bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions between PLA, organo‐montmorillonite and plasticizer: Synergistic effect on the barrier and mechanical properties of PLA nanocomposites blown films
Authors: Adrar Salima , Ajji Abdellah 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, the impact of incorporating a plasticizer on the compatibility between organo‐montmorillonite (OMMt) and polylactic acid (PLA) is investigated, and the resulting barrier and mechanical properties are reported. Four polymers were chosen as plasticizers to prepare the PLA nanocomposite blown films: poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide), polycaprolactone (PCL), and random ethylene‐methyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer. Firstly, 5 wt% of each plasticizer and 3 wt% of OMMt (Dellite® D43B) were mixed simultaneously with PLA in a twin‐screw extruder and then introduced into the hopper of a single screw extruder to produce D43B‐PLA/plasticizer nanocomposite films. The compatibilization effect was examined based on microstructure observations and thermodynamic predictions. Crystallinity was evaluated using DSC and XRD measurements. The results obtained for permeability and mechanical testing showed that the improvement of barrier and mechanical properties depends directly on the degree of compatibility between plasticizer, OMMt, and PLA. Indeed, the interfacial properties, XRD diffraction, and TEM images showed that a synergistic effect can result from high interfacial interactions between different compounds.
Flame‐retardant epoxy resin with good smoke‐suppression endowed by chitosan–cobalt/phosphorus complex
Authors: Wu Kunxiong , Zhou Chenyu , Pan Zhiquan , Cheng Qingrong , Feng Lu , Wu Hanjun , Zhou Hong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChitosan‐based flame‐retardant CS–Co–DOPA (CCD) was synthesized by the neutralization reaction of 10‐hydroxy‐9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxo‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPA) with chitosan‐cobalt complex and fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometer, x‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), optical emission spectrometer, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) characterizations. The epoxy resin (EP) modified with CCD exhibited good flame retardancy. With the addition of 5 wt% CCD, the EP/CCD achieved UL‐94 V‐1 rating and possessed limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 30%. Cone calorimetry (CC) test demonstrated that EP/CCD resulted in a remarkable reduction of peak smoke production rate (pSPR) and total smoke production (TSP) by 63% and 40%, respectively, showing an outstanding smoke suppression. The char residue obtained from the CC test was further characterized using SEM, FTIR, Raman, and XPS techniques. The results revealed that CCD facilitated the formation of a dense and compact char layer on EP during combustion, thereby impeding gas and heat transfer. In addition, TG‐IR was employed to investigate the gas‐phase flame‐retardant effect of EP/CCD composites, which revealed that CCD promotes the release of water, CO2, and other incombustible gases, altering the decomposition path of EP.
Adeno‐Associated Virus Type 5 Infection via PDGFRα Is Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis and Generates Composite Peptides and Epitopes Recognized by the Agonistic Immunoglobulins Present in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Moroncini Gianluca , Svegliati Silvia , Grieco Antonella , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Mozzicafreddo Matteo , Paolini Chiara , Agarbati Silvia , Spadoni Tatiana , Amoresano Angela , Pinto Gabriella , Chen Qingxin , Benfaremo Devis , Tonnini Cecilia , Senzacqua Martina , Alizzi Silvia , Nieto Karen , Finke Doreen , Viola Nadia , Amico Donatella , Galgani Mario , Gasparini Stefano , Zuccatosta Lina , Menzo Stefano , Müller Martin , Kleinschmidt Jürgen , Funaro Ada , Giordano Antonio , La Cava Antonio , Dorfmüller Peter , Amoroso Antonio , Pucci Piero , Pezone Antonio , Avvedimento Enrico V. , Gabrielli Armando 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe etiopathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is unknown. Platelet‐derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) are overexpressed in patients with SSc. Because PDGFRα is targeted by the adeno‐associated virus type 5 (AAV5), we investigated whether AAV5 forms a complex with PDGFRα exposing epitopes that may induce the immune responses to the virus–PDGFRα complex.MethodsThe binding of monomeric human PDGFRα to the AAV5 capsid was analyzed by in silico molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and genome editing of the PDGFRα locus. AAV5 was detected in SSc lungs by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and molecular analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Immune responses to AAV5 and PDGFRα were evaluated by SPR using SSc monoclonal anti‐PDGFRα antibodies and immunoaffinity‐purified anti‐PDGFRα antibodies from sera of patients with SSc.ResultsAAV5 was detected in the BAL fluid of 41 of 