bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MSMEs and economic growth: Fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh for sustainable development
Authors: Dhar Soma , Zaman Kazi Arif Uz , Dhar Bablu Kumar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMicro, small, and medium‐sized enterprises (MSMEs) are fundamental to the economy of Bangladesh, significantly contributing to job creation and poverty alleviation. Securing financing is essential for the growth and development of the MSME sector. This research investigates the entrepreneurial environment in Bangladesh, highlighting challenges and opportunities to enhance youth entrepreneurship. By analyzing secondary data from 2010 to 2022, the study employs a multiple regression model to examine the statistical relationship between MSME financing and economic growth. Gross domestic product Regression Equation Specification Error Test per capita is the dependent variable, loans to MSMEs are used as a proxy for MSME financing, and the unemployment rate is included as a control variable. The results indicate that MSME financing has a substantial positive impact on economic growth, while the unemployment rate has a significant negative effect. The study suggests implementing blended finance funds and a variety of supply, demand, and financial solutions to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Bangladesh, thereby supporting national development goals and sustainable development.
Activated neutrophils: A next generation cellular immunotherapy
Authors: Kumbhojkar Ninad , Mitragotri Samir 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCell therapies are at the forefront of novel therapeutics. Neutrophils, despite being the most populous immune cells in human blood circulation, are not considered a viable option for cellular therapies because of their short lifespan and poor understanding of their role in the pathophysiology of various diseases. In inflammatory conditions, neutrophils exhibit an activated phenotype. Activation brings about significant changes to neutrophil biology such as increased lifespan, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and enhanced effector functions. Activated neutrophils also possess the potential to stimulate the downstream immune response and are described as essential effectors in the immune response to tumors. This makes activated neutrophils an interesting candidate for cell therapies. Here, we review the biology of activated neutrophils in detail. We discuss the different ways neutrophils can be activated and the effect they have on other immune cells for stimulation of downstream immune response. We review the conditions where activated neutrophil therapy can be therapeutically beneficial and discuss the challenges associated with their eventual translation. Overall, this review summarizes the current state of understanding of neutrophil‐based immunotherapies and their clinical potential.
Immunotherapy against glioblastoma using backpack‐activated neutrophils
Authors: Fukuta Tatsuya , Kumbhojkar Ninad , Prakash Supriya , Shaha Suyog , Silva‐Candal A. Da , Park Kyung Soo , Mitragotri Samir 
Published: August 2024

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent new therapeutic candidates against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM); however, their efficacy is clinically limited due to both local and systemic immunosuppressive environments. Hence, therapeutic approaches that stimulate local and systemic immune environments can improve the efficacy of ICIs. Here, we report an adoptive cell therapy employing neutrophils (NE) that are activated via surface attachment of drug‐free disk‐shaped backpacks, termed Cyto‐Adhesive Micro‐Patches (CAMPs) for treating GBM. CAMP‐adhered neutrophils (NE/CAMPs) significantly improved the efficacy of an anti‐PD1 antibody (aPD‐1) in a subcutaneous murine GBM model (GL261). A combination of NE/CAMPs and aPD‐1 completely regressed subcutaneous GL261 tumors in mice. The efficacy of NE/CAMPs against GBM was also tested in an orthotopic GL261 model. Neutrophil's ability to migrate into the brain was not affected by CAMP attachment, and intracerebral NE/CAMP accumulation was observed in mice‐bearing orthotopic GBM. The combination treatment of NE/CAMPs and aPD‐1 activated systemic immune responses mediated by T cells and showed improved therapeutic responses compared with aPD‐1 alone in the orthotopic GBM model. These results suggest that immunomodulation with NE/CAMPs offers a potential approach for the treatment of GBM by combination with ICIs.
Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy was associated with better short‐term survival of patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Duan Xiaofeng , Zhao Fangdong , Shang Xiaobin , Yue Jie , Chen Chuangui , Ma Zhao , Chen Zuoyu , Zhang Chen , Pang Qingsong , Zhang Wencheng , Abbas Abbas E. , Jiang Hongjing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe chemotherapy and immunotherapy combination is currently the primary strategy to treat metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCIT) is being intensively investigated for treating locally advanced ESCC.ObjectiveWe compared the efficacy and safety of NCIT and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) to treat locally advanced ESCC.MethodsWe included 214 locally advanced ESCC patients who were administered neoadjuvant therapy from May 2014 to April 2022. The patients were grouped according to two neoadjuvant protocols (NCIT and NCRT) routinely used at our institution. Perioperative findings, pathological results, and survival data were compared between the two groups by conducting unmatched and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analyses.ResultsFollowing 1:1 PSM analysis of the confounders, 66 patients were allocated to each of the two groups. Time span between neoadjuvant therapy completion and esophagectomy was significantly longer after NCRT than that after NCIT (47.1 ± 13.2 days vs. 34.7 ± 8.8 days; p < 0.001). The NCIT group exhibited significantly greater number of harvested lymph nodes than the NCRT group (33.6 ± 12.7 vs. 21.7 ± 10.2; p < 0.001). The pathological complete response and major pathological response rates were similar between the two groups [NCIT group: 25.8% (17/66) and 62.1% (41/66), respectively; NCRT group: 27.3% (18/66) and 56.1% (37/66), respectively (p > 0.05)]. The overall incidence of pneumonia, anastomotic leakage, or postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. The 2‐year cumulative overall survival rates and the 2‐year disease‐free survival rates of the NCIT and NCRT groups were 80.2% and 62.2%, respectively (p = 0.029) and 70.0% and 50.8%, respectively (p = 0.023).ConclusionIn locally advanced ESCC patients, short‐term survival after NCIT is superior to that after NCRT, with similar perioperative and pathological outcomes.
Initial ribociclib plus endocrine therapy for HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer in pre‐ and postmenopausal Chinese women: Primary results from a phase 2 randomized study
Authors: Shao Zhimin , Tong Zhongsheng , Liu Qiang , Li Wei , Cai Li , Shen Kunwei , Li Huiping , Wang Chuan , Yang Jin , Song Zhenchuan , Wang Shui , Luo Ting , Zhao Wenhe , Wang Haibo , Pan Yueyin , Nie Jianyun , Zeng Xiaohua , Bai Yanqing , Chiang Wendy , Guarnaccia Valeria , Bi Yu , Xu Binghe 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe MONALEESA‐7 and ‐2 phase 3 randomized trials demonstrated a statistically significant progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) benefit with initial ribociclib + endocrine therapy (ET) versus placebo + ET in pre‐ and postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC), respectively. Similar trends were observed in Asian subgroup analyses. This phase 2 bridging study of initial ET + ribociclib enrolled pre‐ and postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2– ABC from China and was conducted to demonstrate consistency of PFS results in a Chinese population relative to the global MONALEESA‐7 and ‐2 studies.MethodsPatients were randomized (1:1) to ET (nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor + goserelin for premenopausal patients; letrozole for postmenopausal patients) + either ribociclib or placebo. The primary endpoint was investigator‐assessed PFS.ResultsAs of April 25, 2022, the median follow‐up was 34.7 months in both cohorts. In the premenopausal cohort, median PFS was 27.6 months in the ribociclib arm (n = 79) versus 14.7 months in the placebo arm (n = 77) (hazard ratio 0.67 [95% CI: 0.45, 1.01]). In the postmenopausal cohort, median PFS was not reached in the ribociclib arm versus 18.5 months in the placebo arm (n = 77 in each arm) (hazard ratio 0.40 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.62]). Data also suggested improvements in secondary efficacy endpoints, although OS data were not mature. The safety profile in this population was consistent with that in global studies.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate a favorable benefit–risk profile for ribociclib + ET in Chinese patients.
