bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Analysis, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Atriplex halimus L. (Amaranthaceae Juss.)
Authors: Guedri Mounira Mkaddem , Krir Nouha , Terol Carolina Clausell , Romdhane Mehrez , Boulila Abdennacer , Guetat Arbi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMediterranean saltbush Atriplex halimus L. (Amaranthaceae) from different bioclimatic arid zones (ten wild populations) were studied. Phenols contents, flavonoids, flavonols, tannins and anthocyanins were determined and then tested for their antioxidants, antidiabetic and anti‐acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Levels of total polyphenols including flavonoids and flavonols, tannins and anthocyanins were high and varied significantly among analyzed populations. Nine phenolic acids and four flavonoids were identified for the first time in the methanolic fraction and quantified by liquid high‐performance chromatography system HPLC (DAD). All extracts showed a substantial antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH assay (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical) (IC50DPPH=147.3for population of Seliena), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP; IC50FRAP=3.2 for populations of Sousse and Kairouan), and Chelation Fer test (IC50FerCh=1.5 μg/mL for populations of El‐hamma and Mednine). Atriplex halimus possessed a high inhibitory effect against α‐amylase activity (up to 2.6 mg ACE/gE), a moderate activity for α‐glucosidase (up to 91.0 mg ACE/gE) and AChE (up to 147.2 μg/mL) compared to standard. The analyzed populations were isolated and subdivided into three distinct groups, without any bioclimatic structuration. Enzymatic activities seem to be associated with the presence, in plant extracts, of other classes of compounds then phenols such as terpenes, sterols, saponins, coumarins and carotenoids.
The emerging role of USP29 in cancer and other diseases
Authors: Zhang Ru , Cai Zeqiong , Ren Doudou , Kang Ye , Zhang Qi , Lu Xinlan , Tu Rongfu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractReversible protein ubiquitination is a key process for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Deubiquitinases, which can cleave ubiquitin from substrate proteins, have been reported to be deeply involved in disease progression ranging from oncology to neurological diseases. The human genome encodes approximately 100 deubiquitinases, most of which are poorly characterized. One of the well‐characterized deubiquitases is ubiquitin‐specific protease 29 (USP29), which is often upregulated in pathological tissues and plays important roles in the progression of different diseases. Moreover, several studies have shown that deletion of Usp29 in mice does not cause visible growth and developmental defects, indicating that USP29 may be an ideal therapeutic target. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the important roles and regulatory mechanisms of USP29 in cancer and other diseases, which may help us better understand its biological functions and improve future studies to construct suitable USP29‐targeted therapy systems.
Mapping the Catalytic‐Space for the Reactivity of Metal‐free Boron Nitride with O2 for H2O‐Mediated Conversion of Methane to HCHO and CO
Authors: Rawal Parveen , Gupta Puneet 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTransition‐metal based catalysts have been widely employed to catalyze partial oxidation of light alkanes. Recently, metal‐free hexagonal‐boron nitride (h‐BN) has emerged as a promising catalyst for the oxidation of CH4 to HCHO and CO; however, the intricate catalytic surface of h‐BN at molecular and electronic levels remains inadequately understood. Key questions include how electron‐deficient boron atoms in h‐BN reduce O2, and whether the partial oxidation of methane over h‐BN exhibits similarities to traditional transition‐metal catalysts. In our study, we computationally‐mapped in‐detail the surface catalytic‐space of h‐BN for methane oxidation. We considered different structures of h‐BN and show that these structures contain numerous sites for O2 binding and therefore various routes for methane oxidation are possible. The activation barriers for methane oxidation via various paths varies from ~83 to ~123 kcal mol−1. To comprehend the differences in activation barriers, we employed geometrical, orbital and distortion/interaction analysis (DIA). Orbital analysis reveals that methane activation over h‐BN in presence of dioxygen follows a standard hydrogen atom transfer mechanism. It is also shown that water plays an intriguing role in reducing the barrier for HCHO and CO formation by acting as a bridge.
