bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The biological and therapeutic assessment of a P(3HB‐co‐4HB)‐bioactive glass‐graphene composite biomaterial for tissue regeneration
Authors: Sharifulden Nik S. A. N. , Barrios Silva Lady V. , Mandakhbayar Nandin‐Erdene , Shin Seong‐Jin , Kim Hae‐Won , Knowles Jonathan C. , Nguyen Linh T. B. , Chau David Y. S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAn ideal wound dressing should create a healing environment that relieves pain, protects against infections, maintains moisture, removes debris, and speeds up wound closure and repair. However, conventional options like gauze often fall short in fulfilling these requirements, especially for chronic or nonhealing wounds. Hence there is a critical need for inventive formulations that offer efficient, cost‐effective, and eco‐friendly alternatives. This study focuses on assessing the innovative formulation based on a microbial‐derived copolymer known as poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB‐co‐4HB) bioactive glass and graphene particles, and exploring their biological response in vitro and in vivo—to find the best combination that promotes cell adhesion and enhances wound healing. The formulation optimized at concentration of bioactive glass (1 w/w%) and graphene (0.01 w/w%) showed accelerated degradation and enhanced blood vessel formation. Meanwhile biocompatibility was evaluated using murine osteoblasts, human dermal fibroblasts, and standard cell culture assays, demonstrating no adverse effects after 7 days of culture and well‐regulated inflammatory kinetics. Whole thickness skin defect using mice indicated the feasibility of the biocomposites for a faster wound closure and reduced inflammation. Overall, this biocomposite appears promising as an ideal wound dressing material and positively influencing wound healing rates.
On eigenfunctions of the block graphs of geometric Steiner systems
Authors: Goryainov Sergey , Panasenko Dmitry 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper lies in the context of the studies of eigenfunctions of graphs having minimum cardinality of support. One of the tools is the weight‐distribution bound, a lower bound on the cardinality of support of an eigenfunction of a distance‐regular graph corresponding to a nonprincipal eigenvalue. The tightness of the weight‐distribution bound was previously shown in general for the smallest eigenvalue of a Grassmann graph. However, a characterisation of optimal eigenfunctions was not obtained. Motivated by this open problem, we consider the class of strongly regular Grassmann graphs and give the required characterisation in this case. We then show the tightness of the weight‐distribution bound for block graphs of affine designs (defined on the lines of an affine space with two lines being adjacent when intersect) and obtain a similar characterisation of optimal eigenfunctions.
The role of sirtuins in intervertebral disc degeneration: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential
Authors: Tu Heng , Gao Qian , Zhou Yumeng , Peng Li , Wu Dan , Zhang Demao , Yang Jing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain, which affects the patients' quality of life and health and imposes a significant socioeconomic burden. Despite great efforts made by researchers to understand the pathogenesis of IDD, effective strategies for preventing and treating this disease remain very limited. Sirtuins are a highly conserved family of (NAD+)‐dependent deacetylases in mammals that are involved in a variety of metabolic processes in vivo. In recent years, sirtuins have attracted much attention owing to their regulatory roles in IDD on physiological activities such as inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, aging, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. At the same time, many studies have explored the therapeutic effects of sirtuins‐targeting activators or micro‐RNA in IDD. This review summarizes the molecular pathways of sirtuins involved in IDD, and summarizes the therapeutic role of activators or micro‐RNA targeting Sirtuins in IDD, as well as the current limitations and challenges, with a view to provide possible solutions for the treatment of IDD.
