bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing the impact of high glucose microenvironment on the immunosuppressive characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Khasawneh Ramada R. , Abu‐El‐Rub Ejlal , Almahasneh Fatimah A. , Alzu'bi Ayman , Zegallai Hana M. , Almazari Rawan A. , Magableh Huthaifa , Mazari Mohammad H. , Shlool Haitham F. , Sanajleh Ahmad K. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a therapeutically efficient type of stem cells validated by their ability to treat many inflammatory and chronic conditions. The biological and therapeutic characteristics of MSCs can be modified depending on the type of microenvironment at the site of transplantation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a commonly diagnosed metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which alters over time the cellular and molecular functions of many cells and causes their damage. Hyperglycemia can also impact the success rate of MSCs transplantation; therefore, it is extremely significant to investigate the effect of high glucose on the biological and therapeutic attributes of MSCs, particularly their immunomodulatory abilities. Thus, in this study, we explored the effect of high glucose on the immunosuppressive characteristics of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD‐MSCs). We found that hAD‐MSCs cultured in high glucose lost their immunomodulatory abilities and became detectable by immune cells. The decline in the immunosuppressive capabilities of hAD‐MSCs was mediated by significant decrease in the levels of IDO, IL‐10, and complement factor H and substantial increase in the activity of immunoproteasome. The protein levels of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphofructokinase‐1 (PFK‐1), which are integral regulators of glycolysis, revealed a marked decline in high glucose exposed MSCs. The findings of our study indicated the possibility of immunomodulatory shift in MSCs after being cultured in high glucose, which can be translationally employed to explain their poor survival and short‐lived therapeutic outcomes in diabetic patients.
The INSCHOOL project: Young people with long‐term physical health conditions: An in‐depth qualitative study of their needs at school
Authors: Spencer Bethan K. C. , Hugh‐Jones Siobhan , Cottrell David , Pini Simon 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe INSCHOOL project aimed to understand the school experiences and unmet needs of young people across a diversity of long‐term physical health conditions.MethodsYoung people aged 11−18 years, in mainstream secondary school in the United Kingdom, with one of 11 physical health conditions were invited to unique participant‐driven interviews, focus groups, or written activities. Creative preparation activities were provided to give participants increased control over the data collection and prioritize their voices. A needs analysis, in combination with participatory analysis sessions with young people, identified the common needs of participants in relation to their school lives.ResultsEighty‐nine young people participated from April 2022 to 2023. Analysis of their transcripts defined six common needs across all the health conditions: Need to safely manage my health at school; need for a flexible education pathway; need to be acknowledged and listened to in the right way; need to be included in and supported by the school community; need to build toward my future; need to develop attitudes and approaches to help me cope in school.ConclusionsThis study has generated new, actionable knowledge by identifying six major needs that young people have in relation to the intersection of their health condition and their school life. This paper shows that a commonalities approach to research and policy development is warranted given the similarities in experiences and needs. The common needs identified in the INSCHOOL project highlight six areas where future interventions could be targeted to begin making meaningful changes for all young people with long‐term health conditions.
Evaluation of 10 current image reconstruction algorithms for linear array photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Prakash Ravi , Manwar Rayyan , Avanaki Kamran 
Published: November 2023

AbstractVarious reconstruction algorithms have been implemented for linear array photoacoustic imaging systems with the goal of accurately reconstructing the strength absorbers within the tissue being imaged. Since the existing algorithms have been introduced by different research groups and the context of performance evaluation was not consistent, it is difficult to make a fair comparison between them. In this study, we systematically compared the performance of 10 published image reconstruction algorithms (DAS, UBP, pDAS, DMAS, MV, EIGMV, SLSC, GSC, TR, and FD) using in‐vitro phantom data. Evaluations were conducted based on lateral resolution of the reconstructed images, computational time, target detectability, and noise sensitivity. We anticipate the outcome of this study will assist researchers in selecting appropriate algorithms for their linear array PA imaging applications.
Moving grating‐based laser heterodyne digital holographic microscopy system for measuring dynamic phase of living cell attachment
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu Shizhou , Zhang Xia , Qin Boquan , Feng Guoying 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe propose a laser heterodyne digital holography microscopy system based on a moving grating, which uses the Doppler principle between a moving grating and beam to achieve a low‐frequency bias between the diffracted beams, abandoning traditional heterodyne digital holography that requires multiple acousto‐optic modulators. The dynamic phase distribution obtained using the laser heterodyne digital holography phase‐reconstruction algorithm was more realistic and analyzable than the results of the angular spectrum algorithm. The structure and algorithm were used to capture the shape characteristics of mouse fibroblasts after ~2 h of incubation (37°C, 5% CO2), and the dynamic phase distribution of the cells was monitored in real‐time during the attachment process. The system proposed in this study, with its high spatial resolution and high‐precision phase measurement capability, is suitable for both static and live cells.