Design of 2‐Pyridone Fluorophores for Brighter Emissions at Longer Wavelengths
Authors: Kim Dong Sun , Kim Younghun , Lee Dongwhan , Lee Yan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe recent discovery of blue fluorophores with high quantum yields based on pyridone structures inspired the development of new low‐molecular‐weight fluorophores with bright emissions at tunable wavelengths, which are highly attractive for various applications. In this study, we propose a rational design strategy for 2‐pyridone‐based fluorophores with bright emissions at long wavelengths. With a detailed understanding of the positional substitution effects on each carbon atom of the 2‐pyridone core, we developed a bright blue fluorophore (λabs=377 nm; λem=433 nm; ϵ=13,200 M−1 cm−1; ϕF=88 %) through C3‐aryl and C4‐ester substitutions followed by cyclization. Furthermore, by applying the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) principle, we invented a bright green fluorophore through C3‐ and C4‐diester and C6‐aryl substitutions. The ICT fluorophore based on the pyridone structure shows large molar absorptivity (ϵ=20,100 M−1 cm−1), longer emission wavelength (λem=539 nm), high emission quantum yield (ϕF=74 %), and large Stokes shift (Δv=5720 cm−1), which are comparable to those of practical fluorescent probes.
Making and Breaking Helical Open‐Chain Oligopyrroles
Authors: Urban Adrian , De Feyter Steven 
Published: January 2024

AbstractClosed‐chain oligopyrroles such as porphyrins or corroles have been well‐established in literature and experience a steadily strong interest by several fields of science. However, their open‐chain derivatives are comparatively underrepresented, despite their intriguing properties and promising applications. Here, we aim to review typical synthetic routes, as well as point towards several emergent properties, marking them as interesting candidates for various fields of study. The review focuses on two traditional methods (each starting from highly symmetric metalloporphyrins) and then expands its scope towards more recent variations before moving on to more exotic and recent highlights that have yet to be included into the canon. Key chemical reactivities (ring closure, substitution and fragmentation) are then followed by notable physicochemical properties, placing special emphasis on potential uses in molecular electronics and sensors.
The nexus between non‐governmental organisations involved in conservation and profit‐seeking state‐owned enterprises: A potential alternative credibility enhancing mechanism for biodiversity disclosures?
Authors: Ackers Barry , Adebayo Adeyemi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractResponding to calls to incorporate biodiversity matters into accounting research, we attempt to provide a balance by moving away from the conventional focus on the reporting of biodiversity impacts and activities by public and private sector organisations, by focusing on how non‐governmental organisations active in the conservation space (CNGOs), interact with the public sector. In particular, we confine our study to explaining how South African state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and CNGOs active in South Africa, report on their collaboration engagements. To explain the engagements between SOEs and CNGOs, we use their publicly available reports (annual/integrated) to explore the extent which these entities interact and collaborate. However, although several CNGOs operate in South Africa, we documented little evidence of formalised engagements between these SOEs and CNGOs, with Eskom being the notable exception. Notwithstanding the observed scant formalised reporting on engagements, we suggest that the reporting of CNGOs engagements could be harnessed to indirectly serve as alternative credibility enhancing mechanisms. In this way, it could contribute by attesting to the veracity of organisational biodiversity disclosures, and may provide a basis to hold these organisations to account for their contribution to environmental conservation, or degradation. In this context, we conclude by calling for a research agenda to investigate the relationship between CNGOs and their funding organisations, irrespective of whether they operate in the public or private sectors, as well as the potential of CNGOs to serve as advocacy and activism agents, thereby improving organisational biodiversity accountability.
Sustainable development goals and corporate strategy: A map of the field
Authors: Domingo‐Posada Elías , González‐Torre Pilar L. , Vidal‐Suárez Marta M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity, call on companies everywhere to advance sustainable development through the investments they make, the solutions they develop, and the business practices they adopt. This research work carries out a systematic review of the previous literature related to the adoption of SDGs as a corporate strategy in companies, that shows an exponential increase in the papers related to this topic during the first years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. Our findings show that the economic dimension of sustainability has lost lightly interest in the academic world since then, with the spheres of governance and society being predominant, without forgetting the field of protecting the planet, especially about the fight against Climate Change (SDG13/ESG). And despite the importance of the 2023 Agenda for the future of the world, even today there are few reference authors in this field of study.
