bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation is effective in the treatment of single cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus and the prognostic impact of age should be emphasized
Authors: Cao ShiHang , Ding Nan , Zan Qiang , Lu Jun , Li Yi , Tian Feng , Xu JunKui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors associated with autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation for the treatment of single cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT).MethodsThe clinical data of patients with single cystic OLT undergoing autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation at the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of our hospital between 2018 and 2022, including complete follow‐up, were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging data from each patient were imported into Mimics software to measure the surface area, volume and depth of the lesions. Then, the talus nine‐compartment partitioning method was used to partition the injury site. Preoperative and final follow‐up assessments were performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) to evaluate treatment efficacy and analyze prognostic factors.ResultsOf the 31 patients with single cystic OLT with a complete set of follow‐up data, there were 17 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 43.3 ± 13.6 years, a mean follow‐up time of 30.1 ± 14.0 months and a mean illness duration of 30.4 ± 20.0 months. The postoperative final follow‐up AOFAS score was 90.7 ± 5.5; this represented significant improvement when compared to the preoperative score of 57.0 ± 8.5 (P < 0.001). The final postoperative follow‐up VAS score was 18.5 ± 8.3; this was significantly better than the preoperative score of 57.8 ± 8.7 (P < 0.001). The physical component summary (PCS) score and mental component summary (MCS) score on the SF‐36 scale showed significant improvement at the final postoperative follow‐up when compared to preoperative scores (p < 0.001). No other complications were observed during follow‐up, such as wound infection or pain at the donor site. One of the patients showed less improvement, which may be related to premature weight‐bearing or re‐sprained ankle after surgery. There was no significant correlation between the duration of illness, gender and the location, depth, surface area and volume of the OLT and the postoperative scores. However, patient age showed a significant negative correlation with the postoperative SF‐36 PCS and MCS scores.ConclusionAutologous osteoperiosteal transplantation for single cystic OLT demonstrated good clinical efficacy with a low incidence of complications. Furthermore, age represents an important factor influencing prognosis.Level of EvidenceLevel II.
Effects of Histidine Oligomers in Lipid Nanoparticles on siRNA Delivery
Authors: Lee Hyeondo , You Gayeon , Yeo Sangho , Lee Hyukjin , Mok Hyejung 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, histidine oligomer (oHis; 10mer)‐incorporating LNPs (H10LNPs) are developed as a novel carrier for efficient siRNA delivery. Notably, the unmodified oHis (10mer) is greatly incorporated within LNPs through ionic interaction with siRNAs, which serves as an endosome escape enhancer. H10LNPs with a size of ≈65 nm demonstrate a significantly enhanced extent of endosomal escape, as evidenced by calcein assay and confocal microscopy images of intracellular fluorescence, surpassing conventional LNPs. Furthermore, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the human endogenous globotriaosylceramide synthase (Gb3 synthase) gene in H10LNPs‐treated cells exhibits a significant threefold decrease, compared to that in LNP‐treated cells. Notably, H10LNPs maintain comparable biocompatibility and biodistribution both in vitro and in vivo. Considering that the fabricated siRNA H10LNPs exhibit excellent biocompatibility and superior gene silencing activity over conventional LNPs, these particles can be harnessed for the safe delivery of therapeutic siRNAs. Additionally, this study introduces promising, feasible, simple, and alternative formulation processes for integrating unmodified functional cationic peptides into LNPs to enhance the delivery efficiency of a wide range of nucleic acid‐based drugs.
Vitamin D Reduces the Activity of Adenosine Deaminase and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Alfaqih Mahmoud A. , Ababneh Ebaa , Mhedat Khawla , Allouh Mohammed Z. 
