bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAT3 mediates cancer stem‐like tumorsphere formation and PD‐L1 expression to contribute radioresistance in HBV‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ho Ai‐Sheng , Cheng Chun‐Chia , Peng Cheng‐Liang , Sie Zong‐Lin , Yeh Chun , Lee Shou‐Dong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe proposed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) survived and presented resistance to radiotherapy (RT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) has been reported to be particularly involved in HCC tumorigenesis. Therefore, we intended to validate that IL‐6 downstream STAT3‐mediated CSCs formation and immune checkpoint PD‐L1 expression in HCC, thus contributing to radioresistance. HBV‐positive HCC tumorspheres were formed and exposed with X‐ray irradiation, cell viability of which was measured consequently. Specific inhibitors targeting EGFR (by gefitinib), STAT3 (by BBI608), and HCC‐targeted therapy sorafenib were investigated to suppress tumorsphere formation. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used for detecting STAT3‐downstream PD‐L1 and anti‐apoptosis MCL1 and BCL2 gene expression in the PLC5‐derived tumorspheres and STAT3‐knockdown PLC5. We found that RT significantly inhibited HBV‐positive Hep3B and PLC5 cell viability but not for HCC‐derived stem‐like tumorspheres cultured by EGF, IL‐6, bFGF, and HGF. It revealed that tumorspheres presented radioresistance compared with the parental cells. Specifically, RT induces IFNs, EGF, and IL‐6 expression, resulting in STAT3 phosphorylation. Kaplan–Meier plotter indicated that highly EGF (p = .0024), IL‐6 (p = .12), and FGF2 (p = .0041) were associated with poor survival probability in patients with HBV‐positive HCC. We further demonstrated that BBI608 and sorafenib significantly suppressed PLC5 cell viability and PLC5‐derived tumorsphere formation. To investigate the mechanism of CSC‐presented radioresistance, STAT3 and STAT3‐downstream genes, including PD‐L1 and anti‐apoptosis MCL1 and BCL2, were detected using qPCR. We demonstrated higher STAT3, PD‐L1, MCL1, and BCL2 in Hep3B‐ and PLC5‐derived CSCs compared to PLC5. In addition, knockdown of STAT3 reduced cell proliferation in PLC5 cells, resulting in down‐regulation of IL‐6‐mediated PD‐L1 and BCL‐2. Meanwhile, we found that knockdown of STAT3 significantly improved RT‐mediated suppression of tumorsphere formation. In conclusion, we found that CSCs presented radioresistance and figured out which may be mediated by STAT3 in HBV‐positive HCC.
A case report of a patient with neurodevelopmental disorder with impaired speech and hyperkinetic movements: A biallelic variant in the ZNF142 gene
Authors: Kaya Derya , Ceylan Köse Canan , Akcan Mehmet Berkay , Silan Fatma 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiallelic pathogenic variations in the zinc finger protein 142 (ZNF142) gene are associated with neurodevelopmental disorder with impaired speech and hyperkinetic movements (NEDISHM). This disorder is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, speech delay, and movement disorders such as dystonia, tremor, ataxia, and chorea. Here, we report a patient who exhibited common neurological features and rarely reported brain MRI findings. Exome sequencing identified a novel biallelic variant in ZNF142 (c.3528_3529delTG; p.C1176fs*5 (NM_001105537.4)). NEDISHM was first described by Khan et al. (2019) and has been reported in 39 patients to date. Furthermore, upon reviewing our in‐house data covering 750 individuals, we identified three different pathogenic ZNF142 variants. It appears that the frequency of ZNF142 alleles is not as low as initially thought, suggesting that this gene should be included in new generation sequencing panels for similar clinical scenarios. Our goal is to compile and expand upon the clinical features observed in NEDISHM, providing novel insights and presenting a new variant to the literature. We also aim to demonstrate that ZNF142 pathogenic variants should be considered in neurodevelopmental diseases.
Mitochondrial phosphate‐carrier deficiency mimicking infantile‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Küçükcongar Yavaş Aynur , Basan Hacer , Dinçer Serpil , Bilginer Gürbüz Berrak , Kasapkara Çiğdem Seher 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe mitochondrial phosphate carrier is critical for adenosine triphosphate synthesis by serving as the primary means for mitochondrial phosphate import across the inner membrane. Variants in the SLC25A3 gene coding mitochondrial phosphate carrier lead to failure in inorganic phosphate transport across mitochondria. The critical dependence on mitochondria as an energy source is especially evident in tissues with high‐energy demands such as the heart, muscle; defects in the mitochondrial energy production machinery underlie a wide range of primary mitochondrial disorders that present with cardiac and muscle diseases. The characteristic clinical picture of a prominent early‐onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and lactic acidosis may be an indication for analysis of the SLC25A3 gene. Here, described a patient with suspicion of infantile Pompe disease due to involvement of heart and muscle and high‐level of plasma creatinine kinase but finally diagnosed mitochondrial phosphate‐carrier deficiency.
Silylene mit kleinen Chalcogenolato‐Substituenten: Variation der Grenzorbitalenergien von O bis Te
Authors: Müller Maximilian P. , Hinz Alexander 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDie Synthesen der heteroleptischen, acyclischen Silylene [(dtbpCbz)SiE16R], die neben dem sterisch anspruchsvollen Carbazolyl‐Liganden dtbpCbz einen Chalcogenolato‐Substituenten der Art E16R=OtBu, SEt, SePh oder TePh tragen, werden detailliert beschrieben. Dabei ist es möglich, Chalcogenolato‐Einheiten einzusetzen, die nur einen geringen sterischen Anspruch aufweisen sowie durch die Wahl des Chalcogenolato‐Substituenten die elektronischen Eigenschaften der Silylene zu variieren. Die daraus resultierenden Effekte werden in den NMR‐ und UV/Vis‐Spektren deutlich. Erste Reaktivitätsstudien der schweren Chalcogenolatosilylene wurden durch Umsetzung mit Trimethylphosphanselenid bzw. mit einem Terphenylazid TerN3, (Ter=2,6‐Dimesitylphenyl) durchgeführt.
Hyperbranched Vitrimer for Ultrahigh Energy Dissipation
Authors: Cheng Lin , Zhao Jun , Xiong Zhongqiang , Liu Sijun , Yan Xuzhou , Yu Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPolymers are ideally utilized as damping materials due to the high internal friction of molecular chains, enabling effective suppression of vibrations and noises in various fields. Current strategies rely on broadening the glass transition region or introducing additional relaxation components to enhance the energy dissipation capacity of polymeric damping materials. However, it remains a significant challenge to achieve high damping efficiency through structural control while maintaining dynamic characteristics. In this work, we propose a new strategy to develop hyperbranched vitrimers (HBVs) containing dense pendant chains and loose dynamic crosslinked networks. A novel yet weak dynamic transesterification between the carboxyl and boronic acid ester was confirmed and used to prepare HBVs based on poly (hexyl methacrylate‐2‐(4‐ethenylphenyl)‐5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborinane) P(HMA‐co‐ViCL) copolymers. The
‐type of macromonomers, the crosslinking points formed by the dynamic covalent connection via the associative exchange, and the weak yet dynamic exchange reaction are the three keys to developing high‐performance HBV damping materials. We found that P(HMA‐co‐ViCL) 20k‐40‐60 HBV exhibited ultrahigh energy‐dissipation performance over a broad frequency and temperature range, attributed to the synergistic effect of dense pendant chains and weak dynamic covalent crosslinks. This unique design concept will provide a general approach to developing advanced damping materials.
Synergistic effects of in situ fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene and polystyrene–butadiene block on the microcellular foaming behaviors of polyphenylene oxide modified by high‐impact polystyrene
Authors: Yan Meiqi , Li Zhuolun , Liu Haiming , Sun Yibo , Wang Xiangdong , Chen Shihong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMicrocellular foams of polyphenylene oxide/high‐impact polystyrene (PPO/HIPS) with high strength are prepared using supercritical CO2 foaming technology. The study focuses on examining the influence of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polystyrene–butadiene block (SEBS) polymers in PPO/HIPS blends. Compared with the pure PPO/HIPS blend, the PPO/HIPS blend with 1 phr PTFE exhibits higher impact strength (7.62 kJ/m2), and the foam compressive strength is 5% larger. The PPO/HIPS foams with 1 phr PTFE (as a nucleating agent) and 5 phr SEBS (as a toughening agent) display a small cell diameter (13.73 μm) and the highest cell density (2.02 × 109 cells/cm3) compared to the pure PPO/HIPS blend. Moreover, the compressive strength of the PPO/HIPS/PTFE‐1/SEBS‐5 foam (1.63 MPa at a 5% strain) demonstrates a remarkable increase of 92% compared to that of the PPO/HIPS/PTFE‐1 foam.
A functional phosphorus/nitrogen‐containing compound for endowing epoxy resin simultaneously with better fire safety, comparable transparency and improved toughness
Authors: Wang Luze , Cai Boyu , Xu Wendi , Luo Zhonglin , Wang Biaobing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCurrently, the flame retardancy of epoxy resin (EP) was achieved at the expenses of the transparency and/or toughness. In the present work, a phosphorus/nitrogen‐containing compound (FDNP) was synthesized by one‐pot method using 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phospha‐phenanthrene‐10‐oxide, furfural and N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine as raw materials, and further adopted as a functional agent for epoxy resin. The results demonstrated that the FDNP remarkably improved the fire safety of EP. The incorporation of 4 wt% FDNP enabled EP to pass UL‐94 V‐0 rating test and achieve a limiting oxygen index value of 35.5%; meanwhile, the peak heat release rate, total heat release rate and total smoke release were significantly reduced by 41.3%, 41.6% and 72.5% as compared with the pure EP, respectively. What is more, the EP/4 wt% FDNP composite kept almost the same transparency of the pure EP, simultaneously its impact strength was more than doubled as that of the pure EP. Herein, the improved flame retardancy is contributed to a synergistic biphasic flame retardant effect including the formation of a compact protective carbon layer and the release of both non‐combustible gases and phosphorus‐containing radicals.
One‐pot preparation of nanoparticles via self‐assembly of sodium lignosulfonate and quaternary ammonium for controlled release of emamectin benzoate
Authors: Zhang Mengdong , Yang Limei , Xie Landie , Wen Xiaoqiu , Zhang Min , Ma Lin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNanoformulation was an important strategy to reduce the use of pesticides and the impacts on the environment. However, complex process and high cost hurdled the application in agriculture. In this work, sodium lignosulfonate (SL) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC) were combined into nanoparticles and utilized as carriers for emamectin benzoate (EB), using a one‐pot method at mild conditions. The structure of nanoparticle was investigated by dynamic light scattering, ζ‐potential measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, and related to the loading and release properties. The mass ratio of SL and CTAC had great impacts on the structure of nanoparticle. The release of EB from SL‐CTAC nanoparticles was pH‐triggered. The retarding efficacy was enhanced in the medium of higher pH, due to the increased interaction between the EB and carrier. The incorporation into the nanoparticles greatly increased the insecticidal toxicity of EB. The median lethal concentration, against Spodoptera litura Fabricius larvae, of typical nanoformulation was 55% and 63% of that of conventional formulation emulsifiable concentrates after feeding for 24 and 48 h, respectively. The results indicated SL‐CTAC nanoparticles were good candidates of nanovehicles with high efficiency and low‐cost, which was of great significance to prompt the nanopesticides from laboratory investigation to agricultural application.
Harvesting sustainability: Navigating green practices and barriers in Lebanon's hospitality sector
Authors: Ashaal Ahmad , Bakri Ahmed , AlKhatib Nadine , Chreif Maya , Zakhem Najib Bou 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn today's dynamic business milieu, the imperative of eco‐consciousness in hospitality cannot be overstated. This study focuses on Lebanon's burgeoning hotel industry, investigating its journey towards sustainability. Through qualitative content analysis and interviews with eight hotel managers, we unveil a crucial revelation: the integration of green practices not only enhances customer satisfaction but also engenders loyalty and positive referrals. This strategic pivot not only bestows hotels with a competitive edge but also positions them as champions of eco‐friendly experiences, resulting in tangible financial benefits and an expanded market share. Consequently, this fosters environmental sustainability within the sector, echoing its broader implications in environmental management discourse. Moreover, our research significantly contributes to institutional theory and stakeholder theory, offering valuable insights into the antecedents and consequences of green initiatives within organizational contexts. By delving into the intricate dynamics between institutional pressures and stakeholder expectations, the study provides a nuanced perspective on the drivers behind the adoption of sustainable practices in Lebanese hotels.
Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench: A Review on Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Toxicological Profile
Authors: Singh Rajpoot Vivek , Srinivasa Rao Kareti 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBaccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench is a popular medicinal plant with a long history of use in several traditional remedies to cure a variety of diseases including; its effect on the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, kidneys, gynecology, skin diseases, and general health. The present review aims to provide the latest, organized information on toxicological, pharmacological, phytochemical, and ethnomedicinal applications of Baccharoides anthelmintica. For this; several well‐known searchable websites (search engines) like; Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus‐Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Springer, and DOAJ, were used to empirically investigate the knowledge of this useful medicinal plant. Based on previous studies, the pharmacological action of B. anthelmintica is due to various secondary metabolites including alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans, steroids, and other phytoconstituents. Hence, the present study recorded 225 phytochemicals obtained from different parts of the plant, where the steroids and derivatives (48), terpenes and sesquiterpenes (46), flavonoids and derivatives (41), fatty acids and derivatives (40), phenolic acids (12), triterpenes (11), chalcones (06), diterpenes (01) and miscellaneous (20) were reported. The present review also covered the pharmacological importance, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic action, liver disease, anticancer potential, anti‐HIV, antiosteoporotic action, antitoxic action, skin disorder, wound healing and immunomodulatory activity, systemic infection, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases etc. The review concluded that B. anthelmintica has several pharmacological activities, which were due to the presence of secondary metabolites present in it, and thus indicates the importance of medicinal value of this plant. Hence, B. anthelmintica may be a good source for developing a lead molecule in the process of new drug discovery and development. More study is required to determine the pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, long‐term toxicology testing, safe dosage, and possible interactions with other herbs/drugs.
Bacteriophages as a potential substitute for antibiotics: A comprehensive review
Authors: Kushwaha Shruti O. , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Rathod Mayuri C. , Patel Dhaval , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Patel Ashish 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOver the years, the administration of antibiotics for the purpose of addressing bacterial infections has become increasingly challenging due to the increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance exhibited by various strains of bacteria. Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacterial species are rising due to the unavailability of novel antibiotics, leading to higher mortality rates. With these conditions, there is a need for alternatives in which phage therapy has made promising results. Phage‐derived endolysins, phage cocktails, and bioengineered phages are effective and have antimicrobial properties against MDR and extensively drug‐resistant strains. Despite these, it has been observed that phages can give antimicrobial activity to more than one bacterial species. Thus, phage cocktail against resistant strains provides broad spectrum treatment and magnitude of effectivity, which is many folds higher than antibiotics. Many commercially available endolysins such as Staphefekt SA.100, Exebacase (CF‐301), and N‐Rephasin®SAL200 are used in biofilm penetration and treating plant diseases. The role of CMP1 phage endolysin in transgenic tomato plants in preventing Clavibacter michiganensis infection and the effectiveness of phage in protecting Atlantic salmon from vibriosis have been reported. Furthermore, phage‐derived endolysin therapy, such as TSPphg phage exogenous treatment, can aid in disrupting cell walls, leading to bacterial cell lysis. As animals in aquaculture and slaughterhouses are highly susceptible to bacterial infections, effective phage therapy instead of antibiotics can help treat poultry animals, preserve them, and facilitate disease‐free trade. Using bioengineered phages and phage cocktails enhances the effectiveness by providing a broad spectrum of phages and target specificity. Research is currently being conducted on clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of engineered phages and phage cocktails in humans. Although obtaining commercial approval may be time‐consuming, it will be beneficial in the postantibiotic era. This review provides an overview of the significance of phage therapy as a potential alternative to antibiotics in combating resistant bacterial strains and its application to various fields and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and ensuring treatment efficacy.
