bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Ajuga Iva Extracts as Potential Candidates for Antidysmenorrhea Targeting Human COX2 and PGE2S‐1 through In Vitro and In Silico Drug Repurposing Approach
Authors: Djelti Farah , Berkane Ariche , Alharbi Hanan M. , Guendouzi Abdelmadjid , Ghellai Imane , Nabil Berrahal , Belkhiri Lotfi , Brahim Houari , Tarik Chaouche , Belarbi Meriem , Cherif Fatima Yahia , Guendouzi Abdelkrim 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAjuga Iva, renowned in ethnomedicine, possesses various pharmacological properties, attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile. Despite its therapeutic potential, little research has examined the efficacy of Ajuga Iva in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, a prevalent inflammatory disorder that affects a significant number of adult women around the world, This study aims to explore the anti‐inflammatory properties of Ajuga Iva in the context of treating dysmenorrhea through a combined in vitro and in silico drug repurposing approach. In vitro assays evaluated the anti‐inflammatory efficacy of the plant extracts, revealing significant activity in inhibiting protein denaturation and heat‐induced haemolysis. Molecular docking studies identified potential bioactive phytochemicals, including Apigenin, Luteolin, Naringenin, and Quercetin, interacting with COX‐2 and PGES‐1, key enzymes in dysmenorrhea‐associated inflammatory pathways. Molecular dynamics simulations supported these interactions. Ajuga Iva methanolic extract exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory activity, as shown by its ability to inhibit protein denaturation by 80.68% at 1000 (μg/m) and heat induced haemolysis by 83.41% at 2000 (μg/m). Ajuga Iva bioactive phytochemicals showed promising interactions with COX‐2 and PGES‐1, suggesting their role in the plant's anti‐inflammatory mechanism. This research underscores the promising anti‐inflammatory activities of Ajuga Iva by inhibiting COX‐2 and PGE2S‐1, offering valuable insights for future therapeutic applications.
A Flexible Reduced Graphene Oxide‐based Paper for Supercapattery Design: Effect of Polyindole Thin Films and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Mollamehmetoğlu Esra Atalay , Alanyalıoğlu Murat 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFlexible graphene‐based paper electrodes (FGPEs) are a new class of study and the research on this electrode material has been carried out for approximately ten years. FGPEs have many advantages compared to classical solid electrodes such as being flexible, foldable, adaptable to flexible electronics, being cut, easily shaped, and effective and adjustable modification. In this work, the applicability of FGPEs modified with polyindole (PIN) thin films and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) to energy‐storage systems as a supercapattery design is presented, and especially the limitations of ZnO‐NPs for energy‐storage applications are revealed to inform researchers working for a similar purpose. Capacitance calculations have been performed using both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) experiments. It was observed that the rGO/PIN paper demonstrated almost 30 times more energy‐storage capacity than that of the rGO/PIN/ZnO paper due to the electrochemical instability of ZnO‐NPs on the flexible electrode platform at the applied potential region in 1.0 M HClO4 solution. The rGO/PIN paper with a highly flexible property exhibited an energy density of 74.5 W h cm−2 and a power density of 2258 W cm−2 at a current density of 2.2 mA cm−2, revealing hopeful results for future modular and flexible approaches.
Acrylamide Cross‐Linked Psyllium Polysaccharide with Improved Flocculation Performance for the Removal of Microplastics from Water
Authors: Qian Dou , Zhao Jingjing , Zhai Wenna , Tang Junyue , Zhang Jianfeng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article presents a novel material of acrylamide (AM) cross‐linked psyllium polysaccharides (PLP) derivative, PLP‐AM, which can be used as an effective polymeric flocculant for the removal of microplastics (MP) from water. PLP‐AM was produced by radical polymerization of PLP and AM using microwave irradiation instead of conventional radical initiators. The characterization of PLP‐AM was carried out by FT‐IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, intrinsic viscosity measurement and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were utilized to examine the flocculation performance of PLP‐AM. The optimum flocculation conditions were obtained by the comprehensive exploration of flocculant concentration, solution pH and temperature. In a solution with a pH 6 at 30 °C, the maximum removal percentages of PS and PVC by 60 mg/L of PLP‐AM were 92.55 % and 94.31 %, respectively, while 93.85 % of the maximum removal of PET percentage could be obtained by 80 mg/L of PLP‐AM. The results of zeta potential measurement revealed that there was adsorption electric neutralization between MP and PLP‐AM besides the adsorption bridging mechanism. These results suggest that PLP‐AM may bring an inspiration for the development of polymer flocculant to remove MP from water.