Published: May 2024

ScopePatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have lower levels of vitamin D. An elevation in uric acid (UA) contributes to T2DM via an increase in oxidative stress. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme of the purine degradation pathway. It is hypothesized that a reduction of ADA activity via vitamin D supplementation reduces UA and oxidative stress.Methods and resultsA total of 162 participants (81 with T2DM and 81 controls) are enrolled in a case–control study. A follow‐up interventional study is performed on 30 patients with vitamin D deficiency. These patients receive 50 000 IU (international units) of vitamin D3 on a weekly basis for 12 weeks. This intervention is followed by the measurement of several markers. T2DM patients has higher ADA activity, UA, and lipid peroxidation but lower 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25 (OH) vitamin D) and GSH/GSSG ratio (p < 0.05). Vitamin D supplementation results in a reduction of ADA activity and UA levels (p < 0.05) along with an increase in GSH/GSSG ratio (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results highlight the presence of an axis in T2DM patients between ADA, UA, and oxidative stress. Modulation of this axis can be achieved by clinically approved vitamin D supplementation protocols.
GABA‐edited MEGA‐PRESS at 3 T: Does a measured macromolecule background improve linear combination modeling?
Authors: Davies‐Jenkins Christopher W. , Zöllner Helge J. , Simicic Dunja , Hui Steve C. N. , Song Yulu , Hupfeld Kathleen E. , Prisciandaro James J. , Edden Richard A. E. , Oeltzschner Georg 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThe J‐difference edited γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) signal is contaminated by other co‐edited signals—the largest of which originates from co‐edited macromolecules (MMs)—and is consequently often reported as “GABA+.” MM signals are broader and less well‐characterized than the metabolites, and are commonly approximated using a Gaussian model parameterization. Experimentally measured MM signals are a consensus‐recommended alternative to parameterized modeling; however, they are relatively under‐studied in the context of edited MRS.MethodsTo address this limitation in the literature, we have acquired GABA‐edited MEGA‐PRESS data with pre‐inversion to null metabolite signals in 13 healthy controls. An experimental MM basis function was derived from the mean across subjects. We further derived a new parameterization of the MM signals from the experimental data, using multiple Gaussians to accurately represent their observed asymmetry. The previous single‐Gaussian parameterization, mean experimental MM spectrum and new multi‐Gaussian parameterization were compared in a three‐way analysis of a public MEGA‐PRESS dataset of 61 healthy participants.ResultsBoth the experimental MMs and the multi‐Gaussian parameterization exhibited reduced fit residuals compared to the single‐Gaussian approach (p = 0.034 and p = 0.031, respectively), suggesting they better represent the underlying data than the single‐Gaussian parameterization. Furthermore, both experimentally derived models estimated larger MM fractional contribution to the GABA+ signal for the experimental MMs (58%) and multi‐Gaussian parameterization (58%), compared to the single‐Gaussian approach (50%).ConclusionsOur results indicate that single‐Gaussian parameterization of edited MM signals is insufficient and that both experimentally derived GABA+ spectra and their parameterized replicas improve the modeling of GABA+ spectra.
Effect of molybdenum disulfide functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes based hybrid on morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Varghese Arun Sam , M. S. Sreekanth 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThree‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) functionalized MWCNTs hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized using in‐situ hydrothermal reaction. Two types of hybrids, MoS2/MWCNTs‐1 and MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 with MWCNTs to MoS2 precursor weight ratios 1:2 and 1:1 respectively were prepared with varying degrees of hybridization and the effects of their incorporation on tensile strength and fracture toughness properties of epoxies were investigated. Epoxy/MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 nanocomposites showed exceptional mechanical properties due to their improved dispersion, constrained chain mobility and excellent interfacial interactions. MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 nanocomposites showed maximum improvement of tensile strength by 28.52% at 0.5 wt% nanofiller concentration and the highest improvements in fracture toughness by 172% at 0.2 wt% nanofiller concentration. The excellent enhancement of fracture toughness properties was due to the synergic effect of MoS2/MWCNTs hybrid nanoparticles due to the crack pinning and bifurcation properties of MoS2 nanoparticles along with the pull‐out and crack bridging mechanisms of MWCNTs as observed in morphological analysis of fractures nanocomposites. The incorporation of 0.2 wt% of MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 increased the degradation temperatures of epoxy from 591 to 796°C at 95% weight loss due to the improved physical barrier effect.Highlights
