bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodegradability of unsaturated poly(ester-thioether)s synthesized by thiol-yne reactions
Authors: Yano Katsuhisa , Takasu Akinori , Eguchi Hiroshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe prepared the dialkynyl monomers 1,4-butanediol dipropiolate, meso-erythritol dipropiolate, and isomannide dipropiolate (IMDP) via the reactions of 1,4-butanediol, meso-erythritol, and isomannide, respectively, with propiolic acid. The thiol-Michael polyaddition of three dialkynyl monomers with several dithiols, namely, 1,4-butanedithiol, ethylene bis(thioglycolate), 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octanedithiol, D,L-dithiothreitol, and D-2,5-di-O-(2-mercaptoacetate)-1,4:3,6-dianhydromannitol (MAIM), proceeded in chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, or N,N-dimethylformamide (25 °C) using triethylamine as the catalyst to give unsaturated poly(ester-thioether)s with the expected structures (Mn, 2.4 × 103 to 22.6 × 103; molecular dispersity index [Mw/Mn], 1.26–2.00). All of the poly(ester-thioester)s had single glass-transition temperature (Tg) values between −27 and 49 °C. While the rigid main chains improved the glass transition temperature, all of the poly(ester-thioester)s showed apparent enzymatic hydrolysis by lipase but low biodegradability in biodegradation tests using activated sludge. The poly(IMDP-alt-MAIM) with the highest biobased degree (55%) showed the highest biodegradability (10%) and the highest Tg (49 °C), suggesting that dianhydrosugars are suitable as biomass for improving biodegradability as well as thermal properties.
Flicker electroretinogram in preterm infants
Authors: Taner Aylin F. , Hanson James V. M. , Weber Caroline , Bassler Dirk , McCulloch Daphne L. , Gerth-Kahlert Christina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Infants born prematurely are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity, which is associated with abnormalities in retinal function as measured using electroretinography. The aim of this study was to record non-invasive flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) in preterm infants and compare function of moderate and very or extremely preterm infants.

Methods
In this non-randomized, cross-sectional study, 40 moderate preterm (gestational age (GA) 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks, Group A) and 40 very or extremely preterm infants (GA ≤ 31 weeks, Group B) were recruited for flicker ERG recording through closed eyelids using the RETeval® device and skin electrodes. Group A was tested within the first week of life and Group B between 34th and 37th week postmenstrual age. Flicker stimuli were presented at 28.3 Hz with stimulus levels of 3, 6, 12, 30 and 50 cd•s/m2. Primary endpoints were peak time (ms) and amplitude (µV).

Results
Flicker ERGs were recordable in most infants with the highest proportion of reproducible ERGs at 30 cd•s/m2. Amplitudes increased with stronger flicker stimulation, while peak times did not differ significantly between stimulus levels nor groups. Amplitudes were significantly greater in Group B at the strongest stimulus level (Mann-Whitney-U-Test=198.00, Z = 4.097, p = <0.001).

Conclusions
Feasibility of collecting flicker ERG data in most preterm infants was confirmed. We found no evidence of reduced retinal responses to flicker stimuli associated with extreme prematurity. Higher amplitudes in very and extremely preterm infants could indicate acceleration of retinal development following birth, triggered by visual stimulation.
The relationship between SGLT2 and systemic blood pressure regulation
Authors: Ahwin Priscilla , Martinez Diana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) is a glucose transporter that is located within the proximal tubule of the kidney’s nephrons. While it is typically associated with the kidney, it was later identified in various areas of the central nervous system, including areas modulating cardiorespiratory regulation like blood pressure. In the kidney, SGLT2 functions by reabsorbing glucose from the nephron’s tubule into the bloodstream. SGLT2 inhibitors are medications that hinder the function of SGLT2, thus preventing the absorption of glucose and allowing for its excretion through the urine. While SGLT2 inhibitors are not the first-line choice, they are given in conjunction with other pharmaceutical interventions to manage hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes mellitus. SGLT2 inhibitors also have a surprising secondary effect of decreasing blood pressure independent of blood glucose levels. The implication of SGLT2 inhibitors in lowering blood pressure and its presence in the central nervous system brings to question the role of SGLT2 in the brain. Here, we evaluate and review the function of SGLT2, SGLT2 inhibitors, their role in blood pressure control, the future of SGLT2 inhibitors as antihypertensive agents, and the possible mechanisms of SGLT2 blood pressure control in the central nervous system.
