bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic integration of nickel, porous silicon, and thermally reduced graphene oxide for solid‐state hydrogen energy storage
Authors: Muduli Rama Chandra , Nishad Neeraj Kumar , Dashbabu Dinesh , Emadabathuni Anil Kumar , Kale Paresh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSolid‐state hydrogen storage using metal hydrides offers the potential for high energy storage capacities. However, the requirement for high‐temperature operations (above 400°C) and challenges with heat exchange are significant drawbacks. From this perspective, adsorption on porous materials presents a viable solution to these challenges. Carbon nanostructures, such as graphene and graphene oxide (GO) derivatives, are well‐suited for hydrogen storage because of their lightweight nature, low density, and large surface area. However, the primary obstacle for practical applications is the poor storage capacity of carbon nanostructures under ambient conditions. Utilizing a cost‐effective transition element such as nickel as a catalyst offers significant potential for storing hydrogen in atomic and molecular forms by invoking the spillover mechanism. Thermally reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) modifies the surface, providing abundant active sites that attract hydrogen effectively. Porous silicon (PS) enhances the surface properties of graphene sheets, attracting hydrogen to the surface. The current study assesses a synthesized TrGO, PS, and Ni composition to leverage their individual properties for hydrogen storage. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy examines the sheet structure of TrGO (used as the host material) and the incorporation of PS and Ni on its surface. The calculated specific surface area of TrGO is ~450 m2 g−1. X‐ray diffraction is used to identify the various phases in the composition, while Raman spectroscopy measures the degree of disorder within the composition. The pressure‐composition isotherms reveal hydrogen storage capacities of ~6.53 wt% for the TrGO + PS composition and ~2.43 wt% for the TrGO + PS + Ni composition. Despite the decrease in weight percentage of TrGO + PS + Ni due to the higher Ni content, dissociation enhances the adsorption rate from 0.35 to 0.53 wt% h−1.
Preventing radiation‐induced dysphagia and trismus in head and neck cancer—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Petersson Kerstin , Finizia Caterina , Pauli Nina , Tuomi Lisa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundRadiation‐induced dysphagia and restricted mouth opening are common problems among patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of the present randomized controlled trial was to determine if an exercise protocol could prevent swallowing and mouth opening impairment.MethodsEighty‐nine participants were randomly assigned to either an active group performing preventive swallowing and mouth opening exercises (n = 45) or to a control group (n = 44). Outcome measures were collected at baseline before radiotherapy and approximately 1‐month post‐treatment. Primary endpoints were changes in swallowing function according to the Penetration Aspiration Scale and mouth opening ability measured in millimeters. Intention‐to‐treat analysis was used.ResultsSwallowing function and mouth opening deteriorated in both groups, with no statistically significant positive effect of the protocol detected at follow‐up. Among patients who completed >75% of exercises, there was a trend toward better outcomes.ConclusionsPreventive exercises did not improve short‐term swallowing function and mouth opening after radiotherapy.
