In particular, we found that economic and educational social ties are associated to a larger effect on food insecurity prevalence. This study provides evidence for policy‐makers regarding investment on social ties to tackle food insecurity.
Construction of S‐Scheme Alkalized C3N4/ZnO Piezo‐Photocatalyst with Improved Degradation Activity
Authors: Xu Shan , Yu Yan , Chang Liangliang , Cao Baoyue , Ma Wei , Li Meilan , Gong Wei , Wang Xiangting 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe construction of heterojunctions is often considered an effective strategy for achieving visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. In this work, defective g‐C3N4 ultrathin nanosheets were synthesized via alkaline etching method. Subsequently, a S‐scheme heterojunction was constructed between the contact interface of ZnO nanorods and alkaline C3N4 (aC3N4) to promote the electron transfer, resulting in a novel piezo‐photocatalyst (aC3N4/ZnO). The piezo‐photocatalytic performance of aC3N4/ZnO samples with different ratios was studied by adjusting the addition amount aC3N4. In addition, optimum 7 %‐aC3N4/ZnO samples exhibited the highest piezo‐photocatalytic degradation activity under light and ultrasonic irradiation with MB as the target pollutant, exhibiting the 99.89 % degradation rate and 65.68 % mineralization rate within 50 minutes. The capture experiments showed that 1O2,⋅O2− and ⋅OH were active substances in promoting the performance of piezo‐photocatalysis. The mechanism studies indicated that the enhanced piezo‐photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the piezoelectric properties of ZnO and the S‐scheme heterojunction formed at the aC3N4/ZnO interfaces, which provides power for the separation and transport of electron and hole. This work highlights the importance of carefully construction S‐scheme heterojunction and defective structures to precisely understand the catalytic properties, benefiting catalytic design and development.
Adsorption of Ciprofloxacin on Silver‐Coated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Characterization, Optimization, and Kinetics
Authors: Rezaeiarshad Negin , Safatian Fatemeh , Mirshafieean Simin , Torabbeigi Marzieh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCiprofloxacin (CIP) is the commonly prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotic and one of the top ten emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in the world. It can pose a potential health risk if its residues enter the body. In this study, the adsorption of CIP onto magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with silver (Fe3O4@AgNPs) was evaluated. Fe3O4@AgNPs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The parameters affecting the adsorption of CIP on nanoadsorbent were investigated including the adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, the salt content, and mixing speed. The highest efficiency of removal was achieved at pH 6, adsorbent dose of 3 mg l−1, salt content of 1 % (W/V) and shaking rate of 100 rpm. The adsorption process of CIP on the nanoadsorbent followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, the adsorption kinetics was pseudo‐second order and the maximum adsorption capacity was 125 mg g−1.
Optimized Electrocatalytic Adsorption Degradation of Oilfield Produced Water Using New Dimension Stable Anode
Authors: Song Tao , Wang Bing , Fu Yongdi , Cheng Haiyu , Zhang Lijian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this study, we synthesized a novel electrode for electrocatalytic adsorption by fabricating ACF‐TiO2 via the sol‐gel method and binding it with IrO2‐TaO2. The electrode's effectiveness in treating oilfield produced water (OPW) was evaluated using batch techniques. Comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analysis, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, confirmed uniform TiO2 loading onto the ACF surface, preserving structural integrity. BET analysis indicated increased mesopore volume and enhanced organic adsorption capacity without compromising microporous structure. Additionally, FTIR analysis revealed the emergence of functional groups conducive to adsorption and catalytic reactions. Freundlich isotherms and pseudo‐first‐order kinetics best fit the adsorption data. Remarkably, even after five cycles, the electrode maintained high removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and oil content at 91.35 % and 91.12 %, respectively. We further investigated the complex phenomena of material adsorption, electrochemical oxidation, and desorption during electrocatalytic adsorption, highlighting the importance of solid‐phase adsorption and liquid‐phase electrocatalytic oxidative decomposition in OPW treatment. Comparison with similar electrodes and DSA electrodes demonstrated the superior performance and practicality of the IrO2‐TaO2‐ACF(TiO2) electrode. Its cost‐effectiveness and regeneration method further enhance its applicability in real‐world scenarios, emphasizing its potential in water treatment.
