bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lignin‐Based Multilamellar Aggregates for Removing Ofloxacin Antibiotic: A Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Zhu Guodian , Shang Jingqi , Xie Shaoqu , Li Yuanyuan , Zhao Lisha , Yin Guoqiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLignin, a renewable aromatic polymer, has great potential as a synthetic building block for functional materials. The effects of quaternary ammonic methylation of alkali lignin (AL) on the morphologies and ofloxacin antibiotic (OA) removal application from water are investigated by using the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation method. Untreated AL can form spherical aggregates, but the phenylpropane units of untreated AL and loaded broad‐spectrum OA molecules are randomly distributed in aggregates. However, if quaternary ammonic groups are grafted onto all orthopositions of the phenolic hydroxyl groups (100‐QAMAL), then multilamellar spherical aggregates are obtained and OA molecules are entrapped in the aggregates. To prepare multilamellar spherical aggregates with an ordered and regular layered structure, <15 v% of 100‐QAMAL and low molecular weights of AL (≈4700–9400 Da) are suggested to be used. Lignin‐based multilamellar spherical aggregates can be adopted as potential functional carriers for removing pollutant OA from water.
An online training resource for clinicians to optimise exercise prescription for persistent low back pain: Design, development and usability testing
Authors: Wood Lianne , Dean Sarah , Booth Vicky , Hayden Jill A. , Foster Nadine E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. A recent realist review identified the behavioural mechanisms of trust, motivation, and confidence as key to optimising exercise prescription for persistent LBP.ObjectivesOur objectives were to (1) design and develop an online training programme, and (2) gain end‐user feedback on the useability, usefulness, informativeness and confidence in using the online training programme using a mixed‐methods, pre‐post study design.Participants and InterventionThe online training programme was designed and developed using the results from a realist review, and input from a multi‐disciplinary stakeholder group. A five‐module online training programme was piloted by the first 10 respondents who provided feedback on the course. Further modifications were made prior to additional piloting. The satisfaction, usefulness, ease of use, and confidence of clinicians in applying the learned principles were assessed on completion.ResultsThe online programme was advertised to clinicians using social media. Forty‐four respondents expressed initial interest, of which 22 enrolled and 18 completed the course. Of the participants, most were physiotherapists (n = 16/18, 88.9%), aged between 30 and 49 (n = 11/18, 61.1%). All participants were satisfied with the course content, rated the course platform as easy to use and useful, and reported that they were very confident to apply the learning. Most (n = 10/14, 71.4%) reported that their manner of prescribing exercise had changed after completion of the course.ConclusionsAn online training programme to optimise exercise prescription for persistent LBP appears to be easy to use, informative and improves confidence to apply the learning.
Validating the use of body mass index with computed tomography in a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of patients admitted with SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Sheean Patricia , O'Connor Paula , Joyce Cara , Wozniak Amy , Vasilopoulos A. Vasilios , Seigal Jared , Formanek Perry 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundBody mass index (BMI) is criticized for being unjust and biased in relatively healthy racial and ethnic groups. Therefore, the current analysis examines if BMI predicts body composition, specifically adiposity, in a racially and ethnically diverse acutely ill patient population.MethodsPatients admitted with SARS‐CoV‐2 having an evaluable diagnostic chest, abdomen, and/or pelvic computed tomography (CT) study (within 5 days of admission) were included in this retrospective cohort. Cross‐sectional areas (centimeters squared) of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were quantified. Total adipose tissue (TAT) was calculated as sum of these areas. Admission height and weight were applied to calculate BMI, and self‐reported race and ethnicity were used for classification. General linear regression models were conducted to estimate correlations and assess differences between groups.ResultsOn average, patients (n = 134) were aged 58.2 (SD = 19.1) years, 60% male, and racially and ethnically diverse (33% non‐Hispanic White [NHW], 33% non‐Hispanic Black [NHB], 34% Hispanic). Correlations between BMI and SAT and BMI and TAT were strongest revealing estimates of 0.707 (0.585, 0.829) and 0.633 (0.534, 0.792), respectively. When examining the various adiposity compartments across race and ethnicity, correlations were similar and significant differences were not detected for TAT with SAT, VAT, or IMAT (all P ≥ 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings support the routine use of applying BMI as a proxy measure of total adiposity for acutely ill patients identifying as NHW, NHB, and Hispanic. Our results inform the validity and utility of this tool in clinical nutrition practice.
Integration of ground geophysical methods to characterize near‐surface aquifer zones within an active mine
Authors: Gomo Sikelela , Mutshafa Ndamulelo , Dildar Jureya , Manzi Musa S. D. , Bourdeau Julie E. , Brodic Bojan , James Ian , Cooper Gordon R. J. , Durrheim Raymond J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding near‐surface groundwater storage, flow patterns, surface and groundwater interactions in mining areas can assist in making mining more efficient and profitable. This is especially important in opencast mines affected by water inflows that may negatively affect production and increase mining costs. We map and characterize the near‐surface aquifer zones at the opencast site of Tharisa Minerals, located in the southwestern region of the Bushveld Complex (South Africa). The main goal is to infer pit water inflow at the mine site and determine how it may be better controlled. The Bushveld Complex hosts partially connected and unconfined alluvial, shallow‐weathered and crystalline bedrock aquifers, which are often connected by small‐scale permeable zones. Seismic refraction tomography, multichannel analysis of surface waves, electrical resistivity tomography and borehole data are used to map and understand the different aquifer zones in the vicinity of the mine, as well as infer their relation to water inflow in the mine pits. The geophysical surveys map the overburden, weathered bedrock aquifer zone, and the top of the crystalline aquifer rock zone reasonably well. They reveal extensive and deep weathering, and possible high hydraulic conductivity in the vicinity of the mine. The results provide a better understanding of the mine's near‐surface environment, which could be used to implement effective and targeted dewatering techniques, thus enabling better pit inflow water control to improve mine working conditions and production.
The emerging role of targeted protein degradation to treat and study cancer
Authors: Brodermann Maximillian H , Henderson Elizabeth K , Sellar Rob S 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe evolution of cancer treatment has provided increasingly targeted strategies both in the upfront and relapsed disease settings. Small‐molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy have risen to prominence with chimeric antigen receptor T‐cells, checkpoint inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibody therapies being deployed across a range of solid organ and haematological malignancies. However, novel approaches are required to target transcription factors and oncogenic fusion proteins that are central to cancer biology and have generally eluded successful drug development. Thalidomide analogues causing protein degradation have been a cornerstone of treatment in multiple myeloma, but a lack of in‐depth mechanistic understanding initially limited progress in the field. When the protein cereblon (CRBN) was found to mediate thalidomide analogues' action and CRBN's neo‐targets were identified, existing and novel drug development accelerated, with applications outside multiple myeloma, including non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute leukaemias. Critically, transcription factors were the first canonical targets described. In addition to broadening the application of protein‐degrading drugs, resistance mechanisms are being overcome and targeted protein degradation is widening the scope of druggable proteins against which existing approaches have been ineffective. Examples of targeted protein degraders include molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs): heterobifunctional molecules that bind to proteins of interest and cause proximity‐induced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation via a linked E3 ligase. Twenty years since their inception, PROTACs have begun progressing through clinical trials, with early success in targeting the oestrogen receptor and androgen receptor in breast and prostate cancer respectively. This review explores important developments in targeted protein degradation to both treat and study cancer. It also considers the potential advantages and challenges in the translational aspects of developing new treatments. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Dielectric properties of polypropylene blended with copolymers of varying ethylene contents
Authors: Kamarudin Siti Noorhazirah , Lau Kwan Yiew , Ahmad Noor Azlinda , Azrin Nur Azalia , Ching Kuan Yong , Ghani Ahmad Basri Abd , Arifin Nur Amira Nor 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) has recently been actively investigated as a potential power cable insulation substitute for crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE). This is mainly due to PP's higher thermal withstand capability over XLPE. Notably, PP has much higher stiffness than XLPE and therefore needs to be modified with tougher materials to reduce its overall stiffness while maintaining its desirable dielectric properties. To date, many investigations have been conducted on the mechanical and dielectric effects of PP blended with various copolymers. Nevertheless, systematic investigations on the dielectric effects of PP blended with ethylene‐based copolymers having different ethylene contents are less explored. The current work therefore reports on the impact of different ethylene contents of ethylene‐based copolymers on the breakdown performances of PP. The findings reveal that PP blended with a copolymer having a low ethylene content (68.7 wt%) results in at least 11% higher breakdown performance than PP containing a copolymer having a high ethylene content (77.0 wt%). Specifically, PP containing 10 wt% of copolymers having 68.7 wt% of ethylene content results in comparable breakdown performance to XLPE (325 kV mm−1). These results suggest that ethylene‐based copolymers with an appropriately low ethylene content can be blended with PP to achieve desirable breakdown properties.Highlights
PP is blended with copolymers of varying amounts and ethylene contents.
PP blended with low amounts of copolymers has good breakdown strength.
PP blended with low ethylene level copolymers has favorable breakdown strength.
PP blended with copolymers of low ethylene contents is desirable.
The breakdown mechanisms are related with the structure and permittivity.
Exploring the Modern Bioactive Peptides (BAPs) Universe: Doors to the Future
Authors: Patil Prasanna J. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBecause of their wide variety of biological effects, bioactive peptides (BAPs) have recently attracted a lot of attention. BAPs have been observed to be safe, thanks to their widely acknowledged safety status by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). This has led to their widespread use in various industries, such as food and nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutics. A considerable amount of research has been devoted to developing cutting‐edge nanomaterials derived from BAPs, which have been utilized in a wide range of industries. In the realm of scientific research, the remarkable ability of BAPs to self‐assemble has been harnessed to develop a wide range of nanoassemblies. These nanoassemblies hold immense potential for the advancement of biomaterials in the future. Research interest continues to focus on the study of the detection of BAPs using artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past few years, there has been a surge of interest in utilizing bio‐inspired strategies to explore new possibilities in the development of advanced energy devices and storage solutions. However, these strategies require scientific attention. This extensive review offers a broad perspective on the applications of BAPs in nanotechnology as well as pharmaceuticals and therapeutics. Moreover, in silico analysis of BAPs, coupled with ‐omics techniques, has been discussed. In the bargain, the next‐generation approaches in BAP research comprising BAP‐based energy devices, as well as BAPs in AI, have been catalogued. There is a considerable emphasis on developing more eco‐friendly energy‐storage technologies that draw inspiration from nature and use BAPs.
OCT for automated conventional welding in the automotive industry
Authors: Dupriez Nataliya Deyneka , Adolph Samuel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSimilar to laser welding, optical coherence tomography (OCT) simplifies the operation of robot‐guided, automated GMA welding by offering seam tracking capabilities thanks to its industry‐approved, standardized functions and fieldbus communication. Furthermore, OCT can monitor the quality of weld seam online by measuring the seam topography during GMA welding, eliminating the need for time‐consuming and costly off‐line weld inspection.
Quasi‐elastic neutron scattering study on dynamically asymmetric polymer blends
Authors: Mbonu Christopher , Osti Naresh C. , Wu Di , Akcora Pinar 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCompatibility between polymers with different glass transition temperatures controls the thermomechanical properties of blends. This work explores the segmental dynamics of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) chains when they are blended with polymers of different rigidities and miscibility. Inspired by the intriguing dynamic asymmetry of chains within the interfacial layer of nanoparticles, this study aims to understand dynamic heterogeneity in dynamically asymmetric blends of PMA/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PMA/polystyrene (PS), and PMA/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and quasi‐elastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements below and above the glass transition temperature of PMMA or PS. Results revealed that the segmental jump distance of PMA increased on blending due to volume enhancement. The reduced effective diffusivity of PMA in PMMA is attributed to PMMA's enhanced flexibility (lower characteristic ratio, ) and superior interaction (lower ) when compared with the PS environment. The results demonstrate that the chain rigidity and miscibility affect the free volume, interchain cooperativity, and segmental dynamics in dynamically asymmetric blends.
The crosslinking and decrosslinking of fluorinated diblock copolymer from RAFT emulsion polymerization toward surface anti‐icing
Authors: Xu Huangbing , Qiu Teng , Tian Xiaoqian , Wu Fengjiao , Guo Longhai , Li Xiaoyu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHere, we demonstrate disulfide‐crosslinked polyfluoroacrylate AB block copolymer films with excellent anti‐icing properties. The fluorinated latexes of AB block copolymers were synthesized via two‐step reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization using polyacrylic acid and its sodium salts as the hydrophilic A‐block, and polyhexafluorobutyl acrylate as the hydrophobic B‐block. Diacetone acrylamide was copolymerized in different blocks as a crosslinking anchor. A disulfide‐containing compound dithiodipropionic acid dihydrazide was chosen as the crosslinking agent to form disulfide‐crosslinked fluorinated films to enhance the mechanical properties, surface properties, swelling properties, and anti‐icing properties of the films. It has proved that the crosslinking site has a great impact on the film formation process which in turn affects the film performance. The B‐block crosslinked films showed better resistance to water while the A‐block crosslinked films were more organic solution resistant. The A‐block crosslinked films also possessed better anti‐icing properties due to the high F/O value. Furthermore, decrosslinking experiments were conducted using a reductant tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride to break the disulfide bond. The recycling rate of the B‐block crosslinked films could reach >90% while the recycling rate of the A‐block crosslinked films reached >75%.
Effect of decalcification on immunohistochemical staining of trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1
Authors: Miao Chen , Chen Gang , Han Wenli , Hu Ran 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo evaluate the effect of different decalcification solutions on the immunohistochemical staining of trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1), and to provide a reliable basis for the accurate diagnosis of bone metastasis of breast cancer. Due to the limited biopsy samples of bone metastatic cancer, 20 cases of invasive breast cancer were selected to simulate bone metastatic biopsy, dividing into four groups: undecalcified group, 30% formic acid group, 10% hydrochloric acid group and 10% nitric acid group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed after treatment for 2, 6, 18 and 24 h. There was no change in the proportion and intensity of TRPS1 cells in the formic acid decalcification group within 18 h, but decreased significantly after 24 h. The staining intensity of TRPS1 and the proportion of stained cells were significantly decreased in the hydrochloric acid decalcification group since 2 h treatment. The percentage and intensity of positive cells in the nitric acid decalcification group changed little or no change within 6 h, and then gradually decreased with the extension of time. Another three invasive breast cancer samples were used to compare the effects of different decalcification solutions on the same case. In brief, we conclude that the effect of 30% formic acid decalcification on TRPS1 staining is small when the time is less than 18 h. 10% nitric acid decalcification should be controlled within 6 h, which has little effect on TRPS1 staining, and 10% hydrochloric acid decalcification will lead to significantly less positive TRPS1 staining, so it is not recommended for breast bone metastasis tissue decalcification.
Simulating realistic patient profiles from pharmacokinetic models by a machine learning postprocessing correction of residual variability
Authors: Kaikousidis Christos , Bies Robert R. , Dokoumetzidis Aristides 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe address the problem of model misspecification in population pharmacokinetics (PopPK), by modeling residual unexplained variability (RUV) by machine learning (ML) methods in a postprocessing step after conventional model building. The practical purpose of the method is the generation of realistic virtual patient profiles and the quantification of the extent of model misspecification, by introducing an appropriate metric, to be used as an additional diagnostic of model quality. The proposed methodology consists of the following steps: After developing a PopPK model, the individual residual errors IRES = DV–IPRED, are computed, where DV are the observations and IPRED the individual predictions and are modeled by ML to obtain IRESML. Correction of the IPREDs can then be carried out as DVML = IPRED + IRESML. The methodology was tested in a PK study of ropinirole, for which a PopPK model was developed while a second deliberately misspecified model was also considered. Various supervised ML algorithms were tested, among which Random Forest gave the best results. The ML model was able to correct individual predictions as inspected in diagnostic plots and most importantly it simulated realistic profiles that resembled the real data and canceled out the artifacts introduced by the elevated RUV, even in the case of the heavily misspecified model. Furthermore, a metric to quantify the extent of model misspecification was introduced based on the R2 between IRES and IRESML, following the rationale that the greater the extent of variability explained by the ML model, the higher the degree of model misspecification present in the original model.
Efficacy and safety of adoptive T‐cell therapy in treating cytomegalovirus infections post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Taherian Mohammad Reza , Azarbar Pouya , Barkhordar Maryam , Toufani Shahin , Aliabadi Leyla Sharifi , Bahri Tanaz , Ahmadvand Mohammad , Yaghmaie Marjan , Daneshvar Alireza , Vaezi Mohammad 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection poses significant risks in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT) recipients. Despite advances in antiviral therapies, issues such as drug resistance, side effects, and inadequate immune reconstitution remain. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adoptive cell therapy (ATC) in managing CMV infections in allo‐HSCT recipients. Adhering to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive database search through July 2023. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted on studies involving HSCT patients with CMV infections treated with ATC. The primary outcome was the response rate to ATC, and secondary outcomes included adverse events associated with ATC. The Freeman–Tukey transformation was applied for analysis. In the meta‐analysis of 40 studies involving 953 participants, ATC achieved an overall integrated response rate of 90.16%, with a complete response of 82.59% and a partial response of 22.95%. ATC source, HLA matching, steroid intake, and age group markedly influenced response rates. Donor‐derived T‐cell treatments exhibited a higher response rate (93.66%) compared to third‐party sources (88.94%). HLA‐matched patients demonstrated a response rate of 92.90%, while mismatched patients had a lower rate. Children showed a response rate of 83.40%, while adults had a notably higher rate of 98.46%. Adverse events were minimal, with graft‐versus‐host disease occurring in 24.32% of patients. ATC shows promising response rates in treating CMV infections post‐HSCT, with an acceptable safety profile. However, to establish its efficacy conclusively and compare it with other antiviral treatments, randomised controlled trials are essential. Further research should prioritise such trials over observational and one‐arm studies to provide robust evidence for clinical decision‐making.