bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MXene‐Based Responsive Hydrogels and Applications in Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Wu , Cai Tianjiao , Shao Chunyang , Xiao Yuru , Xiang Yanjing , Jiang Yinyan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn recent years, stimulation‐responsive hydrogels have emerged as a promising vehicle for wound management and drug delivery. However, due to their limited therapeutic effect, there is an urgent need to develop new hydrogel systems that can achieve effective wound treatment. MXenes have been widely used in diagnostic, antimicrobial, and electrochemical sensing applications, and are increasingly being investigated for their potential in wound therapy. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of responsive MXene‐based hydrogels systems for wound repair, including their synthesis methods, structures, surface modification strategies, biomedical applications, cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges that responsive MXene‐based hydrogels are likely to face in the future. Overall, this review will be a useful resource for researchers and practitioners working on the development and application of responsive MXene‐based hydrogels for wound treatment.
Effect of Cuso4 ⋅ 5H2O Concentration and Reaction Solution Temperature on the Uniformity of Cu Coating Prepared by Electroless Plating on Graphite Surface
Authors: Wei Hongming , Li Mingchao , Zou Jianpeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCopper plating on graphite surfaces is employed as an effective strategy to enhance the wettability between Cu and graphite, which is otherwise inadequate. To achieve a uniformly coated Cu layer on graphite surfaces, this study utilized rotational electroless plating. Subsequently, the effects of CuSO4 ⋅ 5H2O concentrations (10, 15, 20, and 25 g/L) and reaction solution temperatures (30, 40, 50, and 60 °C) on the uniformity and density of the Cu coating on the graphite surface were investigated. The findings reveal that variations in the concentration of the CuSO4 ⋅ 5H2O have a limited impact on the uniformity and densification of the Cu coating. Specifically, as the concentration of CuSO4 ⋅ 5H2O increases from 10 g/L to 25 g/L, there is a slight decrease in the uniformity and integrity of the Cu coating, with the density of Cu‐coated graphite powder decreasing marginally from 3.646 g/cm3 to 6.642 g/cm3. In contrast, the temperature of the reaction solution has a significant effect on the uniformity and densification of the Cu coating. With an increase in the reaction solution temperature from 30 °C to 60 °C, there is a noticeable deterioration in the uniformity and integrity of the Cu coating, with a decrease in the density of Cu‐coated graphite powder from 3.653 g/cm3 to 6.620 g/cm3.
Positional Information‐Based Organization of Surfactant Droplet Swarms Emerging from Competition Between Local and Global Marangoni Effects
Authors: de Visser Pieter J. , Neeleman Mink , Dankloff Pim F. J. , Derks Max T. G. M. , Korevaar Peter A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPositional information is key for particles to adapt their behavior based on their position in external concentration gradients, and thereby self‐organize into complex patterns. Here, position‐dependent behavior of floating surfactant droplets that self‐organize in a pH gradient is demonstrated, using the Marangoni effect to translate gradients of surface‐active molecules into motion. First, fields of surfactant microliter‐droplets are generated, in which droplets floating on water drive local, outbound Marangoni flows upon dissolution of surfactant and concomitantly grow myelin filaments. Next, a competing surfactant based on a hydrolysable amide is introduced, which is more surface active than the myelin surfactant and thereby inhibits the local Marangoni flows and myelin growth from the droplets. Upon introducing a pH gradient, the amide surfactant hydrolyses in the acidic region, so that the local Marangoni flows and myelin growth are reestablished. The resulting combination of local and global surface tension gradients produces a region of myelin‐growing droplets and a region where myelin growth is suppressed, separated by a wave front of closely packed droplets, of which the position can be controlled by the pH gradient. Thereby, it is shown how “French flag”‐patterns, in synthetic settings typically emerging from reaction‐diffusion systems, can also be established via surfactant droplet systems.