66 patients with SSc with interstitial lung disease (62.1%) and in 17 of 66 controls (25.75%) (P < 0.001). In SSc lungs, AAV5 localized in type II pneumocytes and in interstitial cells. A molecular complex formed of spatially contiguous epitopes of the AAV5 capsid and of PDGFRα was identified and characterized. In silico molecular docking analysis and binding to the agonistic anti‐PDGFRα antibodies identified spatially contiguous epitopes derived from PDGFRα and AAV5 that interacted with SSc agonistic antibodies to PDGFRα. These peptides were also able to bind total IgG isolated from patients with SSc, not from healthy controls.ConclusionThese data link AVV5 with the immune reactivity to endogenous antigens in SSc and provide a novel element in the pathogenesis of SSc.image
Characterizing the Neurobiological Mechanisms of Action of Exercise and Cognitive–Behavioral Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Brain Study
Authors: Dehsarvi Amir , Al‐Wasity Salim , Stefanov Kristian , Wiseman Stewart J. , Ralston Stuart H. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Emsley Richard , Bachmair Eva‐Maria , Cavanagh Jonathan , Waiter Gordon D. , Basu Neil 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveChronic fatigue is a major clinical unmet need among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current therapies are limited to nonpharmacological interventions, such as personalized exercise programs (PEPs) and cognitive–behavioral approaches (CBAs); however, most patients still continue to report severe fatigue. To inform more effective therapies, we conducted a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain study of PEPs and CBAs, nested within a randomized controlled trial (RCT), to identify their neurobiological mechanisms of fatigue reduction in RA.MethodsA subgroup of patients with RA (n = 90), participating in an RCT of PEPs and CBAs for fatigue, undertook a multimodal MRI brain scan following randomization to either usual care (UC) alone or in addition to PEPs and CBAs and again after the intervention (six months). Brain regional volumetric, functional, and structural connectivity indices were curated and then computed employing a causal analysis framework. The primary outcome was fatigue improvement (Chalder fatigue scale).ResultsSeveral structural and functional connections were identified as mediators of fatigue improvement in both PEPs and CBAs compared to UC. PEPs had a more pronounced effect on functional connectivity than CBAs; however, structural connectivity between the left isthmus cingulate cortex (L‐ICC) and left paracentral lobule (L‐PCL) was shared, and the size of mediation effect ranked highly for both PEPs and CBAs (ßAverage = −0.46, SD 0.61; ßAverage = −0.32, SD 0.47, respectively).ConclusionThe structural connection between the L‐ICC and L‐PCL appears to be a dominant mechanism for how both PEPs and CBAs reduce fatigue among patients with RA. This supports its potential as a substrate of fatigue neurobiology and a putative candidate for future targeting.
Successful reversal of transgene silencing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Beauchemin Rémy , Merindol Natacha , Fantino Elisa , Lavoie Pamela , Nouemssi Serge Basile , Meddeb‐Mouelhi Fatma , Desgagné‐Penix Isabel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChlamydomonas reinhardtii has been successfully engineered to produce compounds of interest following transgene integration and heterologous protein expression. The advantages of this model include the availability of validated tools for bioengineering, its photosynthetic ability, and its potential use as biofuel. Despite this, breakthroughs have been hindered by its ability to silence transgene expression through epigenetic changes. Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are main players in gene expression. We hypothesized that transgene silencing can be reverted with chemical treatments using HDAC inhibitors. To analyze this, we transformed C. reinhardtii, integrating into its genome the mVenus reporter gene under the HSP70‐rbcs2 promoter. From 384 transformed clones, 88 (22.9%) displayed mVenus positive (mVenus+) cells upon flow‐cytometry analysis. Five clones with different fluorescence intensities were selected. The number of integrated copies was measured by qPCR. Transgene expression levels were followed over the growth cycle and upon SAHA treatment, using a microplate reader, flow cytometry, RT‐qPCR, and western blot analysis. First, we observed that expression varies with the cell cycle, reaching a maximum level just before the stationary phase in all clones. Second, we uncovered that supplementation with HDAC inhibitors of the hydroxamate family, such as vorinostat (suberoylanilide‐hydroxamic‐acid, SAHA) at the initiation of culture increases the frequency (% of mVenus+ cells) and the level of transgene expression per cell over the whole growth cycle, through histone deacetylase inhibition. Thus, we propose a new tool to successfully trigger the expression of heterologous proteins in the green algae C. reinhardtii, overcoming its main obstacle as an expression platform.