MoS2/MWCNTs nanoparticles were synthesized using in‐situ hydrothermal reaction
0.5 wt% MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 incorporated epoxies showed highest tensile strength
0.2 wt% MoS2/MWCNTs‐2 incorporated epoxy composites show improved K1c value
Incorporation of MoS2/MWCNTs improved the thermal stability of epoxy
Synergistic effect of nanocomposite due to crack pinning, bifurcation & bridging
Synthesis and characterization of bio‐based poly(urethane‐urea) nanocomposite coatings employing cellulose nanocrystals incorporated by two different routes
Authors: Herran Rodrigo , Molinari Fabricio Nicolás , Cimas Axel Javier , Karp Federico , Amalvy Javier Ignacio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring the last decades, the interest in the development of materials fully or partially biobased has increased. Polyurethanes are extensively used in a wide range of industries because of their versatility. The present work explores the synthesis of partially biobased poly(urethane‐urea) (PUU) composites employing soy‐based polyol (SPO) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The latter were incorporated during the synthesis (in‐situ) or after the synthesis (ex‐situ). The possibility of a technological application as coatings was investigated for the designed materials. Polycaprolactone diol was used as a soft segment due to high functionality of the soy‐based polyol. The physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties of the prepared matrices were analyzed. Poly(urethane‐urea)s containing up to 20% by weight of biobased polyol showed coating application potentiality. Compared to a polycaprolactone‐based polyurethane, the utilization of the bioprecursor enhanced light absorption in the UV–Vis region. In addition, partially biobased systems showed better mechanical resistance (Young's modulus increased up to 6 times) and hydrophobicity (sweeling decreased from 60 to 8 per cent by weight). Incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals affected primarily the physicochemical and rheological properties of dispersions. Regarding coating properties, nanocrystals utilization complemented the soy‐based polyol improving the performance of the films. Furthermore, the incorporation route affected the dispersions and films properties.Highlights
SPO was incorporated up to 20 per cent by weight in PUU composites.
Higher SPO contents improved UV–Vis absorption and tensile strength of films.
Films were less hydrophilic as more SPO was incorporated.
The CNC‐reinforcement was complementary to the utilization of the SPO.
CNC incorporation route affects properties and performance of the coatings.
Improvement of thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of polyethylene nanocomposites by introducing non‐covalently modified carbon nanotube and reactive polyethylene copolymer
Authors: Tang Feng , Song Young‐Gi , Park Jin‐Hyeok , Moon Jongho , Lee Jun‐Hyeop , Lee Shinwoo , Jeong Young Gyu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe herein report the enhancement of thermal, electrical, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and mechanical performance of polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites by the introduction of non‐covalently modified multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and ethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate (EGMA) copolymer. For this purpose, benzylacetic acid‐functionalized MWCNT (BA‐M) is prepared by ball milling, and it is melt‐mixed with EGMA to prepare a masterbatch. The masterbatch is then melt‐compounded with neat PE to manufacture a series of PE/EGMA/BA‐M nanocomposites with 0.5–5 wt% MWCNTs. Electron microscopic and spectroscopic analyses confirm the successful fabrication of non‐covalently functionalized BA‐M, the uniform dispersity of MWCNTs in the PE matrix, and the chemical reactions between the carboxylic acid groups of BA‐M and the epoxy group of EGMA in the nanocomposites. Scanning calorimetric data reveals that BA‐M acts as an efficient nucleating agent for the crystallization of PE. The excellent dispersity and robust interfacial bonding of BA‐M in the PE matrix result in improved electrical and EMI shielding properties in PE/EGMA/BA‐M nanocomposites. Furthermore, the tensile strength, initial modulus, and impact strength of the nanocomposites gradually rise as the BA‐M content increases. Thus, the PE/EGMA/BA‐M nanocomposite containing 5 wt% MWCNT achieves excellent performance of EMI shielding effectiveness of ~14.7 dB/mm, tensile strength of ~34.5 MPa, initial modulus of ~295.7 MPa, and impact strength of ~539.9 J/m, which represent enhancements of ~265%, ~40%, ~82%, and ~452%, respectively, compared to pristine PE.Highlights
Non‐covalently modified MWCNT (BA‐M) was prepared by facile ball milling.
PE nanocomposites with BA‐M and EGMA were prepared by masterbatch melt‐mixing.
Excellent dispersity and interfacial bonding of MWCNT in the PE matrix were attained.
Tensile strength and initial modulus of the nanocomposites were highly improved.
EMI shielding effectiveness of the nanocomposite with 5 wt% MWCNT was ~14.7 dB/mm.
A novel Burkholderia pyrrocinia strain effectively inhibits Fusarium graminearum growth and deoxynivalenol (DON) production
Authors: Dan‐dan Wang , Jia‐jun Nie , Rui‐bian Zhao , Jie Lu , Yuan‐xu Wei , Liu Yu , Fei‐fei Chen , Yue‐min Pan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDFusarium graminearum is a devastating fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat to global wheat production and quality. Control of this toxin‐producing pathogen remains a major challenge. This study aimed to isolate strains with antagonistic activity against F. graminearum and at the same time to analyze the synthesis of deoxynivalenol (DON), in order to provide a new basis for the biological control of FHB.RESULTSTotal of 69 microorganisms were isolated from the soil of a wheat‐corn crop rotation field, and an antagonistic bacterial strain F12 was identified as Burkholderia pyrrocinia by molecular biology and carbon source utilization. F. graminearum control by strain F12 showed excellent biological activities under laboratory conditions (95.8%) and field testing (63.09%). Meanwhile, the DON content of field‐treated wheat grains was detected the results showed that F12 have significantly inhibited of DON, which was further verified by qPCR that F12 produces secondary metabolites that inhibit the expression of DON and pigment‐related genes. In addition, the sterile fermentation broth of F12 not only inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination, but also prevented mycelia from producing spores.CONCLUSIONIn this study B. pyrrocinia was reported to have good control of FHB and inhibition of DON synthesis. This novel B. pyrrocinia F12 is a promising biological inoculant, providing possibilities for controlling FHB, and a theoretical basis for the development of potential biocontrol agents and biofertilizers for agricultural use. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Entropy‐Driven Ostwald Ripening Reversal Promotes the Formation of Low‐Platinum Intermetallic Fuel Cell Catalysts
Authors: Li Shuo‐Bin , Yin Peng , Xu Cong , Xue Kun‐Ze , Kong Yuan , Zuo Ming , Zhang Wan‐Qun , Liang Hai‐Wei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractStrain engineering has been widely used to optimize platinum‐based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). PtM3 (M is base metals), a well‐known high‐compressive‐strain intermetallic alloy, shows promise as a low platinum ORR catalyst due to high intrinsic activity. However, during the alloying of Pt with a threefold amount of M, a notable phase separation between Pt and M may occur, with M particles rapidly sintering while Pt particles grow slowly, posing a challenge in achieving a well‐defined PtM3 intermetallic alloy. Here, an entropy‐driven Ostwald ripening reversal phenomenon is discovered that enables the synthesis of small‐sized Pt(FeCoNiCu)3 intermetallic ORR catalysts. High entropy promotes the thermodynamic driving force for the alloying Pt with M, which triggers the Ostwald ripening reversal of sintered FeCoNiCu particles and facilitates the formation of uniform Pt(FeCoNiCu)3 intermetallic catalysts. The prepared Pt(FeCoNiCu)3 catalysts exhibit a high specific activity of 3.82 mA cm−2, along with a power density of ≈1.3 W cm−2 at 0.67 V and 94 °C with a cathode Pt loading of 0.1 mg cm−2 in H2–air fuel cell.
Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of Single‐Source‐Precursor Derived CNWs/Ni2Si/SiOC Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Ting , Du Hanzi , Riedel Ralf , Yu Zhaoju 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis work successfully fabricated a novel CNWs/Ni2Si/SiOC nanocomposite ceramic material using a single‐source‐precursor derived ceramic approach. The material exhibits in‐situ formation of carbon nanowires (CNWs) and multiple core‐shell nanoparticles such as Ni2Si@C and SiC@C. The reaction mechanism of the precursor, the microstructure and phase composition, and the ceramics′ electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing properties were thoroughly investigated and discussed. The obtained CNWs/Ni2Si/SiOC nanocomposite ceramics possesses a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −43.5 dB, indicating excellent EMW absorbing performance. The in‐situ formation of CNWs and multi‐core‐shell nanoparticles (Ni2Si@C and SiC@C) in the ceramics play a crucial role in enhancing their EMW absorbing properties compared to pure SiOC ceramics.
Teaching Professional Communication: A Practical Approach
Authors: Nikolopoulou Katerina , Miliopoulou Georgia-Zozeta 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of soft skills in the workplace and presents an approach on teaching professional communication to college students one of the introductory courses taught in almost every Higher Institution in the U.S and abroad. Soft skills in the last decade and particularly in the after COVID-19 era are valued more than the hard ones during the hiring process. Communication skills, oral and written, have become necessary in all working environments. The paper discusses how informative and persuasive structures can help students not only how to communicate more effectively but also how to think more efficiently, organize their thinking and respond to professional challenges. As current trends and social media change the communication habits of young adults, teaching ways to think and speak or write is essential. This paper is for professionals and academics who delve in communication skills as an area of research and practice.
The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility Policies in Companies in Greece in the Recruitment of Young Talented Employees
Authors: Panagopoulou Maria , Xanthopoulou Panagiota , Sahinidis Alexandros 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an important factor for the development of organizations and companies at all levels, as it encompasses actions in various areas and highlights the importance of aligning decisions with human resources and the social environment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between CSR and organizational attractiveness, which pertains to the level of appeal a company holds for its employees as well as job seekers. The research was conducted using a quantitative method and convenience sampling, involving 121 individuals 22 years and older, who are currently or have previously been employed by companies in Greece. Participants responded to questionnaires consisting of closed-ended questions, where they selected their answers using a seven-point scale. The collected data were then analyzed using the SPSS software. The research results revealed a significant correlation between CSR and organizational attractiveness, with corresponding implications for employee organizational commitment. The results have important implications for Human Resource managers and organizational strategists, as well as academics of the field. After all, human resources and talent management claims that CSR is a regulatory factor in talent management, this is because CSR gives every company the opportunity to use challenges and values in order to create and organize more targeted and better quality programs to engage talented workers and seem worthy of his expectations.
Workers’ Competencies in the Context of Industry 4.0. The Case of Poland
Authors: Barwińska-Małajowicz Anna , Pyrek Radosław 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCompetencies play an extremely important role in today's world. The discussion around human resources is increasing in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. There is an emerging need for competencies that enable employees, businesses and society to function effectively in the digital reality. Competition in the digital era is increasing and more aggressive. Employers need highly skilled employees who can handle all the new market challenges. Competencies of Industry 4.0 help companies stay competitive and adapt to a rapidly changing business environment. Investing in the development of employees to increase their competence brings many benefits and contributes to the long-term success of companies in all sectors and industries. The article focuses on competencies that are essential in the context of Industry 4.0, such as creativity and innovation, critical thinking skills, digital competencies, problem-solving skills, communication and collaboration, entrepreneurship and the process of permanent learning. The most up-to-date research reports conducted by various institutions in Poland dealing with labour market and worker competencies were reviewed under specific keywords listed below. The focus is on identifying the competencies that are relevant from the perspective of the Industry 4.0 from the point of view of employees and employers. The methods used were literature research of well know databases such as google scholar McKinsay.com, Deloitte.com, ResearchGate.com including surveys and reports with Polish cases such as google, stat.gov.pl keywords under search were ‘competences’, ‘skills’, ‘profession’, ‘industry 4.0’, ‘Poland’, ‘employee’ desk research, methods of quantitative analysis and frequency of distributions of answers to questions from diagnostic surveys that are research instruments in the reports analysed.