Bioassay‐Guided Fractionation of Anti‐Leishmania Amazonensis Extracts from Ampelozizyphus Amazonicus by High‐Speed Countercurrent Chromatography
Authors: Mendonça Simony Carvalho , Rangel de Paula Leonardo , Soares Deivid Costa , do Nascimento Alan Menezes , Freire Campos Mariana , Gomes Brendo Araujo , da Fonseca Thamirys Silva , Simas Rosineide Costa , Saraiva Elvira Maria , Leitão Suzana Guimarães , Leitão Gilda Guimarães 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAmpelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke, known as “saracura‐mirá” in the Amazon rainforest, is valued for its traditional use in malaria prevention and treatment. The plant's roots and bark are employed for these purposes, while the wood is often overlooked. Given the global importance of leishmaniasis, this research focused on A. amazonicus anti‐Leishmania amazonensis potential. The ethyl acetate extract from the bark (EAEB) exhibited the most effective inhibition of intracellular amastigote growth with IC50 7.0 μg mL−1 but showed high toxicity (CC50 9.0 μg mL−1). The wood ethanol (EW) and ethyl acetate (EAEW) extracts demonstrated promising results against L. amazonensis with IC50 15.8 μg mL−1 and 10.0 μg mL−1, CC50 50.5 μg mL−1 and 22.7 μg mL−1, respectively, with EW showing the greatest promise. High‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) off‐line detection was employed for the bioassay‐guided fractionation of EAEB and EAEW using HEMWat as a solvent system. These extracts showed to be rich in saponins and triterpenes, besides the presence of glycosylated flavonoids recently reported as minor compounds. The fractions obtained from HSCCC showed high toxicity. However, this technique proved effective in obtaining fractions with a high purity level, leading to the identification of a di‐glycosylated triterpene saponin from EAEB, and melaleucic acid from EAEW. These findings highlight A. amazonicus as a potential source for developing new therapeutic alternatives for leishmaniasis and HSCCC as a technique enabling better separation efficiency of complex saponin matrices.
Novel Coumarin‐Steroid/Terpenoid Hybrids: In Vitro and In Silico Anticancer Studies
Authors: Martínez‐Lara Rosa I. , Cobos‐Ontiveros Luis A. , Meza‐Ireta Silvia A. , Martínez‐Montiel Mónica , Colín‐Lozano Blanca , Puerta Adrián , Padrón José M. , López Óscar , Vega‐Báez José Luis , Merino‐Montiel Penélope , Montiel‐Smith Sara 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe have synthesized a series of novel coumarin‐steroid and triterpenoid hybrids and evaluated their potential anticancer activity through molecular docking calculations and in vitro antiproliferative assays. These hybrids, derived from estrone and oleanolic acid, were linked via hydrocarbon spacers of varying lengths. Molecular docking studies against human aromatase revealed strong interactions, particularly for compound 11d, which exhibited significant binding affinity (−12.6308 kcal/mol). In vitro assays demonstrated that compounds 6b and 11d had notable antiproliferative effects, with GI50 values of 5.4 and 7.0 μM against WiDr (colon) and HeLa (cervix) cancer cells, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of these hybrids as novel anticancer agents targeting aromatase, warranting further investigation and optimization.
Oral Administration of Kaempferol Isolated from Baccharis Mattogrosensis Enables In Vivo Activity Against Schistosoma Mansoni
Authors: Albuquerque Mara Marcia S. , Luz Rebecca Lustosa S. A. , Rodrigues Vinícius C. , Roquini Daniel B. , Umehara Eric , de Moraes Josué , Branco Alexsandro , Lago João Henrique G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBaccharis mattogrosensis is a species from Asteraceae which has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to treatment of several illnesses, including those caused by parasites. In the present work, the MeOH extract of aerial parts of B. mattogrosensis was subjected to chromatographic fractionation to afford three flavonoids: apigenin (1), quercetin (2), and kaempferol (3) as well as a mixture three chlorogenic acids: 3,4‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic (4), 3,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic (5), and 4,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic (6) acids. When tested in vitro, kaempferol (3) exhibited activity against Schistosoma mansoni with EC50=81.86 μM, whereas compounds 1, 2, 4–6 showed to be inactives. Considering this result, the effects of kaempferol (3) against S. mansoni infection using an experimental approach (in vivo assay) was tested at first time. Using a single oral dose (400 mg/kg) of kaempferol (3) to S. mansoni‐infected mice reduced the worm burden by 25.5 %. Similarly, the number of eggs, which are responsible for a variety of pathologies and transmission of schistosomiasis, was decreased by 28.8 % in treated mice. Collectively, although kaempferol (3) is partially active when administered orally in a mouse model of schistosomiasis, our results suggest that this compound could be, in future studies, administered in different forms, such as nanoformulation.
