bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrospinning of biopolymer nanofibers encapsulated with functional nanoparticles toward core‐shell fluorescence encoding
Authors: Abd El‐Lateef Hany M. , Khalaf Mai. M. , Abou Taleb Manal F. , Gouda Mohamed 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhotochromism has been an efficient approach to improve authenticity of commercial products. In order to prepare an authentication nanofibrous film with mechanical reliability, it has been crucial to improve the engineering production route of the authentication materials. Herein, we electrospun photoluminescent nanofibrous film with a fiber diameter of 50–200 nm from the environmentally‐friendly polylactic acid embedded with nanoparticles of rare‐earth activated strontium aluminate (NRESA; 10–15 nm). The created nanocomposite film was colorless in daylight, and became an intense green in ultraviolet light. The strontium aluminate photochromic agent must be applied in the nanoparticle form to ensure film transparency by enhancing its dispersion without aggregation in the electrospun polylactic acid nanofiber bulk. An emission peak was observed at 518 nm after excitation of the pigment‐polylactic acid nanofibers at 365 nm. Raising NRESA ratio increased the hydrophobic properties of the pigment‐polylactic acid nanofibers without changing their visual or mechanical properties. The transparent films showed high photochromic reversibility without exhaustion under numerous exposure cycles of ultraviolet light and darkness. The nanofibrous mats were elastic and flexible. The current technique is an effective strategy for making a variety of anti‐counterfeiting substances.
Synthesis of full bio‐based, fast degradable, and high strength copolyesters: Poly(butylene succinate‐sebacicate‐salicylicate‐malicate)
Authors: Chen Yezhong , Pan Kaibo , Fei Xuan , Fan Youkun , Mai Kaijin , Jiao Jian , Zeng Xiangbin , Fu Qiang , Li Jianjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe presence of petroleum‐based monomers in the backbone of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA) restricts its application in light of increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In this study, a novel full bio‐based biodegradable random copolymer poly(butylene succinate‐sebacicate‐salicylicate‐malicate) (PBSSeSa‐c‐M) was designed and synthesized. The comprehensive study encompassed the structural alterations, properties, and degradation resulting from the inclusion of salicylicate sebacicate and malicate units. The incorporation of salicylic acid effectively enhanced the tensile modulus of the copolymer, due to the effect of rigid benzene ring. Meanwhile, the addition of sebacic acid regulated the degradation rate. The introduction of malic acid significantly improved the rheological properties, endowing the copolymer with exceptional processability. The obtained high molecular weight PBSSeSa‐c‐M exhibited outstanding film‐blowing processability with an intrinsic viscosity of 1.58 dL/g and melt flow rate of 7.34 g/10 min. The tensile modulus reaches 235.43 MPa that is comparable to commercial PBSA. Besides, the degradation of PBSSeSa‐c‐M reaches 18.92% over 4 weeks, far higher than that of PBSA. In conclusion, this work provides a design and synthesis for a new kind of biodegradable copolyester that satisfies the requirement of rapid degradation in single‐use plastics.
Dosage‐dependent effects of FGFR2W290R mutation on craniofacial shape and cellular dynamics of the basicranial synchondroses
Authors: Richbourg Heather A. , Vidal‐García Marta , Brakora Katherine A. , Devine Jay , Takenaka Risa , Young Nathan M. , Gong Siew‐Ging , Neves Amanda , Hallgrímsson Benedikt , Marcucio Ralph S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCraniosynostosis is a common yet complex birth defect, characterized by premature fusion of the cranial sutures that can be syndromic or nonsyndromic. With over 180 syndromic associations, reaching genetic diagnoses and understanding variations in underlying cellular mechanisms remains a challenge. Variants of FGFR2 are highly associated with craniosynostosis and warrant further investigation. Using the missense mutation FGFR2W290R, an effective mouse model of Crouzon syndrome, craniofacial features were analyzed using geometric morphometrics across developmental time (E10.5—adulthood, n = 665 total). Given the interrelationship between the cranial vault and basicranium in craniosynostosis patients, the basicranium and synchondroses were analyzed in perinates. Embryonic time points showed minimal significant shape differences. However, hetero‐ and homozygous mutant perinates and adults showed significant differences in shape and size of the cranial vault, face, and basicranium, which were associated with cranial doming and shortening of the basicranium and skull. Although there were also significant shape and size differences associated with the basicranial bones and clear reductions in basicranial ossification in cleared whole‐mount samples, there were no significant alterations in chondrocyte cell shape, size, or orientation along the spheno‐occipital synchondrosis. Finally, shape differences in the cranial vault and basicranium were interrelated at perinatal stages. These results point toward the possibility that facial shape phenotypes in craniosynostosis may result in part from pleiotropic effects of the causative mutations rather than only from the secondary consequences of the sutural defects, indicating a novel direction of research that may shed light on the etiology of the broad changes in craniofacial morphology observed in craniosynostosis syndromes.