Effects of measurement protocols and repetitions on handgrip strength weakness and asymmetry in patients with cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Xie Lingling , Xia Xin , Luo Xiaozhen , Chen Jing , Zhang Jing , Li QinLan , Zhang Xuemei , Jiang Jiaojiao , Yang Ming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe use of handgrip strength (HGS) in clinical cancer research is surging. The association between HGS and outcomes in patients with cancer varied across studies, which might be due to the different measurement protocols for HGS. We aimed to answer three questions: (1) Did the use of various protocols for HGS, along with different numbers of repetitions, lead to significant differences in maximum HGS values? (2) If yes, were these differences clinically significant? (3) Did the differences in HGS protocols and repetitions affect the identification of HGS weakness or HGS asymmetry?MethodsWe continuously recruited adult patients with solid tumours. Two protocols were used to measure HGS: Method A, following the American Society of Hand Therapists guidelines, and Method B, following the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey guidelines. To analyse HGS, we used the maximal value obtained from either two or three repetitions of the dominant hand or four or six repetitions of both hands.ResultsWe included 497 patients (326 men and 171 women, median age: 58 years). The maximal HGS values, measured with Method B, were significantly higher than those measured by Method A in both men and women, despite repetitions (all P < 0.05). The maximum HGS values were significantly different across the repetition groups, regardless of measurement protocols and sex (all P < 0.01). The protocol‐induced differences in maximal HGS values might be clinically meaningful in over 60% of men and 40% of women despite repetitions. The repetition‐induced difference was only clinically significant in 4.3–17.8% of men and 4.1–14.6% of women. To identify HGS weakness, using Method A (six repetitions) as the ‘gold’ standard, the other protocols demonstrated an overall accuracy of 0.923–0.997 in men and 0.965–1 in women. To identify HGS asymmetry, using Method A (six repetitions) as the ‘gold’ standard, Method B (six repetitions) demonstrated a diagnostic accuracy of 0.972 in men and 0.971 in women. Method A (four repetitions) showed a diagnostic accuracy of 0.837 in men and 0.825 in women, while Method B (four repetitions) showed a diagnostic accuracy of 0.825 in men and 0.807 in women.ConclusionsBoth measurement protocols and repetitions significantly affect the maximal HGS values. The identification of HGS weakness is not significantly affected by either protocols or repetitions, while the identification of HGS asymmetry may be affected by different repetitions but not protocols.
Glycerol‐1,2‐carbonate: A mild reagent for the N‐glycerylation of pyrazolecarboxylates
Authors: Zagorskytė Inesa , Bieliauskas Aurimas , Pukalskienė Milda , Rollin Patrick , Arbačiauskienė Eglė , Šačkus Algirdas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, glycerol‐1,2‐carbonate was employed as a convenient reagent for the synthesis of more complex pyrazole‐containing heterocyclic systems. 3‐O‐Tosylated glycerol‐1,2‐carbonate (TGC) was used for alkylation of NH‐pyrazolecarboxylates. The obtained N‐glycerylated pyrazoles were further treated with diverse nucleophiles for 2‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolane ring cleavage. The synthesized 1‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐5‐carboxylates were subsequently hydrolyzed and treated with p‐toluenesulfonic acid, yielding a series of 6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐6,7‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,4]ox‐azin‐4‐ones.
First ultrastructural description of an apomictic opsiblastic egg in freshwater Gastrotricha
Authors: Araujo Thiago Q. , King‐Trudeau Simon , VanDyke Joanna , Hochberg Rick 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFreshwater gastrotrichs have a biphasic lifecycle that reputedly involves the production of three types of eggs: apomictic and fast hatching (tachyblastic ova), apomictic and delayed hatching (opsiblastic ova), and plaque‐bearing eggs (potentially derived from mixis). While some details of oogenesis and eggshell structure are known for tachyblastic ova, there are few details on other egg types. Here, we provide the first ultrastructural description of the oviposited opsiblastic eggs of the freshwater gastrotrich, Lepidodermella squamata. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the eggshell surface to be ornamented with long flattened pillar‐like structures centered on polygonal plates that are pitted along their periphery. Transmission electron microscopy showed the pits to lead to a vast labyrinth of tubular spaces and larger cavities throughout the thick apical layer of the shell. The basal layer of the shell is amorphous and connected to a network of fine fibers that traverse an extra‐oocyte space and forms a protective sheet around the uncleaved oocyte. The uncleaved oocyte has a dense layer of peripheral ooplasm surrounding a core of organelles including mitochondria, membrane‐bound secretion granules, endoplasmic reticulum, and a single nucleus in a granular, ribosome‐rich cytoplasm. Secretion granules are the most abundant organelles and presumably contain lipid‐rich yolk that will be used as energy for delayed cleavage, thus functioning in temporal dispersal. These data are compared to the fine structure of invertebrate resting eggs across the phylogenetic spectrum to determine the novelty of opsiblastic egg structure in L. squamata.