Mycobolome of Phialomyces Macrosporus Across OSMAC‐Based Assorted Culture Media
Authors: de Jesus Vitória Evelyn Teles , Alvarenga Yasmin , Boffo Elisangela F. , Geris Regina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe fungus Phialomyces macrosporus was cultured using the One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC) strategies to evaluate its metabolome. Variations in the nutrient culture media, culture regime, and cultivation parameters can significantly influence fungal extract quantity and chemical diversity. This study aimed to explore the mycobolome of P. macrosporus in five different culture media and two different cultivation conditions using NMR‐based metabolomics. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 1H‐NMR spectra revealed clear differentiation between these samples, highlighting the rice dextrose agar medium (RDA) and potato dextrose broth (PDB) as standard complex media for conducting a fungal metabolite screening program.
Use of dual‐lumen microcatheter pullback injection in complex percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Le Quang , Hirai Taishi , Lombardi William L. , Azzalini Lorenzo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDual‐lumen microcatheters (DLMC) are utilized in challenging wiring scenarios as well as for contrast and medication injections. Nonetheless, lesion characterization remains extremely challenging in many cases. We describe a DLMC‐facilitated technique which can assist in locating the distal anastomosis while navigating an occluded bypass graft during retrograde chronic total occlusion recanalization, as well as in the differential diagnosis of abrupt vessel closure. This “DLMC Pullback Injection” technique is performed by injecting contrast through the over‐the‐wire port of the DLMC, while the latter is quickly pulled back across the region of interest in a dynamic fashion. We believe this technique has the potential to solve challenging scenarios and to enrich the complex percutaneous coronary intervention operator's armamentarium.
Right pulmonary artery originating from the ascending aorta with tetralogy of fallot and pulmonary atresia
Authors: Rorris Filippos‐Paschalis , Kanakis Meletios , Samanidis George , Tsoutsinos Alexandros , Lioulias Achilleas , Bobos Dimitrios 
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical MessageAnomalous origin of right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare congenital heart malformation that results in early infant mortality. These patients are at risk for the early development of significant pulmonary hypertension. The surgical management during the early period of life is imperative.AbstractAnomalous pulmonary artery originating from the ascending aorta (often called hemitruncus) is a rare congenital cardiac defect requiring immediate management in the neonatal period. We report a case of a rare variant of anomalous right pulmonary artery originating from the ascending aorta in combination with pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot. The above‐mentioned combination makes the surgical management of such cardiac defect exceedingly demanding.
Surgical management of huge paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in a 20‐year‐old male: Case report and literature review
Authors: Nhungo Charles John , Mtafu Naomi Herbert , Mhaya Joachim Kulwa , Mushi Fransia Arda , Mtaturu Gabriel , Ngaiza Advera Isaac , Mwanga Ally Hamis , Mkony Charles A. 
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical MessageEarly diagnosis and aggressive treatment of testicular rhabdomyosarcomas including surgery and chemotherapy significantly reduce local recurrence and improve survival rates in young adults with metastases. Adjuvant chemotherapy is highly recommended to enhances prognosis and survival outcomes.
Successful immunosuppressive drug‐free immune tolerance induction in hemophilia B with inhibitor and anaphylaxis to factor IX: A case report
Authors: Palomo Bravo Ángeles , Prieto Bonilla Rosario , Bardan Rebollar Daniel , López‐Jaime Francisco José , Fernández‐Bello Ihosvany 
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical MessageRecommendations advise factor IX desensitization before immune tolerance induction in severe hemophilia B, supported by immunosuppression. A child with inhibitor and anaphylaxis to factor IX showed successful immunosuppression‐free immune tolerance induction using very low and slowly increasing doses of a factor IX extended‐half‐life product. Immune tolerance to factor IX based on this protocol merits further study.
Micellar (Photo−)Catalysis Driven by IR‐Active Semiconductor Surfactants
Authors: Polarz Sebastian , Jaschke Marian , Siroky Stephan , Kalies Stefan , Weber Nils , Heisterkamp Alexander 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn micellar catalysis, one uses aggregates formed by surfactants as nanoreactors for performing chemical reactions. A special class of tailor‐made surfactants containing catalytically active sites opens new perspectives in micellar catalysis. Little is known about the combination of such surfactants with photocatalysis. Molecular semiconductors are presented, which simultaneously have amphiphilic properties and are made of a hydrophilic fullerenol head group attached to dye molecules as the hydrophobic entity. The first generation of those surfactants produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to light in the UV/Vis range. The concept of the current paper is that one can drive the photocatalytic process also using low‐energy photons in the near‐infrared region. For this purpose, NIR‐active dye molecules were selected and attached to the fullerenol head. It is shown that a fullerenol ‐ aminostilbene compound representing the second generation of semiconductor surfactants fulfills all requirements. It forms aggregates in water that are catalytically active. Moreover, two‐photon experiments with λ=780 nm were performed, indicating successful ROS production and, thus, photocatalytic activity.