Targeting Lewy body dementia with neflamapimod‐rasagiline hybrids
Authors: Albertini Claudia , Petralla Sabrina , Massenzio Francesca , Monti Barbara , Rizzardi Nicola , Bergamini Christian , Uliassi Elisa , Borges Fernanda , Chavarria Daniel , Fricker Gert , Goettert Marcia , Kronenberger Thales , Gehringer Matthias , Laufer Stefan , Bolognesi Maria L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLewy body dementia (LBD) represents the second most common neurodegenerative dementia but is a quite underexplored therapeutic area. Nepflamapimod (1) is a brain‐penetrant selective inhibitor of the alpha isoform of the mitogen‐activated serine/threonine protein kinase (MAPK) p38α, recently repurposed for LBD due to its remarkable antineuroinflammatory properties. Neuroprotective propargylamines are another class of molecules with a therapeutical potential against LBD. Herein, we sought to combine the antineuroinflammatory core of 1 and the neuroprotective propargylamine moiety into a single molecule. Particularly, we inserted a propargylamine moiety in position 4 of the 2,6‐dichlorophenyl ring of 1, generating neflamapimod‐propargylamine hybrids 3 and 4. These hybrids were evaluated using several cell models, aiming to recapitulate the complexity of LBD pathology through different molecular mechanisms. The N‐methyl‐N‐propargyl derivative 4 showed a nanomolar p38α‐MAPK inhibitory activity (IC50 = 98.7 nM), which is only 2.6‐fold lower compared to that of the parent compound 1, while displaying no hepato‐ and neurotoxicity up to 25 μM concentration. It also retained a similar immunomodulatory profile against the N9 microglial cell line. Gratifyingly, at 5 μM concentration, 4 demonstrated a neuroprotective effect against dexamethasone‐induced reactive oxygen species production in neuronal cells that was higher than that of 1.
Roles of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in follicle development and oocyte maturation
Authors: Hao Xiaoqiong , Zhang Meijia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), a lipid messenger, propagates its signals by interacting with its intracellular targets or is transported to autocrine/paracrine to activate its cell surface receptors. In the female reproductive system, the homeostasis of S1P plays an important role in ovarian follicular development. Our recent studies show that S1P emerges as a functional mediator of LH‐EGFR signaling from cumulus cells to oocytes: elevating calcium levels in cumulus cells to induce oocyte meiotic maturation, and activating Akt/mTOR cascade reaction to promote oocyte developmental competence. Thus, S1P might be applied to promote oocyte maturation in animals and humans.
