bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth Phase Matters: Boosting immunity via Lacticasebacillus‐derived membrane vesicles and their interactions with TLR2 pathways
Authors: Sandanusova Miriam , Turkova Kristyna , Pechackova Eva , Kotoucek Jan , Roudnicky Pavel , Sindelar Martin , Kubala Lukas , Ambrozova Gabriela 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLipid bi‐layered particles known as membrane vesicles (MVs), produced by Gram‐positive bacteria are a communication tool throughout the entire bacterial growth. However, the MVs characteristics may vary across all stages of maternal culture growth, leading to inconsistencies in MVs research. This, in turn, hinders their employment as nanocarriers, vaccines and other medical applications. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively characterize MVs derived from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CCM7091 isolated at different growth stages: early exponential (6 h, MV6), late exponential (12 h, MV12) and late stationary phase (48 h, MV48). We observed significant differences in protein content between MV6 and MV48 (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD041580), likely contributing to their different immunomodulatory capacities. In vitro analysis demonstrated that MV48 uptake rate by epithelial Caco‐2 cells is significantly higher and they stimulate an immune response in murine macrophages RAW 264.7 (elevated production of TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐10, NO). This correlated with increased expression of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and enhanced TLR2 signalling in MV48, suggesting that LTA contributes to the immunomodulation. In conclusion, we showed that Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CCM7091‐derived MVs from the late stationary phase boost the immune response the most effectively, which pre‐destines them for therapeutical application as nanocarriers.
Engineered extracellular vesicles coated with an antimicrobial peptide for advanced control of bacterial sepsis
Authors: Ibrahim Usri H. , Gafar Mohammed A. , Khan Rene , Tageldin Abdelrahman , Govender Thirumala , Mackraj Irene 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlarming sepsis‐related mortality rates present significant challenges to healthcare services globally. Despite advances made in the field, there is still an urgent need to develop innovative approaches that could improve survival rates and reduce the overall cost of treatment for sepsis patients. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel multifunctional therapeutic agent for advanced control of bacterial sepsis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma cells) (iEV) displayed an average particle size of 171.63 ± 2.77 nm, a poly dispersion index (PDI) of 0.32 ± 0.0, and a zeta potential (ZP) of −11.87 ± 0.18 mV. Compared to HepG2 EV, LPS induction significantly increases the EV protein concentration, PDI and ZP, reduces the average size and promotes cell proliferation and cytoprotective effects of the isolated EVs (iEVs) against LPS‐induced cytotoxicity. Coating of iEV with a cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) to form PC‐iEV slightly changed their physical properties and shifted their surface charge toward neutral values. This modification improved the antibacterial activity (2‐fold lower minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] values) and biocompatibility of the conjugated peptide while maintaining iEV cytoprotective and anti‐inflammatory activities. Our findings indicate the superior anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial dual activity of PC‐iEV against pathogens associated with sepsis.