Preoperative ultrasonography parathyroid gland mapping can improve identification of normal parathyroid gland during thyroidectomy: A propensity score‐matched case–control study
Authors: Yoon Kwang Hyun , Lee Jong Cheol , Song Yong Jin , Kim Won Jun , Shim Myoung Sook , Kim Ha Young , Kim Jin Yub , Noh Byeong‐Joo , Na Dong Gyu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccurate intraoperative identification of normal parathyroid glands (PTGs) is vital to avoid hypocalcemia post total thyroidectomy. Although ultrasonography (US) has been shown to identify normal PTGs, the significance of preoperative US PTG mapping in this context is not well studied. This study evaluated the impact of preoperative US PTG mapping on intraoperative identification of normal PTGs during total thyroidectomy.MethodsThe study involved 161 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between January 2020 and June 2022. These included patients without preoperative US PTG mapping (group 1, n = 91) and those with the mapping (group 2, n = 70). Propensity score matching yielded 61 matched patients from each group. We developed a preoperative US PTG mapping technique combining US identification of normal PTGs with their localization on thyroid CT images. The intraoperative detectability of normal PTGs during thyroid surgery and detectability of normal PTGs by the preoperative US mapping were assessed by the number of PTGs identified per patient and by location.ResultsIn the matched cohort, group 2 demonstrated a higher median number of identified PTGs (3 vs. 2, p = 0.011), a greater proportion of patients with three or more identified PTGs (65.5% vs. 44.3%, p = 0.018), and a higher ratio of identified to expected PTGs (70.5% vs. 60.2%, p = 0.011) than group 1. In group 2, the median number of normal PTGs identified preoperatively was 3, with at least one identified in 95.7% of patients, two or more in 84.3%, three or more in 52.9%, and four or five in 24.3%.ConclusionsPreoperative US PTG mapping identified two or more normal PTGs in the majority of adult patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Those with preoperative mapping showed a higher number of intraoperatively identified normal PTGs, including inferior PTGs, compared to those without. This technique appears to enhance the intraoperative identification of normal PTGs, thereby potentially improving surgical outcomes in total thyroidectomy.
Identification of key genes with abnormal RNA methylation modification and selected m6A regulators in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Wu Fengqing , Huang Hongbin , Sun Deyang , Cai Bingbing , Zhou Huateng , Quan Renfu , Yang Huan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) has been identified as the most abundant modification of RNA molecules and the aberrant m6A modifications have been associated with the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the role of m6A modification in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, we aimed to explore the significance of m6A regulator‐mediated RNA methylation in AS.MethodsThe methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (meRIP‐seq) and digital RNA sequencing (Digital RNA‐seq) were conducted using the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from three AS cases and three healthy controls, to identify genes affected by abnormal RNA methylation. The genes associated with different peaks were cross‐referenced with AS‐related genes obtained from the GeneCards Suite. Subsequently, the expression levels of shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key m6A regulators in AS were evaluated using data from 68 AS cases and 36 healthy controls from two data sets (GSE25101 and GSE73754). In addition, the results were validated through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsThe meRIP‐seq and Digital RNA‐seq analyses identified 28 genes with upregulated m6A peaks but with downregulated expression, and 52 genes with downregulated m6A peaks but with upregulated expression. By intersecting the genes associated with different peaks with 2184 AS‐related genes from the GeneCards Suite, we identified a total of five shared DEGs: BCL11B, KAT6B, IL1R1, TRIB1, and ALDH2. Through analysis of the data sets and qPCR, we found that BCL11B and IL1R1 were differentially expressed in AS. Moreover, two key m6A regulators, WTAP and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C, were identified.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the current study revealed that m6A modification plays a crucial role in AS and might hence provide a new treatment strategy for AS disease.
Association between the systemic immune‐inflammation index and erectile dysfunction: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Di , Chen Fuchang , Luo Quanhai , Fan Wenji , Chen Changsheng , Liu Gang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with inflammation. The systematic immune‐inflammation index (SII), as a new inflammation marker, was applied to predict the risk of diseases. However, no research explores the relationship between SII and ED. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between SII and ED.MethodsRelated data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001−2004. Based on self‐report, all participants were classified into ED and non‐ED group. Weighted multivariate regression analysis the relationship between categorical SII and ED in unadjusted and adjusted models. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to examine the association of continuous SII and ED risk. Furthermore, the association between categorical SII and the risk of ED was evaluated among subgroups of age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Finally, weighted multivariate regression analysis and RCS were performed to assessed the connection between SII and the risk of severe ED.ResultsInitially, data on 21,161 participants were obtained. After implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3436 participants were included in analyses. Weighted multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that Q4 group SII was associated with an increased risk of ED (OR = 1.03, 95% confidence intervals: 1.00−1.05, p = .03). RCS showed SII was nonlinearly associated with the risk of ED, and the inflection point of SII was at 485.530. In addition, subgroup analyses demonstrated that participants in the SII > 485.530 group had a higher ED risk than SII ≤ 485.530 group among subgroups of age ≥50, hypertension, and non‐diabetes. Weighted multivariate regression analysis and RCS found no relationship of SII and the risk of severe ED.ConclusionIn US adults, SII > 485.530 was correlated with an increased risk of ED. While, no significant association between SII and severe ED risk. Additional studies are required to support our results.