Expansion of HLA‐DR Positive Peripheral Helper T and Naive B Cells in Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody‐Positive Individuals At Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Takada Hideto , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Deane Kevin D. , Nakamura Shohei , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Ikari Katsunori , Buckner Jane H. , Robinson William H. , Seifert Jennifer A. , Feser Marie L. , Moss LauraKay , Norris Jill M. , Harigai Masayoshi , Hsieh Elena W. Y. , Holers V. Michael , Okamoto Yuko 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate immune dysregulation in the peripheral blood that contributes to the pre‐rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stage of RA development in anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)+ individuals.MethodsUsing 37 markers by mass cytometry, we investigated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from ACPA+ at‐risk individuals, ACPA+ early untreated patients with RA, and ACPA− controls in the Tokyo Women's Medical University cohort (n = 17 in each group). Computational algorithms, FlowSOM and Optimized t‐Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding, were employed to explore specific immunologic differences between study groups. These findings were further evaluated, and longitudinal changes were explored, using flow cytometry and PBMCs from the US‐based Targeting Immune Responses for Prevention of RA cohort that included 11 ACPA+ individuals who later developed RA (pre‐RA), of which 9 had post‐RA diagnosis PBMCs (post‐RA), and 11 ACPA− controls.ResultsHLA‐DR+ peripheral helper T (Tph) cells, activated regulatory T cells, PD‐1hi CD8+ T cells, and CXCR5−CD11c−CD38+ naive B cells were significantly expanded in PBMCs from at‐risk individuals and patients with early RA from the Tokyo Women's Medical University cohort. Expansion of HLA‐DR+ Tph cells and CXCR5−CD11c−CD38+ naive B cells was likewise found in both pre‐RA and post‐RA time points in the Targeting Immune Responses for Prevention of RA cohort.ConclusionThe expansion of HLA‐DR+ Tph cells and CXCR5−CD11c−CD38+ naive B cells in ACPA+ individuals, including those who developed inflammatory arthritis and classified RA, supports a key role of these cells in transition from pre‐RA to classified RA. These findings may identify a new mechanistic target for treatment and prevention in RA.image
Waste cooking oil and molasses for the sustainable production of extracellular lipase by Saitozyma flava
Authors: Donzella Silvia , Fumagalli Andrea , Contente Martina Letizia , Molinari Francesco , Compagno Concetta 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOrganic waste valorization is one of the principal goals of the circular economy. Bioprocesses offer a promising approach to achieve this goal by employing microorganisms to convert organic feedstocks into high value products through their metabolic activities. In this study, a fermentation process for yeast cultivation and extracellular lipase production was developed by utilizing food waste. Lipases are versatile enzymes that can be applied in a wide range of industrial fields, from detergent, leather, and biodiesel production to food and beverage manufacturing. Among several oleaginous yeast species screened, Saitozyma flava was found to exhibit the highest secreted lipase activity on pNP‐butyrate, pNP‐caproate, and pNP‐caprylate. The production medium was composed of molasses, a by‐product of the sugar industry, which provided nutrients for yeast biomass formation. At the same time, waste cooking oil was employed to induce and enhance extracellular lipase production. After 48 h of process, 20 g/L of yeast biomass and 150 mU/mgdw of lipase activity were achieved, with a productivity of 3 mU/mgdw/h. The purified lipase from S. flava showed optimal performances at temperature 28°C and pH 8.0, exhibiting a specific activity of 62 U/mg when using p‐NPC as substrate.
Explained variation and degrees of necessity and of sufficiency for competing risks survival data
Authors: Gleiss Andreas , Gnant Michael , Schemper Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this contribution, the Schemper–Henderson measure of explained variation for survival outcomes is extended to accommodate competing events (CEs) in addition to events of interest. The extension is achieved by moving from the unconditional and conditional survival functions of the original measure to unconditional and conditional cumulative incidence functions, the latter obtained, for example, from Fine and Gray models. In the absence of CEs, the original measure is obtained as a special case. We define explained variation on the population level and provide two different types of estimates. Recently, the authors have achieved a multiplicative decomposition of explained variation into degrees of necessity and degrees of sufficiency. These measures are also extended to the case of competing risks survival data. A SAS macro and an R function are provided to facilitate application. Interesting empirical properties of the measures are explored on the population level and by an extensive simulation study. Advantages of the approach are exemplified by an Austrian study of breast cancer with a high proportion of CEs.
Metal coordination‐driven assembly of stimulator of interferon genes‐activating nanoparticles for tumor chemo‐immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Guiqiang , Wang Ning , Ma Yuan , Zhai Shumei , Ngai To , Ni Shilei , Jiang Xinyi , Jiao Jianwei , Cui Jiwei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractActivating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is critical for enhancing antitumor immunity and remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we report the preparation of STING‐activating nanoparticles via metal coordination‐driven assembly of a synthetic STING agonist (i.e., SR717) and a chemotherapeutic drug (i.e., curcumin). After intravenous administration, the assembled nanoparticles could efficiently accumulate in tumors to improve the bioavailability of SR717 and trigger potent STING pathway activation for effective immune responses. Meanwhile, the released curcumin evokes immunogenic cell death in tumors and regulates amino acid metabolism by inhibiting the activation of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1, leading to the reversal of the immunosuppressive TME. The antitumor immunity induced by nanoparticles significantly inhibits the growth of primary, recurrent, and metastatic tumors. The assembled nanoparticles are promising for the co‐delivery of STING agonists and drugs in improved tumor chemo‐immunotherapy.