Baseline‐to‐loaded changes in regional tibial cartilage thickness, T1ρ and T2: Utilization of an MRI compatible loading device
Authors: Argentieri Erin C. , Pekmezian Ashley , Wach Arden , Zhu Andrew , Bansal Sonia , Breighner Ryan E. , Leatherman Erin R. , Potter Hollis G. , Maher Suzanne A. , Koff Matthew F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate tibial cartilage thickness (TCT), T1ρ and T2 values within both loaded and baseline configurations in a cadaveric knee model using a 3D bone based tibial coordinate system. Ten intact cadaveric knees were mounted into an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible loading device. Morphologic and quantitative MRI (qMRI) images were acquired with the knee in a baseline configuration and after application of 50% body weight. The morphologic images were evaluated for cartilage degeneration using a modified Noyes scoring system. A 3D bone‐based tibial coordinate system was utilized to evaluate regional changes of tibial T1ρ, T2, and cartilage thickness values among regions covered and uncovered by the meniscus. Inter‐regional differences in medial and lateral MRI outcomes were found between loaded and baseline configurations. Cartilage regions covered by the meniscus demonstrated disparate qMRI and TCT results as compared to cartilage regions not covered by the meniscus. The regions covered by meniscus experienced a ~3.5%, ~0.5%, and ~5.5% reduction of T1ρ (p < 0.05, medial and lateral compartments), T2 and TCT, respectively, in both compartments while regions not covered by the meniscus experienced larger reductions of ~10%, ~2%, and ~10.5% reduction of T1ρ (p < 0.05, medial and lateral compartments), T2 and TCT (p < 0.05, lateral compartment only), respectively, in both compartments. T1ρ and T2 decreases following application of 50% body weight load were substantially larger in the tibial regions with modified Noyes grade 3 (n = 2) compared to either healthy regions (n = 85, p < 0.0.003) or regions with modified Noyes grade 2 (n = 13, p < 0.004). Interregional differences in MRI outcomes reflect variations in structure and function, and largely followed a pattern in cartilage regions that were covered or not covered by the meniscus. Results of the current study suggest that ΔT1ρ and ΔT2 values may be sensitive to superficial fissuring, more than baseline or loaded T1ρ or T2 values, or TCT alone, however future studies with additional specimens, with greater variability in OA grade distribution, may further emphasize the current findings.
Novel Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Microvascular Blood Flow for Non‐Operative Management of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis in Children
Authors: Kosaka Seitaro , Toma Miki , Asai Nobuyoshi , Yanai Toshihiro 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesTo determine whether superb microvascular imaging (SMI) provides a more precise delineation between reversible and irreversible stages of uncomplicated acute appendicitis managed non‐operatively.MethodsThis prospective clinical study examined pediatric patients with acute appendicitis initially treated non‐operatively and evaluated using power Doppler (PD) and SMI. We determined case severity, monitor appendiceal blood flow (BF), and appendicitis reversibility. Complicated cases were excluded. Severity was classified using B‐mode as well as PD, or SMI: Grade I, smooth wall/normal BF; Grade IIa, irregular wall/increased BF; Grade IIb, irregular wall/decreased BF; and Grade III, absence of wall/loss of BF.ResultsThis study examined a total of 100 patients with acute appendicitis, after excluding 29 patients. All 10 patients with normal BF on PD (Grade I) showed similar BF on SMI (Grade I). Among 29 patients with increased BF on PD (Grade IIa), corresponding increased BF was noted on SMI (Grade IIa), and all these patients showed full recovery. Of the 55 patients showing decreased BF on PD (Grade IIb), 52 showed increased BF on SMI (Grade IIa). The remaining three patients, identified with an impacted appendicolith, showed decreased BF on SMI (Grade IIb) and experienced treatment failure, subsequently developing abscesses. In all six patients with undetectable BF on PD (Grade III), SMI similarly could not detect appendiceal BF (Grade III), and non‐operative management failed for these patients.ConclusionsSMI offers an objective and effective means of delineating the threshold between reversible and irreversible stages in uncomplicated acute appendicitis following non‐operative management.
Preoperative Ultrasound Radomics to Predict Posthepatectomy Liver Failure in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xue Liyun , Zhu Juncheng , Fang Yan , Xie Xiaoyan , Cheng Guangwen , Zhang Yan , Yu Jinhua , Guo Jia , Ding Hong 
Published: August 2024

PurposePosthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a major cause of postoperative mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The study aimed to develop a method based on the two‐dimensional shear wave elastography and clinical data to evaluate the risk of PHLF in HCC patients with chronic hepatitis B.MethodsThis multicenter study proposed a deep learning model (PHLF‐Net) incorporating dual‐modal ultrasound features and clinical indicators to predict the PHLF risk. The datasets were divided into a training cohort, an internal validation cohort, an internal independent testing cohort, and three external independent testing cohorts. Based on ResNet50 pretrained on ImageNet, PHLF‐Net used a progressive training strategy with images of varying granularity and incorporated conventional B‐mode and elastography images and clinical indicators related to liver reserve function.ResultsIn total, 532 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy at five hospitals were enrolled. PHLF occurred in 147 patients (27.6%, 147/532). The PHLF‐Net combining dual‐modal ultrasound and clinical indicators demonstrated high effectiveness for predicting PHLF, with AUCs of 0.957 and 0.923 in the internal validation and testing sets, and AUCs of 0.950, 0.860, and 1.000 in the other three independent external testing sets. The performance of PHLF‐Net outperformed models of single‐ and dual‐modal US.ConclusionsPreoperative ultrasound imaging combining clinical indicators can effectively predict the PHLF probability in patients with HCC. In the internal and external validation sets, PHLF‐Net demonstrated its usefulness in predicting PHLF.
