bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining chemical profiles and biological abilities of different extracts from Tanacetum nitens (Boiss. & Noë) Grierson using network pharmacology
Authors: Dall'Acqua Stefano , Yagi Sakina , Sut Stefania , Uba Abdullahi Ibrahim , Ponniya Sathish Kumar M. , Koyuncu Ismail , Toprak Kenan , Balos Mehmet Maruf , Kaplan Alevcan , Çakılcıoğlu Uğur , Zengin Gokhan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTanacetum nitens (Boiss. & Noë) Grierson is an aromatic perennial herb used in Turkish traditional medicine to treat headache, fever, and skin diseases. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic properties of T. nitens aerial parts. Organic solvent extracts were prepared by sequential maceration in hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol while aqueous extracts were obtained by maceration or infusion. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and LC‐DAD‐MS analysis allowed the identification and quantification of different phytoconstituents including parthenolide, tanacetol B, tatridin B, quinic acid derivatives, β‐sitosterol, and glycoside derivatives of quercetin and luteolin. The type and amount of these phytochemicals recovered by each solvent were variable and significant enough to impact the biological activities of the plant. Methanolic and aqueous extracts displayed the highest scavenging and ions‐reducing properties while the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts exerted the best total antioxidant activity and metal chelating power. Results of enzyme inhibition activity showed that the hexane, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane extracts had comparable anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity and the latter extract revealed the highest anti‐butyrylcholinesterase activity. The best α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition activities were obtained from the hexane extract. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the highest cytotoxic effect against the prostate carcinoma DU‐145 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that T. nitens can be a promising source of biomolecules with potential therapeutic applications.
Polyurea‐urethane Temperature‐responsive Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Anti‐VEGF Therapeutics
Authors: Loh Wei Wei , Lin Qianyu , Zhao Xinxin , Su Xinyi , Loh Xian Jun , Lim Jason Y C 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTemperature‐responsive hydrogels, or thermogels, have emerged as a leading platform for sustained delivery of both small molecule drugs and macromolecular biologic therapeutics. Although thermogel properties can be modulated by varying the polymer's hydrophilic‐hydrophobic balance, molecular weight and degree of branching, varying the supramolecular donor‐acceptor interactions on the polymer remains surprisingly overlooked. Herein, to study the influence of enhanced hydrogen bonding on thermogelation, we synthesized a family of amphiphilic polymers containing urea and urethane linkages using quinuclidine as an organocatalyst. Our findings showed that the presence of strongly hydrogen bonding urea linkages significantly enhanced polymer hydration in water, in turn affecting hierarchical polymer self‐assembly and macroscopic gel properties such as sol‐gel phase transition temperature and gel stiffness. Additionally, analysis of the sustained release profiles of Aflibercept, an FDA‐approved protein biologic for anti‐angiogenic treatment, showed that urea bonds on the thermogel were able to significantly alter the drug release mechanism and kinetics compared to usage of polyurethane gels of similar composition and molecular weight. Our findings demonstrate the unrealized possibility of modulating gel properties and outcomes of sustained drug delivery through judicious variation of hydrogen bonding motifs on the polymer structure.
Estimation of VaR with jump process: Application in corn and soybean markets
Authors: Lin Minglian , SenGupta Indranil , Wilson William 
Published: June 2024

AbstractValue at risk (VaR) is a quantitative measure used to evaluate the risk linked to the potential loss of investment or capital. Estimation of the VaR entails the quantification of prospective losses in a portfolio of investments, using a certain likelihood, under normal market conditions within a specific time period. The objective of this article is to construct a model and estimate the VaR for a diversified portfolio consisting of multiple cash commodity positions driven by standard Brownian motions and jump processes. Subsequently, a thorough analytical estimation of the VaR is conducted for the proposed model. The results are then applied to two distinct commodities—corn and soybean—enabling a comprehensive comparison of the VaR values in the presence and absence of jumps.