Climate risk and trade credit financing: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Jinyu , Guo Xinyu , Geng Yuan , Liu Ran 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUsing A‐share listed firms from 2009 to 2020 as a research sample, this study constructs firm‐level climate risk through textual analysis to examine whether and how corporate climate risk affect trade credit financing. The empirical results show that increased climate risk inhibits the level of trade credit financing of firms. The results are more prominent for those enterprises without government‐enterprise linkages and firms in cities with high levels of environmental regulation intensity and low levels of city trust. Furthermore, mechanism tests suggest that operational risk and information asymmetry are the main channels affecting the above relationships. In addition, we find that the negative impact of climate risk on trade credit financing will weaken firm value. This paper enriches the research on the impact of climate risk on microeconomic agents and provides new perspectives to alleviate corporate financing constraints.
lncRNAs: New players of cancer drug resistance via targeting ABC transporters
Authors: Ebrahimnezhad Mohammad , Asl Sanaz Hassanzadeh , Rezaie Maede , Molavand Mehran , Yousefi Bahman , Majidinia Maryam 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCancer drug resistance poses a significant obstacle to successful chemotherapy, primarily driven by the activity of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which actively efflux chemotherapeutic agents from cancer cells, reducing their intracellular concentrations and therapeutic efficacy. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating this resistance, positioning them as crucial modulators of ABC transporter function. lncRNAs, once considered transcriptional noise, are now recognized for their complex regulatory capabilities at various cellular levels, including chromatin modification, transcription, and post‐transcriptional processing. This review synthesizes current research demonstrating how lncRNAs influence cancer drug resistance by modulating the expression and activity of ABC transporters. lncRNAs can act as molecular sponges, sequestering microRNAs that would otherwise downregulate ABC transporter genes. Additionally, they can alter the epigenetic landscape of these genes, affecting their transcriptional activity. Mechanistic insights reveal that lncRNAs contribute to the activity of ABC transporters, thereby altering the efflux of chemotherapeutic drugs and promoting drug resistance. Understanding these interactions provides a new perspective on the molecular basis of chemoresistance, emphasizing the regulatory network of lncRNAs and ABC transporters. This knowledge not only deepens our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying drug resistance but also suggests novel therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, the intricate interplay between lncRNAs and ABC transporters is crucial for developing innovative solutions to combat cancer drug resistance, underscoring the importance of continued research in this field.