Impact of long‐COVID on the local and global efficiency of brain networks
Authors: Travi Fermín , Hernández Micaela A. , Bianchi Bruno , Crivelli Lucía , Allegri Ricardo F. , Fernández Slezak Diego , Calandri Ismael L. , Kamienkowski Juan E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeSubjective cognitive complaints post‐COVID‐19, known as long‐COVID, have unclear effects on neural activity. This study explores the neural basis of these cognitive impairments by comparing resting‐state functional networks of long‐COVID individuals to a control group.MethodsForty‐two individuals with cognitive complaints persisting 24 weeks post COVID‐19 infection and 43 age‐, sex‐ and education‐matched healthy controls without a history of infection were studied using resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) and the Uniform Data Set (UDS‐3) neurocognitive test battery (NCT). Neuropsychological scores were adjusted to the mean and grouped into seven cognitive composites. The rs‐fMRI data were partitioned into seven distinct functional neural networks—Salience/Ventral Attention, Dorsal Attention, Default, Frontoparietal, Visual, Somatomotor, and Limbic—and their efficiency, largest connected component, and modularity (Q) were studied.ResultsThe NCT scores yielded statistically significant differences in long‐COVID subjects compared to controls at attention, language, memory, executive, and global composites. We observed significant differences (p < .001) in the global and mean local efficiency of the Salience/Ventral Attention and Global networks, and to a lesser extent (p < .005 and p < .01) in the Default and Dorsal Attention networks.ConclusionsOur findings reveal significant group‐level differences in executive, attentional, language, and memory outcomes, alongside less efficient and organized connections among Salience/Ventral Attention and Global networks.
Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the empowerment scale for pregnant women
Authors: Liu Yanjia , Che Chong Chin , Hamdan Mukhri , Chong Mei Chan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEmpowering pregnant women is a crucial process that healthcare providers should evaluate, as empowerment is a meaningful indicator that can reflect the impact of health promotion and education in antenatal care. The Empowerment Scale for Pregnant Women (ESPW) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring empowerment. The cross‐sectional study was conducted to translate and validate the psychometric properties of the ESPW among 526 pregnant women in China. The forward‐backward method was used to translate the English version of the ESPW into the Chinese version. Reliability was examined with the internal consistency and test‐retest coefficients. Validity was analyzed with structural, dimensionality, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. The Cronbach's α value of 0.97 and the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], [0.96, 0.99]) demonstrated excellent internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that five factors with eigenvalues > 1 explained 68.41% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis verified an acceptable model that fit the data exceptionally. The Chinese‐translated version of the ESPW (CV‐ESPW) had acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. Concurrent validity was supported by the correlation between the total scores of the CV‐ESPW and the Chinese version of the Patient Perceptions of the Empowerment Scale (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). The CV‐ESPW is a valid and reliable assessment tool for measuring pregnant women's empowerment in China and can potentially contribute to evaluating the effectiveness of programs that empower pregnant women.