Autophagy-deficient macrophages exacerbate cisplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and kidney injury via miR-195a-5p-SIRT3 axis
Authors: Yuan Yujia , Yuan Longhui , Yang Jingchao , Liu Fei , Liu Shuyun , Li Lan , Liao Guangneng , Tang Xi , Cheng Jingqiu , Liu Jingping , Chen Younan , Lu Yanrong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMacrophages (Mφ) autophagy is a pivotal contributor to inflammation-related diseases. However, the mechanistic details of its direct role in acute kidney injury (AKI) were unclear. Here, we show that Mφ promote AKI progression via crosstalk with tubular epithelial cells (TECs), and autophagy of Mφ was activated and then inhibited in cisplatin-induced AKI mice. Mφ-specific depletion of ATG7 (Atg7Δmye) aggravated kidney injury in AKI mice, which was associated with tubulointerstitial inflammation. Moreover, Mφ-derived exosomes from Atg7Δmye mice impaired TEC mitochondria in vitro, which may be attributable to miR-195a-5p enrichment in exosomes and its interaction with SIRT3 in TECs. Consistently, either miR-195a-5p inhibition or SIRT3 overexpression improved mitochondrial bioenergetics and renal function in vivo. Finally, adoptive transfer of Mφ from AKI mice to Mφ-depleted mice promotes the kidney injury response to cisplatin, which is alleviated when Mφ autophagy is activated with trehalose. We conclude that exosomal miR-195a-5p mediate the communication between autophagy-deficient Mφ and TECs, leading to impaired mitochondrial biogenetic in TECs and subsequent exacerbation of kidney injury in AKI mice via miR-195a-5p-SIRT3 axis.
Compound mortality impacts from extreme temperatures and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lo Y. T. Eunice , Mitchell Dann M. , Gasparrini Antonio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExtreme weather and coronavirus-type pandemics are both leading global health concerns. Until now, no study has quantified the compound health consequences of the co-occurrence of them. We estimate the mortality attributable to extreme heat and cold events, which dominate the UK health burden from weather hazards, in England and Wales in the period 2020-2022, during which the COVID-19 pandemic peaked in terms of mortality. We show that temperature-related mortality exceeded COVID-19 mortality by 8% in South West England. Combined, extreme temperatures and COVID-19 led to 19 (95% confidence interval: 16–22 in North West England) to 24 (95% confidence interval: 20–29 in Wales) excess deaths per 100,000 population during heatwaves, and 80 (95% confidence interval: 75–86 in Yorkshire and the Humber) to 127 (95% confidence interval: 123–132 in East of England) excess deaths per 100,000 population during cold snaps. These numbers are at least ~2 times higher than the previous decade. Society must increase preparedness for compound health crises such as extreme weather coinciding with pandemics.
Titanium catalyzed [2σ + 2π] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]-butanes with 1,3-dienes for efficient synthesis of stilbene bioisosteres
Authors: Liu Yonghong , Wu Zhixian , Shan Jing-Ran , Yan Huaipu , Hao Er-Jun , Shi Lei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNatural stilbenes have shown significant potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases due to their diverse pharmacological activities. Here we present a mild and effective Ti-catalyzed intermolecular radical-relay [2σ + 2π] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]-butanes and 1,3-dienes. This transformation enables the synthesis of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexane (BCH) scaffolds containing aryl vinyl groups with excellent regio- and trans-selectivity and broad functional group tolerance, thus offering rapid access to structurally diverse stilbene bioisosteres.
Direct observation of electron transfer in solids through X-ray crystallography
Authors: Ogata Daiji , Koide Shota , Kishi Hiroyuki , Yuasa Junpei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNanoscale electron transfer (ET) in solids is fundamental to the design of multifunctional nanomaterials, yet its process is not fully understood. Herein, through X-ray crystallography, we directly observe solid-state ET via a crystal-to-crystal process. We first demonstrate the creation of a robust and flexible electron acceptor/acceptor (A/A) double-wall nanotube crystal ([(Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4]n) with a large window (0.90 nm × 0.92 nm) through the one-dimensional porous crystallization of heteroleptic Zn4 metallocycles ((Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4) with two different acceptor ligands (2,7-bis((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethynyl)acridine (LA) and 2,7-bis((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethynyl)acridin-9(10H)-one (LA=O)) in a slow-oxidation-associated crystallization procedure. We then achieve the bottom-up construction of the electron donor incorporated-A/A nanotube crystal ([(D)2⊂(Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4]n) through the subsequent absorption of electron donor guests (D = tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and ferrocene (Fc)). Finally, we remove electrons from the electron donor guests inside the nanotube crystal through facile ET in the solid state to accumulate holes inside the nanotube crystal ([(D•+)2⊂(Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4]n), where the solid-state ET process (D – e– → D•+) is thus observed directly by X-ray crystallography.