Comparative Study of the Impact of Alkali‐Steeping (Na2CO3, K2CO3, NaOH) with Equivalent pH on Rice Flour Processing Properties
Authors: Wu Yingying , Gao Wanxin , Prakash Sangeeta , Wan Jie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this research, the rice grains are soaked in different alkalizing agents (Na2CO3, K2CO3, and NaOH) with a pH of 12 to investigate the influence of traditional alkali processing methods on the physicochemical and processing characteristics of the resultant rice flour. Further, the microstructure, crystalline structure, molecular structure, pasting properties, thermal properties, and rheological properties of the rice flour are analyzed. Soaking the rice in Na2CO3 solution and K2CO3 solution elevates the apparent amylose content in the rice flour, increases relative crystallinity, promotes the degradation of starch molecular chain, and enhances the rice flour's ability to endure stress and heat. The gelatinization enthalpy of Na2CO3‐treated rice flour and K2CO3‐treated rice flour increases, while the viscosity indices of paste gel decrease. The use of alkaline salts during steeping helps mitigate short‐term retrogradation in rice products. However, in comparison to these alkaline salts, NaOH solution with the same pH has minimal impact on the surface and longitudinal section morphology structure of starch–protein in rice grain, pasting properties, thermal properties, and rheological properties of rice flour due to its lower Na+ concentration. This indicates that NaOH solution with the same pH value cannot replace alkaline salt solutions in traditional alkali processing techniques.
Phase‐Separated Droplets Can Direct the Kinetics of Chemical Reactions Including Polymerization, Self‐Replication and Oscillating Networks
Authors: Smokers Iris B. A. , Visser Brent S. , Lipiński Wojciech P. , Nakashima Karina K. , Spruijt Evan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhase‐separated compartments can localize (bio)chemical reactions and influence their kinetics. They are believed to play an important role both in extant life in the form of biomolecular condensates and at the origins of life as coacervate protocells. However, experimentally testing the influence of coacervates on different reactions is challenging and time‐consuming. We therefore use a numerical model to explore the effect of phase‐separated droplets on the kinetics and outcome of different chemical reaction systems, where we vary the coacervate volume and partitioning of reactants. We find that the rate of bimolecular reactions has an optimal dilute/coacervate phase volume ratio for a given reactant partitioning. Furthermore, coacervates can accelerate polymerization and self‐replication reactions and lead to formation of longer polymers. Lastly, we find that coacervates can ‘rescue’ oscillating reaction networks in concentration regimes where sustained oscillations do not occur in a single‐phase system. Our results indicate that coacervates can direct the outcome of a wide range of reactions and impact fundamental aspects such as yield, reaction pathway selection, product length and emergent functions. This may have far‐reaching implications for origins of life, synthetic cells and the fate and function of biological condensates.
Bedside emergency surgical decompression and venoarterial extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation for obstructive uropathy with uroseptic cardiomyopathy‐induced arrest: A case report
Authors: Xiong Lin , Xu Xiang , Kwan Kristine J. S. , Lo Richard K. , Li Xu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeptic shock combined with septic cardiomyopathy greatly increases the risk of mortality in elderly patients. Patients with a rapid deteriorating state unresponsive to standard resuscitation may benefit from extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In cases where obstructive uropathies lead to urosepsis, emergent decompression with double‐J (D‐J) stenting may be necessitated.Case PresentationWe report the case of a 72‐year‐old woman who arrived at the emergency department and rapidly deteriorated into a state of shock. During the process of resuscitation, emergent biochemical and ultrasound results suggested septicemia and septic cardiomyopathy due to urinary tract infection caused by ureteric stone obstruction. She was transferred to the intensive care unit to be put on venoarterial ECMO after failed resuscitation. Given the suspected diagnosis, it was decided that an emergent bedside digital disposable flexible ureteroscopy (ddFURS) and D‐J catheterization to be performed as rescue decompression procedure. The patient was successfully stabilized with received antibiotic and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) before being transferred to the cardiology department to correct her arrhythmia. She was weaned off CRRT and was able to walk without the need of aids upon discharge.ConclusionUroseptic cardiomyopathy can rapidly progress to renal and cardiac failure. Emergent decompression with ddFURS and D‐J stenting can be performed effectively even in a patient with venoarterial ECMO for rescuing uroseptic cardiomyopathy‐induced arrest secondary to obstructive uropathy. Short‐term outcomes were favorable. However, long‐term prognosis remains to be elucidated.