Integrating polyurethane‐silicone rubber‐nanohybrid systems for improved wearable pressure sensing
Authors: Nabeel Mohammed , Addie Ali J. , Viskolcz Béla , Kollar Mariann , Fiser Béla , Vanyorek László 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFlexible pressure sensors (FPS) are crucial for emerging applications like wearable electronics, human activity monitoring, and soft robotics. This study reports a scalable and cost‐effective approach to fabricate high‐performance piezoresistive FPS based on polyurethane‐silicone rubber (PU‐SR) nanocomposites. The synergistic integration of nitrogen‐doped bamboo‐shaped carbon nanotubes (N‐BCNT) and carbon black (CB) nanofillers within the PU‐SR matrix was achieved via a novel dip‐coating and impregnation method. This technique enabled uniform nanofiller dispersion, enhancing electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. Comprehensive characterization using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta potential, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT) elucidated the structural features and morphological aspects. The optimized N‐BCNT:CB/PU‐SR nanocomposite exhibited exceptional piezoresistive performance, with a sensitivity of 0.4 kPa−1 in the 0–120 kPa range and 0.07 kPa−1 in the 180–1000 kPa range, along with remarkable durability over cyclic loading. When deployed as an electronic skin (e‐skin), the sensor accurately detected various human motions, including finger, wrist, elbow, and knee movements, as well as twisting and stretching actions. This work shows a promising route towards fabricating cost‐effective, flexible, and high‐performance pressure sensors with significant implications for wearable technologies and soft robotics.Highlights
Hybrid Nanocomposite sensors achieve high sensitivity over a broad pressure range.
N‐CNTs and CB enhance piezoresistivity and durability in PU‐SR nanocomposites.
Flexible sensors detect multi‐joint human motions accurately.
Alternative dip‐coating technique ensures uniform nanofiller distribution.
Cost‐efficient sensors design suitable for wearable e‐skin applications.
Chemical and Electronic Structure of the i‐ZnO/InxSy:Na Front Contact Interface in Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Hauschild Dirk , Meyer Frank , Benkert Andreas , Dalibor Thomas , Blum Monika , Yang Wanli , Reinert Friedrich , Heske Clemens , Weinhardt Lothar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe chemical and electronic structure of the front contact i‐ZnO/InxSy:Na interface for Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2‐based thin‐film solar cells is investigated using a combination of x‐ray and electron spectroscopies. Upon i‐ZnO sputter deposition on the InxSy:Na buffer layer, we find an intermixed heterojunction and the formation of InOx and Na2SO4. The window layer is shown to consist of a mixture of Zn(OH)2 and ZnO, with decreasing relative Zn(OH)2 content for thicker window layers. Moreover, we observe diffusion of sodium to the surface of the window layer. We derive electronic surface band gaps of the i‐ZnO and InxSy:Na layers of 3.86 ± 0.18 eV and 2.60 ± 0.18 eV, respectively, and find a largely flat conduction band alignment at the i‐ZnO/InxSy:Na interface.
Registration of ‘Tamcot H12’ cotton cultivar
Authors: Smith C. Wayne , Hague Steve , Tolleson Marshall , Jones Don 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTexas is expected to experience higher night and day temperatures and more extreme and erratic rainfall in the future. Along with the impacts of climate change, the majority of current cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hectarage is expected to have less irrigation water available as the Ogallala aquafer continues to decline. Both of these realities suggest that many of Texas’ cotton producers will return to dryland production which will require reducing input cost, for example, using genetically modified cultivars. Currently, conventional cotton planting seed are about 25% lower in cost per hectare than genetically modified cultivars. Currently, most cultivars offered for sale to Texas producers are transgenic with few conventional cultivars available. The public breeding programs of Texas A&M AgriLife Research develop germplasm with improved traits for private industry and conventional cultivars with yield potential for Texas environments, both irrigated and dryland. ‘Tamcot H12’ (Reg. no. CV‐148, PI 705604) was derived from a complex pedigree involving ‘DP 491’ (PI 618609), TAM 96WD‐18, TAM 91C‐95Ls, and ‘DP Acala 90’ (PVP 8100143). Tamcot H12 performed as well or better than most current cultivars in trials in Texas and across the US Cotton Belt. Tamcot H12 will provide producers with another conventional cotton variety.