Working out measurement overlap in the assessment of maladaptive exercise
Authors: Lampe Elizabeth W. , Schaumberg Katherine , Kolar David , Coniglio Kathryn , Cooper Marita , Chapa Danielle A. N. , Gorrell Sasha 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveAlthough exercise is generally considered healthy, many individuals engage in maladaptive exercise (e.g., compulsive in nature). Several definitions of maladaptive exercise exist, leading to multiple, varied assessment tools; assuming homogeneity across these assessments contributes to low consensus in etiological models.MethodWe used a Jaccard Index to quantify content overlap among 15 commonly‐used self‐report instruments measuring maladaptive exercise, with 31 features identified across 224 items.ResultsThe most common features were exercise to control weight/shape and to avoid negative affect (both included in 9/15 instruments), or compensate for calories consumed (8/15 instruments). Overlap among instruments was low (.206) and no features were common across all instruments.ConclusionsFindings generally support theoretical models of exercise in eating pathology. However, instruments most commonly used to assess maladaptive exercise measure heterogenous content. Careful consideration should be taken when comparing findings derived from differing instruments, when synthesizing literature on maladaptive exercise, and when selecting instruments to measure specific maladaptive exercise features.Public SignificanceMany, varied, tools exist for the assessment of maladaptive exercise (e.g., compulsive or compensatory) in the context of eating disorders. Assuming homogeneity across tools contributes to low consensus in the field. We used a Jaccard Index to quantify content overlap among 15 self‐report instruments measuring maladaptive exercise. The most commonly used instruments measure heterogenous content. Careful consideration should be taken when synthesizing literature and selecting instruments to use in research.
Invasions eliminate the legacy effects of substrate history on microbial nitrogen cycling
Authors: Abs Elsa , Albright Michaeline B. N. , Allison Steven D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractChanges in substrate quality driven by climate, land use, or other forms of global change may represent a strong selective force on microbial communities. Invasion of new taxa into a community through dispersal, evolution, or recolonization could impact the outcome of this environmental selection. Here, we simulated substrate change with a trait‐based model of microbial litter decomposition (DEMENTpy) to assess the legacy effects of past substrate quality and the impact of selection by a new substrate on community decomposition activity. Simulations were run with different levels of invasion, including invasion from communities long‐adapted to the new substrate. Legacy effects were evident with substrate change for native communities differing in composition. Protein was the only substrate that exerted a strong enough selective force to affect community composition. Legacy effects disappeared when invaders came from substrates similar to the new substrate. Together, our simulations demonstrate that substrate quality changes associated with global change can lead to legacy effects on substrate degradation. In decomposing plant litter, such legacy effects can occur if substrate inputs shift to higher protein content and if invasion is low.
A novel photoelectrochemical sensor developed by PLA/CB biopolymer associated with SiO2/WO3 for the imidacloprid determination
Authors: Oliveira Fernandes Julia , dos Santos Fernandes Juliana , Sabbatini Capella Lopes Claudio , Ferreira Braz Bernardo , Pessôa Oliveira Guilherme , Machado Dornellas Rafael , Silva Semaan Felipe , Soares Archanjo Braulio , Schwingel Ribeiro Emerson , Erthal Santelli Ricardo , Henrique Cincotto Fernando 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe 3D photoelectrochemical cell was developed with epoxy resin and a working composite electrode produced with a blend of 3D printer commercial conductive filament of polylactic acid biopolymer and carbon black (PLA/CB) mixed with silica/tungsten (VI) oxide (SiO2/WO3) synthesized was used for the determination of imidacloprid in water samples. Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid pesticide considered potentially neurotoxic, and investigating its presence in aquatic environments is of great importance. The PLA/CB/SiO2/WO3 sensor was morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Photoelectrochemical performance of the composite sensor was evaluated by chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. In the presence of light (on) using differential pulse voltammetry in borate buffer solution (0.1 mol L−1, pH 7.0), the modified sensor exhibited a linear range of 0.15–93.70 μmol L−1 and with a limit of detection of 0.04 μmol L−1 to determine imidacloprid. The modified sensor did not present interferences for K+ and Fe3+ ions, carbendazim, glyphosate and thiamethoxam pesticides. Furthermore, the recovery in spiked samples successfully determined the presence of imidacloprid pesticide in tap water and natural river surface water.