Vitronectin promotes insulin resistance in trophoblast cells by activating JNK in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ju Yuejun , Shen Ting , Guo Zhanhong , Kong Yinghong , Huang Yun , Hu Ji 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disorder in the clinic, which may lead to severe detrimental outcomes both for mothers and infants. However, the underlying mechanisms for GDM are still not clear. In the present study, we performed label‐free proteomics using placentas from GDM patients and normal controls. Vitronectin caused our attention among differentially expressed proteins due to its potential role in the pathological progression of GDM. Vitronectin was increased in the placentas of GDM patients, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Vitronectin represses insulin signal transduction in trophoblast cells, whereas the knockdown of vitronectin further potentiates insulin‐evoked events. Neutralization of CD51/61 abolishes the repressed insulin signal transduction in vitronectin‐treated trophoblast cells. Moreover, vitronectin activates JNK in a CD51/61‐depedent manner. Inhibition of JNK rescues impaired insulin signal transduction induced by vitronectin. Overall, our data indicate that vitronectin binds CD51/61 in trophoblast cells to activate JNK, and thus induces insulin resistance. In this regard, increased expression of vitronectin is likely a risk factor for the pathological progression of GDM. Moreover, blockade of vitronectin production or its receptors (CD51/61) may have therapeutic potential for dealing with GDM.
Coronavirus Anxiety, COVID Anxiety Syndrome and Mental Health: A Test Among Six Countries During March 2021
Authors: Zvolensky Michael J. , Bakhshaie Jafar , Redmond Brooke Y. , Smit Tanya , Nikčević Ana V. , Spada Marcantonio M. , Distaso Walter 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTThe negative impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on mental health outcomes is widely documented. Specifically, individuals experiencing greater degrees of severity in coronavirus anxiety have demonstrated higher levels of generalized anxiety, depression and psychological distress. Yet the pathways in which coronavirus anxiety confers vulnerability are not well known. The present investigation sought to address this gap in the scientific literature by testing the indirect effect of the COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome, which centres on the function of detecting and managing the environmental threat of virus exposure and its sequalae. Data were collected during the height of the pandemic (March 2021) and included 5297 adults across six countries. Structural equation modelling techniques revealed that the COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome evidenced a statistically significant indirect effect between coronavirus anxiety and generalized anxiety, depression and work/social adjustment. Overall, results suggest there could be public health merit to targeting anxiety related to virus exposure to improve behavioural health for those who are struggling with excessive fear and worry.
Lithium Salt Combining Fluoroethylene Carbonate Initiates Methyl Methacrylate Polymerization Enabling Dendrite‐Free Solid‐State Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Ye Xue , Liang Jianneng , Du Baorong , Li Yongliang , Ren Xiangzhong , Wu Dazhuan , Ouyang Xiaoping , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong 
Published: April 2024

This work demonstrates a novel polymerization‐derived polymer electrolyte consisting of methyl methacrylate, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and fluoroethylene carbonate. The polymerization of MMA was initiated by the amino compounds following an anionic catalytic mechanism. LiTFSI plays both roles including the initiator and Li ion source in the polymer electrolyte. Normally, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide has difficulty in initiating the polymerization reaction of methyl methacrylate monomer, a very high concentration of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide is needed for initiating the polymerization. However, the fluoroethylene carbonate additive can work as a supporter to facilitate the degree of dissociation of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and increase its initiator capacity due to the high dielectric constant. The as‐prepared poly‐methyl methacrylate‐based polymer electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity (1.19 × 10−3 S cm−1), a wide electrochemical stability window (5 V vs Li+/Li), and a high Li ion transference number () of 0.74 at room temperature (RT). Moreover, this polymerization‐derived polymer electrolyte can effectively work as an artificial protective layer on Li metal anode, which enabled the Li symmetric cell to achieve a long‐term cycling performance at 0.2 mAh cm−2 for 2800 h. The LiFePO4 battery with polymerization‐derived polymer electrolyte‐modified Li metal anode shows a capacity retention of 91.17% after 800 cycles at 0.5 C. This work provides a facile and accessible approach to manufacturing poly‐methyl methacrylate‐based polymerization‐derived polymer electrolyte and shows great potential as an interphase in Li metal batteries.