Reduction of specific enterocytes from loss of intestinal LGR4 improves lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Liang Yuan , Luo Chao , Sun Lijun , Feng Tiange , Yin Wenzhen , Zhang Yunhua , Mulholland Michael W. , Zhang Weizhen , Yin Yue 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhether intestinal Leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) impacts nutrition absorption and energy homeostasis remains unknown. Here, we report that deficiency of Lgr4 (Lgr4iKO) in intestinal epithelium decreased the proportion of enterocytes selective for long-chain fatty acid absorption, leading to reduction in lipid absorption and subsequent improvement in lipid and glucose metabolism. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrates the heterogeneity of absorptive enterocytes, with a decrease in enterocytes selective for long-chain fatty acid-absorption and an increase in enterocytes selective for carbohydrate absorption in Lgr4iKO mice. Activation of Notch signaling and concurrent inhibition of Wnt signaling are observed in the transgenes. Associated with these alterations is the substantial reduction in lipid absorption. Decrement in lipid absorption renders Lgr4iKO mice resistant to high fat diet-induced obesity relevant to wild type littermates. Our study thus suggests that targeting intestinal LGR4 is a potential strategy for the intervention of obesity and liver steatosis.
An integrated spatio-temporal view of riverine biodiversity using environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Perry William Bernard , Seymour Mathew , Orsini Luisa , Jâms Ifan Bryn , Milner Nigel , Edwards François , Harvey Rachel , de Bruyn Mark , Bista Iliana , Walsh Kerry , Emmett Bridget , Blackman Rosetta , Altermatt Florian , Lawson Handley Lori , Mächler Elvira , Deiner Kristy , Bik Holly M. , Carvalho Gary , Colbourne John , Cosby Bernard Jack , Durance Isabelle , Creer Simon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAnthropogenically forced changes in global freshwater biodiversity demand more efficient monitoring approaches. Consequently, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is enabling ecosystem-scale biodiversity assessment, yet the appropriate spatio-temporal resolution of robust biodiversity assessment remains ambiguous. Here, using intensive, spatio-temporal eDNA sampling across space (five rivers in Europe and North America, with an upper range of 20–35 km between samples), time (19 timepoints between 2017 and 2018) and environmental conditions (river flow, pH, conductivity, temperature and rainfall), we characterise the resolution at which information on diversity across the animal kingdom can be gathered from rivers using eDNA. In space, beta diversity was mainly dictated by turnover, on a scale of tens of kilometres, highlighting that diversity measures are not confounded by eDNA from upstream. Fish communities showed nested assemblages along some rivers, coinciding with habitat use. Across time, seasonal life history events, including salmon and eel migration, were detected. Finally, effects of environmental conditions were taxon-specific, reflecting habitat filtering of communities rather than effects on DNA molecules. We conclude that riverine eDNA metabarcoding can measure biodiversity at spatio-temporal scales relevant to species and community ecology, demonstrating its utility in delivering insights into river community ecology during a time of environmental change.
Nylons with Highly-Bright and Ultralong Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Ma Dian-Xue , Li Zhong-Qiu , Tang Kun , Gong Zhong-Liang , Shao Jiang-Yang , Zhong Yu-Wu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEndowing the widely-used synthetic polymer nylon with high-performance organic room-temperature phosphorescence would produce advanced materials with a great potential for applications in daily life and industry. One key to achieving this goal is to find a suitable organic luminophore that can access the triplet excited state with the aid of the nylon matrix by controlling the matrix-luminophore interaction. Herein we report highly-efficient room-temperature phosphorescence nylons by doping cyano-substituted benzimidazole derivatives into the nylon 6 matrix. These homogeneously doped materials show ultralong phosphorescence lifetimes of up to 1.5 s and high phosphorescence quantum efficiency of up to 48.3% at the same time. The synergistic effect of the homogeneous dopant distribution via hydrogen bonding interaction, the rigid environment of the matrix polymer, and the potential energy transfer between doped luminophores and nylon is important for achieving the high-performance room-temperature phosphorescence, as supported by combined experimental and theoretical results with control compounds and various polymeric matrices. One-dimensional optical fibers are prepared from these doped room-temperature phosphorescence nylons that can transport both blue fluorescent and green afterglow photonic signals across the millimeter distance without significant optical attenuation. The potential applications of these phosphorescent materials in dual information encryption and rewritable recording are illustrated.