The complexities of blood‐feeding patterns in mosquitoes and sandflies and the burden of disease: A minireview
Authors: Bursali Fatma , Touray Mustapha 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMosquitoes and sandflies exhibit a wide range of blood feeding patterns, targeting a wide range of vertebrate species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, for proteins vital for egg development. This broad host range increases the opportunity for them to acquire pathogens of numerous debilitating‐and‐fatal diseases from various animal reservoirs, playing a significant role in disease crossover between animals and humans, also known as zoonotic transmission. This review focuses on the intricate blood‐feeding habits of these dipteran vectors, their sensory systems and the complex dance between host and pathogen during disease transmission. We delve into the influence of blood sources on pathogen spread by examining the insect immune response and its intricate interplay with pathogens. The remarkable sense of smell guiding them towards food sources and hosts is explored, highlighting the interplay of multiple sensory cues in their navigation. Finally, we examine the challenges in mosquito control strategies and explore innovations in this field, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to combat this global health threat. By understanding the biology and behaviour of these insects, we can develop more effective strategies to protect ourselves and mitigate the burden of vector‐borne diseases.
Facultative parthenogenesis discovered for the first time in Jamaican boa (Chilabothrus subflavus) using novel microsatellite markers
Authors: Bailey Carolyn A. , Righton Alison L. , Reeves Andy , Ray Dylan , Krebs Jessi , Louis Edward E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe mode of reproduction most often seen in snakes is sexual, but studies have noted facultative parthenogenesis in at least six families. Here, we provide evidence for the first observed case of facultative parthenogenesis in a captive Jamaican boa (Chilabothrus subflavus). A 7‐year‐old female Jamaican boa, isolated since birth, was found to have produced a litter of 15 offspring. To provide molecular DNA evidence of parthenogenesis, 13 new microsatellite loci were isolated in the species. All offspring were found to be homozygous at each locus and only possess alleles found in the dam, implicating that they were born from asexual reproduction. Several developmental abnormalities, including stillbirths and spinal deformities, were noted in the litter which may be explained by their increased level of homozygosity. To preserve genetic diversity in the captive population, research should be conducted to understand the prevalence of this mode of reproduction and to guide future management decisions of this IUCN listed Vulnerable species.
A newly recognised mafic sill-hosted Ni-sulfide deposit emplaced during the 2.4 Ga Widgiemooltha dike swarm event, Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia
Authors: Siégel Coralie , Schoneveld Louise , Spaggiari Catherine , Le Vaillant Margaux , Barnes Stephen , Godel Belinda , Mahon David , Verrall Michael , Martin Laure , Caruso Stefano , Shelton Tina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Cathedrals Ni-Cu prospect, located at the western margin of the Eastern Goldfields of the Yilgarn Craton, is hosted within a mafic intrusion interpreted as a sill complex. U-Pb dating of apatite from the sill yielded a crystallisation age of 2336 ± 64 Ma, inferring an association of sill emplacement and Ni mineralisation related to emplacement of the c. 2400 Ma Widgiemooltha dike swarm. The sill is typically differentiated into a lower olivine orthocumulate layer overlain by a dolerite unit containing xenoliths of partially assimilated granitoids in its upper portion. The latter is interpreted to be the result of stoping and melting of the granitic hanging wall, thereby creating a gravitationally stable buoyant melt layer beneath the top contact. Ni-Cu-Fe sulfides are increasingly abundant towards the base of the sill, ranging from globular disseminated sulfides to net-textured and massive sulfides at the basal contact. The presence and orientation of sulfide globule-bubble pairs indicates a primary near-horizontal orientation. Massive sulfides commonly exhibit a loop texture with pyrrhotite grains surrounded by pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Despite the variety of sulfide textures, sulfur isotopes have a homogeneous mantle-like signature without significant mass independent fractionation. Mineral chemistries that indicate sulfide prospectivity in larger intrusions do not work as effectively in this small sill, therefore new indicators may need to be developed to explore for similar deposits. To date, there are no other known magmatic deposits of this age in Australia. Sills of this age may be more prospective than previously recognised.