The association between dynamic changes in vitamin D and frailty alterations: A prospective analysis of UK Biobank participants
Authors: Zhang Pan , Zhong Jinghui , Liu Xinfeng , Sun Wen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundFrailty is a common geriatric syndrome associated with reduced reserves and increased vulnerability to stressors among older adults. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in frailty, as it is essential for maintaining musculoskeletal functions. The relationship between dynamic changes in vitamin D levels and frailty over time has not been extensively studied.MethodsThis study utilized data from the UK Biobank. Baseline and longitudinal changes in vitamin D levels were measured. Frailty status was assessed using both the frailty phenotype and frailty index approaches and classified as robust, pre‐frail, or frail. Changes in frailty status were assessed by frailty phenotype at baseline (2006–2010) and the follow‐up (2012–2013). Mixed effect model was performed to examine the association between vitamin D levels and frailty status. Using multistate transition models, we assessed the impact of increasing vitamin D levels on the probabilities of transitioning between robust, pre‐frail, and frail states.ResultsBased on the frailty phenotype, 287 926 individuals (64.8%) were identified as having various degrees of frailty (median age 58.00 [51.00, 64.00] years, 55.9% females). Using the frailty index approach, 250 566 individuals (56%) were found to have different levels of frailty (median age 59.00 [51.00, 64.00] years, 55.3% females). Baseline vitamin D levels were found to be significantly associated with frailty status (frailty phenotype: ORfrail 0.78, 95% CI [0.76, 0.79], P < 0.001; frailty index: ORfrail 0.80, 95% CI [0.78, 0.81], P < 0.001). Dynamic changes in vitamin D levels were also found to be associated with changes in frailty over time. Furthermore, increasing vitamin D levels were associated with a transition from frailty to a healthier status. A higher degree of vitamin D (estimated at 1 nmol/L) was associated with a lower risk of transitioning from robust to prefrail (HR 0.997, 95% CI [0.995, 0.999]) and from prefrail to frail (HR 0.992, 95% CI [0.988, 0.995]).ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of vitamin D in the context of frailty. Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased frailty risk, while increasing vitamin D levels may contribute to improving frailty status. Recognizing the relationship between vitamin D levels and frailty can inform personalized management and early interventions for frail individuals. Further research is needed to explore the potential effects of vitamin D interventions on frailty and deepen our understanding of the biological connections between vitamin D and frailty.
Micromorphological study of some Salsola species (Amaranthaceae) in Iran and its systematic significance using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Amini Elham , Sattarian Ali , Nasrollahi Fatemeh , Daneshvar Abolfazl , Esmaeili Majid Mohammad , Sani Leila Hamidzadeh , Haghighi Sona 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), six Salsola species from Iran were examined for their epidermis, seed, and fruit micromorphology. Among them were S. brachiata from section Heterotricha, S dendroides, S. incanescens, and S. orientalis from section Caroxylon, S. kali from section Kali, and S. turcomanica from section Physurus. Epidermal cells are divided into three types. There were diamond, irregular, and polygonal cells, as well as straight and undulated walls. Studied species of Salsola have smooth or sculptured fruit surfaces, and there are three main types of fruit surface ornamentation. There is a significant difference between these species based on the type of hair and density of the fruit. Seed shape and color have little systematic significance. The seed epidermis is composed of polygonal, elongated polygonal, irregular, and diamond cells. Although polygonal and irregular testa cells are most common, their size and shape can provide additional information and useful diagnostic characteristics at both specific and infraspecific levels. For taxonomic separation, the current study provides novel insights at micromorphological levels.Research Highlights
This article reports halophyte are shown as models for adaptation to extreme habitats.
These plants are placed among the ecological communities of xerophytes. Here, for the first time, the microstructural analysis of Salsola has been investigated.
Additionally, it provides new insights into plant species' response to extreme conditions, as well as possible adaptation strategies at the micromorphological level.
Circulation pattern and genetic variation of rhinovirus infection among hospitalized children on Hainan Island, before and after the dynamic zero‐COVID policy, from 2021 to 2023
Authors: Xiao Meifang , Banu Afreen , Jia Yibo , Chang Meng , Wang Gaoyu , An Jing , Huang Yi , Hu Xiaoyuan , Tang Chuanning , Li Zihan , Niu Yi , Tian Xiuying , Deng Wanxin , Tang Cheng , Du Jiang , Cui Xiuji , Chan Jasper Fuk‐Woo , Peng Ruoyan , Yin Feifei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThroughout the COVID‐19 pandemic, rhinovirus (RV) remained notable persistence, maintaining its presence while other seasonal respiratory viruses were largely suppressed by pandemic restrictions during national lockdowns. This research explores the epidemiological dynamics of RV infections among pediatric populations on Hainan Island, China, specifically focusing on the impact before and after the zero‐COVID policy was lifted. From January 2021 to December 2023, 19 680 samples were collected from pediatric patients hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) at the Hainan Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The infection of RV was detected by tNGS. RV species and subtypes were identified in 32 RV‐positive samples representing diverse time points by analyzing the VP4/VP2 partial regions. Among the 19 680 pediatric inpatients with ARTIs analyzed, 21.55% were found to be positive for RV infection, with notable peaks observed in April 2021 and November 2022. A gradual annual decline in RV infections was observed, alongside a seasonal pattern of higher prevalence during the colder months. The highest proportion of RV infections was observed in the 0–1‐year age group. Phylogenetic analysis on 32 samples indicated a trend from RV‐A to RV‐C in 2022. This observation suggests potential evolving dynamics within the RV species although further studies are needed due to the limited sample size. The research emphasizes the necessity for ongoing surveillance and targeted management, particularly for populations highly susceptible to severe illnesses caused by RV infections.