Influences on Career Decisions: Collaborative systemic exploration of career influences with young Australian undergraduates
Authors: Abkhezr Peyman , Gaderer Caroline 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe shifting labor market conditions paired with an increased responsibility to self‐negotiate career development have exacerbated employment uncertainties for many young undergraduate students. To support their career development, qualitative career assessment instruments facilitating reflexivity could play a role. This research focused on “Influences on Career Decisions” (ICD) and aimed to explore its use with young Australian undergraduate students and its potential in facilitating reflective careers and employment conversations. Six participants attended career interviews that utilized ICD. Findings revealed ICD's role in the facilitation of a collaborative and systemic career exploration process. Implications for career practice and research are outlined.
In vivo comprehensive metabolite profiling of esculetin and esculin derived from chicory in hyperuricemia rats using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Lv Zheng , Wang Boyang , Wang Bianli , Zhang Huimin 
Published: November 2023

Chicory, renowned for its multifaceted benefits, houses two vital coumarins, esculetin and esculin, both instrumental in reducing uric acid. This study emphasizes the metabolic pathways of esculetin and esculin under both standard and hyperuricemia conditions. Hyperuricemia was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats using oxonic acid potassium salt (300 mg·kg−1) and a 10% fructose water regimen over 21 days. Leveraging the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry, we analyzed the fragmentation behaviors of esculetin and esculin in rat bio‐samples. Post oral‐intake of esculetin or esculin, a notable dip in serum uric acid levels was observed in hyperuricemia rats. The investigation unveiled 24 esculetin metabolites and 14 for esculin. The metabolic pathways of both compounds were hydrolysis, hydroxylation, hydrogenation, dehydroxylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, and methylation. Interestingly, certain metabolites presented variations between standard and hyperuricemia rats, indicating that elevated levels of uric acid may affect enzyme activity linked to these metabolic reactions. This is the first systematic study on comparison of metabolic profiles of esculetin and esculin in both normal and hyperuricemia states, which was helpful to enrich our understanding of the complicated structure–activity relationships between esculin and esculetin and shed light to their action mechanism.
Circularly‐Polarized Laser Equivalent to Two Phase‐Shifted Linearly‐Polarized Sources
Authors: Tsai Jui‐Tse , Hsieh Chi‐Ti , Cheng Chao‐Chieh , Shih Min‐Hsiung , Chang Shu‐Wei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCompact circularly‐polarized (CP) light sources are important for chirality‐based applications at the chip level. The CP light is conventionally generated by passing the linearly‐polarized (LP) one through quarter wave plates which are too thick for packed integrations. In this work, the in‐plane submicron phase shifter substitutes the quarter‐wave plate in the creation of CP light. After the lasing field of a holed microdisk is coupled into the nearby waveguide and phase shifter, it is guided into two grating couplers that output orthogonally LP waves vertically. The two LP waves are phase‐shifted by and combine into the coherent CP radiation in the far‐field zone. Experimentally, the fabricated devices exhibit a degree of circular polarization as high as 74%. This device scheme is simple and effective in that it relies on no extrinsic materials, large‐area auxiliary structures, or specialized operation conditions critical for CP radiation. The compatibility issues for integrated photonic systems are of less concern in such schemes.