Cancer incidence during the COVID‐19 pandemic by region of residence in Manitoba, Canada: A cancer registry‐based interrupted time series study
Authors: Decker Kathleen M. , Feely Allison , Bucher Oliver , Czaykowski Piotr , Hebbard Pamela , Kim Julian O. , Singh Harminder , Thiessen Maclean , Pitz Marshall , Musto Grace , Galloway Katie , Lambert Pascal 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionHealth care in Manitoba, Canada is divided into five regions, each with unique geographies, demographics, health care access, and health status. COVID‐19‐related restrictions and subsequent responses also differed by region. To understand the impact of the pandemic on cancer incidence in the context of these differences, we examined age‐standardized cancer incidence rates by region over time before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsWe used a population‐based quasi‐experimental study design, population‐based data, and an interrupted time series analysis to examine the rate of new cancer diagnoses before (January 2015 until December 2019) and after the start of COVID‐19 and the interventions implemented to mitigate its impact (April 2020 until December 2021) by region.ResultsOverall cancer incidence differed by region and remained lower than expected in Winnipeg (4.6% deficit, 447 cases), Prairie Mountain (6.9% deficit, 125 cases), and Southern (13.0% deficit, 238 cases). Southern was the only region that had a significantly higher deficit in cases compared to Manitoba (ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.86, 0.99). Breast and colorectal cancer incidence decreased at the start of the pandemic in all regions except Northern. Lung cancer incidence decreased in the Interlake‐Eastern region and increased in the Northern region. Prostate cancer incidence increased in Interlake‐Eastern.ConclusionsThe impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cancer incidence differed by region. The deficit in the number of cases was largest in the southern region and was highest for breast and prostate cancers. Cancer incidence did not significantly decrease in the most northern, remote region.
A novel nomogram based on body composition and nutritional indicators to predict the prognosis of patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Zhong Xin , Pan Yunzhe , Wu Kang , Wang Langkun , Dou Peng , Tan Ping , Zhang Peng , Li Xiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic significance of body composition and nutritional indicators in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and to develop a novel nomogram that accurately predicts overall survival (OS).MethodsFrom December 2010 to December 2020, we retrospectively collected clinical and pathological data from 373 MIBC patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our hospital. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) images were used to measure the skeletal muscle index (SMI), subcutaneous adipose index (SAI), visceral adipose index (VAI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), subcutaneous adipose density (SAD), visceral adipose density (VAD), and visceral adipose to subcutaneous adipose area ratio (VSR). The clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated using LASSO regression and multivariate Cox regression, and a nomogram was constructed to predict 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival. The concordance index (C‐index), time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (t‐ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical practicality of the nomogram.ResultsMultivariate analyses demonstrated that pT stage, lymph node status, LVI, SMD, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are independent prognostic factors for OS. Additionally, a nomogram was created. The nomogram's C‐index was 0.714 (95% CI: 0.695–0.733). The area under the t‐ROC curve of 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival corresponding to the model was 0.726, 0.788, and 0.785, respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated excellent agreement between the predicted and observed outcomes. The DCA revealed that patients with MIBC could benefit from the nomogram.ConclusionBased on body composition and nutritional indicators, we developed a novel nomogram with excellent predictive accuracy and reliability for predicting the prognosis of MIBC patients undergoing RC.