Synthesis of VO‐TiO2/VC‐g‐C3N4 Heterojunction for Improving the Photocatalytic Activity by Introducing Defect Sites
Authors: Bi Xiang , Du Gao‐Hui , Lu Jia‐Yu , Liu Zhu‐Yun , Wang Li‐Zhong , Yang Hui 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDefect engineering is a proven strategy for enhancing the performance of photocatalysts. Herein, we present a new method for preparing heterojunction photocatalytic materials, VO‐TiO2/VC‐g‐C3N4, with enhanced activity. The presence of defect sites and a heterojunction structure in the catalyst gives rise to exceptional charge separation efficiency and light absorption capabilities. The synergistic effect of the heterojunction interface and activated defect sites, which act as active sites, significantly enhanced the overall photocatalytic performance of VO‐TiO2/VC‐g‐C3N4. The catalyst VO‐TiO2/VC‐g‐C3N4 exhibits superior photocatalytic activity in the NO degradation reaction: displaying 3.5‐ and 2.2 times higher degradation efficiency than VO‐TiO2 and VC‐g‐C3N4, respectively. Moreover, the nitrogen fixation performance of VO‐TiO2/VC‐g‐C3N4 is 3.8‐ and 3.1 times higher than that of VO‐TiO2 and VC‐g‐C3N4, respectively. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy capture experiments revealed that 1O2 and ⋅ OH are the primary active species in the photocatalytic reaction. The collaboration of carbon vacancy defects, oxygen vacancy defects, and the heterojunction structure created additional active sites for VO‐TiO2/VC‐g‐C3N4. The insights gained from this study offer valuable guidance for the efficient design and synthesis of VO‐TiO2/VC‐g‐C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts, and lay a solid foundation for further research and development of such systems for large‐scale environmental remediation.
Pd(II)/LA‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroarylation of Alkynoates to Construct Coumarins
Authors: Dong Shuangfeng , Li Kaiwen , Li Shuang–Long , Chen Zhuqi , Yin Guochuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTransition‐metal ions catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation of aryl alkynoates to construct coumarin skeletons is merited for its step and atom‐economic advantages when compared with other methodologies. The challenge is that the electrophilic cyclization of this reaction requires the strong electrophilic capability of the catalyst, which makes this methodology was seldomly developed after its early explorations. Herein, we report a Lewis acid promoted Pd(II)‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation to construct coumarin and its derivatives; the linkage of Lewis acid to the Pd(II) species through diacetate bridge improved its electrophilic capability, facilitating the hydroarylation reaction happening under the neutral conditions.
The Impact of Different Catalysts on Heterogeneous Hydrogenation of Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polybutadiene
Authors: Prasad Ch. Devi Vara , Kanakaraju P. , Vinu R. , Deshpande Abhijit P 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is hydrogenated using catalytic hydrogenation with HTPB as a precursor using various catalysts. The hydrogenation is carried out using iso‐propyl alcohol (IPA) and toluene as an active solvent media. The present paper used (a) charcoal, (b) palladium supported by charcoal (Pd−C), (c) palladium supported by zirconium oxide (Pd‐ZrO2), and (d) copper chromite (CC) as catalysts for hydrogenation of HTPB to study the influence on the degree of hydrogenation with respect to each catalyst. The experimental data shows that hydrogenated HTPB (HHTPB) formation is predominantly controlled by physisorption and chemical reaction with a catalyst. Various techniques like NMR, FTIR and chemical analysis are used to characterize HTPB and HHTPB. Degree of hydrogenation of HTPB is found to be higher with copper chromite when compared to other catalysts in this work. Post‐hydrogenation, no significant change in hydroxyl value and a marginal increase in molecular weight is noticed with all catalysts. HTPB and HHTPB samples are analyzed using FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR and TG‐DSC studies, and inferences are derived with respect to the change in the olefinic region, microstructural changes, molecular weight, and thermal decomposition characteristics.