Effect of Single-Dose Imipramine on Anal Sphincter Tone in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Using Anal Acoustic Reflectometry
Authors: Christoffersen Thea , Kornholt Jonatan , Riis Troels , Sonne David P. , Klarskov Niels 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Introduction and Hypothesis
Despite the high prevalence of fecal incontinence, existing treatment options may be inadequate. Drugs that enhance the tone of the anal sphincter complex could potentially be an effective pharmacological approach. This study investigated the effect of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine on anal sphincter tone in healthy women, employing anal acoustic reflectometry as the evaluating method.

Methods
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study, 16 healthy female volunteers were randomized to one of two treatment sequences. The participants attended two study visits separated by at least 7 days’ washout. At each visit, they received a single dose of 50 mg imipramine or matching placebo, in alternating order. We assessed the anal opening pressure under the resting state and during voluntary squeezing of the pelvic floor. Measurements were performed pre-dose and 1 h after drug administration, corresponding to the estimated time of peak plasma concentration of imipramine.

Results
All participants completed the study. In total, 44% of the participants reported at least one adverse effect, primarily anticholinergic. Compared with placebo, imipramine increased anal opening pressure by 15.2 cmH2O (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–28.2 cmH2O, p = 0.03) in the resting state and 15.1 (95% CI 4.2–26.0 cmH2O, p = 0.01) cmH2O during squeezing.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that imipramine increases anal sphincter tone in healthy women. However, further research is required to evaluate its clinical impact on individuals with fecal incontinence. This research also demonstrates the effectiveness of using anal acoustic reflectometry for assessing pharmacological effects on anal sphincter function.
Protective effect of irbesartan against hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats: role of ERK, STAT3, and PPAR-γ inflammatory pathways in rats
Authors: El-Marasy Salma A. , Mostafa Rasha E. , Mabrok Hoda B. , Khattab Marwa S. , Awdan Sally A. El 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the possible hepatocellular protective role of irbesartan during hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (HIRI) and the probable underlying mechanisms. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: sham; HIRI (control); irbesartan (50 mg/kg) + HIRI; irbesartan (100 mg/kg) + HIRI; irbesartan + GW9662 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) + HIRI. Rats pretreated orally with irbesartan or vehicle for 14 days underwent 45-min hepatic ischemia followed by 60-min reperfusion. Irbesartan preconditioning diminished alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) serum levels, and reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Irbesartan decreased proapoptotic BAX (bcl-2-like protein 4), increased anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) hepatic content, and thereby reduced BAX/BCL2 ratio. Moreover, irbesartan preconditioning reduced autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and LC3 II, and elevated p62 (protein responsible for autophagosome degradation). It elevated proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) hepatic gene expression. Also, hepatic protein expressions of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65) and caspase-3 were lessoned by irbesartan pretreatment in HIRI rats. However, GW9662 abrogated irbesartan's effect on HIRI. The protective effect of irbesartan on HIRI may be mediated by alleviation of ERK, STAT3, and PPAR-γ inflammatory pathways, exerting anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic effects in HIRI in rats.