A case of ankylosing spondylitis presenting with fever of unknown origin diagnosed as aortitis: A case report
Authors: Mehdipour Dalivand Mahsa , Abdolazimi Rezvan , Manafi‐Farid Reyhaneh , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Kassaee Kimia , Foolad Sara , Alikhani Majid 
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical MessageClinicians should be aware of rare manifestations of AS, while considering a low threshold for screening vascular involvement in an axial SpA/nrxSpA/AS presenting with unexplained fevers and significant constitutional symptoms and elevated markers.AbstractAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease from the spondyloarthritis complex, which usually affects young men and primarily involves sacroiliac joints and the spine. It can also present with non‐joint involvement, such as cardiovascular manifestations. Aortitis is a rare yet critical cardiovascular complication associated with AS, which can lead to life‐threatening outcomes when undiagnosed. Here we report a 34‐year‐old man with intermittent fevers and significant weight loss, myalgia, and arthralgia for 1 year before being referred to our hospital due to undefinable causes despite multiple diagnostic efforts. The patient presented with elevated inflammatory markers and involvement of sacroiliac joints in favor of the AS. A positron emission tomography scan was also done to rule out underlying malignancy, which led to the detection of inflammation in ascending aorta, compatible with aortitis. The patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, prednisolone, and infliximab, and his signs and symptoms significantly improved. Our case reports a rare but substantial complication of AS, in a young patient without a history of prolonged disease presenting with unspecific manifestations. The implantation of a thorough examination of AS patients, including cardiac examinations, could contribute to faster and more efficient diagnosis and treatment.
Towards Sustainable H2O2 Photogeneration: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Authors: Ruan Qiushi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has emerged as a versatile and environmentally friendly oxidant, showing wide applications in diverse sectors such as fine chemical synthesis, waste stream treatment, precious metal extraction, and textile bleaching. With an escalating demand, H2O2 has now become one of the most essential chemicals worldwide. Efficient photocatalytic generation of H2O2 from water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) has been a long‐standing challenge, presenting a promising prospect to replace existing production methods. This review presents a framework aimed at achieving highly efficient and continuous H2O2 production via photocatalysis. The key aspects include photocatalyst design, selectivity for redox reactions, stability issue and reactor design. Through a comprehensive inspection and comparison of state‐of‐the‐art research, the most viable pathways for H2O2 photogeneration are identified, ensuring optimal solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency and high selectivity for target products. The ultimate goal is to establish H2O2 photogeneration as a sustainable and efficient method for producing this valuable chemical, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
Copy number loss of KDM5D may be a predictive biomarker for ATR inhibitor treatment in male patients with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ura Ayako , Hayashi Takuo , Komura Kazumasa , Hosoya Masaki , Takamochi Kazuya , Sato Eiichi , Saito Satomi , Wakai Susumu , Handa Takafumi , Saito Tsuyoshi , Kato Shunsuke , Suzuki Kenji , Yao Takashi ,   the Tokyo Metropolitan Innovative Oncology Research Group (TMIG)
Published: November 2023

AbstractA limited number of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) benefit clinically from molecular targeted drugs because of a lack of targetable driver alterations. We aimed to understand the prevalence and clinical significance of lysine‐specific demethylase 5D (KDM5D) copy number loss in SCC and explore its potential as a predictive biomarker for ataxia‐telangiectasia and Rad3‐related (ATR) inhibitor treatment. We evaluated KDM5D copy number loss in 173 surgically resected SCCs from male patients using fluorescence in situ hybridization. KDM5D copy number loss was detected in 75 of the 173 patients (43%). Genome‐wide expression profiles of the transcription start sites (TSSs) were obtained from 17 SCCs, for which the cap analysis of gene expression assay was performed, revealing that upregulated genes in tumors with the KDM5D copy number loss are associated with ‘cell cycle’, whereas downregulated genes in tumors with KDM5D copy number loss were associated with ‘immune response’. Clinicopathologically, SCCs with KDM5D copy number loss were associated with late pathological stage (p = 0.0085) and high stromal content (p = 0.0254). Multiplexed fluorescent immunohistochemistry showed that the number of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+/T‐bet+ T cells was lower in SCCs with KDM5D copy number loss than in wild‐type tumors. In conclusion, approximately 40% of the male patients with SCC exhibited KDM5D copy number loss. Tumors in patients who show this distinct phenotype can be ‘cold tumors’, which are characterized by the paucity of tumor T‐cell infiltration and usually do not respond to immunotherapy. Thus, they may be candidates for trials with ATR inhibitors.