The impact of storage, handling, and treatment on nutritional quality and safety of animal milk: A protocol for the systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alwasila Roba , Berg Alaina , Colaizy Tarah , Smith Abigail , Evans James , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Bhutta Zulfiqar Ahmed , Imdad Aamer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesHuman milk has been shown to reduce severe morbidity in preterm/low‐birth‐weight infants and is therefore the recommended nutritional source. When infants cannot receive maternal milk, donor human milk (DHM) is recommended. The use of human milk banking facilities is increasing to meet the need for DHM. DHM is unique compared to maternal milk as it must be processed and stored. The processing and storage of animal milk has been more rigorously studied than human milk and can serve as proxy to create DHM banking guidelines.Methods and AnalysisWe will search electronic databases, grey literature, and the websites of relevant international organizations. We will include studies that evaluated the impact of storage, handling, and treatment on the nutritional quality and safety of animal milk. We will not restrict study date, language, or design. If sufficient homogeneity exists between studies, we will conduct a meta‐analysis. We will evaluate the methodological quality of each study using the SYRCLE's (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) risk of bias tool. (1) We will evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.ConclusionIn this systematic review and meta‐analysis, commissioned by the World Health Organization, we will synthesize the available literature regarding the impact of various storage, handling, and treatment practices on the nutritional quality and safety of animal milk.
An alternative macro‐Raman mapping algorithm, adapting the numbers of accumulations
Authors: Vandenabeele Peter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMacro‐Raman mapping is an approach that is well suited to study the distribution of molecules over a surface of typically several cm2, such as the pigment distribution on a painting. During such an experiment, thousands Raman spectra are recorded in a predefined array of points. As there can be a huge difference in Raman sensitivity between different molecules, an alternative approach is proposed, where measurement times are adapted according to the quality of the Raman scatterer. Therefore, an iterative process is implemented, involving recording short accumulations, followed by a quick evaluation. As soon as the accumulated spectrum reaches a quality criterium, measurement of the next point is started, while in the other case further accumulations are added. The influence of using multiple accumulations opposite to a single measurement for a prolonged period has been assessed by comparing the overall measurement time and the spectral intensity of the main Raman band (520.5 cm−1) of silicon. Another prerequisite for this algorithm to be successful is the need for a quick and reliable evaluation of the spectral quality. This was examined by applying this function on the accumulations of Raman spectra of 49 paint samples from a colour chart. Finally, the variable‐accumulation algorithm is applied during a macro‐Raman mapping experiment of a watercolour painting on paper. Despite a significant gain in overall measuring time, this novel approach yields a qualitative data set that can be used for creating clear Raman maps, using different data processing methods.
Injectable Self‐Healing Antibacterial Hydrogels with Tailored Functions by Loading Peptide Nanofiber‐Biomimetic Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Mingze , Gu Guanghui , Xu Youyin , Luan Xin , Liu Jianyu , He Peng , Wei Gang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPolymer hydrogels find extensive application in biomedicine, serving specific purposes such as drug delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, cancer therapy, tissue engineering, and others. In response to the growing threat of bacterial infections and the escalating resistance to conventional antibiotics, this research introduces a novel injectable, self‐healing antimicrobial hydrogel comprising bioactive aldolized hyaluronic acid (AHA) and quaternized chitosan (QCS). This designed QCS/AHA hydrogel incorporates self‐assembling peptide nanofibers (PNFs) and small‐sized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for tailored functionality. The resulting hybrid QCS/AHA/PNF/AgNPs hydrogel demonstrates impressive rheological characteristics, broad‐spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, and high biocompatibility. Notably, its antimicrobial effectiveness against Escherichia coli and S. aureus surpasses 99.9%, underscoring its potential for treating infectious wounds. Moreover, the rheological analysis confirms its excellent shear‐thinning and self‐healing properties, enabling it to conform closely to irregular wound surfaces. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assessment reveals its compatibility with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, exhibiting no significant adverse effects. The combined attributes of this bioactive QCS/AHA/PNF/AgNPs hydrogel position it as a promising candidate for antimicrobial applications and wound healing.
