bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation, properties, and antibacterial application of dialdehyde carboxymethyl cross‐linked sesbania gum
Authors: Jiang Peilong , Tang Hongbo , Li Yanping , Liu Xiaojun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSuitably modified sesbania gum as a biodegradable functional biomaterials was very attractive in many applications. Therefore, a combination of cross‐linking, carboxymethylation, and oxidation was chosen to modify sesbania gum (SG) to expand its use. The experimental results indicated that cross‐linking could be completed not only on SG particles, but also between different SG particles. The cross‐linking decreased the number of surface hydroxyl groups on SG. The sedimentation volume decreased with the increase of phosphorus content of cross‐linked sesbania gum (CLSG). The structure of SG particles was severely disrupted by carboxymethylation and oxidation, while the structure was less affected by cross‐linking. The viscosities of SG and modified SG paste in acidic medium were less than those in neutral medium, while their viscosities in alkaline medium were more than those in neutral medium. Cross‐linking, carboxymethylation, and oxidation could ameliorate the retrogradation of SG, but decrease its swelling power, freeze–thaw stability, acid, and alkaline resistance. The aldehyde groups had good antibacterial activity against Trichoderma harzianum, whereas the carboxymethyl groups and phosphate ester groups showed poor antimicrobial activity against T. harzianum.
Synthesis of a green functional carbon dioxide‐based polycarbonate using bio‐based monomers
Authors: Mao Zhenghao , Wang Wenzhen , Jia Xingang , Liu Yun , Xia Li , Li Leilei , Zhou Li , Liu Xinyi , Chen Huanping , Zheng Xinpeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA PPC‐dodecyl glucoside (PPC‐APG) polymer was synthesized by the terpolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2), propylene oxide (PO), and the bio‐based monomer APG for the first time. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of PPC‐APG were significantly improved compared with those of conventional polypropylene carbonate (PPC), and its glass transition temperature (Tg) was increased by 14°C compared with that of PPC. The 5% heat loss temperature (Td,−5%) and total heat loss temperature (Td,max) of PPC‐APG were increased by 89.1 and 92.1°C, respectively, compared with those of PPC. The tensile strength of PPC‐APG was increased to 25.6 MPa, its elongation at break was decreased to 125.1%, and its thermal elongation and permanent deformation were reduced to 97.2% and 62.9%, respectively, which improved the processability of the material. In addition, the introduction of bio‐based monomers also rendered PPC‐APG functional, and its surface tension reached a maximum of 61.3 mN/m at a concentration of 0.05 g/mL, with a good degradability. The higher surface tension and enhanced degradability of PPC‐APG indicate its potential for application as a plastic printing substrate.
Post‐discharge sedentary behavior and light‐intensity physical activity‐associated stroke recurrence in patients with minor ischemic stroke: A preliminary retrospective observational study
Authors: Ashizawa Ryota , Honda Hiroya , Take Koki , Yoshizawa Kohei , Kameyama Yuto , Yamashita Shota , Wakabayashi Toshiyuki , Yoshimoto Yoshinobu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeEvidence regarding whether reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity levels to prevent stroke recurrence is insufficient. Therefore, this study preliminarily investigated whether post‐discharge sedentary behavior and physical activity levels in patients with minor ischemic stroke were associated with stroke recurrence.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included 73 patients (aged 72.0 years) with minor ischemic stroke from a previous study. The outcome was recurrent stroke 2 years after stroke onset, assessed using medical records. Exposure factors including sedentary behavior and physical activity levels 6 months post‐discharge were measured using accelerometers; patients were classified into the recurrence or non‐recurrence groups. Logistic regression analyses were then conducted to determine whether sedentary behavior and physical activity 6 months after discharge were associated with stroke recurrence.ResultsSix patients experienced stroke recurrence (recurrence rate, 8.2%). The recurrence group showed greater sedentary behavior (recurrence group 68.0%, non‐recurrence group 52.0%, p = 0.007) and less light‐intensity physical activity (LPA) (recurrence group 21.0%, non‐recurrence group 37.0%, p = 0.002) than in the non‐recurrence group. Logistic regression analysis showed that sedentary behavior (odds ratio = 1.083, 95% confidence interval = 1.007–1.165, p = 0.032) and LPA (odds ratio = 0.874, 95% confidence interval = 0.785–0.975, p = 0.015) were independent factors for recurrence of stroke.DiscussionPost‐discharge sedentary behavior and LPA in patients with minor ischemic stroke were associated with stroke recurrence. Results suggest that reducing post‐discharge sedentary behavior and increasing LPA may be crucial for reducing the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with minor ischemic stroke.