Engineering Core/Ligands Interfacial Anchors of Nanoparticles for Efficiently Inhibiting Both Aβ and Amylin Fibrillization
Authors: Deng Yuzhou , Gao Guanbin , Yu Liangchong , Zhang Zijun , Zhang Bin , Li Hu , Zhang Xinyu , Shen Lei , Sun Taolei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccurate construction of artificial nano‐chaperones' structure is crucial for precise regulation of protein conformational transformation, facilitating effective treatment of proteopathy. However, how the ligand‐anchors of nano‐chaperones affect the spatial conformational changes in proteins remains unclear, limiting the development of efficient nano‐chaperones. In this study, three types of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with different core/ligands interface anchor structures (Au─NH─R, Au─S─R, and Au─C≡C─R, R = benzoic acid) are synthesized as an ideal model to investigate the effect of interfacial anchors on Aβ and amylin fibrillization. Computational results revealed that the distinct interfacial anchors imparted diverse distributions of electrostatic potential on the nanointerface and core/ligands bond strength of AuNPs, leading to differential interactions with amyloid peptides. Experimental results demonstrated that all three types of AuNPs exhibit site‐specific inhibitory effects on Aβ40 fibrillization due to preferential binding. For amylin, amino‐anchored AuNPs demonstrate strong adsorption to multiple sites on amylin and effectively inhibit fibrillization. Conversely, thiol‐ and alkyne‐anchored AuNPs adsorb at the head region of amylin, promoting folding and fibrillization. This study not only provided molecular insights into how core/ligands interfacial anchors of nanomaterials induce spatial conformational changes in amyloid peptides but also offered guidance for precisely engineering artificial‐chaperones' nanointerfaces to regulate the conformational transformation of proteins.
Aqueous Graphene Dispersion and Biofunctionalization via Enzymatic Oxidation of Tripeptides
Authors: Barriales Kenny , Khandaker Shadman , Jain Ankit , Sementa Deborah , Nair Maya Narayanan , Wang Tong , Tang Joel , DelRe Christopher , Ulijn Rein V. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGraphene, a 2D carbon material, possesses extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, making it highly attractive for various biological applications such as biosensing, biotherapeutics, and tissue engineering. However, the tendency of graphene sheets to aggregate and restack hinders its dispersion in water, limiting these applications. Peptides, with their defined amino acid sequences and versatile functionalities, are compelling molecules with which to modify graphene—aromatic amino acids can strengthen interactions through π‐stacking and charged groups can be chosen to make the sheets dispersible and stable in water. Here, a facile and green method for covalently functionalizing and dispersing graphene using amphiphilic tripeptides, facilitated by a tyrosine phenol side chain, through an aqueous enzymatic oxidation process is demonstrated. The presence of a second aromatic side chain group enhances this interaction through non‐covalent support via π–π stacking with the graphene surface. Futhermore, the addition of charged moieties originating from either ionizable amino acids or terminal groups facilitates profound interactions with water, resulting in the dispersion of the newly functionalized graphene in aqueous solutions. This biofunctionalization method resulted in ≈56% peptide loading on the graphene surface, leading to graphene dispersions that remain stable for months in aqueous solutions outperforming currently used surfactants.