Uniformly sized and self‐assembled maleic anhydride/vinyl acetate/acrylamide terpolymer core–shell nanoparticles fabricated by self‐stabilized precipitation polymerization
Authors: Li Jianfei , Zhao Hongchi , Yang Wantai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCopolymer particles containing anhydride and amide groups are widely utilized in oilfields and medication releases because of their high specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and water solubility. Here, the self‐stabilized precipitation (2SP) method was used to create maleic anhydride (MAH)/vinyl acetate (VAc)/acrylamide (AM) terpolymer (PMVA) microspheres. Terpolymer composition was highly dependent on monomer feed ratio and microspheres with diameters in the range of about 228–1048 nm could be prepared by altering reaction parameters. Notably, AM was consumed completely within a short period of time owing to high monomer reactivity, MAH and VAc continuing to copolymerize in an alternating manner. Thus self‐assembled core–shell particle with poly(MAH‐co‐VAc‐co‐AM) as core and poly(MAH‐alt‐VAc) as shell (PMVA@PMV) was readily achieved. PMVA particles can be scaled up to application platforms of hydrogel, oil recovery, and scale inhibition. Meanwhile, this contribution broadened the preparation process of core–shell material and can be applied to interface materials by simple modification.
Quantitative systems pharmacology model of α‐synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease‐like mouse for investigation of passive immunotherapy mechanisms
Authors: Ivanova Olga , Karelina Tatiana 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe main pathophysiological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the accumulation of aggregated alpha‐synuclein (αSyn). Microglial activation is an early event in PD and may play a key role in pathological αSyn aggregation and transmission, as well as in clearance of αSyn and immunotherapy efficacy. Our aim was to investigate how different proposed mechanisms of anti‐αSyn immunotherapy may contribute to pathology reduction in various PD‐like mouse models. Our mechanistic model of PD pathology in mouse includes αSyn production, aggregation, degradation and distribution in neurons, secretion into interstitial fluid, internalization, and subsequent clearance by neurons and microglia. It describes the influence of neuroinflammation on PD pathogenesis and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Multiple data from mouse PD models were used for calibration and validation. Simulations of anti‐αSyn passive immunotherapy adequately reproduce preclinical data and suggest that (1) immunotherapy is efficient in the reduction of aggregated αSyn in various models of PD‐like pathology; (2) prevention of aSyn spread only does not reduce the pathology; (3) a decrease in microglial inflammatory activation and aSyn aggregation may be alternative therapy approaches in PD‐like pathology.
Physics–dynamics–chemistry coupling across different meshes in LFRic‐Atmosphere: Formulation and idealised tests
Authors: Brown Alex , Bendall Thomas M. , Boutle Ian , Melvin Thomas , Shipway Ben 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe main components of an atmospheric model for numerical weather prediction are the “dynamical core,” which describes the resolved flow, and the “physical parametrisation,” which capture the effects of non‐fluid and non‐resolved fluid processes. Additionally, models used for air quality or climate applications may include a component that represents the evolution of chemicals and aerosols within the atmosphere. Though, traditionally, all these components use the same mesh with the same grid spacing, we present a formulation for the different components to use a series of nested meshes, with different horizontal grid spacings. This gives the model greater flexibility in the allocation of computational resources, so that resolution can be targeted to those parts that provide the greatest benefits in accuracy. The formulation presented here concerns the methods for mapping fields between meshes and is designed for the compatible finite‐element discretisation used by LFRic‐Atmosphere, the Met Office's next‐generation atmosphere model. Key properties of the formulation include the consistent and conservative transport of tracers on a mesh that is coarser than the dynamical core, and the handling of moisture to ensure mass conservation without generation of unphysical negative values. Having presented the formulation, it is then demonstrated through a series of idealised test cases that show the feasibility of this approach.
Bisindolylmethanes and Relative Compounds: Synthesis, Green Chemistry, Drug Discovery and Environmental Pollution Control
Authors: Lipson Victoria , Shirobokova Maria , Vakula Volodymyr 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe review discusses methods for the synthesis of bisidolylmethanes and the prospects for using these compounds in the drug design, as sensors in the biomedical research and in the environmental pollution control.