Bayesian Hierarchical Models for Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Wang Yun , Tu Wenda , Koh William , Travis James , Abugov Robert , Hamilton Kiya , Zheng Mengjie , Crackel Roberto , Bonangelino Pablo , Rothmann Mark 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIn conventional subgroup analyses, subgroup treatment effects are estimated using data from each subgroup separately without considering data from other subgroups in the same study. The subgroup treatment effects estimated this way may be heterogenous with high variability due to small sample sizes in some subgroups and much different from the treatment effect in the overall population. A Bayesian hierarchical model (BHM) can be used to derive more precise, and less heterogenous estimates of subgroup treatment effects that are closer to the treatment effect in the overall population. BHM assumes exchangeability in treatment effect across subgroups after adjusting for effect modifiers and other relevant covariates. In this article, we will discuss the technical details for applying one‐way and multi‐way BHM using summary‐level statistics, and patient‐level data for subgroup analysis. Four case studies based on four new drug applications are used to illustrate the application of these models in subgroup analyses for continuous, dichotomous, time‐to‐event, and count endpoints.
Amino acid‐based biostimulants and microbial biostimulants promote the growth, yield and resilience of strawberries in soilless glasshouse cultivation
Authors: Ranasingha Ruvini , Perera Anya , Baghalian Kambiz , Gerofotis Christos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe increasing demand for strawberries in the United Kingdom, valued for their flavour, nutrition and economic significance, presents challenges in maintaining consistent production, especially under various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Traditional reliance on conventional agrochemicals to meet these demands is tempered by concerns about their health and environmental impacts, paving the way for eco‐friendly alternatives, such as biostimulants. However, their efficiency in commercial table‐top systems for June‐bearing and ever‐bearing strawberries under glasshouse conditions remains underexplored.Materials and methodsThis study investigated the efficiency of two commercial biostimulants in enhancing the growth, productivity and resilience of two strawberry varieties: ‘Malling Centenary’ (June‐bearer) and ‘Malling Ace’ (ever‐bearer) strawberry cultivars in a soilless hydroponic system within an unheated glasshouse. ‘Vitalnova Prime’ (VP), an amino acid and peptide‐based biostimulant derived from yeast, was applied every 2 weeks as a foliar spray (1 mL/L), whereas ‘Vitalnova Triboost’ (VT), a microbial inoculant with live cultures, was incorporated into the medium post‐transplanting (500 g/m3).ResultsVP significantly enhanced vegetative growth in both cultivars, resulting in substantial increases in number of leaves, crowns, crown diameter and shoot biomass accumulation compared to the control. VT also effectively improved multiple growth parameters compared to the control. Both biostimulants similarly improved crown formation and shoot dry weight in ‘Malling Centenary’. In terms of yield, both VP and VT increased yield in ‘Malling Ace’; notably, VP significantly enhanced the number of marketable fruits by 55% and average fruit weight by 56% compared to the control. Additionally, both biostimulants significantly reduced the occurrence of diseased fruits in both cultivars.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that biostimulants significantly enhance the growth, yield, and resilience of strawberries in soilless cultivation systems within unheated glasshouses. These findings suggest that biostimulants offer a sustainable and promising approach to addressing the increasing global demand for high‐quality strawberries.