A shift scheduling model for ridepooling services
Authors: Berthold Lukas , Fliedner Malte , Schulz Arne 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe planning of efficient shift schedules is a key challenge for many service companies whose economic success heavily relies on the efficient employment of personnel. In spite of the recent advances in autonomous driving, mobility services, such as ride pooling, still heavily rely on the use of human drivers and will presumably remain in this category in the near to midterm. As a consequence, shift scheduling of drivers is one of the key success factors in the current industry environment. Determining appropriate shifts that minimize an under- and oversupply of vehicles for all planning periods is a challenging task, since demand can vary heavily over time and the assignment flexibilities are limited due to driver preferences and regulations. In this work, we present a shift scheduling model for ridepooling services. Moreover, we introduce a data generator for instances with realistic properties of a ridepooling service. Using it, we study the effect of different kinds of flexibilities on solution quality.
Anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation alters the transcription levels of the genes encoding the SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide and their receptors in Ixodes ricinus synganglion
Authors: Šofranková Lívia , Baňas Miroslav , Pipová Natália , Majláth Igor , Kurimský Juraj , Cimbala Roman , Zbojovský Ján , Šimo Ladislav , Majláthová Viktória 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe research of the influences of man-made electromagnetic fields on tick physiology has been very sparse and long neglected since the pioneer studies published in 1996 and 2000. Once multiple behavioral tests confirmed an attraction and possible perception of electromagnetic fields in ticks, a new interest in this topic erupted in recent years. In this study, qRT-PCR is utilized to determine the changes in the mRNA transcript levels of neuropeptides SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide (mip and sifa) and their representative receptors (mip-r1 and sifa-r1) in the synganglia of the tick Ixodes ricinus irradiated by 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field. It was determined that 40 V/m intensity has a significant suppressory effect on the transcript levels of all genes after at least 60 minutes of constant exposure in both sexes. Commonly occurring intensity of radiation in urban areas (2 V/m) produced an elevation in mRNA levels after various timespans in every gene. A significant decrease of transcript abundances was detected in females after one hour of exposure to 2 V/m. Results of this study widen the knowledge of EMF-induced alterations in the neurophysiology of I. ricinus, the most commonly distributed hard tick in Europe.
Nationwide cost-effectiveness and quality of life analysis of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy
Authors: De Pastena Matteo , Esposito Alessandro , Paiella Salvatore , Montagnini Greta , Zingaretti Caterina C. , Ramera Marco , Azzolina Danila , Gregori Dario , Kauffmann Emanuele F. , Giardino Alessandro , Moraldi Luca , Butturini Giovanni , Boggi Ugo , Salvia Roberto 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
This study analyzed the Quality of Life (QoL) and cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic (LDP) versus robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP).

Methods
Consecutive patients submitted to LDP or RDP from 2010 to 2020 in four high-volume Italian centers were included, with a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow-up were included. QoL was evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D questionnaires, self-reported by patients. After a propensity score matching, which included BMI, gender, operation time, multiorgan and vascular resections, splenic preservation, and pancreatic stump management, the mean differential cost and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) were calculated and plotted on a cost-utility plane.

Results
The study population consisted of 564 patients. Among these, 271 (49%) patients were submitted to LDP, while 293 (51%) patients to RDP. After propensity score matching, the study population was composed of 159 patients in each group, with a median follow-up of 59 months. As regards the QoL analysis, global health and emotional functioning domains showed better results in the RDP group (p = 0.037 and p = 0.026, respectively), whereas the other did not differ. As expected, the median crude costs analysis confirmed that RDP was more expensive than LDP (16,041 Euros vs. 10,335 Euros, p < 0.001). However, the robotic approach had a higher probability of being more cost-effective than the laparoscopic procedure when a willingness to pay more than 5697 Euros/QALY was accepted.

Conclusion
RDP was associated with better QoL as explored by specific domains. Crude costs were higher for RDP, and the cost-effectiveness threshold was set at 5697 euros/QALY.