A simple and ultra‐sensitive electrochemical sensing approach for detection of arsenic (v) in drinking water
Authors: Asghar Nazia , Dawood Asadullah , Rashid Khan Humaira , Huma Nasir Mehwish , Asad Khan Muhammad , Ullah Sanna , Malik Abdul , Ali Khan Azmat , Mustafa Ghulam , Zaheer Faiza 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA very sensitive and ultra‐selective electrochemical sensing device with high conductivity and durability was made using styrene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and functionalised graphene oxide. To construct a mediator‐free, non‐enzymatic sensing probe for the detection of arsenic (v) ions, a recently synthesized sensor was impregnated onto an interdigital electrode (IDE) surface. The newly developed receptors were characterized using Fourier Transmission Infra‐Red (FTIR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Under the optimized experimental conditions, sensor showed the lowest detection limit of 0.11 ppb with highest sensitivity (3460 ppb) and a strong linear relationship in the range of 50 ppm–1 ppb of As (v) concentration. The ion imprinting technique is employed to enhance the selectivity of the fabricated sensor. The arsenic sensor is found to be highly selective in the presence of interfering species like AlCl3, FeCl3, and CoCl3 etc. The electrochemical sensor proved to be reliable and could be reused after proper storage, also exhibit a high repeatability response and maintaining of 99 % of its initial sensor response for detection after repeated use of one month to six months. This effort showed excellent results in an electrochemical sensor with sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and reversibility for detecting trace quantities of As (v) in real water samples.
Maternal serum angiopoietins levels in pre‐eclampsia and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Bayor Fidelis , Adu‐Bonsaffoh Kwame , Antwi‐Boasiako Charles 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsAlthough the understanding of pre‐eclampsia (PE) has improved, there is still insufficient knowledge on the exact etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms. Dysregulation of angiogenic factors has emerged as a significant contributing factor. Among these factors, angiopoietins (Ang‐1 and Ang‐2) have gained considerable attention due to their crucial role in regulating vascular development and endothelial function. This study explored the maternal serum levels of angiopoietins and perinatal outcomes in PE.MethodsA case‐control study involving women with PE (cases) and normotensive pregnancies (controls) was conducted at the Maternity unit of the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital. Descriptive analysis was performed and the Mann–Whitney U test (two‐sided) was used to compare maternal serum levels of angiopoietins between the cases and controls.ResultsWe included 188 participants comprising 94 cases (women with PE) and 94 controls (normotensive pregnancies) with an average maternal age of 29.76 ± 5.56 and 28.43 ± 5.57 years, respectively. Maternal serum levels of Ang‐2 were significantly lower among the PE cases compared to the normotensive controls (1.25 [0.90, 2.15] vs. 2.14 [1.18, 5.73] ng/mL, p = 0.001) but no significant difference in Ang‐1 levels (92.61 [80.92, 114.92] vs. 99.26 [81.76, 113.12] ng/mL, p = 0.429) was observed between the groups. The Ang‐1/Ang‐2 ratio was significantly elevated among women with PE compared to normotensive controls (74.47 [37.69, 110.59] vs. 45.98 [16.11, 88.22] ng/mL, p = 0.014). Also, women who delivered vaginally had significantly high maternal serum levels of Ang‐1 compared to women who had cesarean section delivery (107.98 ± 27.79 vs. 89.02 ± 32.62 ng/mL).ConclusionMaternal serum levels of Ang‐2 but not Ang‐1 were significantly depressed in women with PE compared to the pregnant normotensive controls. No significant associations were observed between Ang‐1, Ang‐2 levels, or the Ang‐1/Ang‐2 ratio and pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, birth weight, and severity of hypertension.