A Functionalized Scaffold Facilitates Neurites Extension for Spinal Cord Injury Therapy
Authors: Huang Tianchen , Mu Jiafu , Wu Jiahe , Cao Jian , Zhang Xunqi , Guo Jing , Zhu Manning , Ma Teng , Jiang Xinchi , Feng Shiqing , Gao Jianqing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractScaffolds have garnered considerable attention for enhancing neural repairment for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. Both microstructural features and biochemical modifications play pivotal roles in influencing the interaction of cells with the scaffold, thereby affecting tissue regeneration. Here, a scaffold is designed with spiral structure and gradient peptide modification (GS) specifically for SCI treatment. The spiral structure provides crucial support and space, while the gradient peptide isoleucine‐lysine‐valine‐alanine‐valine (IKVAV) modification imparts directional guidance for neuronal and axonal extension. GS scaffold shows a significant nerve extension induction effect through its interlayer gap and gradient peptide density to dorsal root ganglia in vitro, while in vivo studies reveal its substantial promotion for functional recovery and neural repair. Additionally, the GS scaffold displays impressive drug‐loading capacity, mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes can be efficiently loaded into the GS scaffold and delivered to the injury site, thereby synergistically promoting SCI repair. Overall, the GS scaffold can serve as a versatile platform and present a promising multifunctional approach for SCI treatment.
Superlubric Sliding of Graphene Auto‐Kirigami with Interfaces Containing Self‐Assembled Stripe‐Pattern Adsorbates
Authors: Sinnott Pierce C. , Jadidi Majid Fazeli , Sánchez Daniel A. , Yuan Li , Carpick Robert W. , Cross Graham L. W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractVan der Waals heterostructures formed by stacked 2D materials show exceptional electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. Superlubricity, a condition where atomically flat, incommensurate planes of atoms result in ultra‐low friction, is a prime example enabling, for example, self‐assembly of optically visible graphene nanostructures in air via a sliding auto‐kirigami process. Here, it is demonstrated that a subtle but ubiquitous adsorbate stripe structure found on graphene and graphitic surfaces in ambient conditions remains stable within the interface between twisted graphene layers as they slide over each other. Despite this contamination, the interface retains an exceptional superlubricious state with an estimated upper bound frictional shear strength of 10 kPa, indicating that direct atomic incommensurate contact is not required to achieve ambient superlubricity for 2D materials. The results suggest that any phenomena depending on 2D heterostructure interfaces such as exotic electronic behavior may need to consider the presence of stripe adsorbate structures that remain intercalated.
Nanoscale Metal–Organic Frameworks as a Photoluminescent Platform for Bioimaging and Biosensing Applications
Authors: Gong Lingshan , Chen Lixiang , Lin Quanjie , Wang Lihua , Zhang Zhangjing , Ye Yingxiang , Chen Banglin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe tracking of nanomedicines in their concentration and location inside living systems has a pivotal effect on the understanding of the biological processes, early‐stage diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring of diseases. Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nano MOFs) possess high surface areas, definite structure, regulated optical properties, rich functionalized sites, and good biocompatibility that allow them to excel in a wide range of biomedical applications. Controllable syntheses and functionalization endow nano MOFs with better properties as imaging agents and sensing units for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This minireview summarizes the tunable synthesis strategies of nano MOFs with controllable size, shape, and regulated luminescent performance, and pinpoints their recent advanced applications as optical elements in bioimaging and biosensing. The current limitations and future development directions of nano MOF‐contained materials in bioimaging and biosensing applications are also discussed, aiming to expand the biological applications of nano MOF‐based nanomedicine and facilitate their production or clinical translation.
Multi‐Colored Aqueous Ink for Rewritable Paper
Authors: Das Nikita , Maity Chandan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAs sustainable and eco‐friendly replacements to conventional paper, rewritable paper is a very attractive alternative for communication, information circulation, and storage. Development is made for rewritable paper using chromogenic materials that change its color in presence of external stimuli. However, the new techniques have faced several major challenges including feasible operational method, eco‐friendly approach. Herein, a simple, convenient, and eco‐friendly strategy is described for the preparation of rewritable paper substrate, and multi colored ink for efficient use in writing, painting or printing purpose. In addition, writing with “invisible ink” on the rewritable paper can be realized for potential anti‐counterfeiting application. The written, painted, or printed information on the paper substrate can be easily erased using an aqueous solution. Thus, the original paper can be retrieved and the paper substrate can be reused multiple times. Besides, the written or printed information can be retained for a prolonged time at ambient conditions. Overall, this approach shows the rewritable paper as a prototype of multicolor writing/painting application, offering a sustainable solution for reducing paper waste and promoting environmental stewardship.
Amino‐Induced Modulation of Electronic State and Neighboring Site Distance through Second Shell Boosted Catecholase‐Mimicking Activity of Electron‐Rich Cu Center
Authors: Yuan Meng , Xia Nannan , Hu Xun , He Fei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBoosting the biomimetic catalytic activity of nanozyme is important for its potential application. One common strategy to achieve this goal mainly focused on manipulating the electronic state of metal site through the first coordination shell to modulate the adsorption/desorption strength of related reactant, intermediate and/or product, but remained challenging. Taking Cu‐based catecholase‐mimicking nanozyme for example, this work herein reports a different strategy involving amino‐induced modulation of electronic state through the second shell to raise the electron density of Cu site, which further triggers the repulsion effect between neighboring geminal Cu centers to increase the Cu─Cu distance. The resulting nanozyme with electron‐rich Cu site (DT‐Cu) presents a lower work function and an upshifted d‐band center in comparison with its counterpart (i.e., relatively electron‐deficient TA‐Cu), which promotes the electron transfer and enhances the adsorption strengths of Cu site for O2, catechol and H2O2 intermediate. The longer Cu─Cu distance of DT‐Cu accelerated the O─O bond dissociation of H2O2 intermediate. This expedites the oxygen reduction process during catecholase‐like catalysis, which together with the enhanced O2/H2O2/catechol adsorption corporately boosts the catecholase‐like activity of DT‐Cu.
Mechanoactivation of Single Stem Cells in Microgels Using a 3D‐Printed Stimulation Device
Authors: İyisan Nergishan , Hausdörfer Oliver , Wang Chen , Hiendlmeier Lukas , Harder Philipp , Wolfrum Bernhard , Özkale Berna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, the novel 3D‐printed pressure chamber for encapsulated single‐cell stimulation (3D‐PRESS) platform is introduced for the mechanical stimulation of single stem cells in 3D microgels. The custom‐designed 3D‐PRESS, allows precise pressure application up to 400 kPa at the single‐cell level. Microfluidics is employed to encapsulate single mesenchymal stem cells within ionically cross‐linked alginate microgels with cell adhesion RGD peptides. Rigorous testing affirms the leak‐proof performance of the 3D‐PRESS device up to 400 kPa, which is fully biocompatible. 3D‐PRESS is implemented on mesenchymal stem cells for mechanotransduction studies, by specifically targeting intracellular calcium signaling and the nuclear translocation of a mechanically sensitive transcription factor. Applying 200 kPa pressure on individually encapsulated stem cells reveals heightened calcium signaling in 3D microgels compared to conventional 2D culture. Similarly, Yes‐associated protein (YAP) translocation into the nucleus occurs at 200 kPa in 3D microgels with cell‐binding RGD peptides unveiling the involvement of integrin‐mediated mechanotransduction in singly encapsulated stem cells in 3D microgels. Combining live‐cell imaging with precise mechanical control, the 3D‐PRESS platform emerges as a versatile tool for exploring cellular responses to pressure stimuli, applicable to various cell types, providing novel insights into single‐cell mechanobiology.
Spinal cord nephroblastoma in a Chihuahua
Authors: Benítez Marín Javier , Martínez Martínez Jorge , Carlos Serra Juan , García de Carellan Mateo Alejandra , Ros Alemany Carlos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA 2‐year‐old, male, neutered chihuahua was referred to the neurology service with a 3‐week history of progressive weakness of both pelvic limbs. A myelo‐computed tomography and high field magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracolumbar vertebral column identified a large, focal, intradural‐extramedullary mass in the T12–L1 region of the vertebral canal. Histopathological analysis was compatible with a spinal cord nephroblastoma. The dog was treated with toceranib, but was euthanased due to lack of improvement. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a spinal cord nephroblastoma in a chihuahua and the first report that describes the use of toceranib for this tumour type.