Neuregulin 4 Attenuates Podocyte Injury and Proteinuria in Part by Activating AMPK/mTOR‐Mediated Autophagy in Mice
Authors: Deng Juntian , Yang Qiansheng , Zhu Wanyu , Zhang Yanhua , Lin Meng , She Juyan , Li Jing , Xiao Yuxin , Xiao Jun , Xu Xinyue , He Hebei , Zhu Biao , Ding Yan 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, we investigate the effect of neuregulin 4 (NRG4) on podocyte damage in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and we elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo experiments were conducted using a C57BL/6 mouse model of DN to determine the effect of NRG4 on proteinuria and podocyte injury, and in vitro experiments were performed with conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes treated with high glucose and NRG4 to assess the protective effects of NRG4 on podocyte injury. Autophagy‐related protein levels and related signaling pathways were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. The involvement of the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was detected using chloroquine or AMPK inhibitors. The results showed that the AMPK/mTOR pathway was involved in the protective roles of NRG4 against high glucose‐mediated podocyte injury. Also, NRG4 significantly decreased albuminuria in DN mice. PAS staining indicated that NRG4 mitigated glomerular volume and mesangium expansion in DN mice. Consistently, western blot and RT‐PCR analyses confirmed that NRG4 decreased the expression of pro‐fibrotic molecules in the glomeruli of DN mice. The immunofluorescence results showed that NRG4 retained expression of podocin and nephrin, whereas transmission electron microscopy revealed that NRG4 alleviated podocyte injury. In DN mice, NRG4 decreased podocyte apoptosis and increased expression of nephrin and podocin, while decreasing the expression of desmin and HIF1α. Overall, NRG4 improved albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, glomerulomegaly, and hypoxia in DN mice. The in vitro experiments showed that NRG4 inhibited HG‐induced podocyte injury and apoptosis. Furthermore, autophagy of the glomeruli decreased in DN mice, but reactivated following NRG4 intervention. NRG4 intervention was found to partially activate autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Consequently, when the AMPK/mTOR pathway was suppressed or autophagy was inhibited, the beneficial effects of NRG4 intervention on podocyte injury were diminished. These results indicate that NRG4 intervention attenuates podocyte injury and apoptosis by promoting autophagy in the kidneys of DN mice, in part, by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
Enhanced prognostic evaluation of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: A comprehensive surveillance study incorporating Epstein–Barr virus infection status and immunohistochemical markers
Authors: Zeng Meichun , Jia Qingjun , Chen Jingjing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEmerging biologic subsets and new prognostic markers are significantly important for aggressive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Nevertheless, the high cost of testing limits the availability of these tests in most hospitals, thus making prognostic judgment based on basic immunohistochemical testing, whole blood Epstein–Barr virus DNA (WBEBV) surveillance and clinical features advantageous for hospitals and patients with poor medical conditions. We included 647 DLBCL patients treated in our hospital from January 2009 to March 2023. Non‐germinal center B‐cell like, Ki‐67, and International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores were related to cMYC/B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2)‐double expression. Age, Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded small RNA (EBER) positivity, and IPI scores were associated with mortality. The cutoffs for differential overall survival (OS) of age, WBEBV, Bcl‐2, and cMYC were 57 years, 1514 copies/mL (baseline), 5.89 × 104 copies/mL (treatment), 40%, and 55%, respectively. EBER positivity was significantly associated with a worse OS. Patients with newly defined DE (Bcl‐2 ≥ 40 and cMYC > 55) had a worse prognosis than controls (p = 0.04). We found that cMYC with an optimal cutoff of 47.5 could effectively predict high‐grade DLBCL with an area under the curve of 0.912, and the specificity and sensitivity were 70.7% and 100%, respectively. Our study provides valuable insights into the prognostic factors and biomarker cutoffs that influence OS in DLBCL patients, which may guide clinicians in tailoring treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
People living with HIV co‐infected with the Kaposi Sarcoma‐associated Herpes Virus have a distinct HIV Tat profile and higher rates of antiretroviral virologic failure, more evident among those with Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Suterio Dalila G. , Hunter James R. , Tenore Simone B. , Pimentel Sidnei R. , Galinskas Juliana , Dias Danilo A. , Bellini Débora C. , Ferreira Paulo A. , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractKaposi sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm of vascular origin that promotes angiogenesis and the growth of endothelial cells triggered by the Kaposi Sarcoma‐associated Herpes Virus (KSHV). When associated with HIV, KSHV becomes more aggressive and rapidly evolves. The HIV‐1 TAT protein can be essential in developing AIDS‐associated KS by promoting angiogenesis and increasing KSHV replication. Therefore, we evaluated the genetic profile of the first exon of tat gene among groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV) with (case group, n = 36) or without KS, this later with (positive control group, n = 46) and without KSHV infection (negative control group, n = 24); all individuals under antiretroviral therapy. The genetic diversity, the DN/DS ratio, and the genetic entropy of the first exon of tat were higher in the case group, followed by the positive control group, which was higher than the negative control group. The number of tat codons under positive selection was seven in the case group, six in the positive control group, and one in the negative control group. The prevalence of HIV viral loads below the detection limit was equal in the case and positive control groups, which were lower than in the negative control group. The mean CD4+ T cell counts were higher in the negative control group, followed by the positive control group, and followed by the case group. These results emphasize the negative influence of KSHV in antiretroviral treatment, as well as the HIV‐specific TAT profile among PLHIV who developed KS.