Screening and Specificity Analysis of Aptamer Based on MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cell Culture Media
Authors: Yue Jinyuan , Shi Ming , Liu Zhiwei , Li Jian , Li Kun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBreast cancer has been the most common cancer and the most prevalent tumor in women worldwide. However, a rapid, sensitive, and painless test for breast cancer has not yet been discovered. Aptamers, as sensitive molecular recognition elements, which can specifically recognize target molecules and be used in the early diagnosis of cancer. In this study, aptamers of proteins secreted by MCF‐7 breast cancer cells were screened using Med‐SELEX technology. According to the enrichment degree and homology of aptamers, the aptamer family tree was constructed. The structure of the aptamers and the docking results with the targets were then predicted. Aptamer affinity and specificity were determined by qPCR, and the optimal aptamer AY 20 was obtained. Colloidal gold colorimetry confirmed that AY20 had high specificity for breast cancer cell culture media. Therefore, the aptamer AY20 can be used as an early diagnostic tool for breast cancer. The work provides a new idea for the rapid detection of breast cancer.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Properties of Silver Phthalocyanine (AgPc)/Ag Supported on Aminosilane‐Modified Silicate
Authors: Wu Kuo‐Hui , Huang Wen‐Chien , Wang Je‐Chuang , Li Chia‐Ling , Yang Tsung‐Han 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOrganic–inorganic composite antibacterial materials based on AgPc/Ag and aminosilane‐modified silicate (Ormosil) were prepared by sol‐gel processes and an in situ reduction method. The physical and chemical properties of AgPc, Pc‐Ormosil and AgPc‐Ormosil/Ag composites were analyzed by SEM, XRD, NMR and XPS spectroscopy. As a result, Ag nanoparticles were bonded and chelated in Pc‐Ormosil matrix. The morphology analysis of SEM showed that the AgNPs in the Pc‐Ormosil matrix were spherical and uniformly distributed, with a size of about 5–10 nm. These NMR and XPS results indicated that the AgNPs were coordinated with Pc (N−Ag−N) and chelated with Ormosil (−CH2NH…Ag) to form a AgPc‐Ormosil/Ag composite. The antibacterial effects of AgPc‐Ormosil/Ag composites on Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated by inhibiting ring, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and plate counting. The MIC/MBC values of Pc‐Ormosil, AgPc‐Ormosil/Ag‐2.5, AgPc‐Ormosil/Ag‐5 and AgPc‐Ormosil/Ag‐10 against bacteria were 11.0/>11.0, 1.10/1.10, 0.11/0.11 and 0.011/0.011, respectively, indicating excellent antibacterial properties.
Durable TPU/PDA/MXene Fiber‐Based Strain Sensors with High Strain Range and Sensitivity
Authors: Cheng Hengyi , Zhang Xun , Zhang Tao , Chen Yixiang , Yu Dan , Wang Wei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWith the development of the ageing society, wearable strain sensors have great application prospects in the fields of health detection, artificial intelligence, and motion recognition. However, traditional forms of film‐like strain sensors suffer from low sensitivity, adhesion, and impermeability during use, which severely limit their practical applications. To overcome these problems, we propose a strategy to fabricate polyurethane/polydopamine/MXene (TPU/PDA/MXene) composite fibers by wet spinning. Furthermore, the outside is wrapped with (PDMS), giving mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Through a simple and low‐cost wet spinning process, TPU/PDA/MXene fibers are achieved in the preparation of flexible strain sensors, and they can be woven into various forms with good flexibility and comfort according to practical needs. The results indicated that the prepared flexible strain sensor exhibits a high gauge factor (GF) of 57.15 over a large strain range (300 %), which are superior to those of many fiber‐based sensors. Their application properties were also measured by attaching them to fingers, wrists and knees, showing high sensitivity, mechanical durability and chemical stability, and has great potential for wearable strain sensors and flexible strain sensors in complex environments.
Spiro[2.3]hexane‐ and Spiro[3.3]heptane‐derived α‐Amino Acids: Synthesis and Isoelectric Point Evaluation
Authors: Malashchuk Andrii , Chernykh Anton V. , Liashuk Oleksandr S. , Hurbanov Rustam , Lomaka Mykhailo , Tkachuk Hennadii , Granat Dmitry , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAn efficient synthesis of spiro[2.3]hexane‐ and spiro[3.3]heptane‐derived α‐amino acids is reported. The used methods are divided on two different approaches. First of them involves modification of commercially available spirocyclic diesters via monohydrolysis, Curtius rearrangement and functional groups deprotection sequence. Alternative approach was based on Bucherer ‐ Bergs hydantoine synthesis with its subsequent cleavage to the target amino acid fragment. The proposed synthetic schemes offer the desired product in 31–52 % overall yield on up to 22.5 g scale. Acid‐base titration of the obtained spirocyclic amino acids revealed lowered pI values compared to the parent 1‐amino‐cyclohexane‐ and ‐cycloheptanecarboxylic acids.
From Waste to Sensor: Facile Synthesis of a Copper‐Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite as a Colorimetric Sensing Platform for Uric Acid
Authors: Ibrahim Saba , Iqbal Jibran , Shah Mohibullah , Sun Wei , Asad Muhammad , Ullah Majeed , Khan Naeem , Ullah Riaz , Iqbal Zafar , Badshah Amir , Nishan Umar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUric acid serves as a vital diagnostic marker for diseases like arthritis, gout, etc. Accurate quantification of UA is crucial for diagnosis. The hydroxyapatite (HAp), being catalytic in nature, was used as a template for copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesis and for providing surface area for chemical reactions needed for sensing uric acid. HAp was synthesized from waste chicken bones, followed by doping with copper metal salt through calcination. The synthesis of copper hydroxyapatite (Cu‐HAp) nanocomposite was confirmed using different techniques. SEM displayed the nanoporous morphology of the material. The hexagonal crystal structure of HAp was revealed by X‐ray diffraction analysis, and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis showed the successful doping of Cu on HAp. The Cu‐HAp nanocomposite and 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) dye were employed as a new colorimetric sensing platform for uric acid sensing. The fabricated sensing platform detected uric acid with excellent sensitivity (LOD, 0.24 μM) and a wide linear range (1–270 μM). Optimization experiments demonstrated that the proposed sensor performs best at 4 mg of Cu‐HAp nanocomposite, pH 6, with a response time of 100 s. Furthermore, TMB and H2O2 concentrations of 12 and 8 mM were used, respectively. The proposed sensor successfully detected uric acid in physiological samples.