Disseminated abdominal actinomycosis with urinary tract involvement in a dog
Authors: Chrysovergi Eirini , Broadbridge Catherine , Murtagh Kevin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA 2.5‐year‐old, female, neutered, Shih Tzu presented with a 4‐month history of pollakiuria, abdominal pain and lethargy. Physical examination identified abdominal discomfort and multiple palpable abdominal masses. Abdominal computed tomography confirmed multifocal masses, one of which was adhered to the urinary bladder wall, while another was causing right‐sided ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. The dog underwent exploratory laparotomy to perform partial excision of some of the masses and also to acquire samples for histopathology and culture. Histopathology documented severe pyogranulomatous peritonitis and steatitis, while tissue culture yielded Actinomyces viscosus. The dog was treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, based on culture and sensitivity testing, for 7 consecutive months, 1 month beyond resolution of ultrasonographic evidence of disease. There were no signs of relapse 6 months after discontinuation of treatment. This is a unique case report of canine disseminated abdominal actinomycosis demonstrating successful long‐term management following treatment with surgery and antimicrobial therapy.
Introduction: A Masterclass in Dealing with Passive Aggressive Behaviour
Authors: Lopes Carlos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the lead-up to the 31st AU Summit in Nouakchott in July 2018, an unexpected honour came my way. The then AU Commission President, Faki Mahamat, approached me with a proposition that surprised me: the opportunity to guide AU’s efforts in EU-ACP agreements post-2020. These discussions eventually led to an invitation to address the African Heads of State on this topic directly. As I stood before the Heads of State, my message was simple: there was a need to acknowledge the diverse pathways inherent in the European-African relations. While the ACP grouping covered many African States, it might not be the most suitable conduit for fostering a structural partnership with Europe. Subsequent developments proved me right.
Lost Decades or Blessing?
Authors: Lopes Carlos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEconomic depression and stagflation during the late 1970s as a result of the oil and debt crises heralded a new era of economic hardship for Africa. As Western powers grappled with the consequences of diminished energy resources and heightened inflation, Africa's role in the crisis narrative became paradoxically amplified, and the continent was wrongly blamed as the architect of its own economic turmoil. The ‘remedy’ proposed was free-market reforms to be delivered via structural adjustment.In simple terms, structural adjustment linked aid to a set of political and economic reforms that a country had to adhere to in order to secure a loan from the IMF or World Bank. Such free-market reforms were intended to deliver a new socioeconomic dawn to Africa, but instead, the continent moved backwards on almost all indicators. This tutorship approach was maintained primarily by European countries, although African intellectuals and some African leaders contributed to the situation. The lost decades that followed this ill-conceived approach allowed some actors to amass enormous profits and for corruption to thrive while social spending declined, and economic growth stagnated. In this chapter, we explore how foreign, mostly European, influence has endured in Africa even as countries have gained their independence and how late colonialism, characterised by a rent-seeking and extractive approach, and other post-independence economic assistance mechanisms have conspired to limit African nations.
Migration Takes Centre Stage
Authors: Lopes Carlos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBy 2050, one in four people in the world will be African, according to population projections. As such, Africa’s burgeoning youth population could be a boon for the world’s economy, helping to offset ageing populations across the rest of the planet, including in Europe. However, EU attitudes towards African migration are often clouded by a neo-Malthusian lens that emphasises scarcity, incapacity, unemployment, and other negative undercurrents. This view is influenced by the historical legacy of colonisation, a legacy that has worked to undermine much of the work done to address migration between the two continents over the past two decades.In this chapter, we look beneath the hood at how the EU deals with African migration, unpack the actual size and flows of African migration, and explore the moral and political underpinnings of the debate. Contrary to the notion that Africa is a continent experiencing mass exodus, data sets show that Africa’s role in the global migrant population is significantly smaller than other regions. Additionally, we see that a proliferation of initiatives to address migration and a tendency to focus on short-term security measures at the expense of paying attention to the root causes mean that migrants’ needs and rights are often side-lined. This fragmentation of approaches also weakens African agency and undermines the unified, continent-wide framework that the AU seeks to establish.