Enhanced Tumor Site Accumulation and Therapeutic Efficacy of Extracellular Matrix‐Drug Conjugates Targeting Tumor Cells
Authors: Chen Zhoujiang , Long Lianlin , Wang Ji , Jiang Mingli , Li Wei , Cui Wenguo , Zou Liang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) engages in regulatory interactions with cell surface receptors through its constituent proteins and polysaccharides. Therefore, nano‐sized extracellular matrix conjugated with doxorubicin (DOX) is utilized to produce extracellular matrix‐drug conjugates (ECM‐DOX) tailored for targeted delivery to cancer cells. The ECM‐DOX nanoparticles exhibit rod‐like morphology, boasting a commendable drug loading capacity of 4.58%, coupled with acid‐sensitive drug release characteristics. Notably, ECM‐DOX nanoparticles enhance the uptake by tumor cells and possess the ability to penetrate endothelial cells and infiltrate tumor multicellular spheroids. Mechanistic insights reveal that the internalization of ECM‐DOX nanoparticle is facilitated through clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis, intricately involving hyaluronic acid receptors and integrins. Pharmacokinetic assessments unveil a prolonged blood half‐life of ECM‐DOX nanoparticles at 3.65 h, a substantial improvement over the 1.09 h observed for free DOX. A sustained accumulation effect of ECM‐DOX nanoparticles at tumor sites, with drug levels in tumor tissues surpassing those of free DOX by several‐fold. The profound therapeutic impact of ECM‐DOX nanoparticles is evident in their notable inhibition of tumor growth, extension of median survival time in animals, and significant reduction in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. The ECM platform emerges as a promising carrier for avant‐garde nanomedicines in the realm of cancer treatment.
Imidazolyl Lipids Enhanced LNP Endosomal Escape for Ferroptosis RNAi Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , He Fengyang , Chen Longming , Zhang Yahan , Zhang Han , Xiao Junhai , Meng Qingbin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTreatments for cancer that incorporate small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target iron‐dependent ferroptosis are thought to be highly promising. However, creating a reliable and clinically feasible siRNA delivery system continues to be a major obstacle in the field of cancer treatment. Here, three imidazole‐based ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with pH‐sensitive effects are rationally designed and synthesized for siRNA delivery. LNPs formulated with the top‐performing lipid (O12‐D3‐I3) encapsulating FVII siRNA (FVII@O‐LNP) elicited greater gene silencing than those with the benchmark Onpattro lipid DLin‐MC3‐DMA (MC3) due to its stronger endosomal escape. Moreover, Fc‐siRNA@O‐LNPs encapsulated with ferrocene (Fc) and SLC7A11/Nrf2‐targeted siRNA is formulated. The outcomes demonstrate optimal safety profiles and a significant anti‐tumor effect by inducing long‐lasting and efficient ferroptosis through a synergistic action in vivo. In summary, this work shows that imidazolyl lipid‐prepared LNPs are efficient delivery vehicles for cancer therapy and ferroptosis‐targeting siRNA administration, both of which have extensive clinical application potential.
Interfacial Accumulation and Stability Enhancement Effects Triggered by Built‐in Electric Field of SnO2/LaOCl Nanofibers Boost Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction
Authors: Li Hanjun , Huang Honggang , Huang Wenshuai , Zhang Xu , Hai Guangtong , Lai Feili , Zhu Ting , Bai Shuxing , Zhang Nan , Liu Tianxi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractConstructing a built‐in interfacial electric field (BIEF) is an effective approach to enhance the electrocatalysts performance, but it has been rarely demonstrated for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) to date. Herein, for the first time, SnO2/LaOCl nanofibers (NFs) with BIEF is created by electrospinning, exhibiting a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 100% C1 product (CO and HCOOH) at −0.9–−1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a maximum FEHCOOH of 90.1% at −1.2 VRHE in H‐cell, superior to the commercial SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and LaOCl NFs. SnO2/LaOCl NFs also exhibit outstanding stability, maintaining negligible activity degradation even after 10 h of electrolysis. Moreover, their current density and FEHCOOH are almost 400 mA cm−2 at −2.31 V and 83.4% in flow‐cell. The satisfactory CO2RR performance of SnO2/LaOCl NFs with BIEF can be ascribed to tight interface of coupling SnO2 NPs and LaOCl NFs, which can induce charge redistribution, rich active sites, enhanced CO2 adsorption, as well as optimized Gibbs free energy of *OCHO. The work reveals that the BIEF will trigger interfacial accumulation and stability enhancement effects in promoting CO2RR activity and stability of SnO2‐based materials, providing a novel approach to develop stable and efficient CO2RR electrocatalysts.
Liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry studies for the identification and characterization of degradation products of lobeglitazone
Authors: Mahajan Bhavna , Miniyar Pankaj , Chodankar Rahul , Mahajan Anand 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe objective of the present research work was to demonstrate the application of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) for the separation, identification, and characterization of degradation products (DPs) of the drug lobeglitazone. The drug was subjected to various stress conditions such as oxidation, hydrolysis, thermal, and photolytic degradation as per the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization Q1A (R2). The drug was stable under thermal stress conditions, whereas it was susceptible to degradation in the other stress conditions forming four DPs. DPs were separated using a high‐performance LC system equipped with Zorbax SB C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm particles) using isocratic elution mode. The DPs were identified and characterized using MS and MS/MS. The chemical structure and fragmentation pattern were predicted for each degradant from the data obtained by mass studies. The drug and identified DPs were assessed by in‐silico approaches for predicting absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity behavior. The in‐silico tools used for prediction were the pkCSM web server, ToxTree, and OSIRIS property explorer.
The Deviant: Unruly Spaces and Errant Experiences
Authors: Angelaki Vicky 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe chapter discusses spaces existing in the peri-social sphere, relegated to the marginal by means of the lives and practices they accommodate, which may be defined as outside of normative and religious codes, within the contexts of the heathen and quasi ritual. The chapter will query the role of institutional and community balances in their interactions with the eccentric, investigating the factors that render certain localities particularly desirable for and apposite to such activities, treating space not only as the physical context where the events occur, but also as a driving force towards producing these—particularly as far as natural and open-air contexts are concerned, whereby the elements are regarded as agents in their own way. The case studies are Rona Munro’s The Last Witch (2009), Matt Grinter’s Orca (2016), and Lucy Kirkwood’s The Welkin (2020).
Japanese and Taiwanese Approaches to Future Climate Displaced People
Authors: Martin Kate Hannah 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis chapter aims to examine the role of climate change and environmental drivers in the migration decision-making of Pacific Islanders and to consider whether Japan and Taiwan may be a viable option for climate displaced migrants. The chapter builds on data from secondary sources to demonstrate how climate displacement is affecting Pacific Island populations and outlines Pacific Islanders’ thoughts and perspectives regarding a potentially displaced future. By delving into experiences of Pacific Island migrants who are now living in Taiwan and Japan, as well as detailing the experiences of recent refugees and the policies which affect them, the chapter shows how their observations could help to inform the migratory decisions of future displaced populations. Considering lived experiences could also help guide policymakers on how to make the climate migrants’ transition far less challenging than has previously been the case. To balance the chapter, the domestic discourse within Japan and Taiwan regarding accepting climate migrants is also considered. The chapter concludes that although both Taiwan and Japan have the capacity to accept climate displaced people from the Pacific Islands, their migratory transition is not likely to be smooth.
Asylum Seeking as Survival Strategy: The Narratives of Indonesian Work Seekers in Japan
Authors: Budianto Firman , Widarahesty Yusy 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study examines the narratives of Indonesian work seekers who have sought asylum status in Japan and explores their motives and the routes that they have taken. The qualitative data includes ethnographic fieldnotes and in-depth interviews, both in person and online, with Indonesian nationals who once aspired towards asylum-seeking status, and with Indonesians in Japan from diverse backgrounds, such as Indonesian workers and members of the diaspora in Japan, and people from related NGOs. Two major patterns emerged from their narratives. First are Indonesians who consciously aspire for asylum-seeking status on their own and are aware of the status and how to apply for it. They are usually former technical trainees. Second are Indonesians who have no choice but to apply for asylum-seeking status and are seen in this study as the victims of the migration industry. They initially received information about work in Japan from brokers in Indonesia, and, for them, asylum seeking becomes primarily a survival strategy. The study therefore argues that this type of asylum seeking is shaped by several factors, including the seekers’ personal motives, and is facilitated by external conditions both in Japan and Indonesia, such as the existence of brokers and structural factors, including socioeconomic inequalities.