Enhanced Dural Repair Using Biodegradable Sealants Based on Photocurable Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Lee Hyeseon , Lee Sijoon , Seong Keum‐Yong , Kang Subin , Seo Min‐Soo , Shin Su Ryon , Nam Kyoung Hyup , Yang Seung Yun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common complication of intradural surgery or incidental durotomy in neurosurgery. Dural suturing is a common method for durotomy repair, but this technique requires a long operation time and includes the risk of CSF leakage by incomplete sealing. Glue‐type sealants are effective for watertight dural closure. However, unresolved shortcomings include insufficient sealing performance, poor biocompatibility, and excessive swelling. Here, a dural sealant using light‐activated hyaluronic acid (HA) with multi‐networks (HA photosealant) that provides fast sealing performance and high biocompatibility is reported. The HA photosealants form a watertight hydrogel barrier with multilength networks under low‐energy visible light exposure (405 nm, <1 J cm−2) for 5 s and allow firm tissue adhesion on the wet dural surface. In a rabbit model of craniectomy and durotomy, HA photosealants exhibit the faster sealing performance of dural tears and enhance dural repair with accelerated bone formation compared to commercial surgical glues, with no degenerative changes, such as inflammation or necrosis, in histopathological evaluation. This biocompatible HA photosealant can be applied in a variety of clinical settings that require fast wound closure as a promising potential.
Effect of Star Topology Versus Linear Polymers on Antifungal Activity and Mammalian Cell Toxicity
Authors: Schaefer Sebastian , Melodia Daniele , Corrigan Nathaniel , Lenardon Megan Denise , Boyer Cyrille 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe global increase in invasive fungal infections and the emergence of drug‐resistant strains demand the urgent development of novel antifungal drugs. In this context, synthetic polymers with diverse compositions, mimicking natural antimicrobial peptides, have shown promising potential for combating fungal infections. This study investigates how altering polymer end‐groups and topology from linear to branched star‐like structures affects their efficacy against Candida spp., including clinical isolates. Additionally, the polymers’ biocompatibility is accessed with murine embryonic fibroblasts and red blood cells in vitro. Notably, a low‐molecular weight star polymer outperforms both its linear polymeric counterparts and amphotericin B (AmpB) in terms of an improved therapeutic index and reduced haemolytic activity, despite a higher minimum inhibitory concentration against Candida albicans (C. albicans) SC5314 (16–32 µg mL−1 vs 1 µg mL−1 for AmpB). These findings demonstrate the potential of synthetic polymers with diverse topologies as promising candidates for antifungal applications.
A “Limited Aggregation Model” to Predict the Size of Acrylamide‐Based Microgels Synthesized with Ionic Surfactants
Authors: Brézault Antoine , Schmitt Véronique , Ravaine Valérie , Perrin Patrick , Sanson Nicolas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe size of acrylamide‐based microgels can be decreased by addition of ionic surfactants during the classical dispersion polymerization. Nevertheless, the mechanism of such syntheses is not well understood yet. Here, a “Limited Aggregation Model” is proposed by analogy with the limited coalescence mechanism occurring for Pickering emulsion stabilization. In such a model, nuclei aggregate until a constant, high enough surfactant surface coverage is reached, which ensures colloidal stability. Consequently, the total surface of the growing particles, linked to the inverse of their size, is linearly dependent on the surfactant concentration. This law is verified if the surfactant/polymer particle interaction is high enough to guarantee a “total adsorption” of the surfactants onto the particles. This simple model fits very well with all the data extracted from the literature, including very different synthesis conditions. Finally, it not only permits to predict the microgels size, but it is also an interesting tool to investigate the role of each synthesis parameter like initiator, solvent or polymer. For instance, it shows that the surfactant role is not linked to its charge, proving that a phenomenon complementary to the electrostatic repulsion, related to the surfactant tail, ensures the colloidal stability of the growing collapsed microgels.
Investigations into the characterization, degradation, and applications of biodegradable polymers by mass spectrometry
Authors: Rizzarelli Paola , Leanza Melania , Rapisarda Marco 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBiodegradable polymers have been getting more and more attention because of their contribution to the plastic pollution environmental issues and to move towards a circular economy. Nevertheless, biodegradable materials still exhibit various disadvantages restraining a widespread use in the market. Therefore, additional research efforts are required to improve their performance. Mass spectrometry (MS) affords a relevant contribution to optimize biodegradable polymer synthesis, to confirm macromolecular structures, to examine along the time the progress of degradation processes and highlight advantages and drawbacks in the extensive applications. This review aims to provide an overview of the MS investigations carried out to support the synthesis of biodegradable polymers, with helpful information on undesirable products or polymerization mechanism, to understand deterioration pathways by the structure of degradation products and to follow drug release and pharmacokinetic. Additionally, it summarizes MS studies addressed on environmental and health issues related to the extensive use of plastic materials, that is, potential migration of additives or microplastics identification and quantification. The paper is focused on the most significant studies relating to synthetic and microbial biodegradable polymers published in the last 15 years, not including agro‐polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides.