bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Needle‐free electronically‐controlled jet injector treatment with bleomycin and lidocaine is effective and well‐tolerated in patients with recalcitrant keloids
Authors: Bekkers Vazula Zulfra , Khan Fatima , Aarts Pim , Zdunczyk Katarzyna , Prens Errol Prospero , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Rissmann Robert , van Doorn Martijn Bastiaan Adriaan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe treatment of recalcitrant keloids is challenging. Although intralesional bleomycin using conventional needle injectors (CNI) is effective, it has important drawbacks, such as the need for repetitive and painful injections. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability and patient satisfaction of intralesional bleomycin with lidocaine administered with a needle‐free electronically‐controlled pneumatic jet‐injector (EPI) in recalcitrant keloids.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with recalcitrant keloids who had received three intralesional EPI‐assisted treatments with bleomycin and lidocaine. Effectiveness was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) at baseline and four to six weeks after the third treatment. Additionally, treatment related pain scores numeric rating scale, adverse effects, patient satisfaction and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were assessed.ResultsFifteen patients with a total of >148 recalcitrant keloids were included. The median total POSAS physician‐ and patient‐scores were respectively 40 and 41 at baseline, and reduced with respectively 7 and 6‐points at follow‐up ( p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The median pain scores during EPI‐assisted injections were significantly lower compared to CNI‐assistant injections, (2.5 vs. 7.0, respectively ( p < 0.001)). Adverse effects were mild. Overall, patients were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the treatments (14/15, 93.3%). The GAIS was “very improved” in one patient, “improved” in nine patients and “unaltered” in four patients.ConclusionsEPI‐assisted treatment with bleomycin and lidocaine is an effective, well tolerated, patient‐friendly alternative for CNI in patients with recalcitrant keloid scars. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm our findings and improve the clinical management of recalcitrant keloids.
Myelin abnormalities in merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Saito Yoshihiko , Ishiyama Akihiko , Saito Yuko , Komaki Hirofumi , Sasaki Masayuki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsMerosin is a protein complex located in the basement membrane of skeletal muscles and laminin α2‐containing regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, because of the prominence of muscle‐related symptoms, peripheral neuropathy associated with merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) has received little clinical attention. This study aimed to present pathological changes in intramuscular nerves of three patients with MDC1A and discuss their relationship with electrophysiological findings to provide new evidence of peripheral nerve involvement in MDC1A.MethodsMDC1A was confirmed by clinical features, muscle biopsy, and genetic testing for variants in LAMA2. To clarify peripheral nerve involvement, we statistically evaluated electrophysiological and muscle pathology findings of intramuscular nerves. These findings were compared with those of age‐matched boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as controls with normal nerves. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed before biopsy. Biopsied intramuscular nerves were examined with electron microscopy using g‐ratio, which is the ratio of axon diameter to myelinated fiber diameter.ResultsThe myelin sheaths were significantly thinner in MDC1A patients than in age‐matched DMD patients, with a mean g‐ratio of 0.76 ± 0.07 in MDC1A patients and 0.65 ± 0.14 in DMD patients (p < .0001). No neuropathic changes were identified in muscle pathology. Low compound muscle action potential amplitudes, positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials, and low‐amplitude motor unit potentials with increased polyphasia indicated myopathic changes; no neurogenic changes were seen.DiscussionWe postulate that the thin myelin associated with MDC1A reflects the role of merosin in myelin maturation.
Mucosal Microbiome Disruption in Acute Laryngeal Injury Following Intubation
Authors: Davis Ruth J. , Shilts Meghan H. , Strickland Britton A. , Rajagopala Seesandra V. , Das Suman R. , Wootten Christopher T. , Gelbard Alexander 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study was to characterize mucosal microbial shifts in patients with acute laryngeal injury (ALgI) after intubation. This cross‐sectional study included 20 patients with ALgI who underwent early endoscopic intervention with tissue culture, 20 patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) who underwent tissue culture during the routine endoscopic intervention, and 3 control patients who underwent mucosal swab culture. 70% of the ALgI patients had a positive culture compared to 5% of the iSGS patients and none of the controls. The most identified microbes isolated from ALgI patients included Staphylococcus species in 30% and Streptococcus species in 25%. The high rate of pathologic bacterial infiltration into postintubation laryngeal wounds supports efforts to reduce bacterial colonization of endotracheal tubes and highlights the role of culture‐directed antibiotic therapy as a part of early intervention to improve outcomes for patients with ALgI.
CD27/CD70 pathway activation in primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Richter Julia , Oschlies Ilske , Kock Katharina , Wüseke Thomas , Haag Jochen , Koch Karoline , Klapper Wolfram 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPrimary cutaneous CD4+ small or medium T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PCSM‐LPD) is a clonal T‐cell proliferation disease confined to the skin. PCSM‐LPD shares expression of T follicular helper (Tfh) cell markers with various mature T‐cell lymphomas. However, the benign presentation of PCSM‐LPD contrasts the clinical behavior of other Tfh‐lymphomas. The aim of our study was to delineate the molecular similarities and differences between PCSM‐LPD and other Tfh‐derived lymphomas to explain the clinical behavior and unravel possible pathological mechanisms. We performed targeted next‐generation sequencing of 19 genes recurrently mutated in T‐cell neoplasms in n = 17 PCSM‐LPD with high and in n = 21 PCSM‐LPD with low tumor cell content. Furthermore, gene expression profiling was used to identify genes potentially expressed in the PD1‐positive (PD1+) neoplastic cells. Expression of some of these genes was confirmed in situ using multistain immunofluorescence. We found that PCSM‐LPD rarely harbored mutations recurrently detected in other T‐cell neoplasms. PCSM‐LPD is characterized by the invariable expression of the T‐cell‐receptor‐associated LCK protein. CD70 and its ligand CD27 are co‐expressed on PD1+ PCSM‐LPD cells, suggestive of autoactivation of the CD70 pathway. In conclusion, PCSM‐LPD differs from disseminated lymphomas of Tfh origin by their mutation profile. Activation of CD70 signaling also found in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma represents a potential driver of neoplastic proliferation of this benign neoplasia of Tfh. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Altered ventricular longitudinal strain in children with sickle cell disease: Role of TGF‐β and IL‐18
Authors: Wagdy Reham , Assem Hala , Abd‐Elmohsen Ali M. , Fata Aya , Gendy Wessam El , Gaber Marwa 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular involvement in sickle cell disease (SCD) has a great impact on patients’ morbidity and mortality. Recently, interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) were suggested as potential biomarkers for sickle cell cardiomyopathy. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a reliable early parameter for estimation of deformed myocardium. This study evaluated the role of TGF‐β and IL‐18 as risk indicators of altered strain in patients with SCD.MethodsForty children with SCD (age >5 years) and 40 healthy children as controls, matched in age and sex, were enrolled in the study. All participants were subjected to clinical examination, complete blood count, serum ferritin, TGF‐β, IL‐18, and assessment of cardiac function by echocardiography.ResultsTGF‐β, IL‐18, and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher among cases (mean age: 10.6 ± 3.5 years) when compared to controls (p < .001), at cutoff values 41.7 ng/mL, 128.9 pg/mL, and 340 unit, respectively. The LS of free wall of RV (FW‐RV) was significantly lower among cases when compared to controls (−23.55% ± 5.55% vs. −28.73% ± 2.43%, p < .001). Free wall longitudinal strain of the right ventricle (FWLS‐RV) was significantly correlated to IL‐18 and LDH (p < .001), while GLS‐RV was significantly correlated to TGF‐β. The GLS‐LV was correlated to frequency of vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs) per year (p < .001). Diastolic function, E/A of LV, and RV were negatively correlated to the hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels.ConclusionsThe TGF‐β, IL‐18, and LDH along with frequent VOCs are correlated to altered LS, especially the right ventricle, and could serve as risk indicators for subclinical cardiomyopathy in children with SCD.
Synthesis and effect of using silica fume particles on shear properties of basalt fibers‐epoxy composites
Authors: Azizi Hosna , Eslami‐Farsani Reza , Vaezi Mohammad Reza , Shokuhfar Ali 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effect of the addition of silica particles modified with silane agent on the mechanical properties of basalt fibers‐epoxy composites were studied with the interlayer shear strength (ILSS) test. In the first stage, silica fume particles were synthesized using the sol‐gel method and surface modified using tri mercaptopropyl trimethoxy silane agent. The results of the characterization showed that the synthesized powder is nanometric scale, amorphous and high purity. The surface‐modified silica fume particles (0, 2, 4, 6 wt.%) were distributed inside the epoxy matrix using a mechanical stirrer and ultrasonic waves. The hand lay‐up method was used to fabricate composite samples, then the effect of adding these particles on the mechanical properties of basalt fibers‐epoxy composites under interlayer shear loads was studied. The results of the research indicated that the addition of silica fume particles has a significant effect on improving the mechanical properties of basalt fibers‐epoxy composites, and the greatest improvement in mechanical properties was achieved by adding 4 wt.% of modified silica fume particles. In the case of composites without SF particles, the shear strength was 34 MPa, which was increased to 40 MPa by adding 4 wt.% of SF particles (about 20% improvement). On the other hand, results demonstrated that the optimal distribution of silica fume particles within the polymer matrix performs an impressive role in improving the mechanical response of composite samples.Highlights
The use of silica fume in the polymer composite is one of the research innovations.
Silica fume is a super‐fine spherical powder that is collected as a by‐product.
The silane is used to better distribute and optimal interaction of the silica fume in epoxy.
Sol‐gel is one of the methods to synthesis of silica fume.
ILSS test was done to investigate the strength of the interface of basalt fibers and epoxy.
In situ exfoliation and surface functionalization of graphene oxide for epoxy composites with improved thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Xue Gang , Xing Jiye , Sun Mingming , Zhang Xugang , Liu Caizhao , Xue Shuangle , Yuan Zhigang , Zhang Bin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWet mixing and solvent evaporation were used to prepare in situ exfoliation and surface functionalization of graphene oxide (GO). The structure and composition of diglycidyl 7‐oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane‐3,4‐dicarboxylate (TDE85) functionalized GO (TDE85‐GO) were characterized. A thorough investigation was done into how surface functionalization affected the shape and dispersion of GO as well as the mechanical and thermal performance of the TDE85‐GO/epoxy composites. TDE85‐GO was evenly distributed throughout the matrix as a result of the special preparation method and excellent interfacial interaction between the functionalized GO and epoxy. By incorporating 0.5 wt% of TDE85‐GO, the molecular weight between crosslinks decreased from 435.1 to 182.0 g/mol, and the glass transition temperature significantly increased by 45.7°C from 148.8 to 194.5°C. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break increased by 18.3%, 3.7%, and 29.9%, respectively. Moreover, thermomechanical and water resistance properties have also been improved. This approach is a workable one to produce high‐performance structural composites. This approach represents a practical strategy for developing high‐performance structural composites.Highlights
In situ exfoliation and surface functionalization of graphene oxide.
Glass transition temperature increased by 45.7°C with 0.5 wt% of TDE85‐GO.
Tensile, thermomechanical, and water resistance properties were improved.
Mitigation of impacts of cattle access on stream ecosystems: Efficacy of fencing
Authors: O'Sullivan M. , Ó hUallacháin D. , Antunes P. O. , Jennings E. , Linnane Suzanne , Wynne Caroline , Kelly‐Quinn M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHeadwater streams can constitute up to 80% of river channel length and are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures due to their high connectivity to adjacent land, large relative catchment size and low dilution capacity. In these environments, unrestricted cattle access is a potentially significant cause of water quality deterioration, resulting from increases in stream bank erosion, riparian damage and sediment deposition among others. Several studies have reported improvements in the physico‐chemical and hydromorphological conditions of streams following the elimination of cattle access; few, however, have focussed on the ecological impacts of such management practices. Here, such impacts are assessed. The study explores the short‐term effects of cattle exclusion by comparing habitat conditions, sediment deposition and instream macroinvertebrate communities upstream and downstream of cattle access points prior to, and 1 year following exclusion via fencing. The long‐term effects are also measured by reassessing a small stream catchment entirely fenced off from cattle access in 2008 under a dedicated management plan. In the short term, cattle exclusion led to a reduction in deposited sediment downstream of cattle access points and a related homogenisation of macroinvertebrate community structure between upstream and downstream of cattle access points. Increased abundances of specific indicator taxa (Ancylus fluviatilis, Glossosomatidae and Elmidae) in the fenced catchment following 9 years of exclusion highlight the long‐term ecological benefits of such mitigation practices. These findings highlight the importance of incentivised agri‐environment measures in reducing the negative impacts of cattle access to vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.
Deep core level hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy for catalyst characterization
Authors: Longo Filippo , Nikolic Marin , Borgschulte Andreas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHeterogeneous catalysts are the crucial element for many catalytic processes. In most of the cases, the pivotal structure consists of catalytic metals/alloy particles supported by oxides. Knowledge of the interaction between metal and oxide is central to understand the structure–performance relationship of such systems. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy provides access to the chemical–physical properties of metal and oxide interface as well as polarization effects. The results are usually derived from changes of the measured binding energies based on initial state analysis. We propose to extend the analysis using photoelectron as well as Auger transition to include final state effects (Wagner/Hohlneichner plots). This gives additional information on the specific chemical neighborhood of the excited atom. Three archetypal systems are investigated by hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) to introduce two approaches to this analysis for the most common support elements Al and Si.
Two Birds with One Stone: V4C3 MXene Synergistically Promoted VS2 Cathode and Zinc Anode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Mao Yunjie , Bai Jin , Lin Shuai , Wang Peiyao , Li Wanyun , Xiao Ke , Wang Siya , Zhu Xuebin , Zhao Bangchuan , Sun Yuping 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered to be a rising star in the large‐scale energy storage area because of their low cost and environmental friendliness properties. However, the limited electrochemical performance of the cathode and severe zinc dendrite of the anode severely hinder the practical application of AZIBs. Herein, a novel 3D interconnected VS2⊥V4C3Tx heterostructure material is prepared via one‐step solvothermal method. Morphological and structural characterizations show that VS2 nanosheets are uniformly and dispersedly distributed on the surface of the V4C3 MXene substrate, which can effectively suppress volume change of the VS2. Owing to the open heterostructure along with the high conductivity of V4C3 MXene, the VS2⊥V4C3Tx cathode shows a high specific capacity of 273.9 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 and an excellent rate capability of 143.2 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1. The V4C3 MXene can also effectively suppress zinc dendrite growth when used as protective layer for the Zn anode, making the V4C3Tx@Zn symmetric cell with a stable voltage profile for ≈1700 h. Benefitting from the synergistic modification effect of V4C3 MXene on both the cathode and anode, the VS2⊥V4C3Tx||V4C3Tx@Zn battery exhibits a long cycling lifespan of 5000 cycles with a capacity of 157.1 mAh g−1 at 5A g−1.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Strong Coupling of FeII/FeIII in an Individual Metal‐Organic Framework Nanoparticle for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Zheng Yanting , Shen Xiaoxin , Lin Mingxiong , Zhu Mengyao , Yang Bixia , Yan Jiawei , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of an FeII/FeIII metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanocrystal with spatial heterogeneity that arises from the non‐uniform distribution of different valence states is disclosed. The FeII/FeIII‐Ni Prussian blue analog (PBA) delivers superior photocatalytic performance in the selective CO2 reduction reaction thanks to the strong FeII/FeIII coupling, with CO yield up to 12.27 mmol g−1 h−1 and 90.6% selectivity under visible‐light irradiation. Density functional theory calculation and experimental studies prove that the spatial heterogeneity of FeII/FeIII in the individual MOF nanocrystal not only directs and expedites the charge transfer within a catalyst particle but also creates the heterogeneity of catalytically‐active Ni sites for efficient CO2 photoreduction. The current findings add to a growing literature of materials with compositional heterogeneity and provide a reference for future research.
Enhancing Endosomal Escape and Gene Regulation Activity for Spherical Nucleic Acids
Authors: Park Jungsoo , Evangelopoulos Michael , Vasher Matthew Kuo , Kudruk Sergej , Ramani Namrata , Mayer Vinzenz , Solivan Alexander Carlos , Lee Andrew , Mirkin Chad Alexander 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe therapeutic potential of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is limited by their poor stability and low cellular uptake. When formulated as spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), siRNAs are resistant to nuclease degradation and enter cells without transfection agents with enhanced activity compared to their linear counterparts; however, the gene silencing activity of SNAs is limited by endosomal entrapment, a problem that impacts many siRNA‐based nanoparticle constructs. To increase cytosolic delivery, SNAs are formulated using calcium chloride (CaCl2) instead of the conventionally used sodium chloride (NaCl). The divalent calcium (Ca2+) ions remain associated with the multivalent SNA and have a higher affinity for SNAs compared to their linear counterparts. Importantly, confocal microscopy studies show a 22% decrease in the accumulation of CaCl2‐salted SNAs within the late endosomes compared to NaCl‐salted SNAs, indicating increased cytosolic delivery. Consistent with this finding, CaCl2‐salted SNAs comprised of siRNA and antisense DNA all exhibit enhanced gene silencing activity (up to 20‐fold), compared to NaCl‐salted SNAs regardless of sequence or cell line (U87‐MG and SK‐OV‐3) studied. Moreover, CaCl2‐salted SNA‐based forced intercalation probes show improved cytosolic mRNA detection.
Dereplication of natural cytotoxic products from Helichrysum oligocephalum using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Zanganeh Faezeh , Tayarani‐Najaran Zahra , Nesměrák Karel , Štícha Martin , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Akaberi Maryam 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn an ongoing project on the Iranian Helichrysum Mill. species (Asteraceae), the phytochemical profiles of the extracts obtained from the flower and leaves of Helichrysum oligocephalum were investigated utilizing ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with quadrupole time of flight. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of the extracts was evaluated against different cancerous cell lines by AlamarBlue assay. The apoptotic effects of the fractions were measured by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. HPLC‐based activity profiling was used to track the cytotoxic constituents. The MS and MSn data were analyzed by MZmine3. Clustering and visualization of the MS data were established by an online platform FreeClust. Concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity was observed for dichloromethane fractions. The active constituents were annotated as pyrone and phloroglucinol derivatives by comparing their MS and MSn profiles to an in‐house library, available databases, Dictionary of Natural Products, and literature. Additionally, plausible MS fragmentation pathways were suggested for the compounds; this can help in the dereplication process of similar compounds from the genus. In conclusion, this plant is rich in valuable phloroglucinol and pyrone compounds and can be used as a source of active phytochemicals. However, further phytochemical and pharmacological studies are necessary.
Der neue Aussichtsturm auf der Tromm
Authors: Pritzer Eberhard , Kutterer Mathias , Nicolay Thorsten 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDer neue Aussichtsturm auf der Tromm im Odenwald hat sich seit seiner Eröffnung im Sommer 2022 zu einer viel besuchten Attraktion für Familien, Wandergruppen und Freizeitsportler entwickelt. Seine auffällige, Richtung Südwesten auskragende Gestalt geht auf die Anordnung der Treppenläufe zurück – diese liegen hintereinander und nicht übereinander, sodass eine steil aufsteigende Himmelsleiter entsteht. Die leichte, holzverkleidete Stahlkonstruktion ist mit Felsankern im gebirgsbildenden Odenwälder Granit verankert. An der Spitze trägt der Turm eine kreisrunde Aussichtsplattform und eine Antenne für Behördenfunk. Das dynamische Verhalten ist aufgrund der niedrigen Eigenfrequenzen bei geringer Bauwerksmasse von großer Bedeutung. Rechnerische Nachweise der dynamischen Gebrauchstauglichkeit (Wahrnehmbarkeit, Komfort) wurden auch experimentell überprüft.