Anti‐inflammatory Polyketides from an Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium sp. UJN‐EF006 of Vaccinium bracteatum
Authors: Wang Yin‐Yin , Pan Yin‐Bo , Wan Ze‐Yi , Li Jun‐Jiang , Bao Jie , Zhang Jun‐Sheng , Zhang Hua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSeven new polyketides including three chromone derivatives (1‐3) and four linear ones incorporating a tetrahydrofuran ring (4‐7), along with three known compounds (8‐10), were obtained from the fermentation of an endophytic fungus (Chaetomium sp. UJN‐EF006) isolated from the leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum. The structures of these fungal metabolites have been elucidated by spectroscopic means including MS, NMR and electronic circular dichroism. A preliminary anti‐inflammatory screening with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 cell model revealed moderate NO production inhibitory activity for compounds 1 and 4. In addition, the expression of three LPS‐induced inflammatory factors IL‐6, iNOS and COX‐2 was also blocked by 1 and 4.
Regulation of iron metabolism in HEC‐1A endometrium cells by macrophage‐derived factors and fractalkine
Authors: Pandur Edina , Pap Ramóna , Jánosa Gergely , Tamási Kitti , Sipos Katalin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMacrophages in the endometrium promote receptivity and implantation by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and other factors like fractalkine (FKN). Macrophages are closely linked to regulating iron homeostasis and can modulate iron availability in the tissue microenvironment. It has been revealed that the iron metabolism of the mother is crucial in fertility. Iron metabolism is strictly controlled by hepcidin, the principal iron regulatory protein. The inflammatory cytokines can modulate hepcidin synthesis and, therefore, the iron metabolism of the endometrium. It was proven recently that FKN, a unique chemokine, is implicated in maternal–fetal communication and may contribute to endometrial receptivity and implantation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of activated THP‐1 macrophages and FKN on the iron metabolism of the HEC‐1A endometrial cells. We established a noncontact coculture with or without recombinant human FKN supplementation to study the impact of the macrophage‐derived factors and FKN on the regulation of hepcidin synthesis and iron release and storage of endometrial cells. Based on our findings, the conditioned medium of the activated macrophages could modify hepcidin synthesis via the nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and the transferrin receptor 2/bone morphogenetic protein 6/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic 1/5/8 signaling pathways, and FKN could alter this effect on the endometrial cells. It was also revealed that the conditioned macrophage medium and FKN modulated the iron release and storage of HEC‐1A cells. FKN signaling may be involved in the management of iron trafficking of the endometrium by the regulation of hepcidin. It can contribute to the iron supply for fetal development at the early stage of the pregnancy.
Co3O4‐Based Catalysts for the Low‐Temperature Catalytic Oxidation of VOCs
Authors: Xiao Menglan , Zhao Tingyi , Li Yuanjun , Zhu Bing , Yu Taige , Liu Wenting , Zhao Mingqin , Cui Bing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a significant source of environmental pollution, posing threats to human safety. With growing concerns about environmental degradation, catalytic oxidation technology emerges as a paramount and widely adopted approach for VOC elimination, renowned for its operational simplicity, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. As a representative transition metal catalyst, cobalt‐based catalysts have garnered widespread use in VOC catalytic oxidation due to their cost‐effectiveness, versatility, and distinctive physicochemical properties. This paper provides a detailed exposition of the construction strategies and structure‐activity relationship of Co3O4‐based catalysts in VOCs oxidation reaction, encompassing both monometallic Co3O4 and multimetallic cobalt‐based catalysts. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive summary and discussion of the latest research progress concerning Co3O4‐based catalysts in practical applications. Concluding with a meticulous analysis, the paper addresses the technical challenges inherent in developing Co3O4‐based catalysts for VOCs degradation. Additionally, it proposes research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges, contributing to the ongoing discourse on environmental sustainability.