Real-time observation of two distinctive non-thermalized hot electron dynamics at MXene/molecule interfaces
Authors: Zhang Qi , Li Wei , Zhao Ruixuan , Tang Peizhe , Zhao Jie , Wu Guorong , Chen Xin , Hu Mingjun , Yuan Kaijun , Li Jiebo , Yang Xueming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe photoinduced non-thermalized hot electrons at an interface play a pivotal role in determining plasmonic driven chemical events. However, understanding non-thermalized electron dynamics, which precedes electron thermalization (~125 fs), remains a grand challenge. Herein, we simultaneously captured the dynamics of both molecules and non-thermalized electrons in the MXene/molecule complexes by femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy. The real-time observation allows for distinguishing non-thermalized and thermalized electron responses. Differing from the thermalized electron/heat transfer, our results reveal two non-thermalized electron dynamical pathways: (i) the non-thermalized electrons directly transfer to attached molecules at an interface within 50 fs; (ii) the non-thermalized electrons scatter at the interface within 125 fs, inducing adsorbed molecules heating. These two distinctive pathways are dependent on the irradiating wavelength and the energy difference between MXene and adsorbed molecules. This research sheds light on the fundamental mechanism and opens opportunities in photocatalysis and interfacial heat transfer theory.
Host defence peptide plectasin targets bacterial cell wall precursor lipid II by a calcium-sensitive supramolecular mechanism
Authors: Jekhmane Shehrazade , Derks Maik G. N. , Maity Sourav , Slingerland Cornelis J. , Tehrani Kamaleddin H. M. E. , Medeiros-Silva João , Charitou Vicky , Ammerlaan Danique , Fetz Céline , Consoli Naomi A. , Cochrane Rachel V. K. , Matheson Eilidh J. , van der Weijde Mick , Elenbaas Barend O. W. , Lavore Francesca , Cox Ruud , Lorent Joseph H. , Baldus Marc , Künzler Markus , Lelli Moreno , Cochrane Stephen A. , Martin Nathaniel I. , Roos Wouter H. , Breukink Eefjan , Weingarth Markus 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a leading cause of mortality, calling for the development of new antibiotics. The fungal antibiotic plectasin is a eukaryotic host defence peptide that blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis. Here, using a combination of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, atomic force microscopy and activity assays, we show that plectasin uses a calcium-sensitive supramolecular killing mechanism. Efficient and selective binding of the target lipid II, a cell wall precursor with an irreplaceable pyrophosphate, is achieved by the oligomerization of plectasin into dense supra-structures that only form on bacterial membranes that comprise lipid II. Oligomerization and target binding of plectasin are interdependent and are enhanced by the coordination of calcium ions to plectasin’s prominent anionic patch, causing allosteric changes that markedly improve the activity of the antibiotic. Structural knowledge of how host defence peptides impair cell wall synthesis will likely enable the development of superior drug candidates.
Transfontanellar shear wave elastography of the neonatal brain for quantitative evaluation of white matter damage
Authors: Faure Flora , Alison Marianne , Francavilla Mariantonietta , Boizeau Priscilla , Guilmin Crepon Sophie , Lim Chung , Planchette Gregory , Prigent Mickael , Frérot Alice , Tanter Mickael , Demené Charlie , Baud Olivier , Biran Valérie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCerebral white matter damage (WMD) is the most frequent brain lesion observed in infants surviving premature birth. Qualitative B-mode cranial ultrasound (cUS) is widely used to assess brain integrity at bedside. Its limitations include lower discriminatory power to predict long-term outcomes compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Shear wave elastography (SWE), a promising ultrasound imaging modality, might improve this limitation by detecting quantitative differences in tissue stiffness. The study enrolled 90 neonates (52% female, mean gestational age = 30.1 $$\pm \hspace{0.17em}$$

±

4.5 weeks), including 78 preterm and 12 term controls. Preterm neonates underwent B-mode and SWE assessments in frontal white matter (WM), parietal WM, and thalami on day of life (DOL) 3, DOL8, DOL21, 40 weeks, and MRI at term equivalent age (TEA). Term infants were assessed on DOL3 only. Our data revealed that brain stiffness increased with gestational age in preterm infants but remained lower at TEA compared to the control group. In the frontal WM, elasticity values were lower in preterm infants with WMD detected on B-mode or MRI at TEA and show a good predictive value at DOL3. Thus, brain stiffness measurement using SWE could be a useful screening method for early identification of preterm infants at high WMD risk.Registration numbers: EudraCT number ID-RCB: 2012-A01530-43, ClinicalTrial.gov number NCT02042716.
Fluorescence shadow imaging of Hypsibius exemplaris reveals morphological differences between sucrose- and CaCl2-induced osmobiotes
Authors: Flinn Brendin B. , O’Dell Hayden M. , Joseph Kara M. , Smythers Amanda L. , Neff David P. , Hicks Leslie M. , Norton Michael L. , Kolling Derrick R. J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTardigrades are renowned for their ability to survive a wide array of environmental stressors. In particular, tardigrades can curl in on themselves while losing a significant proportion of their internal water content to form a structure referred to as a tun. In surviving varying conditions, tardigrades undergo distinct morphological transformations that could indicate different mechanisms of stress sensing and tolerance specific to the stress condition. Methods to effectively distinguish between morphological transformations, including between tuns induced by different stress conditions, are lacking. Herein, an approach for discriminating between tardigrade morphological states is developed and utilized to compare sucrose- and CaCl2-induced tuns, using the model species Hypsibius exemplaris. A novel approach of shadow imaging with confocal laser scanning microscopy enabled production of three-dimensional renderings of Hys. exemplaris in various physiological states resulting in volume measurements. Combining these measurements with qualitative morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy revealed that sucrose- and CaCl2-induced tuns have distinct morphologies, including differences in the amount of water expelled during tun formation. Further, varying the concentration of the applied stressor did not affect the amount of water lost, pointing towards water expulsion by Hys. exemplaris being a controlled process that is adapted to the specific stressors.
Correlation and risk factors of peripheral and cervicocephalic arterial atherosclerosis in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Li Lu-guang , Ma Xin , Zhao Xiaoxi , Du Xiangying , Ling Chen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPatients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) frequently develop concomitant peripheral artery disease (PAD) or renal artery stenosis (RAS), and multiterritorial atherosclerotic patients usually have a worse prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the status of peripheral atherosclerosis (AS) and cervicocephalic AS (CAS) in ICVD patients with AS, their correlation, and related risk factors contributing to coexisting cervicocephalic-peripheral AS (CPAS). Based on the severity and extent of AS evaluated by computed tomography angiography and ultrasound, the degree of AS was triple categorized to assess the correlation between CAS and PAD/RAS. CAS and PAD/RAS were defined as the most severe stenosis being ≥ 50% luminal diameter in cervicocephalic or lower limb arteries, and a peak systolic velocity at the turbulent site being ≥ 180 cm/s in the renal artery. Among 403 patients with symptom onset within 30 days, CAS, PAD, and RAS occurrence rates were 68.7%, 25.3%, and 9.9%, respectively. PAD was independently associated with the degree of extracranial and intracranial CAS (p = 0.042, OR = 1.428, 95% CI 1.014–2.012; p = 0.002, OR = 1.680, 95% CI 1.206–2.339), while RAS was independently associated with the degree of extracranial CAS (p = 0.001, OR = 2.880, 95% CI 1.556–5.329). Independent CPAS risk factors included an ischemic stroke history (p = 0.033), increased age (p < 0.01), as well as elevated fibrinogen (p = 0.021) and D-dimer levels (p = 0.019). In conclusion, the occurrence rates of RAS and PAD in ICVD patients with AS is relatively high, and with the severity of RAS or PAD increase, the severity of CAS also increase. Strengthening the evaluation of peripheral AS and controlling elevated fibrinogen might be crucial for preventing and delaying the progression of multiterritorial AS in ICVD patients with AS, thereby improving risk stratification and promoting more effective prevention and treatment strategies.