Analysis of manufacturers' dual‐source and dual‐channel strategies under the trend of brand weakening
Authors: Ma Jingpei , Shen Jiahui , Sun Xuejun , Meng Yuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the context of the world economic downturn, consumers are showing a trend of brand weakening. In order to explore the product advantages of the source manufacturer, that is, the competitive supplier, we establish a game theory model to study the strategy choice of original equipment manufacturers (OEM), competitive suppliers (CS), and noncompetitive suppliers (NS) based on consumer heterogeneity. By dividing consumers into quality consumers and ordinary consumers and considering horizontal competition (between suppliers) and vertical competition (between OEM and suppliers), it is found that the products of the source manufacturers are becoming more and more popular with consumers. Contrary to the traditional view, we find that under the trend of brand weakening, the products of the source manufacturers should be positioned above the price range acceptable to consumers, and the OEM products of the brand owners should be appropriately reduced. The interesting question is whether CS will discontinue the supply of OEM components once it has its own branded products. Further, we analyze that CS terminating the component sales business is an untrustworthy threat to OEM. Finally, we find that there will be a “win–win” zone between OEM and competing suppliers, and the “win–win” region will decrease as the manufacturing cost of the competing supplier increases and increase as the manufacturing cost of the noncompeting supplier increases.
Tensile properties at various strain rates of flexible carbon nanotube film densified by the combination of chlorosulfuric acid and uniaxial drawing
Authors: Tang Yu , Yin Chenxi , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Yan , Wang Ping , Hu Dongmei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe quasi‐static tensile properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) films have been extensively investigated, yet research on their impact tensile properties at high strain rates remains scarce. In this article, CNT films prepared by floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method were densely arranged by chlorosulfuric acid (CSA) under wet stretching. The Instron 3365 and miniaturized split Hopkinson tension bar (SHTB) were used to conduct tensile testing at different strain rates. The findings reveal that CSA wet‐stretching markedly enhances the density and orientation of CNT films, resulting in significant improvements in tensile properties with a notable strain rate effect. Specifically, when immersed for 60 s under a draft ratio of 40% and a strain rate of 1900 s−1, the densified CNT films exhibit maximum stress and energy absorption values of 777.44 MPa and 54.79 MJ/m3, respectively, achieving a 637.1% and 425.7% increase compared with the original film. This research provides a convenient and feasible strategy to prepare CNT films with high energy absorption tolerance across various strain rates, thus expanding the practical application potential of CNT films.Highlights
The study innovates a posttreatment way to produce superior FCCVD CNT films.
CSA treatment and wet stretching enhance CNT films' mechanical properties.
Dynamic fracture strength boosts over 600% and energy absorption raises over 400%.
CSA can purify FCCVD‐prepared CNT films, greatly improving their properties.
The Prep can be effectively integrated with the direct spinning process.
Mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymers using electron‐deficient aromatics as additives
Authors: Bauer Florian , Söthje Dominik , Schlachter Herbert , Wehnert Gerd 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn initial experiments the effects of aromatic model substances on carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions in dimethylformamide (DMF) were investigated. Electron‐deficient aromatics interact strongly with CNTs, causing increased agglomeration and sedimentation. Conversely, electron‐donating aromatics stabilize CNT dispersions in DMF. Polymers with electron‐deficient aromatics, such as polydinitrostyrene (PDNS), exhibit a concentration‐dependent effect: low concentrations lead to stabilization of dispersions, while higher concentrations lead to sedimentation. This suggests that such polymers can enhance attraction between the matrix of CNT‐reinforced polymers as well as stabilize the dispersed CNTs. Polycarbonate, modified with polydinitrocarbonate (PDNC) and reinforced with CNTs showed improved mechanical properties. The addition of 6 wt.% CNTs and 6 wt.% PDNC resulted in a notable improvement with a 22% increase in tensile strength, a 29% increase in flexural strength, a 39% increase in Young's modulus and a 47% increase in flexural modulus. This enhancement resulted in an overall mechanical performance comparable to the high‐performance polymer polyetherimide. However, there must be noted, that the addition of PDNC increases the CNT particle size, which can negatively affect mechanical properties. The results highlight the additive's dual role in enhancing adhesive interactions while potentially increasing CNT agglomerate sizes.Highlights
Interactions of CNTs dispersed in DMF and various aromatics were investigated.
Polydinitrocarbonate (PDNC) was synthesized as a new additive for CNT‐composites.
Polycarbonate/CNT‐composites were obtained using extrusion.
Test specimens with CNT contents up to 6 wt.% were obtained.
Mechanical properties of polycarbonate reached the level of polyetherimide.