Determinants of genetic diversity in Neotropical salamanders (Plethodontidae: Bolitoglossini)
Authors: Segovia‐Ramírez María Guadalupe , Ramírez‐Sánchez Obed , Decena Segarra Louis Paul , Rios‐Carlos Hairo , Rovito Sean M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGenetic diversity is the raw material of evolution, yet the reasons why it varies among species remain poorly understood. While studies at deeper phylogenetic scales point to the influence of life history traits on genetic diversity, it appears to be more affected by population size but less predictable at shallower scales. We used proxies for population size, mutation rate, direct selection, and linked selection to test factors affecting genetic diversity within a diverse assemblage of Neotropical salamanders, which vary widely for these traits. We estimated genetic diversity of noncoding loci using ddRADseq and coding loci using RNAseq for an assemblage of Neotropical salamanders distributed from northern Mexico to Costa Rica. Using ddRADseq loci, we found no significant association with genetic diversity, while for RNAseq data we found that environmental heterogeneity and proxies of population size predict a substantial portion of the variance in genetic diversity across species. Our results indicate that diversity of coding loci may be more predictable than that of noncoding loci, which appears to be mostly unpredictable at shallower phylogenetic scales. Our results suggest that coding loci may be more appropriate for genetic diversity estimates used in conservation planning because of the lack of any association between the variables we used and genetic diversity of noncoding loci.
Trouble in paradise: When two species of conservation and cultural value clash, causing a management conundrum
Authors: Behrendorff Linda , King Rachel , Allen Benjamin L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThreatened species throughout the world are in decline due to various causes. In some cases, predators of conservation or cultural value are causing the decline of threatened prey, presenting a conservation conundrum for managers. We surveyed marine turtle nests on K'gari (formally known as Fraser Island), Australia, to investigate dingo predation of green and loggerhead turtle nests, where each of these species is of conservation value. Our monitoring revealed that 84% of nests were predated by dingoes. Only 16% of nests were not consumed by dingoes, and only 5.7% of nests were confirmed to have successfully hatched. Up to 94% of nests were consumed in some areas, and predation rates were similar across different dingo packs. Information on the available numbers of nests and dingoes in the area indicated that turtle nests alone are sufficient to support extant dingoes over the summer. These results indicate that marine turtle eggs represent a previously unquantified but important food source for dingoes on K'gari, and that turtle nests at this rookery site are under serious threat from dingoes. This research should highlight the importance of prioritising the protection of turtle nests from dingoes or risk losing the entire rookery forever in the near future.
Intensity analysis of frictional heat source during core tube sampling and drilling
Authors: Xu Shiru , Wang Zhaofeng , Zhu Lin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCurrently, the heat generated during coal core tube sampling causes rapid gas desorption, leading to substantial measurement errors in laboratory gas content assessments. Reducing these errors requires studying frictional heat from core tube friction against the hole wall and coal core temperature rise. Combining the independently developed device to simulate the thermal effect of coring and the COMSOL finite element analysis software, the intensity of the frictional heat source during the core tube sampling and drilling process was analyzed under different coring depth and rotational speed conditions. The research results show that: At constant speed, frictional heat intensifies as the core depth increases. However, the rate of temperature rise decreases with increasing core depth; when the coring depth is constant, the frictional heat is proportional to the rotational speed. For example, at a depth of 140 m and a rotational speed of 120 r/min, the intensity of frictional heat generated by drilling is 2.21 ∗ 10E6J. Similarly, at 180 r/min, the strength is 2.28 ∗ 10E6J, and at 240 r/min, the strength reaches 3.65 ∗ 10E6J; Under certain conditions, core tube wall temperature will not rise indefinitely but will stabilize to a certain value.