bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Functional Polymer Nanoparticles with Enhanced Adipocyte Uptake and Adipocytolytic Efficacy
Authors: Choi Suim , Lee In Young , Kim Min Ju , Lee Sang‐Kyung , Lee Kuen Yong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMulti‐functional polymer nanoparticles have been widely utilized to improve cellular uptake and enhance therapeutic efficacy. In this study, it is hypothesized that the cellular uptake of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLG) nanoparticles loaded with calcium carbonate minerals into adipocytes can be improved by covalent modification with nona‐arginine (R9) peptide. It is further hypothesized that the internalization mechanism of R9‐modified PLG nanoparticles by adipocytes may be contingent on the concentration of R9 peptide present in the nanoparticles. R9‐modified PLG nanoparticles followed the direct penetration mechanism when the concentration of R9 peptide in the nanoparticles reached 38 µM. Notably, macropinocytosis is the major endocytic mechanism when the R9 peptide concentration is ≤ 26 µM. The endocytic uptake of the nanoparticles effectively generated carbon dioxide gas at an endosomal pH, resulting in significant adipocytolytic effects in vitro, which are further supported by the findings in an obese mouse model induced by high‐fat diet. Gas‐generating PLG nanoparticles, modified with R9 peptide, demonstrated localized reduction of adipose tissue (reduction of 13.1%) after subcutaneous injection without significant side effects. These findings highlight the potential of multi‐functional polymer nanoparticles for the development of effective and targeted fat reduction techniques, addressing both health and cosmetic considerations.
Ternary Metals in Phase Change Polymers for Efficient Thermal Management of Electronics
Authors: Zhu Yuqing , Peng Hao , Wei Jiangli , Xu Zhe , Liu Shiwei , Jin Sandou , Zhang Jiuyang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhase change materials (PCMs) are paramount for the thermal management of electronics. However, the present PCMs encounter a dilemma in balancing the thermal conductivity and effective latent heat, compromising the heat dissipation function of PCMs for electronics. This work successfully integrates ternary metals and polymer science to design novel PCMs composed of a ternary metal (TM, Ga0.20In0.46Sn0.34) with precise composition and polyethylene glycol (PEG) by physical blending. Due to the introduction of PEG with high melting enthalpy, the ternary metal in PEG (TM@PEG) simultaneously has high thermal conductivity (7.086 W m−1 K−1), desirable effective latent heat (143.6 J cm−3), suitable phase change range, and durability. During thermal management, the thermal conductivity and effective latent heat of TM@PEG contribute to suppressing the working temperature and delaying the temperature rise rate of electronics, respectively. Hence, the TM@PEG effectively behaves as the thermally conductive grease for LEDs and CPU to control the working temperature of electronics in a reasonable range. This work offers a new perspective for TM applied in thermal management.
What is driving consumer resistance to crypto‐payment? A multianalytical investigation
Authors: Sangari Mohamad Sadegh , Mashatan Atefeh 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDespite the extensive interest in cryptocurrencies over the past years, their application as a means of payment in e‐commerce and retail purchases continues to be much slower than anticipated. This paper investigates the underlying mechanisms and elements that drive consumer resistance in this space. Drawing upon the stimulus‐organism‐response paradigm and the innovation resistance theory, the paper explores how the characteristics of the current cryptocurrency landscape contribute to different factors associated with crypto‐payment rejection. Our findings from empirical and experimental studies reveal how ecosystem volatility and the lack of structural assurances for cryptocurrencies foster negative consumer perceptions, leading to resistance against crypto‐payment use. The paper develops new insights into the main predictors of consumer resistance to crypto‐payment, which is a precursor to the mainstream use of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, it sheds light on the interactions among context‐specific, psychological, and functional determinants of behavioral consumer response.
FXR agonists for MASH therapy: Lessons and perspectives from obeticholic acid
Authors: Wang Kang , Zhang Yuecan , Wang Guangji , Hao Haiping , Wang Hong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also called metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease, is the most common liver disease worldwide and has no approved pharmacotherapy. Due to its beneficial effects on metabolic regulation, inflammation suppression, cell death prevention, and fibrogenesis inhibition, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is widely accepted as a promising therapeutic target for nonalcoholic steatosis (NASH) or called metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Many FXR agonists have been developed for NASH/MASH therapy. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is the pioneering frontrunner FXR agonist and the first demonstrating success in clinical trials. Unfortunately, OCA did not receive regulatory approval as a NASH pharmacotherapy because its moderate benefits did not outweigh its safety risks, which may cast a shadow over FXR‐based drug development for NASH/MASH. This review summarizes the milestones in the development of OCA for NASH/MASH and discuss its limitations, including moderate hepatoprotection and the undesirable side effects of dyslipidemia, pruritus, cholelithiasis, and liver toxicity risk, in depth. More importantly, we provide perspectives on FXR‐based therapy for NASH/MASH, hoping to support a successful bench‐to‐clinic transition.
Viral vector‐based cancer treatment and current clinical applications
Authors: Xie Lingwan , Han Yinze , Liu Yuanzhi , Zhou Yanmei , Yu Jiao , von Brunn Albrecht , Lei Jian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOwing to the limitations of conventional cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, gene therapy has become a prominent strategy for cancer treatment over the past few decades. Gene therapy is a medical approach for targeting and destroying cancer cells by delivering exogenous genes into the target cancerous cells or surrounding tissues. However, successful delivery of foreign genes into target cells and tissues remains a key issue in such therapy. Efficient gene delivery systems would undoubtedly be important for improving the medical outcomes of gene therapy. With genetic modifications, viral vectors can target specific cells with high gene transduction efficiency, thus, the use of viral vectors is a promising technology for improving foreign gene delivery. Currently, four viral vectors—adenovirus, adeno‐associated virus, herpes simplex virus, and retrovirus—are dominantly being investigated and used in preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms and latest applications of the four above‐mentioned viral vectors, and summarize the current development of several other viral vectors. In addition, we discuss the challenges and provide insights into future development of viral vectors in cancer treatment.
Exploring the role of mobile genetic elements in shaping plant–bacterial interactions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health
Authors: Rajabal Vaheesan , Ghaly Timothy M. , Egidi Eleonora , Ke Mingjing , Penesyan Anahit , Qi Qin , Gillings Michael R. , Tetu Sasha G. 
Published: October 2023

Societal Impact StatementPlants and bacteria interact in complex ways that are crucial to the health and productivity of native vegetation and croplands. While the range of characterised plant‐beneficial bacterial traits continues to grow, key questions remain regarding the distribution and mobility of genes associated with these traits. This work explores the diversity of mobile genetic elements carried by bacteria associated with plant root surfaces, assessing their capacity to help shape plant–bacterial interactions. The significance of this work lies in the potential to contribute to new strategies for enhancing plant health, promoting sustainable agriculture and managing plant diseases in an era when we must respond to environmental change.Summary

Integrons are gene capture and expression systems that contribute to bacterial adaptation. Integron research has mainly focused on the role that these elements play in spreading antimicrobial resistance. However, their contribution to niche adaptation is potentially much broader because integrons can sample the vast repertoire of diverse functions encoded by integron gene cassettes. Integrons and gene cassettes have been identified in many bacterial lineages residing in soil and water across varied ecosystems, but there has been little investigation of integrons in plant‐associated bacteria.
Bacteria and plants have complex, dynamic relationships that influence plant health and productivity. To investigate whether integrons contribute to adaptative processes in plant microbiomes, we examined gene cassette and microbial taxonomic profiles in rhizoplanes of four important crop species grown under controlled glasshouse conditions. We identified 38,546 unique gene cassettes, including elements carrying genes associated with antibiotic resistance, type II toxin–antitoxin systems and genes with putative functions associated with plant growth promotion, along with a larger set encoding genes of unknown functions.
Rhizoplane microbiomes of different plant species showed more similarity in their community composition profiles than in their gene cassette profiles, with complex and distinct suites of gene cassettes associated with each plant species, suggesting that gene cassettes might have a role in specific plant–bacterial interactions.
We show that rhizoplane microbiomes carry diverse integron gene cassettes that could play a role in establishing and maintaining rhizoplane communities.
The association between several serum micronutrients and benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results from NHANES 2003−2006
Authors: Zhou Hang , Xu Mingming , Pan Yang , Wang Shangren , Xu Zhunan , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoqiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects the quality of life of older men. Specific micronutrients, including retinol, retinyl esters, carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C, have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the correlation between serum concentrations of these micronutrients and BPH is unclear.MethodsWe used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included 2067 representative US men. BPH was assessed using the self‐reported questionnaire. This association was explored by adjusting for confounders using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAfter fully adjusting for confounders, for every 0.01 μmol/L increase in serum retinyl esters, the risk of BPH increased by 2% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01−1.03; p = 0.006). Based on the Bonferroni‐corrected p‐value, we found this correlation to be significant. One μmol/L increase in total carotenoids was associated with a 22% increase in BPH risk (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03−1.46; p = 0.025). By analyzing the correlation between different types of carotenoids and BPH, we also found that β‐carotenoids (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.03−1.99; p = 0.036) was also positively correlated with BPH. The subgroup analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum vitamin E (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00−1.04; p = 0.018) and BPH in men under 60 years of age. Serum retinyl ester (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01−1.04; p = 0.008) and carotenoid (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.22−1.87; p < 0.001) concentrations were positively correlated with BPH in men over 60 years of age.ConclusionOur study suggests that excessive serum retinyl esters, total carotenoids, and especially β‐carotenoids are potential risk factors for BPH, and this association should be further investigated.
The roles of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in the in vitro metabolism of β‐eudesmol in human liver: Reaction phenotyping and enzyme kinetics
Authors: Muhamad Nadda , Na‐Bangchang Kesara 
Published: October 2023

Abstractβ‐eudesmol is a major bioactive component of Atractylodes lancea (AL). AL has been developed as the capsule formulation of standardized AL extract for treating cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). However, the complex constituents of herbal products increase the risk of adverse drug interactions. β‐eudesmol has demonstrated inhibitory effects on rCYP2C19 and rCYP3A4 in the previous research. This study aimed to identify the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms responsible for the metabolism of β‐eudesmol and determine the enzyme kinetic parameters and the metabolic stability of β‐eudesmol metabolism in the microsomal system. Reaction phenotyping using human recombinant CYPs (rCYPs) and selective chemical inhibitors of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 was performed, and enzyme kinetics and metabolic stability were investigated using human liver microsome (HLM). The results suggest that CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 play significant roles in β‐eudesmol metabolism. The disappearance half‐life (t1/2) and intrinsic clearance (CLint) of β‐eudesmol were 17.09 min and 0.20 mL/min·mg protein, respectively. Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) of 16.76 μM and 3.35 nmol/min·mg protein, respectively. As a component of AL, β‐eudesmol, as a substrate and inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, has a high potential for drug–drug interactions when AL is co‐administered with other herbs or conventional medicines.
Volatile organic compounds produced by Paenibacillus polymyxaJ2‐4 exhibit toxic activity against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Song Wenwen , Dai Mingming , Gao Shasha , Mi Yindong , Zhang Shijia , Wei Jianyong , Zhao Honghai , Duan Fangmeng , Liang Chen , Shi Qianqian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDRoot knot nematodes cause great damage to crops worldwide. Due to the negative effects of the application of fumigant and old chemical nematicides, biological nematicides have drawn increasing attention in recent years. Here we tested the fumigant activity of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) blends emitted from Paenibacillus polymyxa and pure commercial VOCs against M. incognita.RESULTSIn this study, we investigated whether P. polymyxa strain J2‐4 could produce VOCs that exhibit nematicidal activity. In vitro assays indicated that J2‐4 VOCs were highly toxic to second stage juveniles (J2s) and could inhibit egg hatching. Three‐layered pot experiments showed that the number of nematodes that penetrating in cucumber roots was reduced by 69.27% after the application of J2‐4 VOCs under greenhouse conditions. We identified 14 volatiles using solid‐phase micro‐extraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The efficacy of six commercially available VOCs, namely 2‐isobutyl‐3‐methylpyrazine, 2,4‐dimethoxybenzaldoxime, 2‐dodecanone, 2‐tridecanol, 2‐tridecanone, and 2‐tetradecanol, against M. incognita were examined. Except for 2,4‐dimethoxybenzaldoxime, the remaining five VOCs showed strong direct‐contact nematicidal activity against J2s of M. incognita, and only 2‐isobutyl‐3‐methylpyrazine showed strong fumigant activity against J2s of M. incognita. In pot experiments, 2‐isobutyl‐3‐methylpyrazine and 2‐dodecanone reduced the number of root galls by about 70%, and 2‐tridecanone reduced the number of root galls and egg masses by about 63% compared with controls.CONCLUSIONPaenibacillus polymyxa strain J2‐4 exhibited high fumigant activity against M. incognita. Our results provide evidence for the use of J2‐4 and its VOCs as biocontrol agents in the management of root‐knot nematodes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Creep behaviour of day‐old chicken corrugated paperboard packaging under different uniaxial compression loads—An experimental study
Authors: Fehér Lajos , Pidl Renáta , Böröcz Péter 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOne of the most important elements for animal transportation is the packaging that ensures the safety and health of the transit. During the transport of live small animals, such as day‐old chickens, the animals may only stay in the boxes for a very limited period, in this case, 48 h. Therefore, it is important to be able to model the strength behaviour of these boxes concerning packaging material requirements and sustainability. The aim of this study was to determine the short‐ and relatively long‐term strength of day‐old chicken packages to better estimate packaging design and to use these data to establish an analytical creep model with suitable parameters that adequately approximate the measured data. Two types of packages were tested, and two types of creep models were used to model the creep strain‐time graphs. The creep behaviour of the two samples was tested at four different uniaxial load cases, with consistent environmental conditions during the tests (23°C and 50% relative humidity [RH]). At the two highest loads, both samples failed before the 48‐h cycle, indicating a significant difference in box strength between short‐term and long‐term load tests. The secondary creep strain rate increases with the magnitude of the compressive load. When comparing the two creep models for both box types, the Power law provided the best accuracy at the 50% of box compression test (BCT) load case, while at the other three load cases, the Andrade law showed better predictions.
Effect of flow ramping on stranding potential related to river morphology—Developing hydraulic indices for peaking severity
Authors: Alfredsen Knut , Tekle Mulubirhan Gebretsadik 
Published: October 2023

AbstractStranding can be an important negative effect downstream of peaking power plants. Much work is put into computing indices of peaking operation based on flow data from power plant outlets or in reaches downstream of power plants. Such indices give good measures of the frequency and magnitude of hydropeaking and indirectly the potential severity of the operation. To address stranding potential local studies are needed to find measures that relate river geometry to dewatered areas and dewatering speeds and the length of river downstream that is affected by the power plant operation. In recent years, high‐precision laser scans have become available for some Norwegian rivers making it possible to do hydraulic modeling on a scale that can describe the dewatering process in detail. The new data also provides details on the river valley and areas adjacent to the rivers. Using these data, we have carried out simulations for peaking operations in several rivers and computed indices of hydraulic effects of potential shutdown hydrographs. The results show a dampening effect in all rivers and a significant relationship between river features like distance from outlet and cross section geometry and the hydraulic dependent indices ramping rate and dewatering rate. These relations could be a method for initial assessment of the effect of hydropeaking on rivers and a foundation for deciding on where more detailed studies will be needed.
A Multisystemic Approach Revealed Aminated Polystyrene Nanoparticles‐Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Schröter Laura , Jentsch Lena , Maglioni Silvia , Muñoz‐Juan Amanda , Wahle Tina , Limke Annette , von Mikecz Anna , Laromaine Anna , Ventura Natascia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractExposure to plastic nanoparticles has dramatically increased in the last 50 years, and there is evidence that plastic nanoparticles can be absorbed by organisms and cross the blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB). However, their toxic effects, especially on the nervous system, have not yet been extensively investigated, and most of the knowledge is based on studies using different conditions and systems, thus hard to compare. In this work, physicochemical properties of non‐modified polystyrene (PS) and amine‐functionalized PS (PS‐NH2) nanoparticles are initially characterized. Advantage of a multisystemic approach is then taken to compare plastic nanoparticles effects in vitro, through cytotoxic readouts in mammalian cell culture, and in vivo, through behavioral readouts in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a powerful 3R‐complying model organism for toxicology studies. In vitro experiments in neuroblastoma cells indicate a specific cytotoxic effect of PS‐NH2 particles, including a decreased neuronal differentiation and an increased Amyloid β (Aβ) secretion, a sensitive readout correlating with Alzheimer's disease pathology. In parallel, only in vivo treatments with PS‐NH2 particles affect C. elegans development, decrease lifespan, and reveal higher sensitivity of animals expressing human Aβ compared to wild‐type animals. In summary, the multisystemic approach discloses a neurotoxic effect induced by aminated polystyrene nanoparticles.
Full‐scale modeling of chemical experiments
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Li Guohui 
Published: October 2023

AbstractComputational chemistry methods are playing an increasingly pivotal role in chemical experiments. From quantum chemistry simulations to finite element simulations, researchers can always find an appropriate simulation method to elucidate the specific mechanisms at a certain resolution scale. However, in organic or inorganic synthesis, the synthesis mechanisms span multiple spatial and temporal scales of chemical experiments. Furthermore, the intricate nature of these mechanisms renders it impossible for any single simulation method to provide a comprehensive depiction of the entire process. In this perspective, using zeolite and polymer synthesis simulations as examples, we stress the significance of full‐scale modeling techniques for chemical experiments and urge the corresponding sophisticated simulation platform.
Construction of prediction model for fetal growth restriction during first trimester in an Asian population
Authors: Zheng C. , Ji C. , Wang B. , Zhang J. , He Q. , Ma J. , Yang Z. , Pan Q. , Sun L. , Sun N. , Ling C. , Lin G. , Deng X. , Yin L. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo construct a prediction model for fetal growth restriction (FGR) during the first trimester of pregnancy and evaluate its screening performance.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that underwent routine ultrasound screening at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2019 and April 2022. Basic clinical information, ultrasound indicators and serum biomarkers of pregnant women were collected. Fetal weight assessment was based on the fetal growth curve for the Southern Chinese population. FGR was diagnosed according to Delphi consensus criteria. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the model. Discrimination, calibration and clinical effectiveness of the model were evaluated in training and validation cohorts.ResultsA total of 1188 pregnant women were included, of whom 108 had FGR. Lasso regression identified seven predictive features, including history of maternal hypertension, maternal smoking or passive smoking, gravidity, uterine artery pulsatility index, ductus venosus pulsatility index and multiples of the median values of placental growth factor and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1. The nomogram prediction model constructed from these seven variables accurately predicted FGR, and the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve in the validation cohort was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74–0.90). The calibration curve and Hosmer–Lemeshow test demonstrated good calibration, and the clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve supported its practical value in a clinical setting.ConclusionThe multi‐index prediction model for FGR has good predictive value during the first trimester. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.