Improved Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane via Lattice Oxygen Modification on Supported Copper Oxide Catalyst System
Authors: Ohyama Junya , Iwai Hiroki , Takahashi Daichi , Tsushida Masayuki , Machida Masato , Nishimura Shun , Takahashi Keisuke 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThirteen kinds of supported copper oxide catalysts (Cu/MOx, MOx: La2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, CeO2, ZrO2, SnO2, SrCO3, BaCO3, Ta2O5, Nb2O5, WO3, and MoO3), which form Cu−O−M sites at the interface between CuOx and MOx or within the complex oxides (CuMOx), were tested for CH4 partial oxidation to find out catalytically active Cu−O−M combinations for production of CH3OH and HCHO. Among the thirteen Cu/MOx tested, Cu/WO3 exhibited the highest total yield of CH3OH and HCHO in a CH4‐O2‐H2O flow reaction at 400 °C. The structural and property analysis of Cu/WO3 revealed the formation of CuWO4, of which the lattice oxygen is active for the partial oxidation of CH4.
An Electron Bridge of Shared Atoms Mediated Cs3Bi2Br9/Bi2WO6 Z‐Scheme Heterojunction for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Liu Haolan , Sun Jingjing , Lin Qianying , Wang Ying , Wang Shuo , Wang Shuowen , Lv Yujing , Wen Na , Yuan Rusheng , Ding Zhengxin , Long Jinlin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractConverting clean solar energy into chemical energy through artificial photosynthesis is an effective solution to solve the energy and environmental issues. Here, we report a Cs3Bi2Br9/Bi2WO6 (CBB/BWO) Z‐scheme heterojunction constructed via electrostatic self‐assembly, which facilitates efficient separation of photogenerated carriers and ensures the corresponding redox capacity of both components. By sharing Bi atoms, a Br−Bi−O bond is established between CBB and BWO, serving as an “electron bridge”. The electrons generated by BWO are efficiently channeled to CBB through the heterojunction‐formed “electron bridge”, thereby achieving effective photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Under simulated sunlight conditions, it exhibits the highest CO yield of 72.52 μmol g−1 (without the addition of any precious metal, photosensitizers or sacrifices), which is approximately 7‐fold and 18‐fold greater than that of pure CBB and BWO, respectively. This work provides a more profound comprehension of the regulation of electron transfer through interfacial chemical bonds, thereby proposing a promising strategy for the development of efficient heterojunction photocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction.
Synthesis of High Value‐Added Chemicals Via Electrocatalytic C−N Coupling Involving CO2 and Nitrogen‐Containing Small Molecules
Authors: Wang Xihua , Wang Yong , Li Pengsong , Zhang Xiangda , Liu Jiyuan , Hou Yuqing , Zhang Yichao , Zhu Qinggong , Han Buxing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWith the depletion of fossil energy sources, the growing problem of environmental pollution and the increasing emission of CO2, the research direction of converting the emitted CO2 into valuable chemicals using chemical approaches has attracted strong interest. In recent years, a great deal of research has been conducted to select appropriate strategies to realize the conversion and utilization of CO2. Among them, electrosynthesis is one of the commonly used strategy for the preparation of high value‐added chemicals, which has obvious advantages such as simple equipment and environmental friendliness. In this review, we focus on the progress of research on the electrocatalytic C−N coupling involving CO2 and nitrogen‐containing small molecules to various nitrogen‐containing compounds. We start the review with a discussion of the fundamentals of C−N coupling reactions. Next, we discuss research advances in the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing chemicals (e. g., urea, amines, amides, amino acids, oximes, etc.) by C−N coupling reaction, using CO2 and nitrogen‐containing small molecules (e. g., NH3, N2, NO2−, and NO3−, etc.) as feedstocks. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities in the field are presented. The goal of this review is to provide a state‐of‐the‐art overview of electrochemical C−N coupled systems in order to advance their progress in practical applications.