bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of pH on hydroxyapatite coatings obtained by spray pyrolysis and their use as matrices for antibiotic adsorption by spin coating and release properties
Authors: Rojas‐Montoya Iván D. , Escamilla‐Atriano Luis Sergio , Reina Antonio , Ramírez‐Rave Sandra , García‐Guzmán Perla , Bernad‐Bernad Ma Josefa , Gracia‐Mora Jesús 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCalcium phosphate materials, particularly hydroxyapatite (HA), are extensively used in biomedical applications because of their prominence as primary inorganic constituents of human hard tissues. This study investigates the synthesis of HA coatings via spray pyrolysis using various precursors, including HA derived from bovine bone. The effects of pH on the formation and properties of HA coatings were systematically examined. Samples exposed to acidic conditions or left without pH adjustment led to the formation of HA, contrasting with the outcomes observed through dissolution methods. Different characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), were employed to evaluate the quality and crystallinity of the coatings. Among the samples, those exhibiting superior crystallinity and nanostructured features, including bovine HA, were selected for further surface functionalization with the antibiotic enrofloxacin using spin coating. As expected, the antibiotic loading on each material's surface depended on the amount of HA deposited on the substrate. However, the desorption results indicated that, in all cases, desorption persisted beyond 38 h, implying that HA‐loaded matrices could be effective systems for controlled and prolonged drug release, which could be useful in dental or orthopedic implants for inhibiting the growth of bacterial biofilms.
Ginsenoside RD prevents acute liver injury in mice by inhibiting STAT3‐mediated NLRP3/GSDMD activation
Authors: Li Wenyan , Kong Yun , Zhang Caiqun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe investigated the role and mechanism of ginsenoside RD (GRD) in acute liver injury. Network pharmacology was used to analyze the correlations among GRD‐liver injury‐pyroptosis targets. A mouse model of acute liver injury was established by lipopolysaccharide + d‐galactose（LPS + d/Gal). After pretreatment with GRD, the changes in mouse liver function were detected. The histopathological changes were assayed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining, the tissue expressions of inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the protein expressions were assayed by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. Meanwhile, mechanism research was conducted using STAT3‐knockout transgenic mice and STAT3‐IN13, a STAT3 inhibitor. GRD inhibited liver injury, mitigated tissue inflammation, and suppressed STAT3‐mediated pyroptosis in mice. After applying STAT3‐knockout mouse model or STAT3‐IN13, GRD did not further inhibit the liver injury. GRD can resist liver injury by inhibiting the STAT3‐mediated pyroptosis, which is one of the hepatoprotective mechanisms of GRD.
TRIM16 facilitates SIRT‐1‐dependent regulation of antioxidant response to alleviate age‐related sarcopenia
Authors: Guo Ai , Huang Ke , Lu Quanyi , Tao Bailong , Li Kai , Jiang Dianming 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundAge‐related sarcopenia, characterized by reduced skeletal muscle mass and function, significantly affects the health of the elderly individuals. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of sarcopenia. Tripartite motif containing 16 (TRIM16) is implicated in orchestrating antioxidant responses to mitigate oxidative stress, yet its regulatory role in skeletal muscle remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the impact of TRIM16 on enhancing antioxidant response through SIRT‐1, consequently mitigating age‐related oxidative stress, and ameliorating muscle atrophy.MethodsAged mouse models were established utilizing male mice at 18 months with D‐galactose (D‐gal, 200 mg/kg) intervention and at 24 months with natural aging, while 3‐month‐old young mice served as controls. Muscle cell senescence was induced in C2C12 myoblasts using 30 g/L D‐gal. TRIM16 was overexpressed in the skeletal muscle of aged mice and silenced/overexpressed in C2C12 myoblasts. The effects of TRIM16 on skeletal muscle mass, grip strength, morphological changes, myotube formation, myogenic differentiation, and muscle atrophy indicators were evaluated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and oxidative stress‐related parameters were measured. The SIRT‐1 inhibitor EX‐527 was employed to elucidate the protective role of TRIM16 mediated through SIRT‐1.ResultsAged mice displayed significant reductions in lean mass (−11.58%; −14.47% vs. young, P < 0.05), hindlimb lean mass (−17.38%; −15.95% vs. young, P < 0.05), and grip strength (−22.29%; −31.45% vs. young, P < 0.01). Skeletal muscle fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA) decreased (−29.30%; −24.12% vs. young, P < 0.05). TRIM16 expression significantly decreased in aging skeletal muscle (−56.82%; −66.27% vs. young, P < 0.001) and senescent muscle cells (−46.53% vs. control, P < 0.001). ROS levels increased (+69.83% vs. control, P < 0.001), and myotube formation decreased in senescent muscle cells (−56.68% vs. control, P < 0.001). Expression of myogenic differentiation and antioxidant indicators decreased, while muscle atrophy markers increased in vivo and in vitro (all P < 0.05). Silencing TRIM16 in myoblasts induced oxidative stress and myotube atrophy, while TRIM16 overexpression partially mitigated aging effects on skeletal muscle. TRIM16 activation enhanced SIRT‐1 expression (+75.38% vs. control, P < 0.001). SIRT‐1 inhibitor EX‐527 (100 μM) suppressed TRIM16's antioxidant response and mitigating muscle atrophy, offsetting the protective effect of TRIM16 on senescent muscle cells.ConclusionsThis study elucidates TRIM16's role in mitigating oxidative stress and ameliorating muscle atrophy through the activation of SIRT‐1‐dependent antioxidant effects. TRIM16 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for age‐related sarcopenia.
Rapid precipitation of vanadium from solution using melamine as precipitant with high efficiency
Authors: Wang Bo , Yang Qiaowen , Li Ting , Cui Sifan , Feng Pengqiang , Hou Xuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSelective catalytic reduction (SCR) can effectively remove NOx from flue gas in a coal‐fired power plant. As the core of SCR technology, the catalyst has a limited lifespan. The process of reducing acid leaching and roasting water leaching can efficiently extract vanadium and tungsten from spent SCR catalyst. For vanadium recovery in solution, the traditional vanadium precipitation process by NH4Cl has the disadvantages of consuming high precipitant dosage and producing large amounts of waste water.RESULTSThis study focused on the vanadium precipitation process using a solution containing vanadium obtained from adopting some steps to handle the spent SCR catalyst. First, melamine was screened out as the vanadium precipitant. Then, the vanadium precipitation conditions were optimized as follows: solution pH value of 1.0, n(C3H6N6)/n(V) = 0.8, 110 °C and 30 min. Under the best precipitation conditions, the vanadium precipitation efficiency of melamine can reach 99.32%. Finally, the mechanisms of vanadium precipitation by NH4Cl and melamine were discussed, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe results showed that the vanadium precipitation process by NH4Cl followed the chemical reactions between NH4+ and vanadium ions, while the vanadium precipitation process by melamine followed the redox and complexation reactions which essentially belonged to the types of chemical adsorption. The vanadium precipitation product was roasted at 550 °C for 2 h to obtain the vanadium product. The main component of the vanadium product was V2O5, with a purity of 93.27 wt%. The total recovery efficiency of vanadium from spent SCR catalyst was 78.24%. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The impact of dexmedetomidine on ketamine‐induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment in young mice
Authors: Chai Dongdong , Jiang Hong , Lv Xiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe potential neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine against ketamine‐induced neurotoxicity remain inconclusive. This study aims to investigate the influence of dexmedetomidine on ketamine‐induced neuronal apoptosis and neurodevelopmental toxicity.MethodsIn vitro experiments employed concentrations of 0.1 uM for dexmedetomidine and 50 uM for ketamine individually as well as their combination. Changes in apoptotic proteins and dendritic development in neurons were assessed after a 6‐h exposure to the drugs with evaluations conducted 24 hs' post‐treatment. In vivo experiments entailed intraperitoneal administration starting from postnatal Day 7 (P7) continuously for 3 days (P7–P9) using dosages of 100 mg/kg for ketamine and 1 mg/kg for dexmedetomidine alone or combined. Learning, memory and motor coordination abilities were evaluated via rotary rod tests and shuttle box experiments at P30 and P60, respectively.ResultsDexmedetomidine effectively mitigated ketamine‐induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons but did not alleviate associated dendritic developmental abnormalities. Although causing reduced motor coordination in mice, no improvement was observed with regard to this effect or reaction speed when treated with dexmedetomidine alongside ketamine.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that while dexmedetomidine can mitigate ketamine‐induced neuronal apoptosis, it has limited impact on its associated neurodevelopmental toxicities.
Comparison of accuracy and speed between plaster casting, high‐cost and low‐cost 3D scanners to capture foot, ankle and lower leg morphology of children requiring ankle‐foot orthoses
Authors: Farhan Muhannad , Wang Joyce Zhanzi , Warncke Rachael , Cheng Tegan Laura , Burns Joshua 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundTraditional plaster‐cast fabrication of an ankle‐foot orthosis (AFO), although robust, is time‐consuming and cumbersome. 3D scanning is quickly gaining attention as an alternative to plaster casting the foot and ankle region for AFO fabrication. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and speed of two high‐performing 3D scanners compared with plaster casting in pediatric patients requiring an AFO.MethodsTen participants (mean age 10.0 ± 3.9 years) prescribed AFOs for a movement disorder were 3D scanned with the high‐cost Artec Eva (Eva) and low‐cost Structure Sensor II (SSII) using one‐person (1p) and two‐person (2p) protocols. Accuracy and speed for both 3D scanners were compared with corresponding plaster cast measures (≤5% acceptable difference). Bland and Altman plots were generated to show mean bias and limits of agreement.ResultsOverall, Eva and SSII were accurate for foot, ankle, and lower leg key clinical landmarks (Eva‐1p: 4.4 ± 7.3%; Eva‐2p: 3.2 ± 7.5%; SSII‐1p: 0.6 ± 7.4%; SSII‐2p: 0.7 ± 8.2%). Bland and Altman plots for the SSII demonstrated lower biases for 1p (bias 0.5 mm, LoA: −12.4–13.5 mm) and 2p (0.4 mm, LoA: −11.4–12.2 mm) protocols compared with Eva for 1p (bias 2.3 mm, LoA: −8.0–12.7 mm) and 2p (1.8 mm, LoA: −10.7–14.3 mm) protocols. The SSII 2p protocol was the fastest 3D scanning method (26.4 ± 11.1 s).ConclusionsThe high‐cost Eva and low‐cost SSII 3D scanners using the 1p and 2p protocols produced comparable accuracy and faster capture of key clinical landmarks compared with plaster cast measures for the fabrication of AFOs in pediatric patients.
Male genitalia, hierarchical homology, and the anatomy of the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Boudinot Brendon E. , van de Kamp Thomas , Peters Patricia , Knöllinger Katja 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe male genitalia of insects are among the most variable, complex, and informative character systems for evolutionary analysis and taxonomic purposes. Because of these general properties, many generations of systematists have struggled to develop a theory of homology and alignment of parts. This struggle continues to the present day, where fundamentally different models and nomenclatures for the male genitalia of Hymenoptera, for example, are applied. Here, we take a multimodal approach to digitalize and comprehensively document the genital skeletomuscular anatomy of the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera: Formicidae), including hand dissection, synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography, microphotography, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and 3D‐printing. Through this work, we generate several new concepts for the structure and form of the male genitalia of Hymenoptera, such as for the endophallic sclerite (=fibula ducti), which we were able to evaluate in detail for the first time for any species. Based on this phenomic anatomical study and comparison with other Holometabola and Hexapoda, we reconsider the homologies of insect genitalia more broadly, and propose a series of clarifications in support of the penis‐gonopod theory of male genital identity. Specifically, we use the male genitalia of Paraponera and insects more broadly as an empirical case for hierarchical homology by applying and refining the 5‐category classification of serial homologs from DiFrisco et al. (2023) (DLW23) to all of our formalized concepts. Through this, we find that: (1) geometry is a critical attribute to account for in ontology, especially as all individually identifiable attributes are positionally indexed hence can be recognized as homomorphic; (2) the definition of “structure” proposed by DLW23 is difficult to apply, and likely heterogeneous; and (3) formative elements, or spatially defined foldings or in‐ or evaginations of the epidermis and cuticle, are an important yet overlooked class of homomorphs. We propose a morphogenetic model for male and female insect genitalia, and a model analogous to gene‐tree species‐tree mappings for the hierarchical homology of male genitalia specifically. For all of the structures evaluated in the present study, we provide 3D‐printable models – with and without musculature, and in various states of digital dissection – to facilitate the development of a tactile understanding. Our treatment of the male genitalia of P. clavata serves as a basic template for future phenomic studies of male insect genitalia, which will be substantially improved with the development of automation and collections‐based data processing pipelines, that is, collectomics. The Hymenoptera Anatomy Ontology will be a critical resource to include in this effort, and in best practice concepts should be linked.
Proximate, functional and sensory characteristics of blended yellow maize and hard‐to‐cook cowpea extruded snacks
Authors: Jombo Talknice Z , Mwayera Tendesai A , Ndari Getrude , Gwaza Rodney N 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCowpea is a rich source of low‐cost protein, but it remains underutilised due to the development of the hard‐to‐cook phenomenon. However, milling hard‐to‐cook (HTC) seeds has shown potential for their utilisation in developing food products. Also, yellow maize is a relatively underutilised grain that is rich in nutrients, including vitamin A. Extrusion cooking of blends including yellow maize and HTC cowpea in snack formulations has the potential to improve their utilisation. Therefore, the objective of the study was to formulate a nutritious acceptable extruded snack using a combination of HTC cowpea and yellow maize flours.RESULTSThe results showed that addition of HTC cowpea flour increased ash (0.56–1.47%), fibre (3.56–5.31%) and protein content (10.20–12.38%) for flour blends. While carbohydrate (2.39–1.57%) and moisture content (10.33–9.74%) decreased. Blended formulations had lower fat content (4.17–4.41%) than yellow maize (4.80%). Furthermore, addition of HTC cowpea increased water (21.18–30.07%) and oil absorption capacities (14.12–22.03%) for flour blends. While expansion ratio (2.39–1.57%) of snacks decreased. The formulation with 15% HTC cowpea and 85% yellow maize flour had higher sensory ratings for overall acceptability (6.98).CONCLUSIONHTC cowpea addition in yellow maize flour improved the proximate and functional properties. Also, blending of yellow maize‐based snacks with HTC cowpea improves consumer acceptability. Yellow maize and HTC cowpea flour blends have potential for industrial utilisation and can be useful in food formulations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigating the crystallinity of hard candies prepared and stored at different temperatures with low field‐NMR relaxometry
Authors: Kuzu Sena , Ozel Baris , Uguz Sirvan Sultan , Dogdu Sarper , Marangoz Mehmet Ali , Grunin Leonid , Oztop Mecit Halil 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, hard candies were produced by using sucrose, glucose syrup and water. They were cooked at different temperatures, changing from 135 to 145 °C with an interval of 2.5 °C. They were stored at different storage temperatures, which were 25, 4, −18 and −80 °C. Hard candies placed at room temperature were stored for 2 months. In order to understand the crystallization characteristics of the hard candies, time domain (TD) proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) parameters of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and second moment (M2) measurements were conducted. Moisture contents of the hard candies were determined by Karl–Fischer titration. X‐ray diffraction experiments were also conducted as the complementary analysis.ResultsIncreasing cooking temperature increased the crystallinity and decreased the moisture content of the hard candies significantly (P ≤0.05). Furthermore, storage temperature and storage time had significant effects on the crystallinity of the hard candies (P ≤0.05). The results of T1 and M2 correlated with each other (r > 0.8, P ≤ 0.5) and both produced the highest value at the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C (P ≤ 0.05). The values of T1 and M2 were obtained as 245.9 ms and 13.0 × 10−8 Hz2, respectively, for the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the crystallinity of hard candies can be observed and examined by TD‐NMR relaxometry, as an alternative to commonly used methods. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Electrospun Fiber‐Based Tubular Structures as 3D Scaffolds to Generate In Vitro Models for Small Intestine
Authors: Zavagna Lorenzo , Canelli Eligio F. , Azimi Bahareh , Troisi Fabiola , Scarpelli Lorenzo , Macchi Teresa , Gallone Giuseppe , Labardi Massimiliano , Giovannoni Roberto , Milazzo Mario , Danti Serena 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRecently, in vitro models emerge as valuable tools in biomedical research by enabling the investigation of complex physiological processes in a controlled environment, replicating some traits of interest of the biological tissues. This study focuses on the development of tubular polymeric scaffolds, made of electrospun fibers, aimed to generate three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro intestinal models resembling the lumen of the gut. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) are used to produce tightly arranged ultrafine fiber meshes via electrospinning in the form of continuous tubular structures, mimicking the basement membrane on which the epithelial barrier is formed. Morphological, physical, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties of the PCL and PAN tubular scaffolds are investigated. They are cultured with Caco‐2 cells using different biological coatings (i.e., collagen, gelatin, and fibrin) and their capability of promoting a compact epithelial layer is assessed. PCL and PAN scaffolds show 42% and 50% porosity, respectively, with pore diameters and size suitable to impede cell penetration, thus promoting an intestinal epithelial barrier formation. Even if both polymeric structures allow Caco‐2 cell adhesion, PAN fiber meshes best suit many requirements needed by this model, including highest mechanical strength upon expansion, porosity and piezoelectric properties, along with the lowest pore size.
Dramatic Clinical Improvement With Biotin Mega‐Dose Therapy in a Neonate With Holocarboxylase Synthetase Deficiency
Authors: Kim Seon Woo , Lee Hyeon Joo , Choi Naye , Kim Ee‐Kyung , Ko Jung Min 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionHolocarboxylase synthetase deficiency (HLCS deficiency, OMIM #253270) is an exceedingly rare metabolic disorder resulting in multiple carboxylase deficiencies owing to impaired biotin cycle. Clinical manifestations include severe metabolic acidosis, hyperammonemia, tachypnea, skin rash, alopecia, feeding problems, hypotonia, developmental delay, seizures, and, in severe cases, death.Methods and ResultsAn 8‐day‐old female neonate presented with severe lactic acidosis, necessitating sedation and mechanical ventilation. Despite receiving supportive care, no evident clinical improvement was observed, accompanied by the onset of generalized ichthyosis. Genetic analysis of actionable metabolic disorders revealed compound heterozygous variants of HLCS (NM_000411.8), specifically c.[710T>C (p.Leu237Pro)]; [1544G>A (p.Ser515Asn)], prompting the initiation of biotin mega‐dose therapy (10 mg/day). Remarkably, dramatic clinical improvement in lactic acidosis was observed the day after initiating biotin administration, leading to the discontinuation of mechanical ventilation within 6 days. The patient remained in stable condition during follow‐up, exhibiting normal growth and development along with consistently stable laboratory findings up to 18 months of age.ConclusionOur case highlights the significance of early genetic testing in neonates with unexplained metabolic disorders to enable timely diagnosis and therapy initiation. Biotin therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in improving the clinical condition of patients with HLCS deficiency, leading to favorable outcomes.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, and Dietary Patterns in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Noguera‐Fernández Noah , Candela‐González Joana , Orenes‐Piñero Esteban 
Published: August 2024

ScopeInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the most common chronic and debilitating functional bowel disorders affecting around 11% of the population across the world. IBD is associated with 3.6 million physician visits per year, being the most common reason visiting a gastroenterologist and the second most common reason to be absent from work, sharply increasing the health care costs.Methods and ResultsSeveral treatments seem to be effective in IBD symptoms relief, such as probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and dietary patterns. Probiotics (living microorganisms that can be supplemented) can protect against pathogenic bacteria due to their antimicrobial qualities. Prebiotics (nondigestible food ingredients) promote the growth of beneficial microbial strains in the gut, giving a health benefit to the host. FMT is supposed to directly change the recipient's microbial composition when a transfer of gastrointestinal microbiota from a healthy donor is carried out. And finally, dietary patterns are in the spotlight, due to the presence of certain nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract affecting gastrointestinal motility, sensitivity, barrier function, and gut microbiota.ConclusionIt is particularly important to know what treatment options are available and which are the most efficient in relieving IBD symptoms and improving IBD patient's quality of life.