Unraveling the atomic interdiffusion mechanism of NiFe2O4 oxygen carriers during chemical looping CO2 conversion
Authors: Song Da , Lin Yan , Fang Shiwen , Li Yang , Zhao Kun , Chen Xinfei , Huang Zhen , He Fang , Zhao Zengli , Huang Hongyu , Li Fanxing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBy employing metal oxides as oxygen carriers, chemical looping demonstrates its effectiveness in transferring oxygen between reduction and oxidation environments to partially oxidize fuels into syngas and convert CO2 into CO. Generally, NiFe2O4 oxygen carriers have demonstrated remarkable efficiency in chemical looping CO2 conversion. Nevertheless, the intricate process of atomic migration and evolution within the internal structure of bimetallic oxygen carriers during continuous high‐temperature redox cycling remains unclear. Consequently, the lack of a fundamental understanding of the complex ionic migration and oxygen transfer associated with energy conversion processes hampers the design of high‐performance oxygen carriers. Thus, in this study, we employed in situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations to investigate the ion migration behavior and structural evolution in the bulk of NiFe2O4 oxygen carriers during H2 reduction and CO2/lab air oxidation cycles. We discovered that during the H2 reduction step, lattice oxygen rapidly migrates to vacancy layers to replenish consumed active oxygen species, while Ni leaches from the material and migrates to the surface. During the CO2 splitting step, Ni migrates toward the core of the bimetallic oxygen carrier, forming Fe–Ni alloys. During the air oxidation step, Fe–Ni migrates outward, creating a hollow structure owing to the Kirkendall effect triggered by the swift transfer of lattice oxygen. The metal atom migration paths depend on the oxygen transfer rates. These discoveries highlight the significance of regulating the release–recovery rate of lattice oxygen to uphold the structures and reactivity of oxygen carriers. This work offers a comprehensive understanding of the oxidation/reduction‐driven atomic interdiffusion behavior of bimetallic oxygen carriers.
Plasma‐oxidized 2D MXenes subnanochannel membrane for high‐performance osmotic energy conversion
Authors: Ding Zhengmao , Gu Tiancheng , Zhang Rui , Sun Shouyi , Wang Kaiqiang , Zhang Hanli , Li Jinjin , Luo Yunjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNanofluidic channels inspired by electric eels open a new era of efficient harvesting of clean blue osmotic energy from salinity gradients. Limited by less charge and weak ion selectivity of the raw material itself, energy conversion through nanofluidic channels is still facing considerable challenges. Here, a facile and efficient strategy to enhance osmotic energy harvesting based on drastically increasing surface charge density of MXenes subnanochannels via oxygen plasma is proposed. This plasma could break Ti–C bonds in the MXenes subnanochannels and effectively facilitate the formation of more Ti–O, C═O, O–OH, and rutile with a stronger negative charge and work function, which leads the surface potential of MXenes membrane to increase from 205 to 430 mV. This significant rise of surface charge endows the MXenes membrane with high cation selectivity, which could make the output power density of the MXenes membrane increase by 248.2%, reaching a high value of 5.92 W m−2 in the artificial sea‐river water system. Furthermore, with the assistance of low‐quality heat at 50°C, the osmotic power is enhanced to an ultrahigh value of 9.68 W m−2, which outperforms those of the state‐of‐the‐art two‐dimensional (2D) nanochannel membranes. This exciting breakthrough demonstrates the enormous potential of the facile plasma‐treated 2D membranes for osmotic energy harvesting.
A review on electrocatalytic CO2 conversion via C–C and C–N coupling
Authors: Zhang Zhuangzhi , Li Sijun , Zhang Zheng , Chen Zhou , Wang Hua , Meng Xianguang , Cui Wenquan , Qi Xiwei , Wang Jiacheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElectrochemical C–C and C–N coupling reactions with the conversion of abundant and inexpensive small molecules, such as CO2 and nitrogen‐containing species, are considered a promising route for increasing the value of CO2 reduction products. The development of high‐performance catalysts is the key to the both electrocatalytic reactions. In this review, we present a systematic summary of the reaction systems for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, along with the coupling mechanisms of C–C and C–N bonds over outstanding electrocatalytic materials recently developed. The key intermediate species and reaction pathways related to the coupling as well as the catalyst‐structure relationship will be also discussed, aiming to provide insights and guidance for designing efficient CO2 reduction systems.