Anti‐oxidant activity of 1‐(1H‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridin‐4‐yl)ethenone, a Maillard reaction product derived from fructose and histidine
Authors: Zhao Kangyu , Long Xin , Li Junle , Wang Ying , Lan Ping , Wang Yong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Maillard reaction involves the interaction of various amino acids and reducing sugars, resulting in food browning. It often produces appealing aromas and flavors. The complexities of the reaction are such that it can be challenging to identify the often numerous and frequently volatile products formed by it. In the present study, we sought to identify and evaluate an unusual product with anti‐oxidant activity arising from a fructose‐histidine Maillard reaction model. The anti‐oxidant profile of this product was assessed by computational means.RESULTSThe fructose‐histidine Maillard reaction products (FH‐MRPs) were generated by heating a 2:1 mixture of the sugar and the amino acid at 140 °C for 2 h. Chromatographically separable fractions, labelled DM‐1 to DM‐8, were obtained using silica gel as the stationary phase and dichloromethane/methanol (DCM/MeOH) mixtures as the mobile one. Fraction DM‐5 exhibited the highest 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and further bio‐assay guided fractionation led to isolation and identification of 1‐(1H‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridin‐4‐yl)ethenone (IMPE) as the active principal, the structure of which was established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic and mass spectral techniques. A mechanism for the formation of IMPE from its precursors is proposed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest this novel heterocyclic compound exerts its anti‐oxidant effects by interacting with DPPH and 2,2'‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. Essentially, IMPE was non‐toxic below 300 ug mL−1, showing a concentration‐dependent free radical clearance capacity and reducing power within the 100–1000 μg mL−1 range, and moreover, exhibiting significant Fe2+ chelating abilities wihin the 50‐200 μg mL−1 range.CONCLUSIONThis study identified the unique FH‐MRP, IMPE, and found that it acts as food antioxidant through the chelation of metal ions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Preparation of Water‐Soluble Polyion Complex (PIC) Micelles with pH‐Responsive Carboxybetaine Block
Authors: Yokota Kaito , Takahashi Rintaro , Ngan Vu Thi , Nishimura Tomoya , Kappl Michael , Fujii Syuji , Yusa Shin‐ichi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA dual zwitterionic diblock copolymer (M100C100) consisting of poly(2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC, M) and poly(3‐((2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl) dimethylammonio) propionate) (PCBMA, C) is synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. A double hydrophilic diblock copolymer (M100S100) consist of PMPC and anionic poly(3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt) (PMPS, S) is synthesized via RAFT. The degrees of polymerization of each block are 100. The charges of PMPC are neutralized intramolecularly. At neutral pH, the charges in PCBMA are also neutralized intramolecularly due to its carboxybetaine structure. Under acidic conditions, PCBMA exhibits polycation behavior as the pendant carboxy groups become protonated, forming cationic tertiary amine groups. PMPS shows permanent anionic nature independent of pH. Charge neutralized mixture of cationic M100C100 and anionic M100S100 in acidic aqueous solution forms water‐soluble polyion complex (PIC) micelle owing to electrostatic attractive interactions. The core is composed of the cationic PCBMA and anionic PMPS blocks, with the PMPC blocks serving as shells that covered the core surface, forming spherical core–shell PIC micelles. Above pH 4 the pendant carboxy groups in PCBMA undergo deprotonation, transitioning to a zwitterionic state, thereby eliminating the cationic charge in PCBMA. Therefore, above pH 4 the PIC micelles are dissociated due to the disappearance of the charge interactions.