A Dual‐Layered Anode Buffer Layer Structure for All Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Lu Yushi , Chang Hansen Michael , Birke Kai Peter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOver the past few decades, lithium‐ion batteries have garnered considerable attention, especially for their use in electric vehicles (EVs). In recent years, solid‐state batteries have become increasingly popular due to their excellent safety features and potential for high energy density. However, solid‐state batteries with lithium metal anodes present challenges in terms of electrochemical reactivity and cost. To address these challenges, alternative anode systems such as the “anode‐free” approach are being explored. In this study, we introduced a dual‐layered anode comprising a primary layer of physically vapor‐deposited zinc and a secondary layer of carbon black, focusing on investigating the influence of varying thicknesses of the lithiophilic zinc layer on cell cycling performance. Among the three different zinc thicknesses chosen for this purpose – categorized as thin (286 nm), medium (1.802 μm), and thick (6.519 μm) – the dual‐layered anode buffer layer was analyzed in a single‐layer full pouch cell. An in‐depth investigation into the lithium‐zinc alloying behavior was conducted through post‐mortem analysis. From the results, we found that the combination of the zinc layer with the carbon black layer improved cell cycling performance in terms of discharge capacity retention compared to a single layer of either zinc or carbon black. The cycling performance of this dual‐layered anode could be further enhanced by optimizing the zinc layer thickness, likely due to the irreversible alloying step of zinc and lithium. Among the various thicknesses evaluated, the thin zinc layer (286 nm) combined with the carbon black layer demonstrated the most promising cycling performance in all solid‐state batteries.
Bipolar Organic Cathodes for Stable and Sustainable Na‐Ion and Rechargeable Al Batteries
Authors: Youngsam Kim Eric , Vi‐khanh Ta Kaitlyn , Chen Fu , Yang Zhenzhen , Yu Yun , Luo Chao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBipolar organic materials have emerged as promising cathode materials for rechargeable batteries because of their high voltage and high capacity. However, they suffer from poor cyclic stability and slow reaction kinetics. In this work, we designed and synthesized two bipolar organic cathode materials, containing carbonyl (n‐type) and amine (p‐type) functional groups, as well as extended conjugation structures, for Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) and rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs). As universal electrode materials, bipolar organic materials exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance in terms of high capacity, high voltage, long cycle life, and fast rate capability. The extended conjugation structures in backbones of the bipolar organic materials facilitate the π–π stacking with graphene, playing a critical role in the high performance. Furthermore, the formation of a stable and robust NaF‐rich cathode electrolyte interphase was shown to stabilize the bipolar organic cathode in NIBs. Electrochemical kinetic measurements reveal that both functional groups undergo reversible redox reactions. Specifically, the electron transfer rate constant of the p‐type amine group is one order of magnitude higher than that of the n‐type carbonyl group. These results highlight the efficacy of developing bipolar organic materials for achieving high‐performance organic cathode in NIBs and RABs.
Membraneless Micro Redox Flow Battery: From Vanadium to Alkaline Quinone
Authors: Torres Maria José , Hervas‐Ortega Jorge , Oraá‐Poblete Beatriz , de Quirós Alberto Bernaldo , Maurice Ange A. , Perez‐Antolin Daniel , Quintero Alberto E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis work presents the first proof‐of‐concept of a membraneless micro redox flow battery with an automated closed‐loop control. Using micro actuators and micro sensors, charge and discharge is achieved in continuous operation in recirculation. A maximum value of 60 % State of Charge with commercial Vanadium electrolyte, monitored via online spectrometry, is delivered, with a maximum discharge current density of 60 mA/cm2, and a discharge volumetric capacity of 21.5 Ah/L. Next, cycling tests show a decrease in coulombic efficiency of 0.5 % per cycle, and capacity loss. To overcome some drawbacks encountered with Vanadium, an alkaline quinone electrolyte is used instead in the membraneless micro redox flow battery. Using this new electrolyte, sixty continuous cycles are performed showing a decrease in coulombic efficiency of 0.6 % per cycle, and a capacity loss of only 1.2 % per cycle. The performances obtained outshine previous literature results. The highest energy efficiency ever obtained for a membraneless micro redox flow battery is presented here with alkaline quinone having an efficiency of 28.9 %. The cycling of a membraneless micro redox flow battery is successfully performed for the first time. This work also includes performance improvement suggestions for future work, with this landmark opening a promising path towards achieving the metrics of conventional redox flow batteries.
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy induces cardiac mitochondrial damage in offspring mice
Authors: Su Yujuan , Yu Yujuan , Quan Junjun , Zhang Junjie , Xu Ying 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been linked to congenital heart disease and fetal alcohol syndrome. The heart primarily relies on mitochondria to generate energy, so impaired mitochondrial function due to alcohol exposure can significantly affect cardiac development and function. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of PAE on myocardial and mitochondrial functions in offspring mice.MethodsWe administered 30% alcohol (3 g/kg) to pregnant C57BL/6 mice during the second trimester. We assessed cardiac function by transthoracic echocardiography, observed myocardial structure and fibrosis through staining tests and electron transmission microscopy, and detected cardiomyocyte apoptosis with dUTP nick end labeling assay and real‐time quantitative PCR. Additionally, we measured the reactive oxygen species content, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number in myocardial mitochondria. Mitochondrial damage was evaluated by assessing the level of mitochondrial membrane potential and the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pores.ResultsOur findings revealed that PAE caused cardiac systolic dysfunction, ventricular enlargement, thinned ventricular wall, cardiac fibrosis in the myocardium, scattered loss of cardiomyocytes, and disordered arrangement of myocardial myotomes in the offspring. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species content, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number, and sustained opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores in the heart tissues of the offspring.ConclusionsThese results indicated that PAE had adverse effects on the cardiac structure and function of the newborn mice and could trigger oxidative stress in their myocardia and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Comparison of Apgar scores and cord blood gas parameters in fetuses with isolated congenital heart disease and healthy controls
Authors: Bayrak Ayse Cigdem , Fadiloglu Erdem , Kayikci Umutcan , Kir Edip Alptug , Cagan Murat , Deren Ozgur 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis retrospective study aimed to investigate how congenital heart disease (CHD) affects early neonatal outcomes by comparing Apgar scores and umbilical cord blood gas parameters between fetuses with structural cardiac anomalies and healthy controls. Additionally, within the CHD group, the study explored the relationship between these parameters and mortality within six months.MethodsData from 68 cases of prenatally diagnosed CHD were collected from electronic medical records, excluding cases with missing data or additional comorbidities. Only patients delivered by elective cesarean section, without any attempt at labor, were analyzed to avoid potential confounding factors. A control group of 147 healthy newborns was matched for delivery route, maternal age, and gestational week. Apgar scores at 1, 5, and 10 minutes, as well as umbilical cord blood pH, base deficit, and lactate levels, were recorded.ResultsMaternal age, gestational week at delivery, and birth weight were similar between the CHD and control groups. While Apgar score distribution was significantly lower at 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes in the CHD group, umbilical cord blood gas parameters did not show significant differences between groups. Within the CHD group, lower umbilical cord blood pH and larger base deficit were associated with mortality within six months.ConclusionNewborns with CHD exhibit lower Apgar scores compared to healthy controls, suggesting potential early neonatal challenges. Furthermore, umbilical cord blood pH and base deficit may serve as predictors of mortality within six months in CHD cases. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and integrate them into clinical practice, acknowledging the study's retrospective design and limitations.
Improving the genetic stability of bacterial growth control for long‐term bioproduction
Authors: Clavier Thibault , Pinel Corinne , de Jong Hidde , Geiselmann Johannes 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing microorganisms for bioproduction requires the reorientation of metabolic fluxes from biomass synthesis to the production of compounds of interest. We previously engineered a synthetic growth switch in Escherichia coli based on inducible expression of the β‐ and β′‐subunits of RNA polymerase. Depending on the level of induction, the cells stop growing or grow at a rate close to that of the wild‐type strain. This strategy has been successful in transforming growth‐arrested bacteria into biofactories with a high production yield, releasing cellular resources from growth towards biosynthesis. However, high selection pressure is placed on a growth‐arrested population, favoring mutations that allow cells to escape from growth control. Accordingly, we made the design of the growth switch more robust by building in genetic redundancy. More specifically, we added the rpoA gene, encoding for the α‐subunit of RNA polymerase, under the control of a copy of the same inducible promoter used for expression control of ββ′. The improved growth switch is much more stable (escape frequency <10−9), while preserving the capacity to improve production yields. Moreover, after a long period of growth inhibition the population can be regenerated within a few generations. This opens up the possibility to alternate biomass accumulation and product synthesis over a longer period of time and is an additional step towards the dynamical control of bioproduction.
Validity of an ultrasound device to measure bone mineral density
Authors: Puranda Jessica L. , Edwards Chris M. , Weber Vinicius M. R. , Aboudlal Mohamed , Semeniuk Kevin , Adamo Kristi B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the UltraScan650™, a portable ultrasound device, used to measure BMD at the 1/3rd radius position. Fifty‐two female first responders and healthcare providers were assessed using DXA (forearm, femur, lumbar, and total body) and the UltraScan650™. Fat and lean mass were also assessed using the DXA. Pearson correlations, Bland–Altman plots, t‐tests, and linear regressions were used to assess validity. Intra‐class correlation (ICC) coefficients were used to assess reliability. Inter‐rater reliability and repeatability were good (ICC = 0.896 [0.818; 0.942], p < 0.001) and excellent (ICC = 0.917 [0.785; 0.989], p < 0.001), respectively. BMD as measured by the UltraScan650™ was weakly correlated to the DXA (r = 0.382 [0.121; 0.593], p = 0.0052). Bland–Altman plots revealed that the UltraScan650™ underestimated BMD (−0.0569 g/cm2), this was confirmed with a significant paired t‐test (p < 0.001). A linear regression was performed (0.4744 × UltraScan650™ + 0.4170) to provide more information as to the issue of agreement. Bland–Altman plots revealed a negligible bias, supported by a paired t‐test (p = 0.9978). Pearson's correlation revealed a significant relationship (r = −0.771 [−0.862; −0.631], p < 0.0001) between adjusted UltraScan650™—DXA and the average of the two scans (i.e., adjusted UltraScan650™ and DXA), suggesting a proportional constant error and proportional constant variability in measurements of BMD from the UltraScan650™. The UltraScan650™ is not a valid alternative to DXA for diagnostic purposes; however, the UltraScan650™ could be used as a screening tool in the clinical and research setting given the linear transformation is employed.
Decolonising integrative practice with Black queer men who experienced trauma: A thematic analysis
Authors: Davis Anthony Jay , Morahan Maria 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimBlack queer men in the UK are increasingly at risk of mental health problems related to anxiety and depression, often triggered by traumatic experiences. This study explored the efficacy of integrative practice with Black queer men who experienced trauma from a decolonised, intersectional and queer‐affirming perspective.MethodOne‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews with nine integrative practitioners were completed. Data collected from these interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six stages of reflexive thematic analysis (RTA).FindingsRTA identified four subordinate themes: (1) understanding the experience of Black queer men, (2) developing the working alliance and use of self in practice, (3) effective integrative practice and (4) intersectional differences and considerations. Findings discussed the varying forms of trauma Black queer male clients experienced that impacted their mental health and how developing a strong working alliance with Black queer men was crucial when supporting them to recover from trauma. Additionally, the participants described a breadth of trauma‐informed integrative counselling and coaching practice. A decolonised approach utilising the intersection of race, gender and sexuality of Black queer men was successfully integrated into the approach used by practitioners in this study.ConclusionOverall, this study evidenced that a decolonised perspective to integrative practice effectively supports Black queer men to recover from trauma. Future research should focus on an integrated approach with Black queer men and other gender and sexual ethnic minority clients who experienced trauma.
Design and development of a mixed reality teaching systems for IV cannulation and clinical instruction
Authors: Xiong Wei , Peng Yingda 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntravenous cannulation (IV) is a common technique used in clinical infusion. This study developed a mixed reality IV cannulation teaching system based on the Hololens2 platform. The paper integrates cognitive‐affective theory of learning with media (CATLM) and investigates the cognitive engagement and willingness to use the system from the learners' perspective. Through experimental research on 125 subjects, the variables affecting learners' cognitive engagement and intention to use were determined. On the basis of CATLM, three new mixed reality attributes, immersion, system verisimilitude, and response time, were introduced, and their relationships with cognitive participation and willingness to use were determined. The results show that high immersion of mixed reality technology promotes students' higher cognitive engagement; however, this high immersion does not significantly affect learners' intention to use mixed reality technology for learning. Overall, cognitive and emotional theories are effective in mixed reality environments, and the model has good adaptability. This study provides a reference for the application of mixed reality technology in medical education.
Synthesis and Thermodynamic Evaluation of Sialyl‐Tn MUC1 Glycopeptides Binding to Macrophage Galactose‐Type Lectin
Authors: Ayyalasomayajula Ramya , Boneva Ivet , Ormaza David , Whyte Andrew , Farook Kamran , Gorlin Zachary , Yancey Evelyn , André Sabine , Kaltner Herbert , Cudic Maré 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInteractions between the tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigens of Mucin 1 (MUC1) and the carbohydrate‐binding proteins, lectins, often lead to the creation of a pro‐tumor microenvironment favoring tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and immune evasion. Macrophage galactose binding lectin (MGL) is a C‐type lectin receptor found on antigen‐presenting cells that facilitates the uptake of carbohydrate antigens for antigen presentation, modulating the immune response homeostasis, autoimmunity, and cancer. Considering the crucial role of tumor‐associated forms of MUC1 and MGL in tumor immunology, a thorough understanding of their binding interaction is essential for it to be exploited for cancer vaccine strategies. The synthesis of MUC1 glycopeptide models carrying a single or multiple Tn and/or sialyl‐Tn antigen(s) is described. A novel approach for the sialyl‐Tn threonine building block suitable for the solid phase peptide synthesis was developed. The thermodynamic profile of the binding interaction between the human MGL and MUC1 glycopeptide models was analyzed using isothermal titration calorimetry. The measured dissociation constants for the sialyl‐Tn‐bearing peptide epitopes were consistently lower compared to the Tn antigen and ranged from 10 μM for mono‐ to 1 μM for triglycosylated MUC1 peptide, respectively. All studied interactions, regardless of the glycan's site of attachment or density, exhibited enthalpy‐driven thermodynamics.
Super‐Resolution Imaging Reveals the Mechanism of Endosomal Acidification Inhibitors Against SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection
Authors: Yan Chunyu , Zhou Wei , Zhang Yan , Zhou Xuelian , Qiao Qinglong , Miao Lu , Xu Zhaochao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, super‐resolution structured illumination microscope (SIM) was used to analyze molecular mechanism of endocytic acidification inhibitors in the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, such as Chloroquine (CQ), Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Bafilomycin A1 (BafA1). We fluorescently labeled the SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD and its receptor ACE2 protein with small molecule dyes. Utilizing SIM imaging, the real‐time impact of inhibitors (BafA1, CQ, HCQ, Dynasore) on the RBD‐ACE2 endocytotic process was dynamically tracked in living cells. Initially, the protein activity of RBD and ACE2 was ensured after being labeled. And then our findings revealed that these inhibitors could inhibit the internalization and degradation of RBD‐ACE2 to varying degrees. Among them, 100 nM BafA1 exhibited the most satisfactory endocytotic inhibition (~63.9 %) and protein degradation inhibition (~97.7 %). And it could inhibit the fusion between endocytic vesicles in the living cells. Additionally, Dynasore, a widely recognized dynein inhibitor, also demonstrated cell acidification inhibition effects. Together, these inhibitors collectively hinder SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by inhibiting both the viral internalization and RNA release. The comprehensive evaluation of pharmacological mechanisms through super‐resolution fluorescence imaging has laid a crucial theoretical foundation for the development of potential drugs to treat COVID‐19.