Black rice diet alleviates colorectal cancer development through modulating tryptophan metabolism and activating AHR pathway
Authors: Wang Ling , Tu Yi‐Xuan , Chen Lu , Yu Ke‐Chun , Wang Hong‐Kai , Yang Shu‐Qiao , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Shuai‐Jie , Song Shuo , Xu Hong‐Li , Yin Zhu‐Cheng , Feng Ming‐Qian , Yue Jun‐Qiu , Huang Xiang‐Hong , Tang Tang , Wei Shao‐Zhong , Liang Xin‐Jun , Chen Zhen‐Xia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractConsumption of dietary fiber and anthocyanin has been linked to a lower incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study scrutinizes the potential antitumorigenic attributes of a black rice diet (BRD), abundantly rich in dietary fiber and anthocyanin. Our results demonstrate notable antitumorigenic effects in mice on BRD, indicated by a reduction in both the size and number of intestinal tumors and a consequent extension in life span, compared to control diet‐fed counterparts. Furthermore, fecal transplants from BRD‐fed mice to germ‐free mice led to a decrease in colonic cell proliferation, coupled with maintained integrity of the intestinal barrier. The BRD was associated with significant shifts in gut microbiota composition, specifically an augmentation in probiotic strains Bacteroides uniformis and Lactobacillus. Noteworthy changes in gut metabolites were also documented, including the upregulation of indole‐3‐lactic acid and indole. These metabolites have been identified to stimulate the intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and colorectal tumorigenesis. In summary, these findings propose that a BRD may modulate the progression of intestinal tumors by fostering protective gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. The study accentuates the potential health advantages of whole‐grain foods, emphasizing the potential utility of black rice in promoting health.
Effects of informational nudges on preordered food choices of middle school National School Lunch Program participants
Authors: Kropp Jaclyn D. , Gupta Sonam 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe examine the effects of own order history, peer order history, and MyPlate nudges received by middle‐school National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participants while preordering on the selection of fruits and vegetables. Students receiving own order history nudges were significantly less likely to select a vegetable during the postintervention phase. Students who received peer order history nudges were significantly less likely to select a vegetable during the nudging and postintervention phases, suggesting that receiving information on peer selection negatively impacted the selection of vegetables. The MyPlate recommendations nudge may mitigate the negative effects of receiving peer selection information.
The rational modulation of autophagy sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to 5‐fluouracil and oxaliplatin
Authors: Baldasso‐Zanon Andréa , Silva Andrew Oliveira , Franco Nayara , Picon Rafael V. , Lenz Guido , Lopez Patrícia Luciana da Costa , Filippi‐Chiela Eduardo C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and deadliest cancer globally. Regimens using 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) and Oxaliplatin (OXA) are the first‐line treatment for CRC, but tumor recurrence is frequent. It is plausible to hypothesize that differential cellular responses are triggered after treatments depending on the genetic background of CRC cells and that the rational modulation of cell tolerance mechanisms like autophagy may reduce the regrowth of CRC cells. This study proposes investigating the cellular mechanisms triggered by CRC cells exposed to 5FU and OXA using a preclinical experimental design mimicking one cycle of the clinical regimen (i.e., 48 h of treatment repeated every 2 weeks). To test this, we treated CRC human cell lines HCT116 and HT29 with the 5FU and OXA, combined or not, for 48 h, followed by analysis for two additional weeks. Compared to single‐drug treatments, the co‐treatment reduced tumor cell regrowth, clonogenicity and stemness, phenotypes associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in clinics. This effect was exerted by the induction of apoptosis and senescence only in the co‐treatment. However, a week after treatment, cells that tolerated the treatment had high levels of autophagy features and restored the proliferative phenotype, resembling tumor recurrence. The pharmacologic suppression of early autophagy during its peak of occurrence, but not concomitant with chemotherapeutics, strongly reduced cell regrowth. Overall, our experimental model provides new insights into the cellular mechanisms that underlie the response and tolerance of CRC cells to 5FU and OXA, suggesting optimized, time‐specific autophagy inhibition as a new avenue for improving the efficacy of current treatments.